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AD FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW
OF 2H >
IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES.
VOLUME X. LIBRARY
JANUARY TO DECEMBER, 1911.
ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE
COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES.
London's Messrs. Dutav & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. Barbados: Mussrs, Bowen & Sons, Bemcrrown,
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column
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ERRATA IN VOLUME X.
1, paragraph 7, after Agricultural News, add ‘ Vol. 1X’.
2, line 21, for Merchants Venturers read ‘ Merchant Venturers’.
2, last paragraph but one, for Hemeleia read ‘ Hemileia’.
2, lines 7 and 8 of the short article, for Rhyncophorus read ‘ Rhynchophorus’.
2, last paragraph, for Hrisyphe read * Erysiphe’.
1, last paragraph, for Puccinea read ‘ Puceinia’.
2, line 9, for Phytopthora read * Phytophthora’.
2, paragraph 9, for psoralioides read ‘ psoraloides’.
2, paragraph at foot, for show read ‘shows’.
2, paragraph 3, for Watts read ‘Watt’.
1, last line but 4, for McConnell read ‘McConnell’.
1, paragraph 3, for Fig. 14 read ‘Fig. 15’.
“Vol. X. No. 227.) | SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 1911.
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THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
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IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE
BARBADOS, JANUARY 7,
Price ld,
1911.
CONTENTS.
PAGE. PaGE.
Department of
Agriculture, Continu-
ance of the Work of 8
Implemental Tillage in
11} (QUEENS cor Inte doo ooo) LLL
Insect Notes :—
A Cecidomyiid
Agricultural Conference, Tnperial
1911, Postponement of 8
Agricultural Shows, Forth-
COMIN Oe eee Meco teen
Agricultural Shows, Recent
Arrowroot (New Market
Fund) Ordinance,
on Man-
SuWANCentesn iss) so COMMENDS 9 Geo eee Yeon LO)
Barbados Goat Society ... 9 Black Seale Parasites, to
Citrus Plants, Bud Muta- Tncrease Soe em ees 11(0)
tion and the Deteriora- | Market Reports... ... ... 16
tion of... ... -.. ... 4|Notes and Comments ... 8
Cocoa-nut Bud-Rot Disease Rice in British Guiana ... 5
HOT GIRTRNES Bae oe ool te)
Cotton Notes :—
St. Vincent Agricultural
and Commercial Society 15
A Method for Cotton St. Vincent® Agricultural
Selection Throughout Credit Society ... ... 9
the Season... ...° .... 6) Students’ Corner
West Indian Cotton ... 6/Sugar Industry :
Dominica, Trials with Green The Antigua Sugar Fac-
Dressings in 7 tOLY Semen) eee css
Fungus Notes :— | West Indian Products ... 15
The Bud-Rot Disease of | Wind-breaks, Use of ... 1
Palms in India, Part I 14| Yerba Mate or Paraguay
Gileamingsy (een ess eee eeu) | Tea roast SA OM
The Use of Wind-breaks.
yp
»N most parts of the West Indies, conspicuous
4 SIDES can be easily found, of the great
degree to which the growth of plants is
by exposure to constant winds. The larger
trees, as regards the tips of the upper branches, are
shaped to slope upwards from the windward to the
leeward side, showing that the wind has had an action
similar to that of pruning, on one side of the branches,
only; while the herbage around them is scanty, and
seems to be barely permitted to exist. Such are the
conditions that obtain in regard to the ordinary, hardy
plants. There is small wonder, then, that the agricul-
turist, when he is raising varieties of a delicate nature,
and possibly of exotic origin, finds it necessary to provide
protection for them, against the wind. It is these
circumstances that have given an origin to the impor-
tant subject of the planting of wind-breaks.
Wind-breaks, or shelter belts, as they are often
termed, may be either permanent or temporary, accord-
ing to the nature of the crop that they are designed to
For perennial crops, such as limes or cacao,
Annual
protect.
plants that will form large trees are required.
crops, such as cotton and most kinds of ground provi-
sions, do not necessarily demand large or long-lived
plants, for purposes of protection.
The permanent wind-break, planted at the same
time as the crop which it is intended to protect, grows
up with this, generally at a quicker rate, so that when
the plants of the latter have attained maturity, the
wind-break is available for their protection. Among
the plants more commonly used in the West Indies in
this connexion are pois doux (Jnga laurina), Madura
or Nicaraguashade tree(Gliricidia maculata )—aquick-
ly growing plant, galba (Calophyllum Calaba)—which
withstands sea-blasts well; savonnette (Lonchocarpus
violaceus), white cedar (Tecoma leucoxvylon)—used
more particularly in Montserrat, while bamboos have
also been employed for the purpose, although their
great drying action on the soil forms an objection to
their extended employment.
The temporary wind-breaks most commonly used
are (Guinea corn and pigeon peas. In cotton cultiva-
tion, one or the other of these may be planted at the
head of the rows, on the windward side, if the best
results are to be obtained. As in the case of the perman-
WEST INDIES, saxo
2 THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. January 7, 1911.
ee ee ee ee
ent wind-breaks, the protecting crop grows up with the
main one, and the period of its existence is more or less
that of the plants which it is designed to shelter. The
advantage of wind-breaks of this kind is that they can
be removed when the principal crop is harvested, leav-
ing the ground entirely clear for such cultural opera-
tions as may be necessary. They possess disadvan-
tages on account of the fact that their sheltering
action extends to a short distance, only, to leeward of
them, necessitating the taking up of valuable space,
where the area of cultivation is large, by suécessive
rows of shelter belts; and because they are of little or
no use in storms or in very high winds,
Tt will be well to consider, at this stage, the gen-
eral effects of wind-breaks. Reference has been made
already to their directly protective quality, by which
they prevent mechanical injury by wind. Among such
damage is the breaking off of branches, and the removal
of flowers and fruits, by which the productive capacity
of the trees is lessened, and in the first instance, oppor-
tunities are given for invasion by disease. The chances
of serious loss of howers and fruits in this way are not
‘usually great in cacao orchards; it is in citrus cultiva-
tions that greater harm is likely to accrue from this
In any case, the presence of a shelter belt,
where this is required, lessens the stunting action of
the wind, and thus remoyes one of the largest handicaps
that have to be met by the plants, in their struggle for
existence.
cause.
The ways in which wind-breaks are of use to plants
are, however, generally secondary. ‘They often serve to
ameliorate the conditions under which the plants are
existing, to such an extent as to enable them to attain
a state of energetic healthfulness in which they resist
successfully all attacks of diseases and pests; while much
of the etfort that would be otherwise required in com-
bating untoward conditions is employed in producing
good crops, of a useful quality. The agriculturist can-
not afford to ignore these two most important aspects
of the employment of shelter for plants against the
wind.
The presence of belts of plants ofa kind other than
those which form the principal cultivations is of much
use in the checking of epidemics of disease. These
start in a certain place or places, and, often travelling
with the wind, spread easily, because they can pass
through an uninterrupted area of the very plant that
is the object of their attack. If, however, a wind-break
composed of a plant or plants on which a disease has
little or no effect, occurs in its path, its course is inter-
rupted, and the chances of safety of the plantations on
the’ other side of the shelter belt are increased to a use-
ful degree. This circumstance makes it important that
wind-breaks should be chosen in consideration of their
power to resist disease, and of the diseases to which
they are most subject—a matter to which further refer-
ence will be made below.
One of the subsidiary results of the presence of
the plants which form a permanent wind-break is that
the existence of these in thesoil lessens the washing that
takes place at times of heavy rain, so that they possess
a useful forest effect. The importance of this cannot
be over-estimated, particularly where permanent crops
are being grown on steep slopes, in regions of heavy
rainfall:
Not the least among the advantages of the exist-
ence of wind-breaks is the assistance that this gives in
conserving the water in the soil, and in decreasing
transpiration from the leaves of plants. Where shelter
belts are found, the force of the air currents is lessened,
so that the rate at which moisture is carried away
from the areas over which they travel is diminished to
a useful degree. Wind-breaks serve also to temper the
chilling effect of cool winds; this result is, however, of
no great importance in the West Indies, except in the
more mountainous islands. A minor matter, but one
worthy of mention, is that they are said to encourage
the presence of birds; though whether this is of adyan-
tage, or not, will depend on the circumstances of the
special case.
Reverting to suitable wind-breaks for crops of one
season, it seems that more attention may well be given
to the feasibility of providing those which are of a per-
manent nature. Where such provision can be made,
as will have been seen from what is said above, special
advantages will acerue, in that the protective effect of
belts of this kind will extend over a far larger area than
that which can be sheltered by temporary wind-break,
and that such protective eftest will be available during
storms, in which the temporary belts, from their very
nature, would cease to do the work that is required of
them. It is recognized that there is little incentive,
when ground is being opened for the growing of one-
season crops, to plant permanent wind-breaks, Never-
theless, this course is followed in some districts, in the
West
made that its further adoption would be of advantage,
and would make for its justification.
French Indian islands, and the suggestion is
A final matter is to point out that care is required
in the choice and planting of wind-breaks. The plants
Vor. Xs) NOw 224;
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. - 3
employed in them are often’ leguminous, because
of their known property of assisting in adding nitrogen
to the soil, and because the prunings from them are
likely to be richer in nitrogen than those from ordinary
plants. There should be the assurance that they are
not subject to the diseases and pests that are most
likely to attack the plants which they are designed: to
protect, and in planting them, due regard must be had
to the conditions of the estate on which they are in use,
or it may be found that they have been placed in such
a position, in regard to the prevailing winds, as to ren-
der inadequate the protection from them. Care in these
matters will give the agriculturist an asset which at
once increases the living energy of his plants, protects
them from disease, and conserves the soil and the water
that are required fur their needs.
SUGAR INDUSTRY,
THE ANTIGUA SUGAR FACTORY.
The following extracts are taken from the sixth
annual report of the Directors of the Antigua Sugar
Factory, Limited:—
Normal weather prevailed in the island during the
season, the rainfall having been about 47 inches, but the cane
crop on many estates still suffered from the severe drought
of the previous year. This was not, however, felt by the
factory as, owing to the widening of its connexions, its
supplies of canes were larger than in any previous year.
The canes supplied have been as_follows:—-
1907 1908 1909 1910
tons. tons. tons. tons.
Contracting planters 28,046 26,912 20,576 24,065
Outside estates 8,689 12,905 14,646 20,712
Peasants 4,047 3,243 2,062 3,542
40,782 43,060 37,284 48,319
The sugar made and the yield per cent. of canes during
the past four years have been as follows: —
1907. 1908. 1909. 1910.
Sugar made (tons) 4,230 4,695 3,995 5,390
Yield per cent.) 10°37 10-90 10-72 1L-16
of canes Jf
Owing to the short crop of the previous year, the writing
down of the additions to the factory and railway (amounting
to nearly £15,000) was suspended for that year, but in view
of the very favourable results of the present year, as shown
in the accounts, the Directors ‘have decided to charge +
£3,000 to Revenue this year, against ‘Additions and Exten-
sions’ and, if results should justify it, to continue to write off
£1,500 per annum until the whole has been extinguished.
After charging the above £3,000 and the usual £2,000 for
the regular Sinking Fund, and crediting the contracting
planters with £7,231 7s. 7d., bringing up the price of their
canes to about 18s. 1}d. per ton, there remains £7,231 7s. 7d.
to be credited to the ‘A’ shareholders, making a total at their
credit, including interest, of £16,403 6s. 7d. Out of this, it
is proposed to declare a dividend of 8s. per share, or £5,000,
carrying forward for the present the balance of £11,403 6s.7d.
Five thousand pounds of ‘A’ debentures have been paid
off during the year, and a fifth ‘B’ debenture has, under the
terms of the agreement, been cancelled.
The Report of the Royal Commissioners on Canada and
the West Indies refers to the work of the company in the
following gratifying terms: —
‘We urge that every possible means be taken to intro-
duce into the islands named improved methods of manufac-
ture. The Central Sugar Factory in Antigua furnishes
a striking argument in support of this recommendation. It
would be difficult to use exaggerated terms respecting the
benefits conferred by this factory on the peasant cultivators
of cane and the sugar industry generally, of Antigua; and
we could not fail to observe that recognition of these benefits
was universal throughout the Leeward Islands.’
The Board have established a system of bonuses for
labourers, under which each man who has worked continu-
ously for not less than than two years is credited annually
with 5 per cent. on his year’s earnings. Of this, one moiety
can be drawn out in cash, while the other remains at his
credit and can only be drawn out (together with interest at
5 per cent. per annum) when he leaves the company’s service,
and then subject to his conduct having been satisfactory.
Itis hoped this will tend to make some provision for old age,
and to promote thrift and good, steady work. It is intended
to make an arrangement on somewhat similar lines, for the
members of the company’s staff.
The Board are making arrangements for further con-
siderable additions to the factory. These are expected
largely to increase the production of sugar from the existing
supplies of canes and willalso allow of taking in canes from
other estates that desire to participate in the advantages
offered by the factory.
The average price per ton of canes paid to con-
tracting planters during the season was 12s. 1#d.; that
to outside estates and peasarts 14s. 61d. The ex-
penditure on these items was £14,612 9s. 9d. and
£17,602 15s. 8d., making a total of £32,215 5s. 5d.
The following details concerning the working of
the factory are given here, in addition, on account of
their interest:——
Canes crushed, tons... ec aoe See ASSI'9
Sugar made 5 or : 5,390
Tons of cane per ton of sugar a 900 8:95
‘ Indicated’ sucrose in juice, tons... 900 6,060°4
Recovery on ‘indicated’ sugar 88'8
Water in megass, per cent. ice eee 46°3
Normal juice lost in megass per 100 of fibre (ileal
Average composition of first mill Juice: —
Total solids, per cent. ... eee 21-15
Sucrose, ae is OAs
Purity, Se aston S58 Ab 90°49
Total juice, including maceration water:—
Total solids, per cent. ... oc6 17°54
Sucrose, sath t5, one See 15:22
Purity, pe NS, 000 86°82
Fuel (including locomotives and workshops):—
Coal (tons) ee . 180
Wood (cords) ... sb 500 522
* Or 2°074 th, per gallon.
4 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
JANUARY 7, 1911.
ERUITS AND: FRUIT» TREES:
BUD MUTATION AND THE DETERIORA-
TION OF CITRUS PLANTS.
The Rural Californian, for October 1910, contains an
interesting article by Dr. J. Eiliot Coit, which deals with the
relation that exists between asexual or bud mutation and the
deterioration in characters that is found to take place in citrus
plants, particularly among the better kinds; that is those
which may almost be termed artificial varieties.
The article, first of all, gives attention to the fact that
crossing is the most powerful cause of variation, particularly
when it takes place between male and female cells that are
very unlike in character. [t then goes on to mention the
variation which arises from changes in environment, giving
as an example the way in which the Washington Navel orange
from Florida becomes, in California, more acid, and acquires
better shipping qualities and a superior colour.
In regard to the first cause of variation, it is pointed out
that this cannot possibly be effective in regard to most citrus
varieties of plants, as these are usually propagated by asexual
methods, particularly in the case of the better varieties; so
that some other explanation than this must be found, to
account for the differences that they are known to show from
time to time.
In finding this explanation, attention is drawn to the
variation to which de Vries has given the name ‘mutation’.
In explanation, it may be said that mutation differs from
variation in the following ways: (1) in being more pronounced
in character: (2) inappearing suddenly; and (3) inbeing capable
of forming immediately the origin of new varieties which may
have the power to transmit their characters to succeeding
generations.
A full explanation of the phenomenon of mutation has
not been arrived A mental picture which will
assist in obtaining some idea of its working may be obtained
by giving attention to the fact that all plants are composed
of cells: of these, only the vegetative cells need be considered
in the present connexion, “The vegetative cells are different
from the sexual cells in that they usually divide in a simple
way, giving rise to other cells which possess the characteris
tics of the original ones. This is why plants propagated by
means of buds generally come true, as it is expressed. The
way in which mutation has its effect is as follows. It must
happen sometimes that, for some reason which is not}known,
at, so Jar.
the dividing vegetative cells suffer confusion as regards their
hereditary characters, so that the cells which they produce
are different from the original ones in possessing a new com-
bination of characteristics. Further, if this circumstance of
mutation takes place in the cells which make up the growing
point of a bud, it is easy to see that the branch which is
formed by the growth of the bud will be wholly or partly
composed of cells possessing the characteristics of the muta-
tion, and in this way there is given rise to a bud mutation,
or sport, as it is often termed. The practical importance of
this is that if budwood js taken from such a shoot, trees
will be obtained which possess the new characteristics.
As far as it has been possible to make observations on
this matter, the conclusion is generally accepted that muta-
tions take place entirely by chance; there is no means of fore-
telling their existence, or of guiding them consciously in any
given direction. It will be interesting to consider, then, what
results may be expected from mutation.
These are (1) sports
showing new characters which
are neither cbjectionable nor
valuable; (2) sports having characters which are unmistak-
ably objectionable; and (3) sports which have a nature and
properties superior to the variety of plant from which they
originated. ;
As regards mutations which result in the production of
inferior varieties, the uatural occurrence of these cannot
entirely account for the decadence that takes piace in citrus
orchards, and the extent to which the inferior varieties attain
a distribution. It is in two ways that the practical work
conducted in orchards assists this distribution.
Firstly, those
who are responsible for the eutting of
budwood, to be
sent out where there is a demand for it, rarely take note
as to whether the material which they choose shows signs of
mutation, or not. Secondly, the pruning that is carried out
in the orchards seldom has any regard to the special charac-
teristics of the branches that are being removed, or of those
which are allowed to remain. If those who are responsible
for the pruning were to accustom themselves to seeing quickly
what branches are sporting toward inferior types, so that they
may remove these wherever they were found, the deterior-
ation consequent on mutation would be reduced, by this
means alone, to a very large extent. :
As will have been demonstrated by what has been said
already, the existence of mutations is not altogether
unfavourable to the agriculturist. There are those which
give rise to superior characteristics, so that an opportunity
is afforded of taking advantage of these, and obtaining
Vou. X.. No. 227.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 5
.
better varieties of fruit and other trees. The difficulties in
connexion with them are that, like all mutations, they take
place by chance, and that it is hard to see immediately
whether any given mutation is going to be of ultimate benefit,
or not. :
These matters go tar towards accounting for the com-
plaints that arise in relation to budwood that has been
imported, for purposes of improvement, from other countries.
It may have been sent in all good faith, but there was the
circumstance that mutation was taking place, with the result
that a product was obtained ultimately, which was very
different from the expected one. The matter goes further.
It has a very important application in relation to all plants
that are propagated vegetatively; so that much remains to be
known in relation to the matter, with reference to such
plants, for the purpose of employing its existence for their
improvement. Not the least of interest among these is the
sugar-cane, with which up to the present the methods for
improvement have been chiefly those requiring the use of
seed,
A summary of the mutters considered is given at the end
of the article and is reproduced here, as follows: —
(1) That a part of the decadence in our orchards is due
to a divergence,by mutation, into undesirable types.
(2) That these mutations are not like the variations
caused by crossing, food-supply and environment, but are
fortuitous and beyond prediction.
(3) That these mutations may be retrogressive, and may
in time, if not checked by intelligent pruning and bud selec-
tion, cause our orchards to become a heterogeneous jumble
of bad types.
(4) That they may occasionally be progressive, and if
such instances are discovered, and the desirable sports propa-
gated and studied, a wonderful improvement over our best
existing types may be in store for the future.
FORTHCOMING AGRICULTURAL SHOWS.
It is intended to hold agricultural and industrial exhibi-
tions in Antigua, St. Kitts and Montserrat on Thursday,
February 23, Friday, February 24, and Wednesday, February
15, 1911, respectively. The purpose of the following article
is to give some idea of the nature of these exhibitions.
ANTIGUA AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION,
The scope of this exhibition, which is under the distin-
guished patronage of His Excellency the Governor, Sir E.
Bickham Sweet-Escott, K.C.M.G., and under the auspices of
the Imperial Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural
and Commercial Society, is larger than that of the agricultural
shows held in Antigua in former years. It has been now
extended to include such matters as dairy produce, cookery,
laundry work, photography, artisan work and other subjects
that are more indirectly connected with agriculture. The
classes for stock include: horses, cattle, asses, mules, sheep,
goats, pigs, poultry rabbits and guinea pigs. These are followed
by classes which comprise bee keepers’ exhibits, minor pro-
ducts, cotton, sugar-cane and its products, fruits and
vegetables, plants and flowers, preserves, schocl exhibits,
general estate exhibits, and miscellaneous exhibits, as well as
those mentioned already.
In addition to the ordinary prizes, the following special
prizes and challenge cups are offered for competition:—
(1) His Excellency the Governor’s Challeage Cup, to be
awarded for the best collective exhibit of stock in the classes
detailed above. This becomes the property of the exhibitor
winning it at three exhibitions.
(2) A Silver Challenge Cup, presented by the British
‘Cotton Growing Association, for the best exhibit of Sea
Island cotton, to be taken from a lot of not less than 50 Ib., to
de ginned in Antigua ach lot of 50 bb. is to be sent by
a grower of not less than 10 acres. The cup is to be held by
the winner for twelve months, or until the next exhibition,
and will become the property of the exhibitor who wins it
three times.
(3) A Challenge Cup, presented by thé late Sir C. C.
Knollys, K.C.M.G., for school exhibits. The cup will become
the property of the school winning it three times consecutively.
(4) A Special Prize of £1, given by His Excellency the
Governor, for the best equipage (horses and carriages), in
four of the sections including : pairs of carriage horses over
and under 14 hands, and single carriage horses over and under
14 hands, all to be judged in harness.
(5) A Special Prize of £1, given by Lady Sweet-Escott,
for the best series of exhibits in the class including plants
and flowers.
In addition to these, the First Prize for an exhibit of
agricultural products, grown by a manager on the estate
under his management, is a cup presented by the Colonial
Secretary (the Hon. H. E. W. Grant, C.M.G.).
ST. KITTS AGRICULYURAL AND INDUSTRIAL SHOW. This
show, which is held under the auspices of the Imperial Depart-
ment of Agriculture, and which is open to exhibits from the
Presidency of St. Kitts-Nevis, includes classes of much the
same kind as those for the Antigua Exhibition, described
above, except that the number of sections on the industrial
side is much smaller.
The value of the prizes is naturally highest in the classes
for stock. The prize list does not show that there is the
offer of any special awards, with the exception of diplomas
from the Imperial Department of Agriculture in the classes
for vacuum pan sugar and refined cotton seed oil. There is
no doubt, however, that the award of diplomas will be extend-
ed in all cases where it is considered that exhibits show
special worth.
MONTSERRAT AGRICULTURAL SHOW. The number and
variety of the sections embraced by this are smaller than those
of the exhibitions just described, although the prize list is
drawn up on much the same plan. The special awards include
prizes given by Sir E. Bickham and Lady Sweet-Escctt, and
six diplomas granted by the Imperial Department of Agri-
culture, for exhibits of exceptional merit.
Rice in British Guiana.
The last fortnightly report of Messrs. Sandbach,
Parker & Co., of Georgetown, on the rice industry of
British Guiana, dated December 24, 1910, gives
information as follows:—
The weather during the fortnight has been hot, and
suitable for reaping and milling.
Reaping of paddy is nearly finished and the end of the
present month should see all cut.
Prices have advanced sharply and we look for further
advances in the near future.
We quote to-day, f.o.b. Demerara,
quality :—
Nominally, 19s. 9d. to 20s. 9d. per bag of 180 Ib. gross
188: 6d. to 119s: 6d. % ;; NOL ios
for good expert
6 THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS, JANUARY 7, 1911.
%
AG
vo
mY ffi
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date December 5, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
The sales of West Indian Sea Islands since our last
report are confined to about 50 bales, chiefly oddments left
over from last season, at 20d. to 22d., anda few bales of
new St. Kitts, the latter being on private terms.
American Sea Islands are firmly held by factors, but
spinners are very indifferent buyers, and are awaiting develop-
ments.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending December 10, is as follows:—
The market has been very quiet throughout the week,
with sales of only 38 bales, which include the crop of Extra
Extra Fine, at 52c. In the absence of demand, factors have
continued to hold for their previous prices, viz:—
Extra Fine Islands at 40c.=22d. c.i.f. & 5 per cent.
Fully Fine 37c. = 203d.
Fine - 35c.=194d. ,, ,, age
but to effect sales for quantity, they would be willing to
accept lc. lower.
” ” ” ” ”
A METHOD FOR COTTON SELECTION
THROUGHOUT THE SEASON.
Circular No. 66 of the Bureau of Plant Industry of
the United States Department of Agriculture was
issued during last August, under the title of Cotton
Selection O71 the Farin by the Characte 7s of the Ntallks.
Leaves and Bolls. Much of the matter contained in
this, applying more nearly to West Indian conditions
is extracted for the use of readers of the Agricultural
News; it will be presented in this and the following
numbers.
The plan of growing in a separate field the cotton that
is to be used for seed has several advantages, but one of the
most important is often overlooked. It is the education of
the farmer himself, so that he can know his variety by its
external characters, even in the earlier stages of growth. The
result of many experiments in the acclimatization and breed-
ing of cotton shows that the work of selection can be made
much easier and more effective by giving attention to the
external characters of the plants in the field, instead of
waiting till the crop is ripe, and depending on the seed and
lint characters alone,
DIVERSITY IN UNSELECTED FIELDS OF CoTToN. In
a neglected stock of cotton that has not been receiving any
selection at all, the plants are not all equally inferior, but
each individual plant is likely to be different from any of its
neighbours. The differences between the individual plants of an
unselected field correspond to the differences between selected
varieties. Each plant of an unselected field might be said to
represent a different variety, for it is generally possible by
selection to establish a variety on the basis of the peculiarities
of any individual plant. Selection is to be thought of as
a process of narrowing the lines of descent, and thus securing
a greater resemblance among the progeny. A seed produced
by self-fertilization may be said to have only one parent,
much as with plants propagated from cuttings.
If selection proves successful, the result is to establish
the expression of the characters of the original selected plant
in all of its progeny, so that all the individuals of the stock
shall show only the one set of characters, instead of the
characters of the whole miscellaneous group from which the
original plant was selected.
DETERIORATION OF VARIETIES WITHOUT CROSSING. The
general result that is secured through selection is to keep the
characters of the inferior ancestors from coming into expres-
sion; but selection does not seem to have any power complete-
ly to destroy the characters of the inferior ancestors so as to
prevent their continued transmission for any number of
generations, and their subsequent reappearance in individual
variations. The work of the breeder is never completely
finished or absolutely successful. Though very high degrees
of uniformity are attained by careful breeders, such uniform-
ity is nota permanent condition. It has always to be pre-
served by further selection.
Each new variation constitutes, in effect, a new variety.
The subsequent crossing of the different variations with each
other, and with the parent type, produces hybrids just as if
the variety had never been pure, or as if it had been mixed
with seed of other varieties by intention or by accident.
WIth MAINTAINED. Selection, as
applied to an improved variety of cotton, is simply a means
of keeping undesirable characters out of expression. One of
the principal obj cts to be gained by detailed study of hered-
ity in cotton is to learn the method of selection that keeps
the undesirable characters most thoroughly suppressed.
SELECTION MUST BE
VALUE OF EXTERNAL CHARACTERS IN SELECTING COTTON,
By using external characters in selection, it is possible to
secure a large measure of protection against the inheritance
and subsequent expression of the characters of degenerate
individuals. Studies of degenerate variations of several
different types of cotton have shown changes in the external
or vegetative characters, as well as in those of the fruit and
seed. It seldom, ifZever, happens that a cotton plant makes
Vor: X= No: 227.
a definite change in a single character and continues to
resemble the parent variety in all other respects. Plants
that are going to produce bolls, or seeds, or lint, different
from those of the parent variety usually give notice well in
advance by changes in the external vegetative characters, as
well as in those of the fruit and seed.
Some of the most injurious variations are the easiest to
throw out early in the season, if attention be given to the
external characters. Peculiarities of individual plants that
may appear to have no importance in themselves become
very significant for purposes of selection.
SELECTION BY CHARACTERS OF STALKS AND LEAVES. Young
plants of a well-selected, uniform variety, growing under the
same conditions, follow very closely the same course
of development. They have the same kind of leaves;
the joints of the stalks are of the same length; and the
branches develop at about the same rate and at the same
height above the ground. A definite difference in any of these
features is warrant for suspecting a plant and giving it closer
examination. Another useful mark of distinction may be
found in the hairs of the leaves, or those of the leat stems
and the branches. A difference in the habit of growth or in the
length of the joints is very likely to be accompanied by
a difference in the amount of hairiness.
The habits of branching have a very direct relation to
the earliness of the crop. The main stalk of the cotton plant
puts out two different kinds of branches. From the base of
the stalk come the vegetative branches, or ‘wood-limbs’, and
above these the true fruiting branches that bear the bolls.
The vegetative branches do not bear any bolls of their own;
but put forth fruiting branches like those of the main stem,
though shorter and of later development. Plants that grow
too rank and produce too many of the vegetative branches
cannot begin to put on their crop as soon as smaller plants
that produce fruiting branches closer to the ground. Even
for cultural reasons, it would be good policy to pull out any
unusually tall, rank-growing plants that do not begin to bear
early in the season, if only to give better conditions for
neighbouring plants that have begun to set their crop.
As has been stated, further information in connex-
ion with the subject will be given in the next number
of the Agricultural News,
TRIALS WITH GREEN DRESSINGS IN
DOMINICA.
The followmg account of trials that have been
made recently in Dominica, has been received from
Mr. A. J. Brooks, Officer-in-charge at the Agricultural
School:—
At the Agricultural School, the horse bean (Canavalia
ensiformis) is generally grown for the purpose of green
manuring, as this plant has given the best results, of all the
plants previously tried at the school.
Seeds of two varieties of Crotalaria verrucosa and
C. striata were recently received from Trinidad, through
Dr. H. A. A. Nicholls, C.M.G., for the purpose of testing
their suitability for green manuring.
A plot of land was divided into three equal sections for
the trial; the first section was sown with horse beans, the
second with C. verrucosa, and the third with C. striata.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 7
__ The seed in all three sections germinated well, and con-
tinued to grow evenly. The following table gives the results
obtained: —
Canavalia Crotalaria — Crotalaria
enstformis. verrucosa. striata.
Time taken to vis 2
Aower J 43 days 78 days 158 days
Height 13 inches 24 inches 84 inches
Lateral spread 19 5 16 rn 48 0
Length of tap root 6 - 12 7 6 .
Yield of green | 1
US Aft | 1
iamureinoneers| 164 tons 30] tons 35 1, tons
Yield when dried | 5, 5 9 9
fi 635 9» 6x0»
J 20%
From the tabulated results of this trial, it will be seen
that the Crotalaria varieties gave much better returns than
the horse beans. The horse bean plant is, however, a quick-
er grower and soon covers the ground, OC. striata grew to
an average height of 7 feet, and although it gave a greater
return of fresh green manure, when dried slowly in the
shade it gave the same yield as C. verrucosa. The last
variety is, in the opinion of the writer, much more suitable for
green dressing purposes, as it is a much more compact variety
and bears numerous sinall leaves. As the tap root is twice as
long as that of C. striata and of C. enstformis, it opens the
soil more thoroughly.
per acre
C striata produces long, tough stems, but very few
leaves, and in consequence takes a much longer time to
decay than either of the other plants tried.
Yerba Mate, or Paraguay Tea.—Yerba maté, or
Paraguay tea, is the daily household beverage of the masses
of Paraguay, and it is consumed toa great extent also in
Brazil and Argentina. It has been introduced into Europe,
where its use is increasing. This tea is the product of
a plant belonging to the species Ilex, an evergreen shrub or
small tree, well known in western Europe. The leaves of
this plant are carefully toasted near the place where they
are gathered, all the skill required in producing the tea being
applied in the process of toasting. This is necessary in order
to dry the leaves thoroughly and evenly, without scorching
or affecting their flavour by smoke. After toasting, the
leaves are sent to the mill, where they are ground to fine
powder and packed solidly into bags for market. According
to the United States Consul at Asuncion, the tea is prepared
for drinking in Paraguay in the same manner as ordinary tea,
and may be taken with sugar, cream, lemon or brandy,
The universal manner of drinking it is by sucking it through
bombillas from maté cups. A bombilla is a tube, which may
be of the simplicity of a mere pipe stem, or an elaborately
decorated silver or silver-mounted work of art. Maté cups
vary in style from a simple little gourd to interesting speci-
mens of local craftsmanship in silver. It is the custom to
use a single maté cup, with its one bombilla, for an entire
household, including all the visitors who may happen to be
present, among whom it is passed like a pipe of peace. To
refuse to partake would be a breach of etiquette. As an
article of commerce, Yerba maté has steadily increased in
importance, until it has become one of the leading exports of
Paraguay, ranking fourth in value in 1909, when the exports
amounted to £110,000. In July 1910, the entire product of
the country for the year had been sold. (Journal of the
Royal Society of Arts, November 25, 1910.)
8 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
mmissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados,
All applications for Copies of the ‘ Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados, London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Oo., 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 8 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
28. 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 1911.
—<—————
Vou. X. No. 227.
Contents of Present Issue.
The subject dealt with in the editorial of the
present issue is The Use of Wind-breaks. Neglect often
occurs in the matter of providing these useful aids to
agriculturists, especially in relation to crops to occupy
the ground during one season, only.
An account of the last year’s working of the
Antigua Sugar Factory is given on page 3.
On pages 4 and 5 is presented an abstract of an
interesting article that has appeared recently, on the
effect of bud mutation in causing deterioration of citrus
plants. Much of the disappointment that sometimes
occurs When supposed superior varieties of citrus plants
are imported into a new region is caused by decadence
that has taken place, owing to mutations in the plants
from which the propagating material was derived.
Attention is drawn to an article on page 5, which
gives an account of agricultural shows that are to be
held during next month.
The first of two articles describing a method for
cotton selection throughout the season appears on
page 6. The subject will be concluded in the next
number of the Agricultural News.
The Insect Notes (page 10) contain articles
describing a method of increasing the numbers of the
hlack parasite, and a Cecidomyiid fly which
damages mango leaves.
SCa-e
In the Fungus Notes, on page 14, is presented the
first of two articles dealing with work that has been
done in connexion with the bud-rot disease of palms, in
India.
JANUARY 7, 1911. /
The Continuance of the Work of the Imperial
Department of Agriculture.
The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture has
been informed, by the Secretary of State for the
Colonies, of the decision of the Lords Commissioners,
of the Treasury to continue the maintenance of the
Central Office of the Imperial Department of Agricul-
ture, from Imperial funds, for a further period of ten
years, from April 1, 1911.
This decision should be welcome, particularly from:
the fact that it secures the advantages to be derived
from the assurance of continuity in the work of the
Department.
oa
Postponement of the Agricultural Conterence,
1911.
Until December 21, 1910, it was anticipated that
the delegates for the Agricultural Conference proposed
to be held from January 11 to 18, 1911, would travel
to British Guiana ‘by the Royal Mail Steamer leaving
St. Thomas on January 3. On that date, however,
information was received to the effect that the route
of the steamer had been altered, thus making it un-
available for the purpose.
The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture prompt-
ly communicated with His Excellency the Governor of
British Guiana, suggesting an alternative scheme, by
which the delegates could arrive in Demerara on or
about January 26, and leave about February 11.
After full consideration and discussion of the matter,
His Excellency suggested that the Conference should
be postponed until such a time as steamer arrange-
ments shall be in a more settled condition, and
proposed that it might be held about the middle of
April 1911.
Dr. Watts has concurred in this proposal, and
every effort will be made to follow the course sug-
gested. In pursuance of this, delegates are requested
to continue the matters that they have in hand
already for the Conference, so that these may be in an
advanced stage of preparation, when they are required.
Noice of the exact date on which the postponed
Conference is to be held, as well as of the arrangements
in connexion therewith, will be given as soon as
possible.
eS
Cocoa-nut Bud-rot Disease in Jamaica.
The account of the proceedings at a recent meet-
ing of the Board of Management of the Jamaica Agri-
cultural Society, contained in the issue of the Journal
of that Society, for November 1910, shows that a serious
position exists 1n the island in regard to the bud-rot of
the cocoa-nut palm. ‘
Among matters submitted to the Board in relation
to the subject was a copy of a memorial to His Excel-
lency the Governor, from the Branch Society at
Savanna-la-Mar, drawing attention to the state of the
disease, and praying His Excellency to issue a proclama-
Vote Xx. NO; 227:
tion or manifesto enjoining all growers of cocoa-nuts
to destroy, or cause to be destroyed, all diseased trees
under their control; such proclamation would be
intended to have effect up to the time of any com-
pulsory legislation that may be passed by the Legisla-
tive Council at its next session.
There were also before the Board memoranda from
one of the Agricultural Instructors and from the
Secretary to the Board, dealing with the subject. In
the second of these, attention is drawn to a statement
of the Director of Agriculture, in an Annual Report, to
the effect that the question of legislation against
infectious plant diseases, such as cacao pod disease and
bud-rot of cocoa-nuts, is in urgent need of the serious
consideration of the Government.
In the result, the Board resolved to ask the
Governor for legislation to protect such products by
a law similar in nature to the Contagious Disease
Animal Law, and the matter was referred to the Staple
and Minor Products Committee for suggestions in
connexion with legislation, in order that a biil might
be drafted.
a
The Barbados Goat Society.
In the Agricultural News tor November 12, 1910,
it was stated that a meeting had been heldat the Head
Oftice of the Department, on October 27, 1910, for the
purpose of discussing preliminary matters in connexion
with the proposed formation of a goat society in Barba-
dos. Following on this, another meeting was held at
the Planters’ Hall, Bridgetown, on December 10, for
the purpose of furthering the object.
At this, there were twelve persons present,
including Dr. F. Watts, C.M.G., Imperial Commis-
sioner of Agriculture, Mr. J. R. Bovell, IS.O.,
Superintendent of Agriculture, Barbados; Mr. J. W.
Parris, M.C.P., Mr. F. R. Parkinson, and others interest-
ed in the matter, ;
Dr. Watts took the chair, and addressed the
meeting, stating the purpose for which it had been
calied A resolution was then brought forward by
Mr. F. R. Parkinson to the effect that a society, to be
knownas the Barbados Goat Society, should be formed
This was seconded by Mr. H. West, and after some
discussion, which showed that it is desirable that
Barbados should possess a goat society, the resolution
was carried unanimously.
After the resolution had been passed, Dr. Watts
drew attention to the desirability of forming a provis-
ional committee for the purpose of drafting rules: he
also suggested that it would be expedient for the
society to be fostered by the Local Department of Agri-
culture. Dr. Watts then moved that Mr. J. R. Bovell
be appointed Chairman of the provisional committee.
This motion was agreed to, and the following were
appointed members of that committee: Messrs. J. W.
Parris, H. West, C. E. Stoute, and Dr. L. Shannon, with
Mx. F. R. Parkinson as Secretary.
The meeting closed with some informal discussion
as to whether the society should confine its attention
to milch goats only, or whether other breeds, such as
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 9
those used for providing meat, should receive its con-
sideration.
After the drafting of rules has been completed by
the provisional committee, another meeting will be held
for the purpose of discussing these, and adopting such
of them as appear to be required.
St. Vincent Agricultural Credit Society.
A credit society has been formed recently in St.
Vincent, under the name of the Questelles and Clare
Valley Agricultural Credit Society. For the purpose of
its Inauguration, a meeting was held between twelve
peasant proprietors in the district and the Rey. F. Ellis,
at which it was resolved to register the society, and
rules for its conduct were passed.
The society was subsequently granted a loan of £25
by the Government, and at another meeting this was
distributed among the members in order to assist them
in the improvement and development of their holdings.
According to an account in the St. Vincent Times for
December 1, 1910, the society passed special votes of
thanks to His Honour the Administrator for his co-oper-
ation and assistance, and to the Rev. F. Ellis, who has
been appointed Secretary, for his valuable services,
Meetings of the society will be held at Chauncey, once
a quarter, for the purpose of transacting necessary
business.
EE
The Arrowroot (New Market Fund) Ordinance,
St. Vincent.
A reference to this Ordinance was made in the
Agricultural News, Vol. IX, p. 329. Since this,
a copy of the Ordinance has been received, which shows
that the commencement of the levy of export duty
under the Ordinance was made on November 30, 1910.
The rate of the duty is 6d. for every barrel not exceed-
ing 2 cwt., net, and in like proportion for any greater or
less quantity. This duty is levied independently of,
and in addition to, any duty which may be imposed
under the provisions of the Export Duties Ordinance,
1900, or any other Ordinance relating to export duty.
Paragraph 4 of the Ordinance states : ‘The proceeds
of the levy hereby enacted shall be applied towards
increasing the consumption of Saint Vincent arrowroot
in foreign lands by means of advertisement in such
manuer as may from time to time be determined by
the Committee of Management appointed for the pur-
pose by the Saint Vincent Arrowroot Growers’ and
Exporters’ Association and the successors in office of
such Committee, and in paying the necessary expenses
in connexion therewith, including a salary not exceed-
ing twenty-five pounds per annum to the Secretary of
the Committee and a fee not exceeding one guinea to
each of the members of the Committee for each meet-
ing thereof which he may attend, net exceeding six in
any one year.
Unless the Ordinance is renewed, it ceases to bein
force on December 1, 1912.
10 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
INSECT NOTES.
TO INCREASE THE NUMBERS OF THE
BLACK SCALE PARASITE.
The black scale (Saissetia nigra) is well controlled in
certain of the West Indian islands by the parasite Zaloph-
othrix mirum, Craw., while in other islands the control exer-
cised by this beneficial insect appears to be much less etiective,
especially in connexion with the occurrence of the black
scale as a pest of cotton. (See Agricultural News, Vols. VII,
p. 170, and IX, p. 170.)
In localities where the parasite is not sufficiently abund-
ant to check the increase of the scale in cotton fields, it may
be possible for a certain amount of assistance to be given with
a view to remedying this condition of affairs.
The parasite occurs most abundantly on the black scale;
but it is also a parasite of the two related scales, Sazssetva
oleae and S, hemisphaerica.
It is recommended that the following suggestions might
be adopted in making a trial of producing the black scale
parasite in increased numbers.
The black scale appears to make its best development
on Sea Island cotton and Hibiscus. Plants of one
cr both of these should be chosen, and repeated
introductions of black scale should be made
until the branches are well covered. For this
purpose, there should be an abundance of young
scales crawling on the introduced material, which
should be carefully tied to the branches of the
plants to be infested, so that the young may
easily leave the cut twigs and settle on the living
ones,
Tt may happen that ants occur on the plants,
and prevent the establishment of the scales. In
such a case, care should taken that the plants being
infested do not come into contact with any other
plants, and that the branches do not touch the
ground. Ants can be prevented from climbing the
stems by wrapping the latter with strips of cloth
soaked in corrosive sublimate solution (1 in 1,000),
or by the use, in the same way, of any sticky sub-
stance over which the ants are unable to travel.
It would be well, also, when introducing the
scales, not to introduce the parasite. In order to
guard against this, the old, fully grown scales on the
branches which are to be cut and transferred should
be removed, two or three days before the transfer
is made. This may be done with the blade of
a pocket knife, and will result in liberating any
eggs and young scales, which may be under the
parent scales, and will remove the parasites.
When the scales are well established and there
are many fully grown ones to be seen, the parasites
should be introduced. The introduction of the parasites among
an abundance of the host insect should result in a rapid
development of vigorous individuals which might be used
for distribution to other localities.
The foregoing suggestions are for trials where no well-
infested plants are available for the purpose, and where it is
presumed also, that the parasite occurs naturally in the island,
though perhaps not well distributed.
It should be an easy matter to introduce the parasite
from one island to another, by merely enclosing well-parasit-
ized, scale-infested twigs, cut in convenient lengths and packed
in a cardboard box in such a way as to prevent shaking about.
Fic. 1. Manco Lear
Arrackup By CEcID
Fries. (Natural size.)
January 7, 1911.
From suitable material, the parasites continue to emerge for
more than a week, and this period is sometimes much longer.
Many parasites are checked in their efficiency by the
action of secondary parasites, that is, parasites on the para-
site; but up to the present time, no parasite of Zalophothrix
miriwm has been recorded.
A CECIDOMYIID ON MANGO LEAVES.
In a former number of the Agricultural News (see Vol.
VIII, p. 250), mention was made of a cecidomyiid fly, the
larva of which was found under the bark of the twigs of the
mango (Mangifera indica), in Barbados. Grafted mangoes
seemed to be the most often attacked, the twigs infected
with the maggot dying back from the tips; and as these are
attacked and killed one after another, it often happens that
young trees are killed outright.
_ The mango twig maggot is the larva of a small fly, to
which the name Asynapta mangiferae, Felt, has been
given. It is related to the flower-bud maggot of cotton
(Contarinia gossypii, Felt), and to the red maggot of cotton
(Porricondyla gossypti, Coq.).
A letter received recently by the Imperial
Commissioner of Agriculture from Mrs. W. H.
Patterson, forwarding specimens of mango leaves
from St. Vincent, records the occurrence of
a cecidomyiid larva attacking the mango in
a different manner. The specimens of leaves
show numerous small holes or spots, which
give the impression of being the effect of
a disease such as that caused by a_ species
of the shot-hole fungus.
There seems to be no fungus present, how-
ever, and Mrs. Patterson states: ‘the young leaves,
shortly after bursting from the bud, are found
to have semi-transparent patches, which reveal
the presence of a cecid larva.’
The accompanying figure (Fig. 1) is a draw-
ing, natural size, of a small leaf from the speci-
mens received at the Head Office.
The examination of the dried leaves leads
to the conclusion that the insect lives in the
soft tissue of the leaf, between the upper and
the lower epidermis, and it seems likely that
the eggs may be deposited in the bud before
it opens. The spots on the leaf are seen to be
nearly circular in outline, about ,',- to binch
(25mm. to 3 mm.) in diameter, bordered with
a dark-brown or blackish ring, the central por-
tion being somewhat transparent. This central
area appears to be composed of the two layers of
epidermis, one of which is at first entire, the
other being broken, probably showing where
the larva of the adult made its way out. When the leaves
are thoroughly dried, the transparent area is often traversed
by a narrow slit, which results from the shrinking of that
layer of epidermis which at first remained intact. Eventually,
all the central tissue of spots may fall away, and leave
a circular hole.
It will be of interest to learn whether the maggot causing
the death of twigs of the mango in Barbados is the same as
that causing the shot holes in the leaves of the mango in
St. Vincent. The observations here recorded may be useful
in leading to the discovery of other ways in which these
minute insects injure West Indian plants.
Vou. X. No. 227.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 11
RECENT AGRICULTURAL SHOWS.
The following is an account of three agricultural shows
that have been held recently—the first two in Barbados, at
the Pool plantation and at Queen’s Park, respectively, and
the third in the Virgin Islands. For the two first, the informa-
tion required has been abstracted from the Barbados Advocate
for December 9 and December 16, 1910. The account of
the one in the Virgin Islands is made from a report supplied
by Mr. W. C. Fishlock, Agricultural Instructor.
BARBADOS. SHOW AT POOL PLANTATION,
This was held on December 7, at the place mentioned,
by permission of the Hon. F. J. Clarke, C.M.G., M.A.,M.C.P.
Fine weather was experienced, and the show proved itself to
be one of the best that has been held.
The exhibit of stock included many excellent examples,
more especially of young oxen. The goats, on the other
hand, were disappointing for the greater part.
The first two classes included food plants, comprising
roots and tubers, and those of the general kinds. Among
these, the collection of yams was not as large as usual,
although some of those shown were of excellent quality. The
exhibits of sweet potatoes, tanias and eddoes were satisfactory.
Among the garden vegetables, the samples of legumes were
among the best that have been shown. The standard of the
tomatoes, artichokes, vegetable marrows, onions and christo-
phines, however, left something to be desired.
Class III included fruit, and the best of these
comprised bananas, shaddocks, grape-fruit and oranges; in
regard to the bananas, one exceptionally large bunch was
shown. There were few exhibits of Sea Island cotton or
honey, and what there were of the latter did not reach the
usual standard.
The flowers and starches were of good quality. Much
interest is taken in Class V, in which prizes are offered for
inarched or budded mango plants, and for citrus budded on
stocks of different varieties. Excellent samples of baskets,
for use in agricultural work, were shown.
The part devoted to school exhibits included prizes for
box and pot culture, and for plants grown in school gardens.
The total number of exhibits in these two sections was about
160, and 48 of these were successful in gaining prizes. It is
of interest that prizes were awarded, and won by one public
elementary school, for inarched or budded mango plants.
After the prizes had been distributed, His Excellency
the Acting Governor, Major J. A. Burdon, C.M.G., congratu-
lated the prize winners, and expressed satisfaction with the
work that is being done in connexion with the holding of
such shows.
BARBADOS ANNUAL EXHIBITION, 1910,
This is commonly known as the Agricultural and Indus-
trial Exhibition, and on this occasion it was held, on December
14, at Queen’s Park. Its scope is larger than that of the
ordinary agricultural show, in that the exhibits for which
prizes are given are not confined to those which are of
a directly agricultural nature.
Most noticeable among the live stock were the horses and
the milch cattle. The best exhibits among the poultry were
shown among fowls, ducks and pigeons; although there were
some individual cases of excellence among the other classes.
Good exhibits of canes were sent; the display of veget-
ables, although above the average quality, did not attain as
high a standard as was the case last year. Among the latter,
the greatest excellence was shown by yams and pumpkins.
The standard of the horticultural produce brought to the
exhibition was superior to that of the last few years. In the
section including preserves, the different kinds of products
were well represented; though there should be a much
greater effort on the part of makers of such articles to supply
such information as would make it easy to give and obtain
orders.
The other parts of this exhibition included fancy work,
an artisan section and an art section. Altogether, it was
very successful, and satisfaction with what was shown was
expressed by His Excellency the Acting Governor.
VIRGIN ISLANDS.
This show was held at the Experiment Station, Tortola,
on December 14, under the auspices of the Imperial Depart-
ment of Agriculture for the West Indies. It was the seventh
of its kind, and received the direct encouragement of His
Excellency Sir Bickham Sweet-Escott, K.C.M.G., who offered
a first prize of £2 in the class for lots of cotton amounting
to not less than 500 Ib. Much interest was also evinced in
the show on the part of His Honour the Commissioner, who
gave a short address; and of Mrs. Jarvis, who kindly dis-
tributed the prizes. Useful assistance was also afforded by
visitors from Antigua, St. Kitts and St. Jan, who gave
help in the work of judging.
Although a larger number of exhibits has been received
on some former occasions, the character of those shown was
superior to any that have been seen before in ‘Tortola. The
number of articles entered was over 350, and competition
was particularly keen in the cotton and live stock classes. In
regard to the former, where prizes were offered for lots of
cotton weighing not less than 500 ib., there were five entries,
which included some excellent exhibits. As is stated above, a
prize was offered in this class by His Excellency the Governor:
this was awarded to John Chinnery of Jost-Van-Dycks,
The competition was also keen for the prizes awarded for
cotton in 10-tb, lots. The exhibits of starches, preserves and
fancy work were also satisfactory.
Owing, probably, to the long drought experienced in the
middle of the year, there was a poor representation of limes,
sugar, sugar-cane and cacao.
It is a matter for encouragement that, although the
weather was very unfavourable, there was a good attendance,
and much interest was shown in the exhibits.
The number of prizes awarded was 170, having a total
value of £24 12s. 6d.
Implemental Tillage in China. In view of the
almost limitless possibilities which seem to exist in China,
especially in the great plains of the north, for the use of agri-
cultural machinery, it is with reluctance that one has to record
the opinion that, under present conditions, there is really no
opening for its successful introduction. The financial risk
attending the purchase of such machinery for the Chinese
has been proved in several instances, and British firms in
China have to be careful how they repeat similar experiments,
Certainly, British manufacturers desirous of introducing agri-
cultural machinery into China would have to be prepared to
share the risk with their agents to a much greater extent
than they show any signs of doing at present. But the subdi-
vision of farms amongst small peasant proprietors, who are
extremely conservative in their methods, the cheapness of
human labour, and the absence of effective organization of
agriculture on the part of the Chinese Government, are
among the conditions that discourage manufacturers from
taking visks that experience has not justified. (Diplomatic
and Consular Reports, No, 4556, Annual Series.)
1 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
January 7, 1911.
GLEANINGS.
According to the Hawarian Forester and Agriculturist
for November 1910, forest products to the value of $51,161
were shipped from Hawaii to the United States in 1909. In
1908 and 1907, the values were $18,912 and $13,273.
The British Acting Consul-General at Mukden has
reported that the soy bean harvest in Southern Manchuria is
excellent, and that harvest prospects in Northern Manchuria
are from 20 to 30 per cent. better than those of last year,
while the beans are also of a very much better quality. (The
Board of Trade Journal, November 3, 1910.)
According to recent telegrams, the exhibit of fruit from
Dominica for the exhibition of the Royal Horticultural Society
did not arrive in time for the opening, on account of delay to
the R.M.S. ‘Oruba’. A gold medal has, however, been awarded
to the Dominica Permanent Exhibition Committee, and four
individual awards were made, in addition.
With reference to the outbreak of the sugar-cane root
borer that has taken place in certain districts of Barbados
during the past year, it is of interest that the Superintendent
of Agriculture for Barbados states, in a report for November
1910, that the attack of the root borer on canes at Seawell
and Spencers estates does not appear to have increased to any
extent.
A report by the Curator of the Botanic Station, Montser-
rat, for November 1910, gives information to the effect that
a good crop of cotton was practically insured in the island by
that time. Several shipments had been made already, and
peasants were likely to reap a large erop. Caterpillars had
given some trouble, but the flower-bud maggot had not been
heard of, so far.
On October 3, 1910, the death took place of Dr. Melchior
Treub, who Director of the Botanic Garden at
Buitenzorg, Java, and Director of the Department of Agri-
culture for the Dutch East Indies since 1885. The work of
Dr. Treub has included many botanical papers of note, as well
as the editing of the Annales du Jardin Botanique de Buiten-
zorg, since the year just mentioned.
has been
The Commissioner-General to the Imperial Japanese
Government, for the Japan British Exhibition, states that as
a result of the exhibition, many new markets have been opened
up, and of Japanese exhibits alone over £60,000 worth have
been sold. One of the greatest benefits which Japanese
manufacturers have derived from the exhibition is the knowl-
edge of what articles are best suited for export to England.
(Journal of the Royal Socrety of Arts, November 11, 1910.)
Information has been received from the Agricultural
Superintendent of St. Kitts to the effect that the sugar-cane
crop has made considerable progress; high winds and heavy
rains in the early part of November blew down the advanced
canes in the northern districts, but there was little actual
damage. A large proportion of the cotton has been reaped,
and good returns are being obtained generally.
Colonial Reports—Annual, No. 653, states that the
scheme for school gardens in Ceylon, which is being carried
on in connexion with Government schools, now includes
224 such schools; of these 180 possess school gardens.
The seeds and implements are provided by the educational
department, and the gardens are visited as often as possible
by the Superintendent of the school gardens and his assist-
ants. Encouragement is given to the work of the pupils by
the granting of money prizes to the most successful school in
each district.
On account of the damage that is being caused to the
public roads in Dominica, through cultivation carried on near
them, a notice has been published in the Dominica Official
Gazette for December 9, 1910, to the effect that: ‘no cultiva-
tion requiring from time to time the weeding, clearing, or
digging of the soil shall be carried on within 6 feet of the
public road on the upper side, and 12 feet of the public
road on the lower side.’ Any person cultivating within such
distances from any public road will be proceeded against
under the provisions of the Public Road Act, 1888, for causing
damage to it.
According to the London 7%mes, a decree was published
by the Italian Government on November 20, 1910, creating
a Commission to examine the view that pellagra is produced
by a protozoal infection, conveyed by an insect (see Agricul-
tural News, Vol. IX, p. 213), and to formulate any changes
in the existing law of protection that may be considered
desirable. All the members of the Commission are medical
men, except Prince Teano, Deputy, who was chiefly instru-
mental in directing the attention of the Italian Government
to the work of the English Pellagra Investigation Committee.
(Nature, November 24, 1910, p. 114.)
During December 1910, a Proclamation was made in
Granada under the Plant Protection Ordinance, 1906, by
which the importation into this Presidency of any banana
plants, or of any material for planting, or articles connected
therewith from Central and South America,and from Trinidad
was prohibited. The same Proclamation prohibits absolutely
the importation into the Presidency of all cocoa-nuts, cocoa-
nut plants, or any material for planting or articles connected
therewith from Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad and all countries of
Central and South America. Similar proclamations have been
made recently in Antigua, Dominica and St. Lucia. (See
Agricultural News, Vol. 1X, pp. 564 and 380.)
His Honour the Administrator of St. Vincent has been
pleased to appoint a Committee to consider and make recom-
mendations regarding the proposals for reciprocity as outlined
by the Royal Commissioners in Parts IV to VII of the first
part of their Report on Trade Relations between Canada and
the West Indies. The members of the Committee are: His
Honour W.S. Shaw, Chairman; the Hon. Conrad J. Simmons;
the Hon. J. G. W. Hazell; and Messrs. F. W. Griffith, Super-
visor of Customs; W. N. Sands, Agricultural Superintendent;
F. Corea; and M. Tatham, Secretary. (St. Vincent Govern-
ment Gazette (Extraordinary), December 6, 1910.)
STUDENTS’ CORNER.
JANUARY.
First PERropD.
; Seasonal Notes.
Useful work of observation may well be conducted, at
this time of the year, for the purpose of ascertaining the
extent to which various plants, both wild and cultivated, are
attacked by scale insects, and attempts should be made to
identify these, as far as possible. Descriptions of scale
insects are contained in Pamphlets Nos. 7 and 22, of the
Department Series, and students are advised to consult these,
with special reference to actual specimens that have been
collected by them for identification. What circumstances in
the life-history of scale insects tend to simplify the methods
to be used for their contro] and to prevent them from spreading
as quickly as they might, if such circumstances did not exist?
Where are the eggs of the scale insect to be found? What
insects often assist in the spread of scale insects, and what
purpose leads them to have this effect?
Study the means by which the numbers of scale insects
are reduced, in nature. How would you ascertain if any
given collection of scale insects on a plant was being attacked
by insect parasites? Discuss the existence of such parasites in
relation to possible precautions to be taken in burning old
cotton plants at the end of the crop season. Gain as much
knowledge as you can about the fungi that attack scale
insects; the chief of these that are known in the West Indies,
at present, are described in the Agricultwral News, Vol. VIII,
pp. 299 and 411. It is not sufficient, however, merely to
gain acquaintance with these descriptions; specimens of the
fungi themselves should be collected and examined, as far as
is possible. The fungi are most easily seen when they are
producing spore-bearing bodies, and it is often noticed at this
time that the scales in connexion with which they are exist-
ing are dead, for the greater part, What reason may be
suggested for the purpose of explaining this? The student
should satisfy himself as far as possible, that the mycelium of
such fungi actually penetrates beneath the scale insect that
has been attacked, For further information concerning
fungi parasitic on scale insects, see West Indian Bulletin,
Vole pails
Make a careful study of a cane cutting, distinguishing
its different parts, and comparing its structure with that of
other stems, notably those of dicotyledons. To do this
properly, the pieces of stem should be cut downwards, both
through the centre and between this and the rind, as well as
across the diameter. What are the uses of the different
portions of the stem of the sugar-cane (1) to the plant, (2)
to the sugar maker? Observations of the kind described
may be extended usefully to inelude cuttings that have just
sprouted. Examine several such cuttings, the sprouts from
which are of different ages, and ascertain (1) what parts of
the cuttings give rise to the sprouts, (2) what becomes of the
material of which the original cutting was composed. Give
a list of the advantages and disadvantages that arise from the
circumstance that the sugar-cane is propagated vegetatively,
for commercial purposes.
What are the chief signs of the presence of the following
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 13
untoward circumstances, in regard to the sugar-cane: (1)
insufficient drainage, (2) root disease, (3) the moth borer?
State, in each instance, what you would do to put an end,
as far as possible, to the existence of such circumstances.
Describe exactly in what way the disease and the pest just
mentioned interfere with the nutrition of the sugar-cane, as
a plant.
The subject of the diseases of cotton will have attract-
ed much attention on the part of those who are interested in
the growing of this plant. A general account of such
diseases is presented in the Agricultural News, Vol. VILI,
p. 289, where several useful references in connexion with the
matter are given. Where a disease is present to any extent,
the amount of it in the different parts of the estate should be
indicated simply on some form of plan, and the distribution
of the disease in relation to the conditions that exist, particu-
larly in regard to soil, drainage and the kinds of crops grown
previously, should receive careful consideration.
In a field of cotton, many of the bolls are, first of all,
seen to exhibit very small, reddish-brown spots, which become
larger, forming smail, round areas, the middle of which
becomes dark in colour, while the edge remains reddish-
brown. Later, small pustules, or swellings, appear in the
centre of the spot, which becomes dirty grey, or bright pink,
according to the number of spores which develops. Some-
times, several spots are seen to run together, so that irregular
patches may be formed. What conclusions would you reach
in such a case, as to the disease which is attacking the cotton,
and what remedies against it would you propose to adopt!
Questions for Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS.
(1) What practical advantage accrues from the possession
by certain plants of a cambium layer, and how does this
advantage arise?
(2) Give an account of the composition of the air, with
especial reference to the needs of plants and animals.
(3) Describe an experiment by which the effect of lime
on heavy soils may be demonstrated.
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS.
(1) What kind of plant food is most likely to become
deficient, in ordinary soils! Give an account of the methods
that are employed to supply this deficiency.
(2) Give a description of the ways in which seeds are
dispersed in nature, and state in what ways such dispersal is
important to the agriculturist.
(3) State broadly how decaying organic matter is
naturally employed in forming nitrates.
FINAL QUESTIONS.
(1) Give definitions of the soil in relation to (a) the
plant, (b) the agriculturist.
(2) Write an account of the general considerations and
practice with regard to weeds, on an estate.
(3) State fully the uses that are made of the by-products
from an estate with which you are acquainted, and make any
suggestions as to their more economical employment.
A review of a paper in the British Medical Journal,
No, 2569, p. 771, gives the results of work undertaken
recently, by a French investigator, in order to gain informa-
tion as to the effect of baking bread on any disease
germs that it may contain. Several kinds of the latter
were added to dough, which was then baked. It was found
that the baked bread contained none of the living germs,
so that it is considered that bread, on leaving the oven, may
be counted as a germ-free article of diet.
14 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS
JANUARY Uf bl
FUNGUS NOTES.
THE BUD-ROT DISEASE OF PALMS
IN INDIA.
PART I.
The results of a most thorough examination into the
cause of bud-rot in a district at the delta of the Godavari River,
on the east coast of India, have just been published in the
Memoirs of the Department of Agriculture in India, Vol. III;
No. V. The work was conducted by Dr. Butler, M.B., F.L.S.,
Imperial Mycologist to the Government of India, who was
also responsible to a large extent for the organization of the
systematic campaign that has been undertaken to eliminate
the disease as far as possible. The information given in this
and the next number of the Agricultural News is taken from
the paper referred to above, in which Dr. Butler presents an
interesting account of the work.
The disease appeared about the year 1890, and extended
regularly in all directions from the point originally attacked,
until, in 1910, it covered the whole of an area, approximately
circular, with an average radius of 25 miles. Although the
spread of infection has been very regular, yet it has been more
marked along certain lines than elsewhere. These lines cor-
respond generally with those of the main directions of
communication in the district.
The portion of the country infected possesses a very dense
population engaged in agricultural pursuits, the crops grown
being of a very various nature. The district is one of the
richest in the Madras Presidency. The palms grown are the
Palmyra (Sorassus flabellifer), cocoa-nut, areca-nut (Areca
Catechu) and date. Of these, the Palmyra is by far the
commonest and of the greatest economicimportance, onaccount
of the extraordinary number of uses to which its various parts
can be put. It is also much the most susceptible to the
disease, though the cocoa-nut and areca-nut are also attacked
to some extent, the last mentioned being very slightly suscep-
tible.
As is well known, diseases of a similar nature are of
general occurrence in almost all parts of the tropics, and the
general tendency is to believe that the disease in the New
World is of bacterial origin. The Indian disease has defin-
itely been proved to be due to Pythium palmivorum, Butl.,
and Dr, Butler is of the opinion that some of the forms of the
disease found in the eastern tropics will prove to be identical
with it, while the form in the New World is more probably
due to a different organism.
symptoms. ‘The first external sign of the disease, visible
from below, is usually the withering of the central shoot,
which is followed by the death of the expanded leaves sur-
rounding it. These leaves turn pale and wither, and at the
end of ten or twelve days are dry and of a yellowish-brown
colour. The leaves die slowly from the centre outwards, and
eventually all fall off and only a bare pole is left. More
rarely, the first indication is the death of one of the expamded
leaves near the central shoot; the disease spreads inwards,
killing the central shoot, and then slowly completes the des-
truction of the whole crown, as in the first case. The final
stage is not reached until two or three years after the death
of the central shoot.
The fungus actually commences its attack on the out-
side of the folded leaf sheaths forming the covering surround-
ing the central bud. This is most likely to happen when
the outer leaves have been removed, and in consequence
a soft, green inner sheath has been exposed. In any case,
this stage of the disease only becomes visible when the outer
leaves have been removed. The attacked area first appears
as a spot on the sheath, varying in size from a diameter of
6 inches to one when it is scarcely visible. The spots are
white at first, but soon show small brown marks, which run
together until the whole is brown; they then turn reddish,
and are usually sunken, with a raised rim. On the hard
outer sheaths, the final colour is often black. The fungus
travels in a horizontal direction, from the outer to the inner
side of the sheath. It then infects sheath after sheath, and
finally attacks and kills the terminal bud, when the central
shoot withers. Thus, at the time that the first symptom
visible from below has become evident, the tree is practically
dead, as no further growth can take place. The leaves pene-
trated by the fungus in its progress to the central bud are
rarely killed. The reason is that the path of the fungus,
through all but the very soft central leaves, is practically
cylindrical, and approximately of the same diameter
throughout. The amount of tissue destroyed in this
way is so small that the leaves are not visibly affected.
By the time the fungus has penetrated to the soft cen-
tral tissues, a general rot has usually set in, and the whole
bud has been reduced to a decaying mass. This makes it
a difficult matter to determine the true cause of the disease,
when it has progressed beyond the initial stages. The rate
at which the fungus penetrates the sheaths increases as it
nears the centre. The whole time occupied from the date of
infection to the death of the central shoot is usually from five
to ten months. The progress of the disease is often assisted
by the presence of small boring beetles, whose tunnels are
followed by the mycelium of the fungus. The spots on the
outermost leaf sheaths are usually hard, and either free from
the parasite or covered by a mycelial web. <A similar mass
of mycelium is often formed between two leaf sheaths that
are not in very close contact with one another. A copious
growth of mycelium of this nature is a peculiar character, for
a species of this genus.
In addition to attacking the leaf sheaths, the fungus may
also occur on the expanded blades and on the petioles. On
the leaf blades, the spots rarely attain more than 1 inch in
diameter, and are frequently smaller. They are straw-coloured
in the centre, with a dark-brown margin. Sometimes, a line
of such spots occurs, running across the leaf segments, one
spot on each. This is due to the fungus having penetrated
the leaf while its segments were still folded in the bud.
The line of infected tissue in this case is above the tip of the
growing point. The latter is not affected until the fungus
has spread downwards, vertically, in the soft, young tissues.
In the case of cocoa-nuts, it is usually found that no
fruit is formed, once the disease has penetrated so far as to
be visible from below. When young nuts do appear after
this stage, they always wither and fall off before attaining
maturity. The falling of the nuts in this way has also been
noted in Trinidad in connexion with the bud-rot disease in
that island. (See Agricultural News, Vol. 1X, p. 254.)
SPREAD OF INFECTION. Spores of parasitic fungi may be
carried from one host to another by wind, by animal agencies
such as insects and birds, or by man. In this case, it is prob-
able that very little infection is spread by wind, since the
spores of the fungus are not formed on the outer leaf sheaths,
but arise frequently on the mass of mycelium formed between
two adjoining sheaths. Occasionally, when two such leaves
are disturbed by the removal, for some economic purpose, of the
outer one, spores may be liberated and carried by the wind to
healthy trees, but this happens comparatively rarely. Other
spores might be set free when the old leaves of badly infected
trees die and fall apart. On the whole, however, this method
of spread is probably not very effective.
Vor x. -Nole22/7.
THE AGRICULTURAL
WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS.
DRUGS AND SPICES ON THE LONDON
MARKET.
Mr. J. R. Jackson, A.LS., has forwarded the fol-
lowing report on the London drug and spice market,
for the month of November :—
Varied opinions have been expressed by Mincing Lane
experts on the condition of the trade in drugs and spices, or
medicinal products during the month of November, which on
being summed up have resulted in a fairly satisfactory ver-
dict, in comparisen with the closing months of recent years.
When, however, the prospects are looking somewhat brighter
and the season of Christmas is close at hand, the country is,
at the time of writing, for the second time in one year, sub-
ject to the disturbance consequent on a general election, and
the consequent interference with trade, generally. With
regard to special products, there is nothing to report in con-
nexion with West Indian trade, though it may be interesting
to note that Eucalyptus oil is in great demand, as it always
is at this cold-catching time of the year, and further that the
very high price of glycerine is not only maintained, but the
curious fact is stated, that the dynamite quality of the article
is selling at a higher rate than that demanded for chemically
pure quality.
The following are the details referring to West Indian
products : —
GINGER,
Very little interest has been taken in this article; practi-
cally no Jamaica has been offered. On the 2nd of the month
some 40 bags of washed rough Cochin, slightly mouldy, were
disposed of at 50s. per cwt. Out of 18 cases of Calicut
offered, 8 only were sold, at 77s. 6d. for medium cut. On
the 23rd of the month, 172 bags of washed rough Cochin
were offered, and bought in at 55s. per ewt.
NUTMEGS, MACE AND PIMENTO.
Nutmegs were steady throughout the month. On the
23rd, a large consignment of 460 packages was brought
forward and sold at }d. per lb. advance on previous rates.
At auction on the 2nd, mace was in good demand; West
Indian was represented by 66 bags, which sold at the
following rates: fine pale 2s. 3d. to 2s. 4d. good 2s. 2d.,
fair 2s., and ordinary Is. 10d. to ls. 11d. Fair bold Java
fetched 2s. 4d., and curly palish 2s. 2d. per tb. At the end
of the month there was a general advance in price of 2d. per
is., 134 packages being sold at 2s. 6’. for fair palish, 2s. 3d.
to 2s. 4d. for pale and reddish, 2s. 2d. to 2s. 3d. for fair
reddish, and 1s. 7:/. to 1s. 10d. per tb. for broken. There was
but little demand for pimento at the beginning of the month.
On the 25rd, however, 292 bags were brought forward and all
bought in at 23d. per th. It was stated that sales had been
effected privately.
In arrowroot, the market has been very quiet. Privately,
some sales of St. Vincent have been effected at prices up to
2d. per bb.
SARSAPARILLA.
At the first auction on the 3rd of the month the offerings
were as follows: Grey Jamaica 2 bales, Lima-Jamaica 28
bales, and native Jamaica 8 bales. The two bales of grey
Jamaica which were of fair quality realized 1s, 6d. per hb.
Only 16 bales of Lima-Jamaica found purchases at from 10d.
to 103d. per Ib. for coarse to fair. Six bales out of the $ offered
of native Jamaica were sold, fair bright red fetching
NEWS 15
11d. to 113d., dull red 10d., and mixed red and yellow 9d.
per lb. A fortnight Jater sarsaparilla was in good supply
amounting to 21 bales of grey Jamaica, 37 of Lima-Jamaica and
31 of native Jamaica; the whole of the grey Jamaica was sold,
fair fetching 1s. 6d. and slightly rough 1s. 4d. to 1s, 5d. per bb.
Ten bales only of Lima-Jamaica found customers at 10d.
per 1b. for fair and slightly rough, while of native Jamaica
only 8 bales were sold, fair red fetching 10d. to 103d. per b.,
and dull red and yellow 9d.
OIL OF LIME, LIME JUICE AND KOLA.
At the first auction in the month West Indian oil of
lime, both distilled and expressed were brought forward but
none sold, the reserve prices being Is. 4d. for distilled and
5s. 6d. for expressed. At the end of the month these prices
had slightly declined, the quotations being for fair quality dis-
tilled 1s. 34d. to 1s 4d., and in larger quantities down to
Is. 1d. per tb.; hand pressed was still quoted at 5s. 6@. For
lime juice there was a steady demand during the month,
for concentrated West Indian, at £18 5s. Kola has been
almost neglected. At auction on the 16th, 1 bag only, of
mouldy Dominica, was brought forward and disposed of at
23d. per tb.
ST. VINCENT AGRICULTURAL AND
COMMERCIAL SOCIETY.
The following account of a meeting of the St.
Vincent Agricultural and Commercial Society, held on
December 7, is taken from the St. Vincent Sentry tor
December 9, 1910.
The advisability of ensuring the timely destruction of
old cotton bushes after the annual crops, as a safeguard
against the spread of fungoid pests, was further considered
(having been discussed at two previous meetings). A unani-
mous conclusion was arrived at, that the Government be
asked to legislate for the destruction of old cotton bushes
at the end of the crop, also old isolated cotton trees found in
towns and villages, in yards and gardens, and perhaps other
trees and plants, which, harbouring cotton pests, are a source
of danger to growing crops in the neighbourhood. It was
further the desire of the meeting that the Government be
asked to submit a copy of the draft Ordinance to the Society
before it is discussed in the Legislative Council, and give
leave to the Society to make any recommendations and sug-
gestions with respect to details.
The two delegates to the recent Mail Conference at
Barbados, tee Hon’ble J. G. W. Hazell and Mr. J. E. Sprott,
submitted their report. It included the resolution forwarded
to the Secretary of State for the Colonies and the Postmaster
General; also a copy of the minutes of the Conference, printed
in book form from the report of the Barbados Agricultural
Reporter. The delegates commented on the unanimity that
prevailed throughout the proceedings, on the interest that
was generally evinced in the meetings, both by the delegates
and the public; and they quoted the remarks of the Chairman
of the Conference, who said that not within his memory had
such a representative meeting been held in the West Indies.
With reference to the eighth Agricultural Conference,
which it is proposed to hold at British Guiana from the 12th
to the 21st January, the Society accepted an invitation sent
by the Imperial Commissioner through His Honour the
Administrator, to send one or more delegates from this island.
It was understood that Mr. Sands would attend the Conference
as official representative of this colony; and Mr. F. Corea was
elected to represent the Society at the Conference.
16 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, JANUARY 7, 1911.
Barbados,—Messrs. Leacock & Co., December 2, 1910;
Messrs. T.S. Garraway & Co., December 19, 1910;
Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., December 24, 1910.
MARKET REPORTS.
London.—THe West Inpra ComMMITTEE CIRCULAR
December 6, 1910; Messrs. E. A. pE Pass & Co., Arrowroot—St. Vincent, $4°00 to $4°60 per 100 tb.
December 9, 1910.
ARROWROoT—St. Vincent, 2d. to 3jd.
BatatTa—Sheet, 3/6; block, 2/9 per tb.
Breeswax—No quotations.
Cacao—Trinidad, 53/- to 62/- per cwt.; Grenada, 49/6
to 54/-; Jamaica, 47/6 to 53/-.
CorrrE—Jamaica, 58/6 to 70/-.
Copra—West Indian, £26 10s. per ton.
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 20d. to 22d.
Fruir—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
Gincer—Common to good common, 51/- to 54/- per
ewt.; low middling to middling, 55/- to 58/-; good
bright to fine, 59/- to 65/-.
Honey—No quotations.
IstncLass—No quotations.
Liz Jutce—Raw, 8d. to 1/-; concentrated, £18 2s. 6d. to
£18 7s. 6d.; Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/6, nominal.
Locwoop—No quotations.
Mace—Firm.
Nurmecs—Quiet.
Pinenro—Common, 2;3,d.; fair, 2td.; good, 273d. per tb.
Russer—Para, fine hard, 6/04, fine soft, 5/35; fine Peru,
5/11 per tb.
Rum—Jamaica, 1/6 to 6/-.
Sucar—Crystals, 14/6 to 18/- ; Muscovado, 12/- to 14/6;
Syrup, 10/- to 15/-; Molasses, no quotations.
New York,—Messrs. Giutespie Bros. & Co., December
9, 1910.
Uacao—Caracas, ll}c. to 12c. ; Grenada, 1ljc. to 11$e. ;
Trinidad, 114c. to 11 }c. per tb.; Jamaica, no quotations.
Cocoa-Nuts—Jamaica, select, $33°00 to $34:00; culls,
$16-00 to $17°00 ; Trinidad, select, $33-00 to $34-00 ;
culls, $16°50 to $17-00 per M.
CorFrErE—Jamaica, ordinary, 13$c.;
quotations; washed, 14c. per tb.
Gincer—9c. to 12c. per Ib.
Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 56c.; Barbados and Antigua, 50c.
to 52c.; St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 48c.
to 50c. per th.
Graps-Fruit—$1°25 to $2°50 per box.
Linwes—$4°00 to $4°50.
Macre—39e. to 44c. per th.
Nurmrcs—110’s, 9c. to 10c. per tb.
Orances—Jamaica, $1°25 to $2°50 per box.
Pimento—sje. per th.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 4°05c. per lb.; Muscovados,
89°, 3°50c.; Molasses, 89°, 3°30c. per tb. all duty
paid
good ordinary, no
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., December 24,
1910.
Cacao—Venezuelan, $12°25 per fanega; Trinidad, $11:90
to $12°2d.
Cocoa-Nut Or1.—$1°12 per Imperial gallon.
Corrrr—Venezuelan, 18c. per tb.
Copra—$4°75 per 100 th.
DuHaLt—$3°70.
Ontons $4:25 to $4°50 per 100 tb.
Peas, Sprit—$6°20 to $6°25 per bag.
Poratos—English, $2°00 to $2°10 per 100 th.
Rice—Yellow, $4°30 to $4°35; White, $4°60 to $4:°65
per bag.
Svucar—American crushed, $6°20 per 100 tb.
Cacao—$11°00 per 100 tb.
Cocoa-nutTs—$22 00.
Corrre—Jamaica and ordinary Rio, $1500 to $16-00 per
100 tb.
Scarce.
Hay—$1°40 to $1°50 per 100 th.
Manures—Nitrate of soda, $65:00 ; Cacao manure, $42:00
to $48°00; Sulphate of ammonia, $70°00 to $75:00
per ton.
Mo tasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$5°50 per 100 th.
Peas, Sprit—$6°30 to $6°40 per bag of 210 th.; Canada,
$350 to $3°60 per bag of 120 th.
Poratos—Nova Scotia, $2°40 to $2°75 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam, $5:00 to $5°30; Patna, $3°50 to $3-80;
Rangoon, $2°90 to $3°00 per 100 th.
Sucar—No quotations.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wirrinc & RicutER, December
24, 1910; Messrs. SaNDBACH,
December 23, 1910.
PaRKER & Co.,
ARTICLES.
Arrowroot—St. Vincent
Batata— Venezuela block
Demerara sheet
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STARCH—
Cocoa-NUTS—
CorrEE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
DxHaLt—
Green Dhal
Eppos—
Mo tasses— Yellow
Ontons—Teneriffe
Madeira
Pras—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Poraros—Nova Scotia
Lisbon
Poratos—Sweet, Barbados
Rice—Ballam
Creole
TANNIAS—
Yams—White
Buck
Sucar—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
Timber —Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
5, Cordwood)
Messrs. WIETING
& RIcHTER.
$9-00 per 200 tb., |
wanted
32c, per Ib.
78c. per tb.
llc. per th.
96c.
$650
$10 to $16 per M.
14c per tb.
19c. per Tb.
10c. to lle. per th.
$3°80 to $4:00 per!
bag of 168 th. |
$4-00
$1-20
None
5e. to Ge. |
$6°25 to S6°50 per)
bag (210 tb.)
$425
20c. to 48e.
$2°75
$1°68 per bag
No quotation
$440 to $4:°75
$2°16 per bag
$240
$264
$2°20 to $2°40
$2°80 to $3:-00
$4-00
| $2-10 to $2°30
32c. to ddc. per
cub. foot
$3°50 to $5°75
per M.
$1°80 to $2:00
per ton
Messrs. Sanp-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$9-00
Prohibited
None
10c. to 11c. per tb.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 per M.,
peeled and
selected
16c. per tb.
\18c to 19¢.per tb.
12c. per tb.
$3°80 to $4:00 per
bag of 168 Th.
6c.
$6 “50 to $6°60
|per bag, (210 tb.)
No quotation
$2-75
No quotation
$4°80
$4°35 to $4-75
None
$2°65 to $2°80
$4:00 to $4°26
None
| 32c. to bbe. per
cub. foot
| $4:00 te $600
per M.
No quotation
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
——__—»
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
FOR THE WEST INDIES.
The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal.
Volume I, No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d,
Volumes IJ, II], IV, V, VI, VII, VIIJ, IX and X:—Price 2s. each ; Post free 2s. 8d, where complete. (III, 2; IV, 3;
and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.)
Volume XI. No, 1. Containing papers on The Control of Scale Insects in the British West Indies by Means of
Fungoid Parasites; Epizootic Lymphangitis; A New West Indian Cacao Pod Disease; Nomenclature of
Seale Insects; Notes on Lime Cultivation; The Planting of Fruit Trees; Report on a Visit to the Guanica
Central Sugar Factory, Porto Rico; Manurial Experiments with Cotton in the Leeward Islands; and ‘The
Root Development of Cotton Plants in Differsnt Soils. Price 6d. Post free, 8d.
PAMPHLET SERIES.
The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially
adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work
on sugar-cane and manures, the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation, The number issued up to the
present time is sixty-four. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print.
Sugar Inpustry. (14) Serew Worm in Cattle at St. Lucia. Price 2d.
Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (15) Plain Talk to Small Owners. Price 2d.
in 1900. No, 3, price 2d.;in 1901, No. 13, price 4d.; (16) Hints on Onion Cultivation. Price 2d.
in 1902, No. 19, price 4d.; in 1902, No. 26, price 4d.; (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d.
in 1904, No. 32, price 4d. (18) Recipes for Cooking West Indian Yams. Price 2d.
Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, (25) Ground Nuts in the West Indies. Price 2d.
in 1903-5, No. 40, price 6d.; in 1904-6, No, 44, price 6d.; (28) Barbados and Porto Rico Molasses. Price 31.
in 1905-7, No. 49, price 6d.; in 1906-8, No. 59, price 6d.; (34) Notes on Rabbit Keeping in the West Indies. Price 2d,
’
in 1907-9, No. 62, price 6d.; No. 66, price 6d, (35) Information in regard to Agricultural Banks. Price 5d.
Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, (37) Cultivation of Oranges in Dominica. Price 4d.
in 1900-1, No. 12, price 2d.; in 1901-2, No. 20, price 2d.; (38) Cultivation and Curing of Tobacco. Price 4d.
in 1902-8, No. 27, price 2d.; in 1903-4, No. 33, price 4d.; (41) Tobago, Hints to Settlers. Price 6d.
in 1904-5, No. 39, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 46, price 4d.; (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta-
in 1906-7, No. 50, price 4d.; in 1907-8, No. 56, price 4d.; tions. Price 2d.
in 1908 9, No. 63, price Gd. (45) A BC of Cotton Planting. New and Enlarged Edition,
Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, Price 61.
52
e
) Hints for School Gardens, Revised Edition. Price 4d.
3) A B C of Lime Cultivation. Price 4d.
4) Fungus Diseases of Cacao and Sanitation of Cacao Orchards,
in 1902-3, No. 30 price 4d@.; in 1903-4, No. 36, price 4d: (
in 1904-5, No. 42, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 47, price 4d.; (5
in 1906-7, No. 51, price 4d.: in 1907-8, No. 57, price 4d.; (5
in 1908-9, No. 64, price 4d. Price 4d.
Scare Lysectrs. (55) Millions and Mosquitos. Price 3d.
Scale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I. No. 7, price 4d.; (58) Insect Pests of Cacao. Price 4d.
Part II., No. 22, price 4d. (60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them. Price 4d.
GENERAL. ; (61) The Grafting of Cacao. Price 4d.
(5) General Treatment of Insect Pests, (Revised), price 4d. (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Hdition.
The above will be supplied post free for an additionai charge of 4d. for the pamphlets marked 2d., ld. for those
marked 4d., and 14d. for Nos. 40, 41, 44, 45, 49, 59, 62 and 63.
The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’. A Fortnightly Review.
The ‘Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress ana
other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony, and the progress made in
Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies.
The ‘Agricultural News’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the
local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is
2s, 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII complete, with title page and index, as issued
—Price 4s. each.— Post free, 5s. Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no
longer be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents All
applications for copies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department.
Agents.
_ The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department :—
London; Messrs. Dunau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. St. Vincent: Mr. L. S. Mosenny, Agricultural School,
Barbados : Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. M. A. Lawrence, Botanic Station.
Jamaica: Tue EpucatronaL SuppLy Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. Rt. H. Bripcewarer, Roseau,
Street, Kingston. Montserrat : Mr. W. Rozson, Botanic Station.
British Guiana: Tur ‘Datty Curonicie Orrice, Georgetown. Antigua: Mr. 8. D. Matong, St. John’s.
Trinidad - Messrs. Mutr-MarsH att & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: Toe Brpue aNp Book Surety Agency, Basseterro,
Tobago: Mr. C. L. Puacemann, Scarborough. Nevis : Messrs. HoweEtt, Bros., Charlestown,
Grenada: ‘THE Srores’ (Grenada) Limited, St. George.
You. X. No. 227. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. cae i, MiB e
THE BEST MANURES FOR GOLONIAL USE
+ ATER
Ohlendorfi’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—For Sugar-cane and general use
Ohlendorif’s Special Sugar-cane Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cocoa Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cotton Manure
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, high grades,
Potash Salts, Basic Slag and all other high-class Fertilizers,
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO :—
THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS.
London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C,.
Barbados Agents: James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
COTTON SEED MEAL.
GOTTON SEED MEAL.
Recommended by the Imperial Department of
Agriculture as a first class Feeding Stuff for Cattle,
Mules, etc. Special quotations for large quantities.
THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON
FACTORY, LIMITED,
BRIDGETOWN.
JUST ISSUED. SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS,
WEST INDIAN BULLETIN.
(Veale xas Noy 1)
Containing papers on The Control of Scale Insects in
the British West Indies by Means of Fungoid - Parasites ;
Epizootic Lymphangitis; A New West Indian Cacao Pod
Disease; Nomenclatu'e of Scale Insects; Notes on Lime
Cultivation; The Planting of TFruit Trees; Report on a Visit
to the Guanica Central Eugar Factory, Porto Rico; Manur-
ial Experiments with Cotton in the Leeward Islands; and
The Root Development of Cotton Plants in Different Soils.
To be obtained from all agents for the
sale of the Department’s publications. Price
6d.; post free, 8d.
a
Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4, High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados,
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THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS
INCREASE YOUR PROFIT.
No land in the West Indies is yielding
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Our Bulletin on Gane answers some of
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A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW
OF THE
IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. caw
VOL XG NO} 228) : BARBADOS, JANUARY 21, 1911. Prick ld,
its aims are in sympathy with the requirements of the
CONTENTS. country which it is supposed to serve, is influenced
directly by the nature of those requirements and the
Biya Pace, Work that has been done in order to fulfil them.
Examinations 31|Gleanings ... ... ... ... 28
India. Trade of, 1909-10... 24
Insect Notes :—
An Insect Pest of Cacao
Agricultural
Agriculture and Hygiene in
Grenada Schools — ... 25
3ananas, Some Methods of
Transporting eaeesy 20) in Uganda. ... -.. 26
Camphor in German East Market Reports... ... ... 32
Africa ... oo ee) aoe 21 Milk, Certification ofl... i222
Coastal Steamer Service for Notes and Comments ... 24
Trinidad) “and “Vobago: 23). y:,- aa
SS eee ones <"| Rice in British Guiana ... 31
‘olonial Fruit Show... ... 20 s
Coloni al Fruit how | Rubber from the West In-
Cotton Notes :— - MIE RT F
E i diesand British Guiana 31
A Method fer Cotton 5 ‘ 5 . :
et : = Rubber-planting in Cochin-
Selection Throughout FN: S E
. - China) Saar eee eee 20
phe Seasoms.... 02 .%. 22 Game Rolatiameieas or De
Prizesfor Peasant Cotton- SO ie Brees ce
Se as EOS Bd ges partments of Agricul-
Growing in St. Lucia 25 face Loemenes 17
West Indian Cotton ... 22) 4 PO ep a
= Students’ Corner ... ... ... 29
Department News a
Departmental Reports . 27) Sugar Industry :
Distribution of Weeds... 25) Sugar Importation into
Fungus Notes :— Japan Seiees ss.) e- 2e
The Bud-Rot Disease of Sugar-Cane Variety Ex-
Palms in India, Vart IL 30 periments im Antigua 19
Some Relationships of epart-
ments of Agricultare
to Commerce.
Se
XC (Ss HE many ways in which an agricultural
department takes part in, or has an influence
on, the different concerns in a community or
country cause its growth and progress to be guided in
an intimate manner by the conditions which surround
it. Such a department passes through the stages of
evolution proper to itself, and each of these stages, if
This manner of regarding the growth of an agri-
cultural department does not, however, afford a complete
view of the nature of its work and responsibilities: nor
does it give an adequate idea of the extent to which it
has done its part in assisting planters. In its own
evolution, 1t has been necessary that it should take part
in one or more of the stages of the evolution of other
concerns that are of common interest. This share may
hare been of a temporary nature, but one which is none
the less important, because of the necessity for it to be
taken at the particular time, and the need for the
existence of such a department for the purpose.
It is work of this kind that is most quickly
forgotten, and for which credit ceases to be given, as
the special circumstances of the case become more
remote in time. ‘his should not, however, discourage
those who are likely to become responsible for it. They
must be willing to do what is required of them, at
the proper opportunity; what is more difficult, they
must know when the stage is reached at which the
usefulness of their activities in the matter ceases; and
be ready, then, to place the results of their labours in
the hands of others, for the proper commencement of
another degree in the extension of whatever liue of
activity may have required their temporary assistance,
In returning to the consideration of the ordinary
growth of an agricultural department, it is unnecessary,
now, to review in detail the degrees in which this
usually takes place.
There are many examples which’
LIBRARY
NEW YOR!
BOTARICGA!
EN
18 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
January 21,:1911.
may be used to indicate how such an institution, from
being a means for undertaking agricultural experi-
mentation and the introduction of plants, has acquired
a rapidly increasing share in such matters as education,
the development of old industries and the acquisition of
new ones, the making of agricultural improvements, the
administration of financial assistance, the introduction of
legislation required in connexion with agriculture, and
many others, up to the stage at which 1% becomes an
authority for reference, and, a source of advice, for
the Executive.
be left for treatment in their proper connexion, and
attention may be given to the special purpose for
which this article is written.
In the present instance, all these may
- There is adequate evidence to show that those
who have undertaken the responsibility of giving
advice in agricultural matters have recognized to an
increasing degree that part of their labours should have
an immediate reference to the commerce of the coun-
tries which they serve. This has been the case
particularly in the West Indies, where so to speak,
agriculture is commerce. A large part of the work of
most of the agricultural officers in these islands 1s
directed toward giving assistance in connexion with
agricultural shows, and with the labours of permanent
exhibition committees. Agricultural loans and banks,
and schemes of land settlement—matters of direct or
indirect commercial interest—are all included in the
view which they take of their work. An interesting
and pertinent example of the connexion of the etforts
of agricultural departments with mercantile con-
cerns is the participation of the Imperial Depart-
ment of Agriculture, in the proceedings of the British
Cotton Growing Association-—the latter a commercial
agency working witha special object. If it is required,
recent evidence as to the commercial usefulness of the
agricultural worker and, through him, of the agricultural
department, is furnished in a broader way by the fre-
quency with which the former appeared as a witness
before the late Royal Commission on Trade Relations
between Canada and the West Indies,
The relationship between the work of departments
of agriculture and the interests that belong more direct-
Jy to commerce is becoming closer, particularly in tropi-
cal countries, as time progresses. That is to say, the
efforts of such departments are continually being made
to serve more intimately those interests, so that they
are now prepared to undertake work that has been
usually regarded as existing in the province of the pro-
ducer or buyer, alone—work that was undreamed of,
as part of their labours, less than a decade ago. ‘This is
not required so much in relation to old, well established
industries as in the case of those that are being inaugu-
rated, or which have, so far, reached only a small
growth. As regards the former, the producer has only,
to bring forward that which he has for disposal; in the
ease of new products, markeis where these may be sold
have to be found, and ways must be devised for extend-
ing such'as exist already. ‘It will be of interest to ren-
der, special consideration to the kind of activity that
has just been indicated.
In giving assistance in finding and extending
markets for various kinds of produce, the work of an
agricultural department must be indirect. From its
very nature, it cannot take the place ofan agent between
the sellerand the buyer. It must octupy a position in
which its work can be undertaken in a dispassionate
manner, and without bias, so that it may engage the
confidence of the consumer as well as of the supplier.
A useful way in which this position may be attained,
in a special instance, is suggested in the report* of the,
recent Royal Commission on Trade Relations between
Canada and the West Indies, which recommends the
appointment of a Trade Commissioner ‘ fully conversant
with the circumstances of the West Indies, to represent
the West Indies in Canada, who could advise the pro-
ducers of the West Indies and bring them into commun-
ication with Canadian buyers. The suggestion is
made, further, that it is desirable, ‘in order to secure
the advantages of the existing organization, that the
office should be in close association with the Imperial
Department of Agriculture. Thus the Department
would be provided with an intermediary, for the purpose
of serving the commercial interests of the West Indies
in Canada, who would have the advantage of its advice
and recommendations.
This recognition of an extended use of an agricul-
tural Department im a commercial direction forms an
illuminating example of the broad modern aspect of
the work of such institutions. Some of these extensions
will be permanent; while others will be only temporary,
as has been indicated—being merely required for
fostering a scheme at its commencement. In any case,
they form steps in the evolution of agricultural
departments, and serve to give a hint as to the many
possible directions in which their usefulness may be
developed.
ep ant I [Cd. 5369], par. 182.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 19
SUGAR-CANE VARIETY EXPERIMENTS IN
ANTIGUA.
The following report of a paper read recently by
him in Antigua has been forwarded by Mr. H. A. Tem-
pany, B. Se. :—
At a meeting of the Agricultural and Commercial
Society, Antigua, held on November 9, 1910, Mr. H. A,
Tempany, B.Se., Superintendent of Agriculture, Leeward
Islands, gave an account of the experiments which were
conducted in Antigua during the season 1909-10, by the
Department of Agriculture, with different varieties of
sugar-cane.
The trials were the eleventh series which had been made
in Antigua, and had been carried out on the same lines as in
previous years. The experimental plots had been in fields of
certain estates, viz. Cassada Garden, Bendals, Blubber
Valley, Tomlinsons, Thibous, The Diamond, Friars Hill,
Ffryes, Big Duers, and the canes under investigation
had received the same care and attention as those on the
remaining portions of the estates, so that the results from
these would be directly comparable with crop results.
The rainfall for the year had been moderately favour-
able, and the distribution fairly good, but the growing crop
received something of a check owing to the absence of
rain during the months of March and September. The total
output of sugar from the whole island was 13,415 tons; this
was greatly in excess of the previous season’s crop of 8,600
tons.
The varieties experimented with were forty-three in
number and were practically identical with those grown in
the previous season.
Of the plant canes, the following fourteen had given the
best results :—
Name of cane. Sucrose,
Pounds per Pounds per
gallon. acre.
1. Sealy Seedling 2-09 7,300
2. B.4596 1:88 7,290
3. B.208 2°30 6,540
4. B.393 2°22 6,400
5. D.625 1°83 6,360
6. D.1111 1:84 6,360
7. B.156 1:99 6,140
8. White Transparent 2-18 6,060
9. B.306 2°14 5,940
10. B.1355 2°13 5,680
TSS LDS 1:88 5,610
12. D.132 1:92 5,560
13. B.3096 1:95 5,540
14. B.1528 2°04 5,500
The results were good, and compared favourably with
the average returns for the past nine years, Sealy Seedling,
which had for a number of years taken a leading place in
these experiments, and was well known as a valuable cane,
headed the list for the past season. It was very closely fol-
lowed by B.4596—-a cane introduced into Antigua some-
what vecently—-which had given excellent results on every
occasion, and had come first in numerous experiments; this
might be recommended to planters for careful trial in Antigua.
White Transparent had taken a somewhat unusually
prominent place in the season 1909-10; it was retained in the
experiments for purposes of comparison, as it was generally
regarded as the standard cane of Antigua,
B. 1355, B. 3696 and B. 1528, varieties of recent intro-
duction, had once more given fairly good results.
Comparing the results from each station by the method
employed in the past by Dr. Francis Watts, it was found that:
B.4596 stands among the first fourteen canes on 7 stations
D.625 ” ” ” ” ” ” ” 6 ”
B.208 ” ” ” ” ” ” ” 6 ”
B.147 ” ” ” ” ” ” ” 5 ”
B.156 ” ” ” ” ” ” ” 5 ”
B.306 ” ” ” ” ” ” ” 5 ”
B.393 ” ” ” ” ” ” ” 5 ”
B 1753 ” ” ” ” ” ” ” 5 ”
B.3696 ” ” ” ” ” ” ” 5 ”
D.95 ” ” ” ” ” ” ” 5 ”
Daa 5 7 ny) ” pi pee
The yields from ratoon canes had not been as great as
the season under review would have warranted, and in all
probability this was due to the presence of the root disease
(Marasmius saccharz). The ratoon canes were those which had
been reaped during the previous season as experimental plant
canes, and were forty-two in number; B.1528 had given the
best returns, and appeared to be a good ratooning variety; while
of the newer varieties, B.1753 B.4596, D.1452 and B.3696
had taken good positicns. The following were the best four-
teen among the ratoon canes: —
Name of cane. Sucrose,
Pounds per Pounds per
gallon. acre.
1. B.1528 2°16 3,440
2. B.156 2°14 3,340
3. B.1753 1:96 3,240
4. B.147 201 3,230
5. B.4596 1:94 3,230
6. D.109 212 3,120
7. D.1452 2°20 3,020
8. B.109 20% 3,020
9. B.208 2°33 3,020
10. B.3696 1:98 2,900
11. B.306 2°15 2,900
12. B.376 1:93 2,880
13. Sealy Seedling 2-04 2,880
14, D.116 1-95 2,860
Dr. Watts’s method of comparison for the ratoon
variety results afforded the fcllowing information:—
B.4596 has come within the first fourteen on 7 stations
B.156 bh] ” ” ” ” ” ” 6 ”
B.1528 thi ” bby ” ” ” ” 3) ”
Sealy Seedling ,, ans) Set On eiles
D.1452 ” ” ” ” ” ” ” 5 ”
B.1753 bE] ””) ” ” ” ” ” 4 ”
B.109 ” ” ” 99) 39) ” Soi ”
B.208 ” ” ” ” ” ) ” 4 ”
3,306 ” ” ” ” ” ” ” 4 ”
Mr. Tempany concluded by thanking the planters and
estate owners for the active assistance’ they had rendered to
this Department, which had enabled the sugar-cane experi-
ments to be carried out, once more,’ with-success,
20 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
January 21, 1911.
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FRUITS ANDFRROIT aime eES:
THE COLONIAL FRUIT SHOW.
The following extracts are taken from an account
of the recent Colonial Fruit Show contained in the
West India Committee Circular for December 20,
1910. Reference was made to the success of Dominica
fruits and fruit products, at this show, in the last num-
ber of the Agricultural News:—
Through the courtesy of the Council of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society, the collection of citrus fruits and lime
products shown by the Permanent Exhibition Committee at
the fourteenth Colonial Fruit Show on December 1, 2, and 3,
at the Royal Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square, West-
minster, were allowed to remain on exhibition at the Society’s
fortnightly flower show on December 6. he fruit, which
included limes, shaddocks, oranges, breadfruit, and lime
products, was set out in baskets, samples selected at random
from the cases for competition being placed on plates in the
foreground for the judges, who as already announced, met
specially on December 2, to judge the Dominica exhibits,
which arrived too late for the opening day. Among the
exhibitors in this section were: ‘lhe Permanent Exhibition
Committee, the Botanic Station, the Dominica Fruit Growers’
Association, and the following estates: Castle Comfort,
Wall House, Gleau Manioc, Everton, Sylvania, Corona,
St. Aroment, Ancaster Park, and La Haut; and the follow
ing awards were made:—
The Permanent Exhibition Committee of Dominica, for
the collective exhibit, the Gold Medal of the Royal Hortieul-
tural Society.
The Botanic Station, for citrus fruits, the Silver-gilt
Hogg Memorial Medal.
St. Aroment Estate, for lime products, Silver-gilt Knigh
tian Medal.
Everton Estate, for citrus fruits, Silver Banksian Medal.
Wall House Estate, for limes, Silver Banksial Medal.
Other West Indian exhibitors at the show were the
West Indian Produce Association, of 4, Fenchurch Buildings,
who, if rumour speaks correctly, are to increase their operations
very considerably after Christmas; the Jamaica Agency, of
Gamage Buildings, Holborn, and the Roseau Valley Fruit
Company. The West Indian Produce Association showed,
as usual, almost every imaginable kind of West Indian
produce, for which they were justly awarded a Gold Medal.
The Jamaica Agency gained a Silver Knightian Medal for
citrus fruits, and the Roseau Valley Fruit Company
a Bronze Banksian Medal for colonial preserves. The
Jamaica Agency has for some time past made a speciality
of carefully packed boxes of grape fruit, mangoes, ete.
A plentiful supply of literature was distributed by the
Permanent Exhibition Committee. of Dominica, and the
sample bags of fruit marked boldly ‘ Dominica Limes’ again
turned the numerous visitors into advertising agents for that
delicious fruit.
The arrangement of the West Indian section was entrust-
ed as before to the West India Committee, whose chief
clerk, Mr. Osmond, was indefatigable in his efforts to make
the exhibition a success
The exhibition was opened by Sir Edward Grey, and it
was certainly the most successful of a long series. Among
the numerous visitors were: His Honour Douglas Young,
the Administrator of Dominica: Sir Owen Philipps; Mr. R.
Rutherford, Deputy Chairman of the West India Committee;
Lady Dorothy Neville; Sir Daniel Morris; Sir Albert K, Rollit,
Lady Burton; Lieut.-Col. F. C. Trollope; Mr. KE. L. Marshall:
Mr. H. F. Previté; Mr. Forster M. Alleyne; Mr. D.
tosh; Mr. W. G. Freeman and Mr. R. Rust.
Macin-
SOME METHODS OF TRANS-
PORTING BANANAS.
In the Journal @ Agriculture V'ropicale, No. 74, refer-
ence was made to an account, in the British and South
African Export Gazette. of a method of transporting bananas
without the employment of refrigerating chambers. The
investigations mentioned were undertaken in order to find
a cheap way of carrying bananas from South Africa, in view
of the expensive nature of cool storage, during so long a voy-
age as that to England. ‘Trials were made by the firm of
Messrs. Cockburn, Hemelryck «& Co., of London, and con-
sisted in carrying the bananas in pulverized peat. The
account stated that, after several unsuccessful attempts,
satisfactory results were obtained. Experiments had demon-
strated the necessity for picking the fruits as soon as they had
lost their green Appearance, and of packing them in a special
kind of peat which had been completely freed from all earthy
matter. The preserving action of the peat was stated to con-
sist in its possession of absorbent properties, by which it pro-
tects the fruit from external moisture, and from the decay
that results from the. presence of this.
The issue of the same paper for October 1910 makes
reference to the above account, and goes on to describe experi-
Vou. X. No.. 228.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 21
ments cf a similar nature that have been undertaken recently
with bananas from the Cameroons, and from Togo. A first
consignment in peat, unfortunately however, containing ouly
five banana fruits among several kilogrammes of fresh kola,
was sent in December 1909, from the Cameroons to Ham-
burg. On arrival, the fruits were found to be in good con-
dition, and remained in this state for several days. Equally
satisfactory results have been obtained by the administrator
of the plantations of Bibundi, in the Cameroons, who has
succeeded in exporting bananas, which arrived in good condi-
tion for the Hamburg market. It is estimated by one
authority that it will be possible to export bananas in peat,
on a commercial scale, from the Cameroons and Togo to
Hamburg, at a net profit of between $d. and 1d. per fruit.
The same article finally points out that, according to the
Natal Agricultural Journal for March 1910, in Natal, where
methodical experiments in connexion with the export of
bananas have been conducted for several years, it is consid-
ered that well-dried maize husks are superior to peat as
a medium for transporting bananas to Europe. Consignments
of the fruit, large enough to be of commercial importance,
made during last season, confirm the results of the experi-
ments. It seems that the insulating and absorbing qualities
of maize husks, together with efficient ventilation of the fruits
during the voyage, assure better conditions of transport than
those which arise from the employment of cool storage.
THE CERTIFICATION OF MILK.
A movement was begun some time ago, and is gradually
assuminga definite and established form, for placing on the mar-
ket milk certified by an outside authority to be free from all
impurities, disease germs, and other risks to the consumer.
Pasteurization, sterilization, and other methods of artificial
treatment form no part in the plan. The scheme consists of
preventive and not of curative measures. It insists upon
such provisions as will ensure wholesome milk at the outset
and avoid risk of contamination in the course of its circuitous
passage from the cow to the consumer’s table.
The Moundsmere Manor Farm in Hampshire, on which
the practicability of the system is being demonstrated, is an
important object-lesson. The ordinary cowsheds are clean
and well ventilated, but are in no way more elaborate than
those on an average farm. The distinguishing feature con-
sists in the provision of a milking shed. This building is
kept absolutely free from litter and every kind of material
that would generate dust or harbour disease germs. The
cows are placed in the shed half an hour or an hour before
milking, and turned ont either to the field or to the ordinary
sheds, as the case may be, when milking is finished. Every
cow has the udder and hindquarters thoroughly cleaned
before being milked, as a safeguard against the contamina-
tion of the milk. The same scrupulous care is taken as to
the cleanliness of the milkers, who wear overalls and wash
their hands before starting to milk, and are strictly forbid-
den to place their heads against the flanks of the cows while
milking—wise precautions against the risk of contamination
which are well understood and now observed in the manage-
ment of many herds. The milk is removed without delay to
the adjoining dairy, where it is strained, cooled, bottled and
sealed, the whole period of exposure not exceeding twenty min-
utes. The bottles are sent up to town in cases by train and deliv-
ered to the consumers, so that there is no risk of contamination
after the milk is bottled. The effect of handling the milk in
this pure atmosphere is shown in the quantity of bacteria in
the milk. Certified milk must not contain more than 10,000
bacteria per cubic centimetre, whereas the bacteria in ordinary
milk may be anything up to or over a million. . The tuber-
culine test is rigidly employed; the animals are tested twice
a year, and those that react are removed from the farm.
It may be thought at first sight that such a scheme
would present many difficulties, but there is little doubt
that these will be overcome in time. There is, of course,
the initial outlay on the farm buildings and the apparatus
necessary for the cooling and bottling of the milk and for the
transit of the bottles, and there is also the additional expense
of the certification, which is borne by the producer. For
these reasons it will not be possible to sell the milk at the
usual price. The price retail will be 8d. per quart, to start
with, and less if fairly large quantities be taken daily, so
that at present it will only be within the means of the fairly
well-to-do classes. The introduction of the system need
occasion no alarm either in producing or consuming centres.
It is not conceivable that any Government would impose
conditions that would deprive the poorer classes of their milk
supply. On the other hand, it is a public duty to see that
the milk is distributed as free from impurities and disease
germs as possible, and the system promulgated points a useful
lesson in the direction in which the authorities should aim in
improving the conditions of production and distribution.
(The Times Weekly Edition, November 18, 1910.)
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture,accomp-
anied by Mr. A. G. Howell, Chief Clerk, left Barbados
on January 16, by the S.S. ‘Parima’, for Antigua, in
order to confer with His Excellency the Governor of the
Leeward Islands on official matters. It is expected
that Dr. Watts and Mr. Howell will return by the
S.S. ‘Sobo’ on February 5, 1911.
Camphor in German East Atrica.—In a recent
number of Der Pflanzer (1910, 86) some information is given
regarding the results of a long series of distillation trials
carried out at the Biological Agricultural Institute at Amani
with cuttings from the camphor trees grown in that district.
The total number of trees available is about 3,500, mostly three-
and-a-half years old with a few one year older. These were
eut back to the extent of about one-third of their growth.
This cutting back produced no ill effects, and at the end of
the ensuing rainy season the trees had regained their original
size when cut.
The results of the distillation trials are of interest as con-
firming experience in Ceylon and elsewhere that the leaves are
richer in camphor than the wood. In the present experiments
young twigs and leaves yielded, on the average, about 1:2 per
cent. of distillate, of which 0°8 to 0°9 per cent. was camphor,
and 0°3 to 0-4 per cent. oil. The latter still retained camphor
which could be recovered in working ona large scale, so that
the yield of camphor in these experiments is estimated at 1 per
cent. Woody branches, on the contrary, yielded only 0°158 per
cent. of distillate, consisting of 0-061 per cent. camphor and
0-097 per cent. oil. In growing camphor trees, therefore, it is
pointed out that the planter’s main object should be to encour-
age leaf formation. It was found advantageous to carry on
the distillation in dry weather, as then the raw material was
drier to start with and the actual distillation could be carried
out more quickly. No certain difference could be detected in
the yield of camphor obtained from leaves and twigs collected
from trees grown at different altitudes. (Bulletin of the Im-
perial Institute, Vol. VIII, No. 3.)
22
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS January 21, 1911.
Zz =< WOTTON NOTES
7 : © eT OR Ne |
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date December 19, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
The sales of West Indian Sea Islands are confined to 20
bales of Barbados at 20d. to 203d.
The stock is exhausted, but spinners are not eager to pur-
chase, the demand for fine yarns being limited, particularly
for lace purposes, as lace is rather going out of fashion.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending December 17, is as follows:—
The market has remained very quiet throughout the
week with sales of only 50 bales off in preparation at 34c.
In the absence of demand Factors are continuing to hold, for
our previous quotations, which we have only to repeat, viz.:
Extra Fine Islands at 40c.=22d. cif. & 5 per cent.
Fully Fine ,, 37c. = 204d.
Fine 3 SDCh— WOR. eres, -
but to effect sales for quantity, we think they would
cede le. to 2c. from their asking prices.
” ” ” ”
”
con-
A METHOD FOR COTTON SELECTION
THROUGHOUT THE SEASON.
The first part of an article on this subject, consist-
ing of extracts from Circular No, 66 of the Bureau of
Plant Industry of the United States Department of
Agriculture, which was issued during August 1910,
was given in the last number of the 4 gricultwral News.
The present article furnishes the rest of the information
that is of more particular interest to cotton growers in
the West Indies.
SELECTION BY BOLL CHARACTERS. If the farmer is
engaged in the selection of a big-boll variety of upland cotton,
such as the Triumph, most of the degenerate plants are very
easy to recognize, because they have small bolls. This fact
becomes most apparent in unselected fields about the middle
of the season, soon after the earlier bolls have reached full
size, but before they begin to open. A little search will
show that some of the plants are producing only small bolls.
Some small bolls can be found, of course, on normal large-
bolled plants, just as small or defective apples can be found
on a large-fruited tree. Plants that appear in a_big-boll
variety, but produce only small bolls, no longer represent the
variety, but are to be looked upon as definite variations away
from the variety. The plants that depart from the charac-
SS
/ AYO
=~ f
iy
ters of the parent variety are mostly very inferior; but even
if they are not inferior, they ought to be taken out of the
variety to avoid a further increase of diversity through the
formation of hybrids.
The shapes, colours, and surfaces of the bolls also afford
differences, of very little importance in themselves, but very
useful as indicators jn selection to maintain uniformity.
Indeed, it is possible in a great majority of cases to judge
the quality of the lint correctly in advance by looking at the
bolls of a plant, after one is sufticiently familiar with the
variety. Plants with shorter bolls are likely to have shorter
lint, while narrower bolls indicate less abundant lint. Any
pronounced difference in the shape of the bolls can be taken
to indicate that the plant is a variation or a hybrid that
ought to be removed, and the same is true of differences in
the colour or in the character of the surface of the bolls.
Selection by boll characters is not as effective as selec-
tion by leaf and stem characters, because the inferior plants
have already flowered, and there has been an opportunity
for their pollen to be spread about the field. Nevertheless,
if the boll selection be made early enough, much of the
spreading of pollen in the latter part of the season can
be avoided. An advantage of boll selection is the oppor-
tunity that it gives to become better acquainted with the
leaf and stem characters of degenerate plants, and better
ability to detect such plants early in the season in following
years. If selection is deferred until the crop is ripe, the
external differences of the plants will have become much less
apparent,
SELECTION BY SEED AND LINT CHARACTERS. More time
is required for the last selection, in which attention is given
to the fertility of the plants and to the characters of the lint
and seed. The labour will have been greatly lessened by the
previous roguing out of all the plants that gave external evi
dence of tendencies to depart from the uniform type of the
variety, either in the habits of growth, in the characters of the
leaves, or in the size and shape of the bolls. Plants that show
themselves deficient in fertility, or in earliness, in comparison
with their neighbours, can also be omitted from the last
selection. The examination of the lint is thus narrowed down
to the plants that have appeared satisfactory in all other
respects. Many planters have made a practice of noticing
ditferences in lint, and are already well qualified to perform
this kind of selection.
The length and abundance of the lint are compared in
the field by the familiar process of straightening it out from
the sides of the seed, either by pulling between the thumb
and finger or by using a small comb. One or more samples
of the combed out lint from different plants can be held
between the fingers of the left hand and thus carried along
for ready comparison, ‘The strength of the lint is judged in
Vou. X.’ No. 228.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 23
the field by breaking the combed out strands while held be-
tween the thumbs and first fingers of the two hands. Any
plant is rejected that shows itself distinctly inferior to its
neighbours in length, strength, or abundance.
USE OF PROGENY ROWS IN SELECTION. Selection of
a high-grade variety of cotton can be somewhat simplified and
also rendered more effective if the farmer is willing to take
the additional precaution of saving the seed of each selected
plant separately, in order to planta part of it in a separate row
the following season.
The use of the progeny rows* enables an additional pre-
caution to be taken to guard the purity of a good stock by
holding over a part of the seed from which each of the progeny
rows has been planted. If any of the rows should prove to be of
exceptional merit, it is possible to go back to the reserved
seed of the parent of the best row, and sow it in a separate,
isolated plot, in the next season, as the foundation of a special
strain, descended from a single superior plant.
Planters of Sea Island cotton are accustomed to the plan
of narrowing their selection down to a single superior plant.
They multiply the seed from this plant for two or three years
in separate seed plots, to secure enough for field planting.
The very high quality and unusual uniformity of the Sea
Island cotton are to be ascribed largely to the method of
selection that has been followed.
concLesions. The full possibilities of improving the
cotton crop cannot be realized until the work of selection is
carried out on every farm, and becomes established as a regular
part of the care of the crop. The only adequate alternative
is the purchase of selected seed from a careful neighbour, who
maintains his selection and produces a uniform crop.
One of the most important advantages of the plan of
raising cotton for seed in a separate field or plot, is that the
farmer is likely to give the plants more attention, and thus
become more familiar with the characteristics of the variety
that the plants represent. Such familiarity is necessary in
order to qualify the farmer or the breeder to establish and
maintain the uniformity of the variety by selection.
Though much of the undesirable diversity of the crop
can be ascribed to the mixture of varieties, it is not possible
to keep any variety uniform without continued selection.
Spontaneous changes to inferior characters occur even in the
most uniform varieties; and if such variations are not removed,
the uniformity of the stock is gradually destroyed.
A farmer who knows his variety well enough can make
use of the external characters for the removal of inferior
plants early in the season, when this work can be done more
easily and efliciently than by waiting for the lint and seed
characters at the end of the season.
Attention to the external characters makes it possible to
detect degenerate plants—those that will produce small bolls
and inferior lint, even before they have begun to flower. The
roguing out of such plants early in the season guards the
uniformity of the crop by preventing the cross-fertilization of
good plants with pollen of inferior individuals,
The cotton plant is extremely susceptible to influences
of soil and climate. Each variety shows a wide range of
differences under different conditions, and the proportion of
degenerate plants—those that make definite changes away
from the characters of the variety—is also influenced by the
conditions under which the plants grow.
The popular idea that persistent selection will bring
about a continued improvement in a pure-bred variety is now
questioned in the scientific world, but this does not affect the
agricultural importance of selection as a means of preserving
the uniformity and productiveness of varieties,
* See Agricultural News, Vol. 1X, p. 70.
PRIZES FOR PEASANT COTTON-
GROWING, ST. LUCIA.
The following summary of the report on the recent
cotton-growing competition, held under the auspices of
the St. Lucia Agricultural Society, is taken from
a report of a meeting of that Society, held on Decem-
ber 14, which is given in the Voice of St. Lucia,
December 17, 1910. The judges were Mr. J. C. Moore,
Agricultural Superintendent, and Mr. R.C. Niles, School-
master at the Agricultural School :—
Mr. J. C. Moore handed in his report on the examina-
tion of cotton plots in the island, entered for competition
under the prize scheme of the St. Lucia Agricultural Society
in 1910.
According to the report, ninety-six plots had been examin-
ed. Of these:—
4 plots ranged from 3 to 5 — acres
1 ‘ ” ” ” 1 ” 35 LP)
1 3 ,
14 ” ” ” or ” 4 acre
26 ie 2
= ” 0) ? 3D ”
9 ” y 5)
25 ,, too small, or poor, to be marked
10 ,, with no cotton at all.
The total area of cotton examined was about 56
acres. The work of examining the various plots was done
between October 17 and December 12 by Mr. J. C. Moore
and Mr. Niles.
The report contained, besides, a detailed account of the
marking, in which were indicated in numerical order the
names of persons who appeared to come within the range of
merit to qualify as possible prize winners.
The Chairman, in warmly thanking Mr. Moore in the
name of the Society, said that the able report which they had
before them showed that Mr. Moore must have given himself
a great deal of trouble, judging from the number of plots
examined, and also taking into consideration the distance
that had been travelled over. He asked that the honorar-
ium of £10 which had been voted at the general meeting of
September 2 last, as a fee to the judges, be paid to them for
their services. This was agreed to.
Coastal Steamer Service for Trinidad and
Tobago.—The Commercial Intelligence Branch of the
Board of Trade are notified by the Crown Agents for the
Colonies that tenders are invited for the performance of
a coastal steamer service round and between the islands of
Trinidad and Tobago, by two vessels of not less than 850
tons and 500 tons gross register, respectively, steaming at
a rate of not less than 9 knots an hour. The contract will
be for a period of not less than five, or more than fifteen,
years, from March 19, 1913. Tenders will be received by the
Colonial Secretary, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, up to Decem-
ber 30, 1911.
The maximum rates of freight and of passage to be
charged by the contractors will be specified. Subject to
certain restrictions, the contractors will be at liberty to use
the steamers for their own work, when not engaged in the
work to be performed. Facilities as regards the use of
wharves and jetties will be afforded by the Government of
Trinidad.
Tender forms, with copy of proposed contract time table
and schedules of maximum freight and passage rates, may be
obtained from the Crown Agents for the Colonies, White-
hall Gardens, London, S.W. (Zhe Board of Trade Journal,
November 24, 1910.)
24 _ THE AGRICULTURAL
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
ommissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘ Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co., 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s, 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
Vou. X.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21,1911. No. 228.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Contents of Present Issue.
The editorial of the present number treats of
Some Relationships of Departments of Agriculture to
Commerce. It shows how the energies of such depart-
ments may be expended in many diverse ways, even
though the particular phases of such expenditure in
various directions may often be temporary.
A presentation of the results of recent sugar-cane
variety experiments in Antigua is made on page 19.
The second of the articles describing a method for
cotton selection throughout the season is given on pages
Z ¢ . . s c
22 and 23, as was promised in the last issne.
The Insect Notes, on page 26, contain an account
of an insect pest of cacao in Uganda. The blocks for
Figs. 2 and 3 have been used by permission of the
United States Department of Agriculture.
On page 27, a review is given of the report on the
Botanic Station, ete., St. Vincent, for 1909-10.
The Fungus Notes are presented on page 30. They
contain the second, and concluding, article dealing with
work that has been done recently in connexion with
the bud-rot disease of palms in India.
The results of the Intermediate and Final Examin-
ations, held in connexion with the Courses of Reading
of the Department, on November 7, 1910, are given on
page 31.
NEWS. January 21, 1911.
Sugar Importation into Japan.
Diplomatic and Consular Reports No. 4511
Annual Series deals with the trade of Japan during the
year 1909. Among other matters, to some of which refer-
ence has been made already in the Agricultural News
(Vol. IX, pp. 315, 329 and 408), it shows that the total
imports of sugar into that country during 1909 had
a value of £1,564,600. The greater portion of this was
drawn from Java, which provided an amount worth
£1,226,500, or over £524,000 less than in the preceding
year. Of the other countries for which definite figures
are given, the Philippines come next with £46,000,
closely followed by Hong Kong (export sugar) with
£31,600.
The greatest efforts are being made at the present
time to extend the sugar industry of Formosa, so that in
a few years it may happen that Japan will be able to
obtain all the sugar and sugar-cane products required
by her from her own possessions, including Formosa.
That these efforts exist is shown by the fact, among
others, that the exports of sugar from Formosa to Japan
during 1909 were 121,000 tons, as against 46,000 tons
in the preceding year.
ee py A
The Trade of India, 1909-10.
A review of the trade of India for the year ending
March 31, 1910, by the Officiating Director-General of
Commercial Intelligence, has been issued recently. An
article on this appears in the Journal of the Royal
Society of Arts, for November 18, 1910, from which the
following matters of more general interest are taken.
The trade during the year showed a marked im-
provement, and there are signs that the depression that
has existed in India for some time is coming to an end.
During 1909, large advances took place in the total
value of imports into the United Kingdom, France,
Germany, Belgium and the United States, and the
amount of the exports is much higher in the case of
all but tbe last-mentioned country. An exception-
ally favourable monsoon was experienced in 1909, so
that the total outturn exceeded the estimates, in the
case of jute, by 14 per cent.; other increases above the
estimates were as follows: cotton 22 per cent., wheat 26,
rice 43, the chief oil seeds 24 and 44 per cent. The
opinion is given that the restoration of industrial activ-
ity 9 India, and the development of internal trade, can
only be assured by a continuance of general agricul-
tural prosperity in that country.
The amounts of beet and cane sugar imported into
India increased by about 44 per cent. in quantity, and
55 per cent. in value. The supply of beet sugar is
obtained chiefly from Austria-Hungary, while cane-
sugar chiefly comes from Javaand Mauritius. The state-
ment is made that the potentiality of India as a sugar
producer is decreased by the following circumstances,
among others: the difficulty of concentrating cultivation
around central! factories; and the nature of the demand,
which is practically restricted to that for molasses and
low grade sugar, produced in wasteful and primitive
ways,
THE AGRICULTURAL
Lo
Or
NEWS
The exports that show the greatest advances are
wheat and wheat-flour, pulses and millets, seeds, raw
cotton and raw wool; the only decreases of any account
occur in regard to raw jute, indigo and coffee. As
regards cotton, reckoning on the average of the three
years ended 1908-9, the share of this product was 30
per cent. of the total value of raw materials exported
from India; while in 1909-10 the proportion came to
374 per cent., so that raw jute was supplanted by raw
cotton, in its former place as the most important article
exported.
Of the chief countries that trade with India, the
United Kingdom occupies the first position, and the
total value of this trade rose from £75,000,000 to
£81,000,000. Next come the principal foreign countries
in the following order: Germany, China, United States,
Japan, Belgium, France, Java and Austria-Hungary.
The general revival of the trade of Indiais reflected
to some extent in the fact that, while the net imports
of silver decreased considerably, those of gold exceeded
162 million pounds sterling, which is the highest total
ever recorded, and that there was an increase of 7°7
per cent. inthe aggregate tonnage of shipping entering
and clearing at Indian ports, over the quantities for
the preceding similar period.
ee
Practical Agriculture and Sanitation and
Hygiene in Grenada Schools.
According to the Grenada Government Gazette for
December 15, 1910, Rule 128 of the Grenada Primary
Education Code, which defines the conditions under
which bonuses may be given to head teachers from any
special sum voted from public revenue for such purposes,
has been amended by the addition of provisions having
a general effect, as follows.
A special bonus, as a lump sum of money, shall be
paid to the head teacher of a combined school for efti-
cient instructior in Practical Agriculture and Sanitation
and Hygiene, provided that, where classes contain less
than twelve pupils, the amount to be paid shall not
exceed one-half of that which would otherwise be
awarded.
Necessary conditions to the making of the grant
will be the possession of a school garden, of a standing
satisfactory to the Board of Education, and the teaching
of the subject by a properly qualified teacher. It is
left to the discretion of the Inspector of Schools, in
cases where no gardens exist, to permit the qualifica-
tions to be fulfilled by the giving of adequate instruc-
tion with plants in boxes, tubs, or pots.
The teaching of agriculture may now be under-
taken by teachers who gained First Rank in the exam-
mation held after the Courses of Lectures delivered
under the auspices of the Imperial Department of Agri-
culture, in 1900. Other teachers will have to quality
themselves at an annual examination held for the pur-
pose, of which due notice will be given; such examination
will be held under the direction of the President of the
Board of Education.
The rule made by the Board of Education on May
21, 1909, which was passed by the Legislative Council
on August 6, of the same year, is hereby rescinded.
ee
Rubber Planting in Cochin-China.
An account of the measures that are being taken
by the Government of Cochin-China for the purpose of
encouraging the rubber industry in that country appears
in the issue of the Dépéche Coloniale for November 15,
1910. The grant of concessions, for plantations having
soil consisting of the so-called ‘red earth’ have been
recently subjected to new regulations. Such conces-
sions are now only made in certain provinces on the
undertaking that the land is used for the planting of
rubber. All holders of concessions are bound to plant,
each year, at least one-tenth of their holdings, if these
are less than 500 hectares (1,250 acres) in area, and
one-twentieth if the area is greater than this. The
minimum number of trees per hectare is 120, and the
planter only enters into complete possession of the
land granted to him when half of this is growing rub-
ber trees.
Ee
The Distribution of Weeds.
A short note on the various methods by which
weeds may be distributed is given in Nature for
October 27,1910, This contains an interesting instance
of a way in which such distribution may take place, in
connexion with the exhibition of commercial activity.
It appears that, a few months ago, an advertise-
ment resembling a paper butterfly was distributed in
various countries, including Australia. Affixed to this
was the burr of the burdock (Arctium Lappa), which
apparently was attached for purposes of novelty and
attraction. The Agricultural Gazette of New South
Wales, for August 2, 1910, has the following statement
with reference to this: ‘The Chief Quarantine Officer
for Plants has informed the Under-Secretary for Agri-
culture of a most extraordinary method whereby an
objectionable weed might be broadcasted throughout
the State. It appears that, as an advertising medium,
some printed paper, representative ofa flying insect, has
been sent to Australia, and the genius who invented
this particular style of advertisement, in an endeavy-
our to make it more realistic or uncommon, had
attached to each specimen the burr or seed of the
noxious weed burdock (Arctium Luppa). The authori-
ties in Western Australia had called the attention of
the Director of Quarantine to the use to which the
burr of this noxious weed was being put. It is need-
less to say that business firms stopped the issue of the
advertisement under notice as soon as they knew there
was a serious objection to its use.’
This forms a notable illustration of the unsuspected
ways in which harmful plants may be introduced into
a new country, and furnishes an argument for the exer-
cise of vigilance in regard to this matter, especially
where agriculture is the staple industry of a country.
26 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
INSECT NOTES.
AN INSECT PEST OF CACAO IN UGANDA.
In a previous number of the Agricultural News (Vol.
IX, p. 42), certain insect pests known in Uganda were men-
tioned. The following notes on the cacao fruit fly are
prepared from an account recently received from Mr. C. C.
Gowdey, Entomologist to the Government of Uganda.
It may be mentioned that fruit flies occur in the West
Indies, but are not often sutticiently abundant to cause much
damage. Up to the present time, however, cacao has not
been known to be attacked by these insects, and it may be
of interest to record the fact that such attacks are known
elsewhere.
The fruit flies belong to the order
Diptera, and the family Trypetidae. The
Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata)
—a most important pest in many parts of the
the world-—and the Mexican orange worm
(Trypeta ludens) are near relations of the
cacao fruit fly of Uganda (Ceratitis punctata).
The Mediterranean fruit fly and the Mexicane
orange worm were discussed, and figures were
given in the Agricultural News, Vol. VII,
p. 410.
The accompanying figures are reproduced
here in order to convey to readers of the
Agricultural News an idea of the general
appearance of insects of this kind. e
DESCRIPTION AND LIFE-HISTORY. The
cacao fruit fly attacks the ripening pods of
cacao, the eggs being laid under the peel of
the pod in a puncture made by the short
ovipositor.
The eggs are colourless, and so very minute that it is
possible to find them only when the actual deposition has
been observed. The young larvae emerge from the eggs in
from twelve to fifteen days, and immediately begin tunnell-
ing into the pod,and feed on the pulp surrounding the
seeds, preventing the normal development of these. ‘he
maggots, as the larvae of Diptera §
are generally called, are footless,
colourless, twelve-segmented grubs
with prominent, dark-coloured man-
dibles. They are very active, leap- ,
ing great distances. When fully?
grown, they measure about $-inch
in length. Full growth is attained
in from fifty-five to sixty days; in
an exceptional case it required only
forty-five days. The maggot now
undergoes a metamorphosis, result-
ing in the formation of a puparium.
This metamorphosis takes place
in the soil at a depth of about
2 inches, at the base of the trees.
The puparium varies in colour from
white to pale brown; it is barrel-
shaped, and the segmentation is still apparent. The
puparial stage, which is the inactive period, lasts from
fifteen to seventeen days. From the puparia, the adults
emerge and the life-cycle begins again. The ground colour
of the adult is yellowish-white; eyes red, purplish in some
lights; thorax beautifully striped and spotted: abdomen,
except basal segment, spotted and with black bristles at
apex; wings with fuscous bands and dark spots. The
ike 2),
MEXICAN
(Trypeta ludens.)
a, larva, e, puparium.
Fic. 3. Mexican ORANGE Worm.
(T'rypeta ludens.)
Adult female.
January 21, 1911,
life-cycle requires from seventy-seven to ninety-two days for
completion. The adults feed on any sweet substance which
may be available.
NUMBER OF GENERATIONS. There is no sharply defined
season between the broods; their appearance is continuous.
Breeding is carried on without interruption as long as food is
available, since in Uganda there is not a range of tempera-
ture sufficiently great to make a period of hibernation
imperative.
FOOD PLANTS. The eggs are deposited in several varie-
tics of fruit, including the mango, guava, melons, and
passion-fruit. There is usually, therefore, some kind of
fruit available for the insect throughout the year, allowing
an uninterrupted succession of broods. Instances are on
record, however, tn which the succession of fruit was broken
and yet the appearance of the fly was
continuous. This fact may be accounted
for either by assuming that the insects
have unknown wild food plants, or that
any one or all of the stages can exist
longer without food than is at present
known. In either case, the cireumstan-
ces are beyond control, and necessitate
4 a means of destruction of the flies as
soon as they appear on cultivated fruits.
: CONTROL MEASURES. The fact that
the adult fly feeds on sweet substances
makes possible the use of a poison bait
as a means of control. The most satis-
factory poison bait is prepared by using
the following: —
Sugar 3 tb
ORANGE WorM. 2 - Stes
RANGE WorM Arsenate of lead 4b.
Water 5 gallons.
This mixture may be applied by means
of a syringe or sprayer, and should be kept thoroughly
stirred, to prevent the arsenate of lead from settling.
A thin film of this solution of poison and sweetness, spread
over the leaves of the plant when the adult flies are abund-
ant, has been found very useful.
Burning and burying the infested pods are also recom-
mended. If the latter course is
adopted, the pods should be covered
by at least 2 feet of earth.
It does not seem that the
™, Uganda cacao fruit fly is at all
“likely to be introduced into the West
Indies, but it would be well for cacao
planters and others to realize the
possibility of such an introduction;
while the recognition that a pest of
the character of the one under dis-
cussion is known to attack cacao
should make it possible to recognize
and to check similar attacks, if they
should be experienced.
An interesting illustration of the
increasing importance that is being attached to the control
of insects by parasitic forms of them is given in the Hntomo-
logical News tor January 1911 (Vol. XXII, No. 1). It is
stated there that two investigators attached to the Bureau
of Entomology of the United States Department of Agri-
culture are being sent to Panama, during this month, for the
purpose of searching for parasites of the citrus white fly (A/ey-
rodes citri), and of the cotton boll weevil and allied species,
REPORT ON THE BOTANIC STATION, AGRI
CULTURAL SCHOOL, LAND SHEITLEMENT
SCHEME, AND OF THE GOVERNMENT VETERI-
NARY SURGEON, ST. VINCENT, 1909-10.
At the beginning of this report, it is shown that the
amount expended from local funds on the Agricultural
Department, St. Vincent, during 1909-10, was £707 15s.
Besides this, £58 4s. 2d. was spent during the year, from the
unexpended balance on March 31, 1909, of the Imperial
Grant-in-aid. The sum of £14 12s. 6d. was received from
the sale of plants, seeds and produce at the Botanic Station.
The accounts of the condition of the garden and of the
nurseries show that the usual work in these has been con-
tinued. In regard to the former, interesting facts concerning
several useful and ornamental plants that are growing there
are given. The distribution from the nurseries included
4,864 economic plants, comprising cacao, nutmegs, cinnamon
and grafted mangoes, and miscellaneous plants to the number
of 6,917. In addition to these, quantities of various kinds
of produce and vegetable seed were sent out.
The rainfall at the Botanic Station was 105°45 inches,
and this was well distributed. The average rainfall at this
station for the past sixteen years is 105-31 inches. A table
giving the monthly rainfall for the past eleven years, as well
as the average for each month, shows that June is the wettest
month, and April the driest. A matter of interest is that an
average of over 3°75 inches was received during each month
of the year, in the eleven years under consideration.
The report on the Botanic Station includes an interest-
ing account of the progress that has been made in the matter
of the introduction of implemental tillage in St. Vincent.
The details in connexion with the introduction are given as
Appendix I to the report. It may be stated that information
on this subject has been presented in the Agricultural News,
Vol. IX, pp. 3, 35 and 124.
One of the most striking features of the report is an
account of the cotton industry of St. Vincent, in which it is
shown that the total estimated value of the industry since
1903-4—the year in which Sea Island cotton growing was
introduced—has been £118,571; of this amount, £26,775
is credited to the year under review. The years for the largest
amounts of cotton to be exported were the two previous ones,
namely 1907-8 and 1908-9; in the former of these the value
of the industry was £30,787, and in the latter £29,878. In
the total amount mentioned above, the value of the part con-
tributed by Sea Island cotton is estimated at £110,991,
although a separate record for this has only been kept dur-
ing the last six years. The yield of Sea Island lint per acre
in 1909-10 was greater than that in the two preceding years,
namely 141 tb; it did not, however, come up to the yields of
1905-6 and 1906-7, which were about 174 lb. The increase
in yield during the period under report is attributed to the
favourable nature of the ripening season, and to the more
thorough cultivation of the crop. The work of the Central
Cotton Ginnery has been continued, with very useful results.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
bo
7
A final matter of interest is that an Ordinance was passed
during the year to further regulate the purchase of cotton,
and having for its object the suppression of cotton stealing,
In the starch industry, the chief concern is arrowroot,
which attained a total export value of £32,801 in 1909.
This starch is being superseded by other kinds, and a limited
demand has caused a serious lowering of prices. In order
to enable producers to obtain a fair price for arrowroot,
arrangements have been made for the collection of a tax of
6d. per barrel by the Government on all exportations, with
the object of providing funds which shall be employed in
obtaining new markets for this product.
The cacao industry shows steady progress; 241,294 tb,
was exported in 1909, as against 218,644 Ib. in the preced-
ing year. This is the largest quantity since 1897, when
it was 264,102 Ib.
The expenditure on the Agricultural School was
£540 3s. 1ld., so that £44 16s. lld. was saved from the
vote of £585 from Imperial Funds.
The reports on the half-yearly examinations of the
pupils, held by the Imperial Department of Agriculture, show
that satisfactory work is being done at the school, and it is
interesting to note that the book prize awarded by the
Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture to the boy who passes
the best examination in the schools at Dominica, St. Lucia
and St. Vincent has always been won by a candidate from
the last-mentioned institution.
The report on the Agricultural School concludes with
several miscellaneous matters of interest, chiefly relating to
insect pests and insect control by parasites.
As is usual, a report is made by the Agricultural Instrue-
tor on the Land Settlement Scheme and Agricultural Instrue-
tion, This consists mainly of a general account of the routine
work of this officer. It shows, among other matters, that
the distribution of economic plants, free from the Botanic
Station to allottees under the Land Settlement Scheme, was
3,504, by far the largest proportion of these being cacao. In
regard to implemental tillage, the importation of mechanical
cultivators by planters is mentioned, and the opinion is given
that satisfactory results will be experienced as a consequence
of this.
The concluding part of the report is taken up by an
account of the work of the Government Veterinary Surgeon dur-
ing the year under review. The cost of this was £581 2s, Td;
while £14 18s. 1d. was received for exportation certifi-
cates and vaccination of stock. The number of ears examined
at the laboratory was 564, and there were, in addition, 265
blood smears made from ears taken to police stations in the
country. The number of head of stock fully treated with
anthrax vaccine was 4,879, including 3,898 cattle, 123 horses
27 mules, 130 asses, 189 sheep, 273 goats and 239 pigs.
Difficulty is being experienced in ensuring that the first
inoculation will be followed by a second, in all cases. The
number of certificates for the importation of stock that were
issued was 392, as against 215 in 1908-9... This part of the
report concludes with eleven tables giving interesting stat-
istical information.
Reference has been made already to Appendix I, contain-
ing an account of the introduction of implemental tillage into
St. Vincent. This is followed by two further appendixes dealing
respectively with the regulations made during the year, under
the authority of the Cattle Diseases Prevention Act, 1869,
and with an extract from the Annual Report of the Inspector
of Schools, for 1909-10, having reference to object lessons and
agricultural teaching in elementary schools in St. Vineent,
28 THE
AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
JaNuARY 21, 1911,
GLEANINGS.
During the month of December, 1910, 15,275 cane
cuttings, 1,500 lime plants, and 77 miscellaneous plants
were distributed from the Antigua Botanic Station.
The report on the Agricultural Department of the Gold
Coast for 1909 shows that trials with the sugar-cane seedlings
B.147 and B.208 are being conducted at the Agricultural
Stations at Coomassie and Tamale.
The Agricultural Instructor, Tortola, reports that the
condition of the cotton crop in the Virgin Islands is good;
cotton stainers have done some damage, but no trouble is
being experienced with caterpillars. Sugar-canes and limes
are making fair growth.
A report from Havana, issued in October 1910, states
that the total production of sugar in Cuba during the year
was 1,804,349 tons; the amount for 1909 was 1,515,582 tons.
The quantity of sugar that had been shipped from Cuba to
the United Kingdom by the end of September was 119,418
tons; that to the United States was 1,565,084 tons.
It is announced for general information that Mr. F,
Cecil Laurie, of Bridgetown, Barbados, is prepared to provide
and pack seedling cane plants, and all fruit, root, vegetable
and flower plants procurable in Barbados, for export to all
parts of the world. Correspondence should be addressed to
Mr. Laurie at Dayrell’s Road, St. Michael, Barbados.
It is reported by the Curator of the Botanic Station,
Montserrat, that a good cotton crop is practically assured in
that island; half of this had been reaped by the end of
November last. Good yields are being obtained, both on
estates and smal] holdings, the cotton from which has been
cleaned more effectively than has been the case in past years.
A report received from the Agricultural Department,
St. Kitts, shows that the condition of the sugar-cane crop in
that island is good on the whole, an improvement having
resulted from the rain received during December. It is stated,
further, that the greater part of the cotton crop has been
reaped, with good results, and that there is every prospect of
a large output.
The following appears among the agricultural notices in
the St. Lucia Gazette for December 24, 1910: ‘ Planters who
experience any difficulty in controlling insect pests or diseases
in their plantations, or in obtaining the necessary spraying
materials and appliances for use, are invited to communicate
with the Agricultural Superintendent, who will advise, and if
necessary lend a suitable spraying machine.’
With reference to the third paragraph above, the
Agricultural Instructor, Tortola, also reports that the Cotton
Factory was opened for the purchase of seed-cotton on
November 4. As the season is late in the Virgin Islands,
cotton has been coming in slowly; up to the time of writing,
seed-cotton equal to about 10 bales of 200 tb. had been
bought, and this appeared to be of excellent quality.
The growth of the sugar-cane crop of Antigua during
last month was fair, on account of the greater rainfall; never-
theless, according to a report by the Curator of the Botanic
Station, the crop is decidedly late. The flower-bud maggot
of cotton appeared in some of the fields in the middle of the
month, and is spreading to some extent, but not sufficiently
to prevent the assurance of a good first crop of cotton, on
most of the estates.
The Agricultural Board of Grenada is making arrange-
ments for ensuring an early supply of Hevea seed, for plant-
ing during this year, by placing an order with growers in
Ceylon before April 30, next. Planters who intend to obtain
seed for the coming season, through the Board, are therefore
requested to inform the Superintendent of Agriculture as to
the number required by them, before March 31, 1911, after
which date no orders can be taken.
It is announced that a work entitled Cane Sugar, by
Noel Deerr, the author of Sugar and the Sugar-Cane, will be
issued during the present month. The volume will contain
over 600 pages, and will deal with the sugar-cane from an
agricultural and manufacturing point of view, and with the
analysis of sugar-house products. A chapter on the fermenta-
tion of molasses will be also included. The price of the book
is stated to be £1 2s.
According toa report by the Superintendent of Agri-
culture, Barbados, for December last, the condition of the
sugar crop is fairly good; although in some districts, where
the rainfall has been below the average, the ratoon canes are
showing unsatisfactory growth, and many of them are suffer-
ing from root disease. Cotton is being picked as quickly as
labour conditions will allow; picking is being retarded to some
extent by slight showers.
According to the Journal de St. Petershourg, of November
13, the cotton produced in Turkestan is to some extent dis-
placing American cotton, not only at Moscow, but also on the
Petersburg and Narva markets. Everything points to an
increase in the supplies of cotton from this source, and to
meet this eventuality the Committee of the Moscow Bourse
has decided to organize at Moscow a Central Cotton Depot,
at which all Turkestan cotton may be warehoused, and thence
distributed. (The Board of Trade Journal, December 8, 1910.)
Rice is by far the most important export of Indo-China,
as well as the chief food of its inhabitants. The total quan-
tity of rice and paddy of all sorts exported in 1909, as given
by the Customs, was 1,081,897 tons, valued at £5,913,024;
of this, 3,352 tons were re-exported after temporary admission
for milling at Saigon. The area under rice cultivation in
Cochin-China bas increased from about 2,000,000 acres in
1888 to about 3,800,000 acres at the present time; in Ton-
quin about 2,000,000 acres are said to be under rice.
(From Diplomatic and Consular Reports, No. 4596 Annual
Series. )
Vor, X.- No. 228.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 29
STUDENTS’ CORNER,
AGRICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS.
On another page of this issue of the Agricultural News,
the results are presented of the Intermediate and Final
Examinations held in connexion with the Courses of Reading
of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, on November 7,
last. It is the purpose of the present article to deal with the
questions and answers in the former of these examinations,
with the object of giving candidates assistance in their future
work.
Dealing firstly with the paper in general agricultural
science in the Intermediate Examination, it may be said that
fairly good answers were obtained, generally, to the first two
questions, which had reference to the addition of nitrogen to
the soil, and the relation of plants and animals to the
atmosphere. In regard to the former, the work in practice
was usually made to refer to the employment of green dress-
ings, but it was rare that any account was given of the ways
in which the best conditions may be brought about for
nitrogen fixation by scil organisms. Most of the candidates
understood that the question had no reference to nitrifying
bacteria. (juestion 3 should have been approached ina broad
manner, starting with the consideration of the kinds of tillage
that are given with the fork, and with the hoe and rake, and
passing from these to the mechanical implements that are
employed to do the work. (Questions 4 and 5 required
descriptive answers, and these often showed too much of the
direct influence of the text-book; the latter part of question 5,
referring to the ensuring of pollination in the case of some
given agricultural product, was answered badly, The replies to
question 6 were disappointing, except in one case—the only
one in which an adequate working out was given of the
problem to decide which was the cheaper manure; the latter
part of the question, which had to do with the other consider-
ations than price that would have to be taken into account,
in deciding which of the manures to use in any given instance,
was answered incompletely, in most cases, as there was very
little reference to the needs of plants, and the possible effects
of the manures on the soil.
Questions 7, 8 and 9 received fair answers, generally; as
regards the first, however, no candidate showed that he had
a proper knowledge of what is meant by the albuminoid
(or nutritive) ratio of foods. The descriptions of fungi given
in answer to question 10 were mostly good; there was neglect,
however, to make the descriptions illustrate the general life-
history of fungi. Fair knowledge was shown in connexion
with the two last questions; but it was a matter for some
surprise, in view of the attention that has been given recently
to the subject, that very few candidates mentioned the control
of insects by means of fungus and insect parasites.
In considering the paper on special crop subjects, it is
not possible to go into much detail, because of the Jarge
number of questions that had to be set in order to cover the
ground. ‘he answers given in the sugar industry section
generally showed fair practical knowledge; this was _particu-
larly the case with questions 1, 2, 5, 8, in the general
part, 2, in muscovado sugar, and 1 and 2 in vacuum pan
method. In regard to the first question of all, it was notice-
able that candidates generally understood that it was necessary
to consider the previous history of the land, in devising means
for preparing it for sugar-cane planting. The first half of
question 3, in the general part of sugar industry, produced
some good answers; the second half, where examples were
required, was dealt with weakly in nearly all cases. Question
4, asking for an account of the moth borer of sugar-cane,
needed more detail than was generally given; this remark is
also generally applicable to the descriptive answers given in
connexion with the other special subjects. The question
on drainage (No. 7) was usually dealt with adequately,
though a lack of knowledge was shown in regard to the signs
that are exhibited when land requires draining.
The questions on cacao obtained fair answers, generally,
from those who took the subject. As has been indicated,
however, the descriptions in questions 2 and 4 were often
weak. Good accounts of the usual methods for drying cacao
were obtained, but little was known, on the part of several
candidates, as to any improvements on these. The descrip-
tions of arrangements for carrying out pruning on a cacao
estate often did not include a reference to the way in
which labour would be obtained and organized for the
purpose. With reference to question 5, it should be remem-
bered that, among the advantages of the grafting of cacao,
are the production of plants which bear early and the obtain-
ing, where grafting is carried out according to a consistent
plan, and for a sufficient time, of a uniform product from the
estate; so that fermenting and curing are simplified, and the
estate obtains a good name for its cacao, The remaining
three questions were dealt with well, in several instances;
though it was expected that more would be known about
possible improved methods of cacao cultivation.
The part of the paper dealing with limes was only taken
by one candidate; so that there was not much evidence
obtained as to sources of weakness in connexion with the
subject. A few remarks of a general nature may be made,
however. (luestion 2 refers to actual observations on the
part of the candidate; so that in the absence of these, it should
not be attempted. In answering question 3, the best plan
would be to suggest a lime nursery of definite dimensions,
and to make the facts of the answer apply to this. The
manufacture of citrate of lime was hinted at in question 4.
Question 8 should serve as a subject for thought on the part
of those who are engaged practically in lime cultivation,
In regard to cotton, it should be noted that reference is
made, in question 1, to the manurial requirements of this
plant in the West Indies, and not in any definite part of
these islands. What has been said about weakness in
description applies equally to questions 2 and 4 of this paper.
In regard to question 3, only a few of the candidates includ-
ed the consideration of the manuring and preparation of the
land, after the removal of the cotton crop. Only one or two
good answers were evoked by question 5; candidates should
understand that it is an easy matter for the examiner to
detect any lack of adequate practical work in connexion with
the subject; there was a notable want of actual figures in the
answers that were given. It is necessary, in answering ques-
tion 6, to remember that the best kind of cotton seed selec-
tion commences with selection of the plants. Fair answers
were obtained to questions 7 and 8, though there was
a great deal of uncertainty, in regard to the former, as to the
real reasons for concluding that the type of cotton described
was the best one for the West Indies.
Two candidates took the provision crop section, about
which little need be said except that, in this stage of the
examinations, descriptions must be strong in detail, and that
a knowledge of the subsidiary products and by-products of
the various crops is essential.
It may be remarked, in conclusion, that a practical knowl-
edge of the subjects was generally exhibited by candidates
in all parts of the examination, and that less reliance was
shown on mere work with text-books than was the case in the
Intermediate Examination of the previous year.
30 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
JANUARY A hee) Ie
eee
FUNGUS NOTES.
THE BUD-ROT DiSEASEH OF PALMS
IN INDIA.
PART If.
SPREAD OF INFECTION (Continued). Insects and birds
are probably responsible for a larger share in the spread of
the disease than are air-borne spores. The reproductive bodies
of this particular parasite are comparatively large, and could
only be carried by large insects. ‘Two .kinds of beetle, which
are sufficiently large for the purpose, occur commonly on palms.
These are the rhinoceros beetle and the palm weevil. Scor-
pions may also be concerned in this method of distribution.
Birds are common on the tops of palm trees and might con-
ceivably carry portions of the mycelium and sporangia on their
feet. The beetles, however, are more important, since they
penetrate to the heart of the crown, and probably emerge from
the pupal stage within the decaying mass which originally
formed the crown of diseased trees. Neither of the two
methods mentioned up to the present is likely to be nearly
as important as the last, namely the agency of man. ;
As has been stated above, the Palmyra palm in particular
is of great value on account of the numerous uses to which
its parts can be put. In order to obtain the leaves, climbers
ascend the trees frequently and remove the outer leaf sheaths,
exposing the inner soft ones. Now, it has already been pointed
out, that masses of mycelium often occur between consecutive
sheaths, portions of which might adhere to a climber’s knife,
or his person, and infect the next healthy tree on which he was
working. Besides the mycelium itself, all kinds of small
pieces of infected material would be conveyed in this way.
Two facts indicate that this method of spread is the most
usual. In the first place, there is evidence that in some
localities the disease has followed definite lines of communi-
cation; in the second, cocoa-nuts which are but rarely attacked
are but seldom climbed.
THE CAUSATIVE FUNGUs. This belongs to the most
primitive group of the fungi—the Phyeomycetes—(see Agiv-
cultural News, Vol. LX, pp. 94 and 110), and is a member of the
genus Pythium, which is closely allied to Phytophthora. The
mycelium of the fungus may form a mass on the surface of
the diseased spots, but naturally, the part of it which is
responsible for the damage is that occurring within the tissues
of the host. The mycelinm itself is unable to penetrate the
cells but occurs in the inter-cellular spaces, while the hyphae
can push their way between adjoining cells. The fungus obtains
its food-supply by means of haustoria. These are small finger-
like processes, either straight or bent, which are given off from
the hyphae; they possess the power of dissolving cellulose
and penetrating the cells of the epidermis and parenchyma,
They are, however, unable to enter the lignified vessels
of the vascular bundles, or the fibrous cells. he mycelium
itself consists of a continuous branched tube which is
only divided up by cross walls in the neighbourhood ' of
the reproductive organs. These are of two kinds: sporan-
gia borne terminally on the main hyphae, or on long or short
lateral branches, and resting spores which may be formed
terminally on large hyphae, or in an intercalary position.
The sporangia are typically pear-shaped, being attached
by the broad end, and having a small protrusion or papilla at
the narrow end. Germination may take place in four ways,
two of which are intermediate between the two extremes.
The first method is that typical of the genus, by means of
which it is separated from that of Phytophthora. In this
case, the apex of the papilla swells up into a vesicle possess-
ing a very thin wall into which the protoplasmic contents of
the sporangium pass in a uniform mass. Here the mass
segments into a number of. biciliate, free-swimming zoo-
spores (see Agricultural. News, Vol. IX, p. 94), which
break through the wall of the vesicle and escape. In
some cases, for various reasons, some of the zoospores fail
to escape, but instead germinate inside the sporangium;
when their germ tubes reach the sporangial wall, they
penetrate it by means of a cytase such as is excreted
by the haustoria. In the last form of germination, the
zoospore formation is entirely done away with, and the un-
opened sporangium puts out one or several germ tubes, as
does an ordinary conidium of one of the higher fungi. The
zoospores themselves, when liberated, swim for about an hour,
then come to rest, round themselves off, and put out a germ-
tube, which may cause a fresh infection.
The resting spores are spherical, thick-walled and
yellowish when old. They germinate and form a tube whose
growth is always limited by the production of a terminal
sporangium. Resting spores are most commonly produced
in dry weather; sporangia when the air is moist.
It is probable that infection, either by means of portions
of mycelium or of sporangia, usually takes place through the
stomata. In a few instances, hyphae have been observed
running in the cuticle of the epidermal cells, but they have
hardly ever heen found traversing the cell cavity.
A curious feature of this fungus is the power which it
possesses of entering into a dormant condition, particularly in
dry weather. It was observed that a sudden reappearance
of the disease would occasionally occur in a village in which
all the attacked trees had been most carefully destroyed some
time previously. The distribution of these cases was often
such as to preclude the possibility of their having been
infected from the trees which had been destroyed. The facts
could only be explained on the supposition that the trees had
been attacked for some time, but that after a certain stage
the fungus had become dormant during several months, and
had then recommenced its activities, and completed the
destruction of the terminal bud.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES. A most carefully organized
campaign has been instituted to prevent the spread of the
disease, and to reduce its virulence in the infected area,
In order to do this, arrangements were made to inspect
as far as possible every tree in the district, and to destroy all
the diseased palms. ‘The inspection has to be repeated every
few months, as new cases continually arise and have to be
destroyed as soon as possible. This necessitates the employ-
ment of a definite staff of officials, and the expenditure of
considerable sums of money. This expenditure seems to be
thoroughly justified by the results so far obtained, especially
when it is remembered that the spread and increase of the
disease might mean the financial ruin of a very large district.
The destruction of the trees is conducted as follows.
A palm climber ascends the diseased tree and cuts off the top,
which is then completely burned. The leaves are usually
sufficiently dry to burn easily without other fuel. The pole
of the tree is permitted to stand.
The similarity of the symptoms of this disease to
those of bud-rot in Ceylon is interesting (see Agricultural
News, Vol. 1X, p. 254), and it may possibly prove, as is stated
above, that some of the Eastern forms of bud-rot are due to
this organism. In any ease, it is satisfactory to learn that
the cause of this disease is definitely known in one country,
and that the general evidence is fully substantiated by infec-
tion experiments with the causative fungus, which were sue-
cessful in every case, and were conducted with material that
was, in most cases, microscopically pure. are
Vou. X.° No. 228
RUBBER FROM THE WEST INDIES
AND BRITISH GUIANA.
‘The following summary describing samples of rub-
ber from the West Indies and British Guiana examin-
ed at the Imperial Institute during 1909, appears in
Colonial Reports—Annual, No. 656, dealing with the
work of the Institute during the year, and is reproduced
here for purposes of record :—
Wesr Inpies.-—Specimens of rubber
St. Lucia and Dominica have been examined.
A sample of Castilloa elastica rubber from Tobago was
in the form of a square black sheet about }-inch thick; the
material was clean, dry, and well prepared. It ‘contained
91-1 per cent. of caoutchouc, and was valued at 4s. 4d. per b.,
with fine hard ‘Para at 5s. per bh. This rubber would be
easily saleable, and would realize a higher price if it could be
prepared lighter in colour.
Further specimens of Castilloa rubber from Tobago were
stated to have been prepared by a new centrifugal process,
and were much paler than the preceding sample. The speci-
mens were excellently prepared, but a little weak, and were
valued at 6s. 10d. and 6s. 11d. per tb., with fine hard Para at
8s. 10d. per Ib.
A small cake of Castiiloa elastica rubber from St. Lucia
was almost black, but was clean, well prepared, and of good
quality. It contained 88°6 per cent. of caoutchouc and 9:1
per cent. of resin; it was valued at about 3s. 6d. per b., with
fine hard Para at 4s. 3}d. per Ib. The amount of resin was
rather high, but this defect may possibly disappear as the
trees become older.
A specimen of Castilloa rubber from Dominica, which
contained 84 per cent. of caoutchouc, was also valued at
3s. 6d. per tb., with fine hard Para at 4s. 34d. per bb.
A sample of Para rubber from Dominica consisted of three
biscuits of light-coloured, clean, well-prepared rubber, exhib-
iting good elasticity and tenacity. It contained 93 per cent.
of caoutchouc, and was valued at 4s. 3d. per tb., with fine hard
Para at 4s. 3$d. per lb., and plantation Para biscuits at 4s. 4d.
to 4s. 1ld. per lb. The rubber compared favourably with
plantation Para rubber from the East, and there is no doubt
that the Para tree will furnish excellent rubber in. Dominica.
BRITISH GUIANA.—The investigation of Sapium Jen-
mani rubber has been continued. Two samples of this material
shown at the International Rubber Exhibition in London
(1908) were examined. One sample consisted of thin biscuits
of very fine, pale amber rubber, excellently prepared, and
much superior in physical properties to the specimens of this
material examined in 1908. It contained 93:7 per cent. of
caoutchouc, and was valued at 4s. 3d. per tb., with fine hard
Para at 4s. 34d. per tb., and plantation Para biscuits at 4s. 4d.
to 4s. lld. per th. There is no doubt that Sapium Jenmani
rubber is of excellent quality, and that if carefully prepared
it will realize very satisfactory prices in the market.
The second sample consisted of a block of scrap rubber,
dark brown externally, but lighter within, and fairly clean
and dry. It was of good quality, but inferior to the preceding
specimen. It contained 88 per cent. of caoutchouc, and
was valued at 3s. to 3s, 3d. per tb., with fine Para at
4s, 31d. per hb.
from Tobago,
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 31
AGRICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS.
The second Intermediate Examination and the first Final
Examination in connexion with the Courses of Reading estab-
lished by the Imperial Department of Agriculture were held
in November last, commencing on the seventh of the month,
in Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, St. Kitts and St. Lucia.
Twelve candidates presented themselves for the Intermediate
Examination, of whom eight satisfied the examiners, seven
being in the second class, and one in the third. In the Final
Examination, the number of candidates was seven, of whom
two failed, while of the others, one gained a first. class, three
a second class, and one a third class. The list of successful
candidates, with reference to both examinations, is as follows: —
Centre. Name. Intermediate. Final,
Antigua a Court, L. W. D. H. 2nd class
McDonald, G. W. B. 2nd. class
Shepherd, C. H. E 2nd! ~;,
Barbados Cozier, J. L. 2nd ,,
Field, J. H. Zino.
Kirton, J. G. Stay. 5;
Peterkin, E. M. 2nd_,;
Grenada Phillips, C. A. O. listioess
St. Kitts Owen, A. E. 2nd,
Walwyn, H. H. Shiels
St. Lucia Arrindell, W. M. ridise.,
Maturin, C. W. 2nduae,
Niles, R. W. 2nd ss;
The oral examinations, in connexion with the inter-
mediate and final stages, were conducted in the different
islands by:—
Mr. A. St. G. Spooner
» R.S.D. Goodwin
», J. Roden
,» H. A. Tempany, B.Sc.
The Hon. F. J. Clarke, C.M.G.
er Gerla bale
Dr. Longfield Smith
Mr. J. R. Bovell, 1.8.0.
The Hon. J. T. de la Mothe
Mr. W. G. Lang
», G. G, Auchinleck, B.Sc.
, A. D. C. Adamson
5, ©. Forbes Todd
» W. R. Dunlop
5 EF. R. Shepherd
The Hon. E. G. Bennett
Mr. J. C. Moore
Antigua
Barbados
SS —————
Crenada
St. Kitts
St. Lucia
Rice in British Guiana.
The last fortnightly report of Messrs. Sandbach,
Parker & Co., of Georgetown, on the rice industry of
British Guiana, dated January 6, 1911, gives informa-
tion as follows:—
The weather during the fortnight has been fairly dry
and milling has been steady.
The local demand has been very strong and prices have
advanced considerably.
Shipments to West Indian islands amounted to 1,350
bags during the fortnight.
We quote to-day, f.o.b, Demerara, for good export
quality :—
Nominally, 20s. 6d. to 21s. 6d, per bag of 180 tb. gross,
19s. to 20s. ” ” i64 ” ”
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
January 21,. 1911./
London.—THE
MARKET REPORTS.
West Inpia ComMMITTEE CIRCULAR,
December 20, 1910 ; Messrs. E. A. DE Pass & Co.,
December 23, 1910.
Arrownroot—St. Vincent, 2d. to 3jd.
Batara—Sheet, 3/9; block, 2/10 per th.
Berswax—No quotations.
Cacao—Trinidad, 53/- to 62/- per cwt.; Grenada, 49/6
to 54/6; Jamaica, 48/- to 54/-.
CorrrE—Jamaica, 62/- to 110/-.
Corra—West Indian, £26 per ton.
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 20d. to 203d.
Fruir—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
Gincer—Common to good common, 52/- to 55/6 per
ewt.; low middling to middling, 56/- to 59/6; good
bright to fine, 60/- to 65/-.
Honry—26/- to 30/-.
Ismyciass—No quotations.
Lime Jurce—Raw, 10d. to 1/1; concentrated, £18 2s. 61.;
Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/6, nominal.
Logwoop—No quotations.
Mace—Fim.
Nurmecs—Quiet.
Prrento—Common, 2;3,d.; fair, 2¢d.; good, 273d. per tb.
Rousrer—Para, fine hard, 5/11, fine soft, 5/115 ; fine Peru,
5/9 per tb.
Rum—Jamaica, 1/6 to 6/-.
Sucar—Crystals, 14/- to 17/6; Muscovado, 11/- to 14/6;
Syrup, 10/- to 14/74; Molasses, no quotations.
New York,—Messrs. Gittesrix Bros, & Co., December
30, 1910.
Cacao—Caracas, 1l4e. to 12c. ; Grenada, 1l}c. to Ife. ;
Trinidad, 1]}c. to 12c. per tb.; Jamaica, 10}. to 103c.
Cocoa-Nuts—Jamaica, select, $30°00; culls, no quotations;
Trinidad, select, $3200 per M; culls, no quotations.
CorrrE—Jamaica, ordinary, 135c.; good ordinary, 13ic.;
washed, 15c. per tb.
Gincer—9e. to 12c. per Ib.
Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 52c.; Barbados and Antigua, 49c.
to dle.; St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 46e.
to 48c. per tb.
Grapn-Fruit—$1°50 to $300 per box.
Lures—$°00 to 35°50.
Macr—39c. to 44c. per th.
Nurmecs—110’s, 10c. per tb.
Orances—Jamaica, no quotations.
Pimento—3ic. per tb.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3:-98$c. per Ib.; Muscovados,
89°, 3°48kc.; Molasses, 89°, 3°23kc. per tb., all duty
paid,
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., January 7,
1911.
Cacao—Venezuelan, $12°25 per fanega; Trinidad, $11°90
to $12°25.
Cocoa-Nut Orz—$1‘08 per Imperial gallon,
Corree—Venezuelan, 15c. per th.
Corra—$4°50 per 100 tb.
DxHat—$3 60.
Ontons $4°25 to $4°50 per 100 Ib.
Peas, Sprir—$6-00 to $6°10 per bag.
Porators—English, $1°90 to $2°00 per 100 Th.
nicke—Yellow, $4°30 to $4°35; White, $4°60 to $4°65
per bag.
Sucar—American crushed, $6:20 per 100 ft.
Barbados,—Messrs. T. S. GArraway & Co., January 9,
1911; Messrs. JAmEs A. Lyncu & Co., January 9,
1911.4
#
Arrowkoot+St. Vincent, $5°75 to $460 per 100 fb.
Cacao—$11-00 per 100 tb.
Cocoa-NUTS—$22:°00.
Correr—Jamaica and ordinary Rio, $14°00 to $16-00 per
100 th. scarce.
Hay—$1°20 to $1°50 per 100 tb.
Manures—Nitrate of soda, $65°00 ; Cacao manure, $42°00
to $48°00; Sulphate of ammonia, $75°00 per ton.
Morasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$4°50 to $5°50 per 100 tb.
Peas, Sprit—$6°00 to $6°40 per bag of 210 th.; Canada,
$3°50 to $3°60 per bag of 120 th.
Porators—Nova Scotia, $2°25 to $2°75 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam, $4°45; Patna, $3°50 to $3°80; Rangoon,
$2°90 to $300 per 100 tb. 2
Sucar—No quotations.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wietinc & Ricurer, January
7, 1911; Messrs. SanDBACH,
January 6, 1911.
Parker & Co.,
ARTICLES.
ArrowrooTt—St. Vincent
Batata— Venezuelablock |
Demerara sheet,
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STARCH—
Cocoa-NUTS—
CorrEE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
DHaL—
Green Dhal
Eppos—
Mo tasses— Yellow
Ontons—Teneriffe
Madeira
Preas—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Poratrors—Nova Scotia
Lisbon
Porators—Sweet, B’bados
Rice—PBallam
Creole
TANNIAS—
Yams— White
Buck
Sucar—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
TimeeR—Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
Cordwood
”
|
$600 to 36°25
Messrs. WIrTING
& RIcHter.
$9-00 per 200 th.,
wanted
No quotation
81c. per tb.
lle. per th.
$108
Messrs. SAnp-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$9-00
Prohibited
72c. to 80c.
|10c. to 11e. per fb.
$6°50
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 per M $10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
| selected
lic. per tb.
19¢c. per th.
10c. to 1le. per tb. |
$3°50 per bag of
168 th.
$4:00
$1°20
None
de.
bag (210 tb.)
$4°25
20c. to 40c.
$2°75
$1:80 per bag |
No quotation
2°20 to $2°40 |
$2-80 to $3:10 |
$400
$2°10 to $2°30
32c. to ddc. per
cub. foot
$3°75 to $6°00
per M.
$1°80 to $2:00
per ton
per)
l6c. per tb.
19c.per th.
| 12c. per tb.
\$4:00 per bag of
| 168 tb.
| nes
| 6c.
$6°25 per bag
(210 tb.)
No quotation
$2°75
No quotation
$4°80
$4°50 to $5:00
None
$2°65 to $2°70
$4°00 to $4°25
None
| 32c. to ddc. per
| ¢ub. foot
| $4:00 te $600
per M.
No quotation
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
FOR THE WEST INDIES.
The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal.
Volume I. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price ls. each. Post free. 1s. 2d,
Volumes IJ, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIIJ, IX and X:—Price 2s. each ; Post free 2s. 8d, where complete. (III, 2; IV, 3;
and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.)
Volume XI. No. 1. Containing papers on The Control of Ecale Insects in the British West Indies by Means of
Fungoid Parasites; Epizootie Lymphangitis; A New West Indian Cacao Pod Disease; Nomenclature of
Seale Insects; Notes on Lime Cultivation; The Planting of Fruit Trees; Report on a Visit to the Guanica
Central Sugar Factory, Porto Rico; Manurial Experiments with Cotton in the Leeward Islands; and The
toot Development of Cotton Plants in Different Soils. Price 6d. Post free, 8d.
PAMPHLET SERIES.
The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially
adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work
on sugar-cane and manures, the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation, The number issued up to the
present time is sixty-four. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print.
Suear Inpustry. (14) Screw Worm in Cattle at St. Lucia. Price 2d.
Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (15) Plain Talk to Small Owners. Price 2d.
in 1900. No, 3, price 2d.;in 1901, No. 13, price 4d.; (16) Hints on Onion Cultivation. Price 2d.
in 1902, No. 19, price 4d.; in 1902, No. 26, price 4d.; (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d.
in 1904, No. 32, price 4d. _ (18) Recipes for Cooking West Indian Yams. Price 2d.
Seedling Canes aud Manurial Experiments at Barbados, (25) Ground Nuts in the West Indies. Price 2d.
in 1903-5, No. 40, price 6d.; in 1904-6, No. 44, price 6d.; (28) Barbados and Porto Rico Molasses. Price 3d. ~
in 1905-7, No. 49, price 6d.; in 1906-8, No. 59, price 6d.; (34) Notes on Rabbit Keeping in the West Indies. Price 2d.
in 1907-9, No. 62, price 6d.; No. 66, price 6d. (35) Information in regard to Agricultural Banks. Price 5d.
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The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’. A Fortnightly Review.
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Vou, X. No, 228.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
January 21, 1911.
THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE
Ries eS
Ohilendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—For Sugar-cane and general use
Ohlendorff’s Special Sugar-cane Manure
Ohlendorif’s Special Cocoa Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cotton Manure
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, high grades,
Potash Salts, Basic Slag and all other high-class Fertilizers.
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR
DIRECT TO :—
THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS.
London Agency:
Dock House, Billiter Street, London, B.C.
Barbados Agents : James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
COTTON SEED MEAL.
GOTTCN SEED MEAL.
Recommended by the Imperial Department of
Agriculture as a first class Feeding Stuff for Cattle,
Mules, etc. Special quotations for large quantities.
THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON
FACTORY, LIMITED,
BRIDGETOWN.
JUST ISSUED.
WEST INDIAN BULLETIN.
(Vol. XI, No. 1.)
Containing papers on The Control of Seale Insects in
the British West Indies by Means of Fungoid Parasites ;
Epizootic Lymphangitis; A New West Indian Cacao Pod
Disease; Nomenclature of Scale Insects; Notes on Lime
Cultivation; The Planting of Fruit Trees; Report on a Visit
to the Guanica Central Sugar Factory, Porto Rico; Manur-
ial Experiments with Cotton in the Leeward Islands; and
The Root Development of Cotton Plants in Different Soils.
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CONTENTS.
PaGk. PAGE.
Agriculture and Hygiene in | (Insect Notes continued)
Grenada Schools — ... 40) Agricultural News and
Agricultural Research, State | West Indian Bulletin in
IN OOTR ERs) este ce 43 TOTO) eee een a
Brazil, Trade and Agricul- | Labels and Plant Stakes,
ture of, 1909 ..._ ... 41] Preservation of ... ... 48
Canadian Trade inthe West — | Market Reports... ... ... 48
Notes and Comments ... 40
Prize Essay, ‘Tropical Life ’ 39
Plants and Tleavy
Indies and British
(CHOMENE) Sac) cao soa. pao
Cotton Notes :-—
Cotton Seed Meal as Manuring Sees. «.. 33
Haman Food ... ... 38! Potato Meal in India ... 47
West Indian Cotton ... 38/ Rice in British Guiana ... 47
Department News ... ... 42/Shield Budding for the
Hlectricity in Agriculture ... 43 Mango... ‘aes 2-800
Fungus Notes :— Stock Importation, St. Lucia,
Two Diseases of Citrus Bonuses for segue. .--. 21
Trees in Florida... 46/Students’ Corner... ... 45
Gleanings eee ee oe, 44! Sugar Industry :—
Grenada, Work of Agricul- Demerara Seedling Canes
tural Department ... 39! my Wouisianagemae ©... 30
Ground Nuts, Machinery The Sugar Market, 1910 35
for Threshing... ... 41) Superphosphates in Soils,
Insect: Notes :— Behaviour of ... ... 40
A Summary of Entomolo- Weeds, Distribution of ... 41
gical Information in the West Indian Products ... 47
Plauts and Heavy Manuring.
problems connected with the
pom eS Manurial requirements of plants. They have
devised elaborate experiments for the purpose of finding
out the proportions in which various manures should
be applied to the soils in which the plants grow, in
order that these shall flourish to the best etfect, and
give the most economical returns. ‘he consideration
of the action of manures, in so far as these are supposed
to feed the plant, has been the chief guide to the experi-
menter, in making his plans and devising the tests to
be conducted by him. The importance of this part of
agricultural investigation justifies eminently the care
that has been bestowed upon it. The question may be
asked, however, as to whether or not this is the only
aspect of manuring, in relation to the plant, that has
to be taken, if a fair appreciation of the connexion
between the two is to be gained.
The this is that there are other
aspects to be taken in regard to the subject; for one
thing, it has been long concluded that the provision of
plants with an adequate supply of food generally
increases their power to withstand the attacks of pests
There has not been much regard, how-
answer to
and diseases.
ever, for the other side of the subject; that is, the pos-
sible aggravation of disease through the use of excessive
amounts of certain manures. It is the present purpose
to consider recent work that has been done in this
connexion, and to deal with the outcome of this in
a general manner.
Investigations * in connexion with the die-back of
citrus trees, in Florida, are being conducted at the
Agricultural Experiment Station in that State, and it
is the results of these that furnish much of the mater-
ial which follows. The experiments were suggested by
the circumstance that the effects of this disease were
increased in intensity when large quantities of artific-
ial manures the amount of these
required to bring on the disease being somewhere near
the maximum quantity that the plant could endure.
The problem was suggested, therefore, as to whetber
the injury is brought about by the degree of concent-
ration of the manure in the soil, as a whole, or whether
were employed,
* See Report on the Florida Experiment Station, 1908-9,
34 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS
it is due to the poisonous action of one or more of its
constituents. Experiments to solve this problem were
undertaken, as well as to determine the maximum
amounts of manures for citrus trees of different sizes,
in known quantities of soil.
Before the work that was done is described, it is
pointed out that the term maximum quantity of manure
means the largest amount that can be applied to a plant,
and at the same time allow it to live and thrive. ‘This
varies naturally under different conditions, notabiy
those of availability of the manure and the state of
the soil. Other maxima exist, in regard to any
given manure, depending upon the other manures
with which it may be applied; the usual effect of
these is to enable the plant to thrive when given
larger amounts of the original manure—higher maxima
are obtained. There is a third maximum, in regard to
mixed manures; this is the largest amount of the
mixture that can be used without killing the plant.
Ié is a maximum that may depend on two conditions:
the maximum of some one of the ingredients, or on
the total concentration of the manure; that is to say
this concentration may reach such a degree as to cause
the cells of the roots to collapse and become useless,
even before the quantity of any one of the ingredients
has reached a proportion in which it is poisonous.
The account of the investigations gives a descrip-
tion of two experiments. There were four lots, each of
three budded orange plants, in the first trial, three of
which were treated with certain amounts of sulphate of
potash, superphosphate and nitrate of soda, respectively;
while the fourth lot did not receive any manure. The
amounts of the manures mentioned, when added
together, equalled the quantity that had caused the
plants to die, in a former experiment, when they were
applied as a mixed manure. Observation of the plants
from day to day, showed that those which had been
treated with nitrate of soda first exhibited signs of
dying; while later, crimping of the leaves took place
where the other manures had been applied, and they
were somewhat dwarfed, but normal in colour. The
plants that had received no manure grew well. The
result of the experiment was to indicate that the harm
in the mixed manure had been the quantity of nitrate
of soda that it contained.
| The second experiment was really an extension of
the first. Four lots, each of three budded orange plants,
weré taken, as before, three of which were treated
Fepruary 4, 1911.
with the manures mentioned above, in pairs, so that no
two pairs were alike, while no manure was given to the
fourth. Thus one lot received nitrate of soda and super-
phosphate, the second sulphate of potash and nitrate of
soda, and the third sulphate of potash and superphos-
phate, the quantities being the same as those in the
The first plants to exhibit falling
leaves were those which had received sulphate of potash
and nitrate of soda; later, all these plants died back to
the bud. Injury was next shown by those manured with
nitrate of soda and superphosphate, though not to the
same extent. Some injury was shown in the third case,
where no nitrate of soda was used: the leaves were
erimped, one plant was partly defoliated and no new
growth was being produced by it; the other two, how-
ever, were growing new tissne. The unmanured plants
made good growth.
former experiment
The conclusions to be derived from this experi-
ment must be taken in connexion with the results given
by the first. The most obvious matter is that the great-
est amount of injury was caused where nitrate of soda
was present. The least harm was done by the mixture
of sulphate of potash and superphosphate: though even
here, there were indications that the concentration of
When
the results of using superphosphate and nitrate of soda
are compared with those where the latter manure was
employed alone, it is seen that the harmful effect of
nitrate of soda is decreased to some extent by the
presence of superphosphate. Finally, referring again to
the trial with superphosphate and potash, there were
unmistakable indications that the amount of the mix-
ture applied was greater than that which could be
endured easily by the plants.
the manure had nearly reached the maximum.
It is evident that the results of these experiments
have relation solely to the application of manures in
large amounts, In the tropics, more attention is given to
the provision of humus and the maintenance of the soil in
a good state of tilth, than to high manuring with artificial
manures.
This does not detract from the suggestive inter-
est of work of the kind just described. Little is
known concerning the effect of manures on the sap and
tissues of plants, or on the organisms, beneficial and
otherwise, in the soil, and much investigation will be
required before practical information can be given con-
cerning these. This is particularly the case in relation
to the connexion between the manurial treatment of
plants and the incidence of disease,
Von. X. No. 229.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 35
SUGAR INDUSTRY.
THE SUGAR MARKET, 1910.
The following interesting facts concerning the
state of the sugar market in 1910 are taken from the
fortnightly report dated January 3, 1911, issued by
Messrs. Gillespie Bros. & Co. :—
We take the opportunity of rapidly summarizing the
course of the market during the past year.
At the beginning of last year, it was beginning to be
fully realized that the beetroot crop was but a small one,
and as the Continent practically required nearly the whole
output, British refiners had to depend much more than usual
on cane sugar.
Comparatively little beetroot sugar was imported from
the Continent into England, but prices for the first three
months of the year continued to advance, ba at the end of
March, beetroot was sold at 14s. 9d., f.o.b. Hamburg, basis
88°.
For the next six months our refiners supplied themselves
by extensive purchases of Cuban and Java sugars, in addition
to which they, of course, received shipments from the British
West Indies, Natal and British India.
Towards the end of August, speculators became less
confident, in consequence of the increased acreage planted on
the Continent, and an easier tendency appeared. New crop
for October to December delivery was sold very freely at
from lls. 73d. to 12s. 6d. and when during September and
October, reports of fine weather indicated that the crop
might be a large one, a rapid decline took place,
In October, when estimates of the beetroot crop appeared,
ranging from 7,350,000 tons to 7,700,000 tons, the down-
ward movement became more rapid, and the price of new crop
beetroot fell to 8s. 73d., f.o.b.
Since that date, the crop estimates have been further
increased, and it is now supposed that the European crop will
total about 8,000,000 tons, or nearly 2,000,000 tons over the
last campaign.
Notwithstanding these figures, prices of beetroot have
not further declined, and indeed to-day’s value, being about
9s., shows some recovery from the lowest point: This seems
to indicate that fabricants are in a strong position to hold
their stocks, and expect a better market during the next six
months.
For the purposes of competes: we quote to-day 88°
beet as follows: January 8s. lljd., March 9s. O3d., May
9s. 2d., October to December Os. 5id.; the quotations for
prompt at this date in previous years having been as follows:
1910, &s.114d.; 1909, 10s. 1d; 1908, 9s. 103d.; 1907, 8s. 93d.;
1906, 8s. Od. 1905, 14s, 8hd.: 1904, 8s. 43d.; 1903, 8s. 02d. ;
1902, 6s. 6d.
The Cuban crop turned out to be fully equal to the
expectations entertained about a year ago, the outturn being
practically 1,800,000 tons.. The coming crop promises w ell,
but is not likely to come up to the bumper crop of last year.
Should there be any material falling off, it seems possible
that a recovery in prices generally w rould spec follow, as
stocks in the United States do not ap pear to be heavy, and it
is to be expected that, both there and in Europe, the present
low range of prices will have the effect of increasing con-
sumption. j
SF Undoubtedly the high prices ruling until the last few
months have resulted in preventing the normal increase of
consumption, which is usually witnessed, and Messrs. Connal
estimate that there has been a falling off in the world’s con-
sumption during the past year of about 85,000 tons.
The total quantity of sugar available for 1910-11 as
compared with the two previous seasons is as follows :—
1910-11, 1909-10, 1908-9,
tons. tons. tons,
Beet (Licht) 8,057,000 6,170,000 6,470,000
Cane & U.S.A. Beet ) ; ee BAe
(Willet) f 6,324,000 6,072,000 5,461,000
Stocks August 31 1,098,240 1,012,440 1,076,000
15,479,240 13,254,440 13,007,000
Crystallised West India has sold well during the whole
year, but prices are now, of course, much below the average
of the past season.
We quote as follows : Low to good yellow: 1911, 14s. 3d,
to 15s. 6d.; 1910, 15s. 9d. to 17s. 3d.; 1909, 14s. 3d. to
15s. 6d.; 1908, 16s. 9d. to 18s.; 1907, 15s. 6d. to 17s.; Fine
bright to choice: 1911, 15s. 9d. to 18s.; 1910, l7s. 6d. to
18s. 9d.; 1909, 15s. 9d. to 17s. 3d.; 1908, 18s. 3d. to 19s. 9d.;
1907, lis. dd. to 18s.
Nearest nominal quotations of Refining West Indian
descriptions—Muscovado : 89°— 1911, SE ae te 9s.; 1910,
12s, 14d.; 1909, 10s. 14d.; 1908, 9s. 7 ; 1907, 8s. 104d.
Centrifugals : 96° —1911, i 13d. to te a 1910, 13s, 3d.;
1909, 1]s. 14d.; 1908, ls, 14d.; 1907, 10s. 3d,
DEMERARA SEEDLING CANES IN
LOUISIANA.
In the field, except in seasons of extreme drought,
D. 95 has generally exceeded in tonnage to the acre the
D. 74. Both these canes require more frequent and inten-
sive cultivation than the common ribbon cane. In fact, they
need garden tilth for their full development. Under such
conditions, both plant cane and first ratoons are almost cer-
tain to considerably exceed the ribbon cane in tonnage to the
acre. Both are more difficult to cut for the mill than the ribbon
cane, hence they require a larger force of cutters to deliver
the same daily tonnage. Both the seedling canes are much
less damaged by light frosts than the ribbou cane; and after
severe frosts the D. 74’ lies better and keeps better in wind-
row than either cf the other varieties. Both are better storm
resisters than the ribbon cane, taking the average West Indian
hurricane. Unfortunately, D. 74 is liable to break before
it will bend, in the most furious storm; and fortunately,
D. 95 will bend under such conditions, without being pros-
trated on the ground as the ribbon cane always has been,
and always will be, in even ordinary autumnal tempests.
D. 95 appears to ratoon much better than D. 74, and
probably even a little better than the striped cane.
But where D. 95 comes most into fayour and shows
up best is in the factory. It may not demonstrate as high
or quitejas, high sucrose percentage as 1). 74; but it so far
exceeds. the latter in ay of juice as probably to over-
come that advantage of D. ee
One of the most Tans and advantageous character-
istics of.,.D.95 is its general tendency to reach a fair or
even a high degree of maturity,,on, rank new ground planted
in cane for the first time and in our reclaimed marsh lands,
It will flourish and ripen in land where the first crop of rib-
bon cane thus! located would} be unfit and unprofitable for
working at the mill if. it were hauled there free of charge.
(From. The Louisiana Planter, December) 3, 1910.)
36 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Fepruary 4,-1911.
PRUITS SAND EROIT aR EES.
SHIELD BUDDING FOR THE MANGO.
On pages 100 and 101 of the last volume of the
Agricultural News, extracts were given from Bulletin
No. 20 of the Hawaiian Agricultural Experiment
Station which describes the propagation of the mango
by shield budding. Through the courtesy of Mr. P. J.
Wester, of the United States Department of Agricul-
ture, the following extracts, supplying further infor-
mation in connexion with the subject, are enabled to
be given here, from an illustrated article written by
him in a recent number of the Rural New Yorker:—
Shield-budding of the mango has been with partial
success practised in Florida for at least six years by experi-
menters in the propagation of this fruit; the writer first
experimented with this method with some success in 1904.
The percentage of successful buds was, however, so low that
he did not then feel justified in calling this method to the
attention of the public, and the experimental work was
temporarily suspended.
However, experimentation has been continued by
a few men interested in the problem; in some instances
meeting with remarkable success. The success achieved
by Mr. Orange Pound, Cocoa-nut Grove, Fla., deserves
special mention, not only for the difficulties that he
has successfully surmounted, but for the public-spirited way
in which he has placed his data at the disposal of the writer
for publication for the information of other mango growers.
It is not too much to say that Mr. Pound’s discovery marks
an epoch in the mango industry, not only in Florida, but in
other parts of the world. Mr. Pound recently obtained, with
this method, over 85 per cent. of healthy trees among a lot of
300 plants budded—a most gratifying result.
Success depends on the prime condition of the stock
plant and that the sap is flowing freely; the buds
should be selected from well-matured wood that is
still green and smooth, of the first, second and third
flushes from the terminal bud, and cut rather large,
3 to 5 em. long (1} to nearly 2 inches).
The lower, thick part of the leaf stem at the bud should
not be trimmed off, but allowed to remain on the bud until it
is shed voluntarily. If the leaf-stem, or petiole as it is
called, is cut too near the bud, fungi frequently gain en-
trance through the wound, and destroy the bud. It is
possible that the leaves can to advantage be trimmed off
the bud-wood while it still remains on the tree, and the bud-
wood be used after the petioles have dropped, and the leaf
scars are well healed. It appears to be equally satisfactory
to push the buds up or downward. To facilitate the insertion
of the bud, it is well to trim off the edge of the horizontal cut.
In tying the bud, allow the remnant of the petiole to stick
out between the strands of the tape, and protect it and the
bud from the sun and rain with a square piece of wax cloth,
held in place by one of the strands of the tape above the bud.
It is essential that the buds should be inserted at a point
in the stock where the bark is about the same age as the bud-
wood, 7.¢., green and smooth, and the work done when the
plant is in flush. When the union has been effected, which
will be in the course of two or three weeks, the stock should
be pruned off about 6 inches above the bud. The buds are
sometimes very dilatory about starting, and in order to force
them out the plants should, after the buds have taken, fre-
quently be gone over, and all adventitious buds rubbed off.
In top-working old seedling trees, the same principle
obtains. Part of the main branches are then pruned off to
1 to2 feet from the trunk, and the resulting sprouts are
budded and treated in the manner already described. As the
buds increase in size the native top is gradually removed; care
should be taken, however, not to prune the tree too severely
at one fime, as it is then apt to become permanently mjured,
and die from such treatment.
In, to some extent, employing another method called by
the originator slice-budding, matured bud-wood sutliciently
old to have turned brownish or greyish is also used in top-
working seedling trees planted at stake. The bark of the
part of the stock where the bud is inserted, or more correctly,
placed, should exhibit the same character. For all practical
purposes this is identical with the chip-budding method
employed in the prop»gation of pecans. The work is perform-
ed by cutting a slice or chip of bark and wood from the
stock in the same manner as if the removed part was to be
used as a bud; a shield bud just large enough to make a snug
fit is now cut from the bud-stick and placed on the cut, and
tied in the usual way.
In using either of the methods of budding described
above, the stock should at the time of budding be girdled
6 to 9 inches above the bud,
Voz. X: (No. 229:
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 37
CANADIAN TRADE IN THE WEST INDIES
AND BRITISH GUIANA.
The Weekly Reports of the Department of Trade and
Commerce, Canada, have recently presented the results of
investigations in parts of the West Indies and British Guiana
as to the opportunities for further expansion of the provision
trade of Canada in those places. The reports received so far,
refer to Barbados, Grenada, Montserrat and Trinidad, as well
as to British Guiana, and the more important parts of them
will be presented in this article.
BARBADOS, The Annual Report of the Comptroller of
Customs showed that during 1909 there was a falling off in
almost every item of import, when comparison was made with
the figures for the preceding year. There was no lessening,
however, of the imports of fish, which amounted to £68,827
in value, as compared with £66,827 and £45,469, for the
two previous years. It is not possible to say what proportion
of this. was sent from Canada, for fish from Canada and
Newfoundland, when shipped through New York, is credited
in the returns to the United States.
The share of Canada in the imports of lard and cotton
seed oil, fruit and vegetables, and tea and sugar, is small;
while it takes no part in the supply of beef, bacon and hams.
The decline in amount of importation, mentioned above, also
applies to hay, and was more noticeable in the imports from
Canada than from those of any other country. The quantity
of oats imported has been practically unaltered, however,
during the last few years. Considerable changes have
taken place in this trade, the largest share of which was in
the hands of Holland, in 1908, being valued at £17,325 out
of £24,314: in 1909 it fell to £7,135, during which. year an
amount, value £6,065, was received from the Argentine Repub-
lic. Another change took place during the first nine months
of 1910, so that Holland resumed its first place; the amount
received from Denmark, Holland and Great Britain was
1,551,779 tb., out of a total of 3,704,658 tb.; but as the oats
credited to Great Britain actually came from Holland, the
latter country is now responsible for about half of the supply
of oats to Barbados. This is interesting, in view of the fact
that, a few years ago, the whole trade was in the hands of the
United States; its share in the above total was 1,178,719 Ib.,
that of Canada being 948,287 Ib.
Two of the commodities to share in the shrinkage were
flour and grain other than oats, of which an amount to the
value of £20,000 less was imported in 1909 than in 1908,
the share of flour being £18,000. The statistics show that
the greatest lessening in imports has been in regard to the
amount of these commodities obtained from the United
States; it is £17,000. During the last few months of 1910,
the Argentine Republic sent to Barbados 2,000 barrels of
flour of a medium to lower grade, which is said to answer the
requirements better, and to be cheaper than similar flour from
the North; and the opinion is expressed that the former is
likely in the future to compete seriously with that from
Canada and the United States.
GRENADA, Canada takes part in only just over 2 per
cent. of the trade of Grenada, according to Customs receipts;
its share is probably greater however, for shipments of flour
are largely credited to the United States. In this colony,
too, there was a decreased importation during 1909,
As compared with most of the other imports, fish shows
a slight decrease, only. Nearly all the dried fish used in
Grenada comes from Canada, and the greater part of it is
received through Barbades. A recommendation is made
that greater attention should be given to the direct shipment
of fish to Grenada.
Reference is made to the increase in population in
Grenada, and to the way in which cacao has supplanted
ground provisions; the conclusion from this is that the trade
of Grenada is worthy of development from the Canadian side.
MONTSERRAT. Here the conditions—as regards the ruais-
ing of ground provisions—are opposite to those which obtain
in Grenada, The increased extent to which such provisions
are being raised is lessening the demand for food stuffs, the
bulk of which is obtained from Canada. ‘The figures for the
last three years, to 1909, show that there has been a gradual
increase in the amount of imports from Canada, the values
being: 1907 £2,753, 1908 £3,151, 1909 £3,456. The
import trade of Montserrat with the United States is small,
the only food stuffs being salted beef and pork, lard and
oleomargarine.
TRINIDAD. The supply of flour is almost exclusively
obtained from the United States, and the proportion from
Canada is increasing yearly in quantity, for as in the case of
Barbados, complaints are no longer made in regard to Cana-
dian flour. In the case of oats, the imports from Canada
have doubled, while those from Holland and Denmark
have decreased, though these still have a large share in
a field that was once occupied almost exclusively by Canada.
Canada has the largest share in the imports of peas and
beans; as is the case with rice, the amounts of these do not
increase with the growing population, because the supply of
local vegetables is becoming larger, on account of the opening
up of the country and the provision of easier means of
communication.
The first place in the import trade of Trinidad with
Canada is occupied by fish, 6,259,984 tb. having been receiv-
ed from that country, out of a total amount of 7,513,804 hb.
As regards corn, none of this comes directly from Canada;
what little may be obtained from that country is forwarded
through the United States. It is a curious fact that a cer-
tain amount of Canadian meat reaches Trinidad through
England; there is need for making a special effort to obtain
a much larger direct trade in this, and attention is drawn to
the necessity for the placing of such goods, as well as of others,
in strong, well-made, attractive packages.
BRITISH GUIANA. The tables of imports show that the
importation of food stuffs into this colony is fairly steady.
As far as fish is concerned, smoked and tinned fish, and pick-
led mackerel, show a decrease, but there is an increase in the
case of dried cod and herrings, which chiefly come from Can-
ada. There is also a growing demand for Canadian butter;
while the importation of Canadian cheese is small, but
regular. Holland again shows its supremacy in the matter
of supplying oats, the value of which for 1909 was $92,993;
in this year, Holland supplied two-thirds of the demand for
oats, while in the previous year the largest share was held
by Canada, and in the one before by the United States.
There has been a large increase in the imports of flour
into British Guiana, partly on account of high prices, and
partly because of the low price in the colony. Attention is
drawn to a remark by the Comptroller of Customs, in his
report, to the effect that when the prices of these are normal,
rice does not take the place of flour, The importation of
Canadian fish is stationary and there is an increasing demand
for tinned fish. The supply of grain from Canada is steady,
as far as is shown by the figures. Nearly all the trade in tea
and, condensed milk is held by Great Britain, which has sup-
planted the United States in regard to the latter commodity.
A final matter of chief interest is that Canada possesses the
greater part of the trade in potatoes and ground provisions,
having obtained about two-thirds of the amount for the past
two years. :
iss)
(o"o,
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Frpruary 4, 1911.
rie Car SS
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date December 30, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
There being no West Indian Sea Island in stock, we have
no sales to report.
American Sea Islands continue slow of sale, and although
factors in Charleston are holding firmly for previous prices,
buyers are quite indifferent.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending January 14, 1s as follows:—
The sales of the week were limited to two small Planter’s
Crop Lots at 42c. and 55¢., which were referred to in our
last circular.
The market remains very quiet, with apparently no
demand: The factors are showing‘ anxiety to sell and would
make concession to dispose of quantity, but in the meantime
are holding nominally at previous prices. viz.:
Extra Fine Islands at 40c.=22d. c.i.f. & 5 per cent.
Fully Fine .,, 37c, = 204d. .,
Fine a 35c.= 194d,
’ ” BI 32
” ” ” ”
COTTON SEED MEAL AS
HUMAN FOOD.
The Haperiment Station Record of the United
States Department of Agriculture for’ November 1910,
(Vol. XXIII, p. 566) gives an, abstract of a paper
which appears in the Texas Slation Bulletin, 128, p. 5,
describing work that bas been. done in connexion with
the use of cotton seed meal as,food for human, beings.
Extracts from this are presented here as follows:—
For several years systematic attempts have been made to
use cotton seed meal as food for man and on this account the
author studied the composition of cotton seed flour and
a number of food materials made fron) it, the analytical data
being reported in connexion with a discussion of the genera]
problem of cotton seed as a food stuff.
The table which follows’ shows the composition of the
cotton seed flour and bread:—
es =. \COTTON NOTES, 7
iD ois a Norm
Cotton seed flour, Cotton seed bread,
per cent. per cent,
Water (21 24:98
Albuminoids 48:2! 14:13
Fat 2s 4°85
Sugars and starches 22: 51:98
Fibre By 1:95
Ash 5s 2:11
All the cotton seed bakery products, as can be expected,
are much richer in protein than those made with ordinary
flour. Cotton seed bread contains about 50 per cent. more
protein than ordinary bread. The difference would be less
if the two contained more nearly the same quantity of water.
Four or five parts of flour to one part cotton seed meal was
probably used for this bread. Cotton seed gingerbread con-
tains three times as much protein as ordinary gingerbread.
Cotton seed ginger snaps contains nearly three times as much
protein as ordinary ginger snaps
In his discussion the author draws attention to the
fact that cotton seed has more or less proved harmful when
used as food for domestic animals, particularly pigs, . but
he is of the opinion that the quantities likely to be used
would not prove harmful to man. Nevertheless, he cautions
against sing too large amounts. His summary and general
conclusions follow: —
‘Cotton seed flour is richer in protein than meat, and
resembles meat more than it does wheat flour, rice, corn
meal, or other vegetable food. Cotton seed flour could be
used as a meat substitute.
‘Cotton seed flour, alone or mixed with wheat flour, can
be used to prepare bread, ginger cakes, pudding, cakes, etc.,
which are appetizing.
‘We have no reason to believe that cotton seed flour will
not be a wholesome human food, when used in small
amounts to replace meat, or to reinforce a diet poor in flesh
foods.
‘Cotton seed flour, being rich in protein, should not be
consumed in such quantity as to make the diet one sided,
and too rich in protein. One must be careful not to over-
eat it.
‘Cotton seed meal may be used as a meat substitute, in
the proportion of 1..0z. of meal to 2 oz. of meat.
‘Cotton seed meal can be used to reinforce the diet of
those whose diet is deficient in protein.
‘Cotton seed meal should always be mixed with flour or
meal, and with not less than four parts flour or meal, to one
of cotton seed meal.
‘Cotton seed meal may not agree with some people.
Every man must learn from his own experience what food
Vion. -X.. No, 229; 2
THE - AGRICULTURAL, NEWS. 39
agrees with him, and what does not.
‘Mouldy or damaged or inferior cotton seed meal should
be avoided, because it may cause sickness.
‘Only experience and experiments can tell us the part
which cotton seed meal should play in nutrition, and under
what conditions it may prove unwholesome.’
For purposes of comparison the following details
of the composition of ordinary wheaten flour and
bread, taken from Church’s Food, are given here:—
Ordinary bread,
per cent.
Ordinary flour,
per cent.
Water 13.0 43°
Albuminoids 10°5 10-4
Fat Ohts) 0°38
Sugars and starches 74:5 42:7
Fibre O7 lee
Ash Osi 11955)
THE WORK OF THE AGRICULTURAL
DEPARTMENT IN GRENADA.
A copy of a progress report on the Agricultural Depart-
ment, Grenada, for the quarter September to November,
1910, has been received from Mr. G. G. Auchinleck, B.Sc.,
Superintendent of Agriculture. This was laid before the
Grenada Agricultural Board at a meeting held on December
14, 1910, and adopted. Jt is of all the greater interest, as
it is the first report of the kind to be made in accordance
with the instructions issued by the Board at a meeting on
September 9, last.
Munch of the work has been concerned with the fitting
up of the laboratory for various agricultural investigations.
These have included the physical analysis of soils, analyses
of pen manure, and the examination of samples of lime juice.
An interesting result, in connexion with the last-mentioned
matter, is that it has been found that the yield of juice, and
its acidity, is greater from thin-skinned lime fruits than from
those with thick skins. Other analytical work has included
the examination of samples of drinking water.
A large number of plant specimens have been subjected
to microscopic examination, mainly in connexion with fungus
diseases and scale insects.
Among the more important reports that have been
issued by the Department are included that on a Prize-
holdings Competition in Carriacou (see Agricultural News,
Vol. IX, p. 391), a General Agricultural Report on that
island, a Report on the Carriacou Lime Industry, and the
Annual Report, for 1910, on the Botanic Station and Agri-
cultural Instruction.
Candidates have offered themselves in all stages of the
examination in connexion with the Courses of Reading of the
Department. The numbers of these were as follows: Prelim-
inary two, and the same number in the Intermediate and
Final stages.
The work of the Superintendent of Agriculture has
included several visits to the country districts, in furtherance
of the serving of the needs of planters who are not resident
near St. George’s.
An area near the Botanic Station, known as the Spout
Lands, has been handed over to the Department for the pur-
pose of extending that station. Although the fertility of
the soil in this area is not great, the acquisition of these
lands should add to the usefulness and attractiveness of the
station. Another increase of area has been an extension of
the northern boundaries of the gardens; this will give more
room for the carrying out of experiments with economic
plants.
Among the definite experiments that have been under-
taken are those in the hybridization of cotton varieties. Trials
have also been made for the purpose of gaining information
in regard to the germination of Hevea seed. Another matter
of interest has been a practical enquiry as to the possibility
of growing green dressings under the shade of cacao, This
has not yet been concluded; the results are negative, so far,
Among the plants that have been tried or established are
alfalfa, varieties of pine-apples, onions, the Bambarra ground
nut (Voandzera subterranea), the Guayule rubber plant (Par-
thenium argentatum), Soy bean (Glycine hispida), the Perini
fibre plant (//ibiseus radiatus), and one or two varieties
of pasvure grasses.
The question of making Jippi-jappa hats was recently
brought before the Economics Committee, and since this
a great deal of interest has been evinced in the matter. The
result has been that 500 roots of the plant used for making
the hat (Carludovica jumaicensis) have been ordered from
Jamaica, and are expected to be available shortly for planting,
The Officers of the Department in Grenada have, during
the timé under report, kept in touch with the Agricultural
Society, and have attended its meetings regularly.
‘TROPICAL LIFE’ PRIZE ESSAY.
Particulars regarding the essay competition in
connexion with cacao fermentation and drying, organiz-
ed by Tropical Life. were given in the Agricultural
News, Vol. VIII, pp: 204, 220 and 237. In connexion
with this, the following announcement, contained in
Tropical Life for December 1910, is of interest:—
It has been found desirable, owing to unforeseen
circumstances, to postpone the final date for the reception of
essays on the above subject, as it is absolutely necessary that
the requirements laid down in connexion with the offer of
a prize be fulfilled. In fairness to the firms subscribing
towards the prize, the position will be carefully considered,
and when the points in question are settled, the particulars,
ete., as to the date fixed upon will be announced.
The following gives full details of the subject on which
the essay is to be written. Papers sent in, therefore, must
be able to treat the matter from a scientific as well as from
a practical point of view, as the main object is, as stated, to
obtain exact particulars of the biological as well as the
chemical changes that take place in the bean during the
process of fermentation.
Yhe essay should record precisely and in full detail the
changes resulting from the processes of fermentation and
drying that take place in the bean from maturity in the pod
to the time of putting the cured beans into bags for market.
Biological as well as chemical changes should be noted. The
action of maximum, minimum and optimum temperatures, and
of checks producing differences of times in the fermentation
and drying processes should be noted for every stage. The
differences due to such variations on the resultant cured bean
should be clearly traced. The possibility should be discussed
of producing at will by such variations, and independently of
the natural character of the bean, varieties of taste and of
colour, both internal and external, so as to simulate the
different kinds of cacao known on the market. Alterations
that might be made in ordinary methods so as to improve the
quality of the cacao should be explained. Waste products
should be considered, and their potential value indicated.
40 THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS, Frpruary 4, 1911.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
apecimens for naming, should be addressed to the
Oommissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘ Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co., 87, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s. 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
_aatteultneal Ses
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1911.
Vou. X. No. 229.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Contents of Present Issue.
In the present number, the editorial deals with
Plants and Heavy Manuring. It contains a description
of experiments that have been conducted in relation to
the high manuring of plants, and discusses briefly the
possible effect of the application of manure in large
quantities.
Page 36 contains an article in which a description
is given of the propagation of the mango by shield
budding, as well as by other methods.
A summary of information relating to Canadian
trade with the West Indies, contained in some of the
recent Weekly Reports of the Department of Trade
and Commerce, Canada, is presented on page 37. The
reports from which the information has been obtained
are as follows: No. 351 (Barbados), No. 354 (Grenada),
No. 355 (Montserrat), Nos. 344, 346 and 347 (Trinidad),
No. 360 (British Guiana).
An article on page 39 contains a short account of
work that has been conducted recently by the Agri-
cultural Department in Grenada,
The Insect Notes, on page 42, deal chiefly with
a summary of entomological information contained in
the Agricultural News and West Indian Bulletin
during last year.
The Students’ Corner (page 45) gives an account
of the recent Final Examination held in connexion with
the Courses of Reading of the Department. It should
be read with the papers set at that examination.
Practical Agriculture and Hygiene in Grenada
Schools.
The lines on which the teaching of these subjects
is to be conducted in the future in Grenada were
indicated in the last number of the Agricultural
News. The following matters in connexion with them,
which are taken from the Report on the Primary
Schools, Grenada, for the year 1909-10, given in the
Grenada Government Gazette for December 15, 1910,
are therefore of interest.
During the year, theoretical work in connexion
with agriculture was conducted by most of the teachers
with success: the fact that no grants were made, how-
ever, for this subject has caused the school gardens to
fall practically into disuse. It is pointed out that, never-
theless, there 1s no reason why instruction basedon experi-
ments in boxes and pots should not be carried out.
A matter of some significance, in the latter connexion, is
that the papers sent up in the pupil teachers’ examina-
tion in this subject were often excellent, and showed
more accurate work than that in ordinary subjects of
instruction,
The teaching of sanitation and hygiene is meeting
with encouraging results, and in many schools it is not
contined to those standards, only, in respect of which
a grant is made. The opinion is given that the subject
is popular among the pupils, and that the teaching of
it is becoming of practical use.
eS
The Behaviour of Superphosphates in Soils.
An abstract is given, in the Hxperiment Station
Record, Vol. XXIII, p. 24, of a paper describing experi-
ments that were carried out in two series for determin-
ing what happens to superphosphates in the soil. The
object of the first of these was to find the rate and
extent of the fixation of soluble phosphoric acid in the
soil, while that of the second was the ascertaimimg
of the extent to which the roots of plants can assimilate
the phosphoric acid fixed in the deeper layers of the soil.
The trials showed that, when soluble phosphates
are applied to soil, whether this is caleareous or poor
in lime, they become fixed in a form which is insoluble
in water, but nevertheless readily available to plants; the
solubility of such phosphoric acid gradually decreases,
and there is no danger that when it is applied in the
usual way, it will be washed out of the soil.
For the purpose of obtaining the best results, the
condition of superphosphate for manure should be as
fine as possible, and the effect is increased by deep
harrowing or ploughing.
The second set of experiments was conducted in
pots; it showed that, even where there was no increase
of yield from applications of superphosphate, more
phosphoric acid was taken up by the plant than where
the manure had not been applied. It was found that,
as regards basic phosphate, the amount in the
drainage water was lower than that indicated by its
solubility, being about 3 parts in one million in calea-
reous soils, and 2 parts in a million in soils derived
from granite rocks.
Vor. X. No. 229;
The Distribution of Weeds.
A note on this subject was given in the last number
of the Agricultural News, in which a peculiar method
of the distribution of weeds was described. Additional
interesting information on the subject is contained in
the Textile Mercury for December 24, 1910.
Mention is made of sub-tropical water plants, first
of all, that are occasionally found growing in collections
of warm water near Lancashire cotton mills, such col-
lections of water being formed through the manipula-
tions at some of the stages in cotton-spinning. It
appears that the seed from which such plants grow are
broughs into England with imported cotton.
Not only cotton, but wool also, is a seed carrier.
In illustration of this, eighteen exotic plants were
exhibited at the December meetiny of the Linnean
Society, which had been selected from about 200
observed near the river Tweed and one of its tribut-
aries. The plants are found growing in « locality where
the chief industry is weaving, and the seeds had been
brought in with imported wool. The plants include
natives of the Mediterranean region which have become
naturalized in Australia, and it is the prickly fruits of
these that cause deterioration in valne of the fleeces.
It is a matter of some interest that, although all these
plants die in winter, fresh importations of wool renew
the planting material for them in the following year.
a
Trade and Agriculture of Brazil, 1909.
No. 4575 of the Annual Series of the Diplomatic
and Consular Reports, dealing with the trade of Brazil
during 1909, has just been received, It shows that the
value of imports and exports combined, during the year,
was £100,836,000, which is an increase from 80 million
pounds for 1909, the value for 1907 being nearly 95
million pounds sterling. The high figure tor the year
under report was reached mainly on account of increased
exports of every kind, while the total of each product,
with the exception of cacao, realized a higher price
than in the previous year.
The report goes on to deal with agriculture, stat-
ing that a Federal Department of Agriculture was
created in 1909; one of the chief measures of this
department has been the making of arrangements for
agricultural instruction, and the formation of various
bureaux for the conduct of its work.
The fact that one of the chief sources of revenne
of the states of Brazil is the tax on exports, and the
circumstance that this is levied chiefly on agricultural
produce, together with the condition that the sources
of federal revenue are the duties on imports, cause the
Brazilian planter to have no inducement to export his
crops to foreign markets, because of the increased cost
of production. Agriculture has therefore to be encour-
aged by the granting of bounties, the lowering of rail-
way charges for carrying agricultural produce, and the
development by the Government of cold storage and
experiment station schemes.
The following were the values of the chief agri-
cultural exports of the country during 1909: rubber
£18,926,061, coffee £33,475,170, cacao £1,598,959,
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 41
tobacco £1,339,336, cotton £591,814, sugar £689,266,
Paraguay tea £1,657,787.
A matter of interest is that, in regard to rubber,
the extent of the natural forests of the Amazon valley,
covering one million square miles and producing the
finest Para rubber, is still unknown, and there is the
possibility that only a fraction of the rubber in these
forests has been exploited The Brazilian Government,
nevertheless, favours measures for the encouragement
for the planting of Hevea on a large scale. Little seems
to be effected, however, in the direction of protecting
the forests that exist already.
EE EE
Bonuses for Stock Importation, St. Lucia.
At a speciai general meeting of the St. Lucia
Agricultural Society, held on December 30, 1910, it
was unanimously decided that a grant of £40 should
be made to Mr. G. M. Peter, on the importation by him
of a thoroughbred pedigree stallion, and on condition
that the animal is approved by the society.
The grant is further subject to the following con-
ditions: (1) that the animal is guaranteed to remain in
the island for four years, at the service of the public;
(2) that the animal must have completed his third year,
and must not be over eight years old; (3) that the
animal be over 15 hands; (4) that the St. Lucia Agri-
cultural Society contribute the sum of 10s. toward each
service fee, the owner of the mare paying 20s.; (5) that
Mr. Peter agrees to move the stallion to the districts of
Soufriére, Vieuxfort and Dennery, provided that ten
See mares are ready for service in each of those
places.
SEE
Machinery for Threshing Ground Nuts.
In the Agricultural News, Vol. IX, p. 124, an
announcement was made concerning the Ellis Keystone
Grain and Peanut Thresher. Since this time, en-
quiries have been made concerning the machine by
the Natal Agricultural Journal, and the results of
these are presented in the November number of that
publication, p. 567.
Tt appears that, if the plants are not too large and
damp, and mixed with grass, the different machines will
thresh and clean the following number of bushels of
ground nuts per hour: No. 1, 30 to 40; No. 2, 40 to 60;
No. 3, 60 to 80. To run them, the first of these requires
a 4 h.p. gasolene engine; the second a 4 h.p. steam or
a 6 h.p. gasolene engine; and the third steam or gaso-
lene engines of 6 or 8 h.p.
In reply to the question as to whether the machines
will deal with soy beans, it is stated that there is an
uncertainty as to if they are capable of doing this. The
price list shows that the cost of them runs from $115
for a No. 1 Champion thresher and cleaner, with a 20-
inch cylinder, to $230 for a No. 3 thresher and cleaner,
with a 28-inch cylinder, f.o.b. Pottstown, Pa., U.S.A.
An attachment for dealing with grain may also be
obtained, the price of one suitable for the No. 1 thresher
being $30.
42 THE - AGRICULTURAL » NEWS.
INSECT NOTES.
A SUMMARY OF ENTOMOLOGICAL IN-
FORMATION IN THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS AND WEST INDIAN
BULLETIN IN 1910.
In a recent number of the Agricultural News (Vol. IX,
p. 410), a brief report was given on the insect pests in the
West Indies during 1910. It may be of interest to refer to
the information relating to Entomology which has been pub-
lished during the same period. This will be done in the
present article, and in one to be published in the next
number of the Agricultural Nevs.
It will be seen, by consulting the article already men-
tioned, that the year has been one singularly free from serious
outbreaks of insect pests of any kind in these islands, and
consequently there has not been so large a proportion of the
Insect Notes dealing with these topics as in certain past years.
In previous volumes, articles have appeared which, taken
together, outline a brief course in elementary entomology.
During 1910, an article in five parts on the Acarina, or mites,
has been issued, in which these insect allies have been dis-
cussed in a manner similar to that observed in treating the
groups of true insects.
In Part J, the classes of the Arthropoda are mentioned,
cand the general characters are given of the orders of the
Arachnida, one of which, the Acarina, forms the ‘subject of
the entire article.
Among the Acarina are to be found the red spiders,
poultry and bird mites, ticks of cattle, dogs and poultry, the
mites causing itch, scab and mange, and the gall mites which
attack various plants.
Examples of pests of plants in this division are the red
spider (Z'etranychus telarius), and the cotton leaf-blister mite
(Lriophyes gossyptvi). The pests attacking domestic animals
are the poultry mites of the family Gamasidae, the cattle
ticks of the family Ixodidae, and the mange and scale mites of
the family Sarcoptidae. The most important of these are the
cattle ticks, which are the transmitters of Texas or red water
fever. The itch mites attack man at times, as do also the
larval forms of certain of the Trombididae, known as béte
rouge and harvest bugs.
The following is a list of the articles, with references,
published as Insect Notes in previous volumes of the dgri-
cultural News, on the Natural History of Insects and the
Orders of Insects, with references to those on the Acatina, or
mites, just mentioned:—
The Natural History of Insects.
“Part I. Introduction Vol. VIII, p. 346
» II. Structure and growth ae Se ess OOS
,, III. Growth (concluded) senses and
circulation Hohe ramets
», IV. Respiratory and nervous systems ,, ,, ,, 394
» Y. Digestion and reproduction a oe ee)
Orders of Insects.
Orthoptera.
Grasshoppers a VV baaeele
Crickets mp ey OS
Odonata.
Pondflies ty ee eS
Hemiptera a VEL ss
Lepidoptera Bay eee.
Coleoptera Fe eh oie pee)
” ” ” ” 266
Fepruary 4,71911;
Orders of Insects (Continued).
Diptera Vol..-VII, ip. 314
” 39 ” ” 330
3 32 fon: 337140
Siphonaptera Sip rina to Lo
Hymenoptera 5 VIL: 234
Acarina
Part: Ee kee see
» W158. osmelts
» ite » 9399, Od
” Ie ” oF) 29 250
Oe es eon
In dealing with insect pests with reference to the crops
attacked, the first number of the year contained a report on
the insect pests for the preceding year,1909,(see p.10) and the
last number of the year (p. 410) presented a similar report on
the pests in 1910. In both of these mention is made of the
root-borer of sugar-cane (Diaprepes abbreviatus). This pest
was abundant in restricted districts in Barbados at the end
of 1909 and has increased in the severity of its attack on its
reappearance at the end of 1910. An article on the root-
borer on p. 58 gives an account of the insect, and suggests
estate practice calculated to reduce the numbers of the pest.
Under the title Lady-birds and Weevil Borers, the root
borer is mentioned again, as is also the weevil borer (Sphen-
ophorus sericeus) of the sugar-cane, and illustrations of these
insects in the adult condition are reproduced. In this article,
the use of the term lady-bird designates other than beneficial
insects, and it is pointed out that weevils such as the weevil
borer and the root borer ought not to be called lady-birds,
that term belongs to a family of predaceous insects which
are highly beneficial, from their insect-eating habits.
The frog-hopper (Zomaspis postica), which is a pest of
sugar-cane in Trinidad, is described on p. 346. This account
mentions the damage resulting from the attacks of this pest,
the life-history, methods of control, and natural enemies.
The pests of cotton dealt with in the insect notes during
the year were treated of in articles entitled the Flower-
Bud Maggot (Contarinia gossypit), p. 129; Plant Bugs
Injurious to Cotton Bolls, p. 394; and A Cotton-eating
Beetle, p. 514. The flower-bud maggot made its appear-
ance again in Antigua in 1909-10, but the attacks were
less severe than in previous years. Early planting seems
to be the measure to adopt, to prevent severe attack
by this pest. The plant bugs injurious to cotton bolls
include several species of Hemiptera, which injure the bolls
by means of their sucking mouth parts; the punctures made
in feeding induce diseases which result in the loss of the bolls.
Under the caption A Cotton-eating Beetle, mention is made
of the occurrence of Hopatrinus gemellatus in Anguilla.
As has been stated, this article will be concluded in the
next number of the Agricultural News.
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
Mr. F. W. South, B.A., Mycologist on the Stat? of
the Imperial Department of Agriculture, left Barbados
on January 29, by the S.S. ‘Spheroid’, for Grenada,
for the purpose of carrying out investigations into the
fungus diseases of crops in that island. Mr. South is
expected to return to Barbados by the R.M.S.‘ Berbice’,
on Wednesday, the 8th instant.
Vou. Xi No. 229. ;
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 43
STATE AID FOR AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH.
In the course of his Report to the Board of Agriculture
and Fisheries on the Distribution of Grants for Agricultural
Education and Research during 1908-9 and 1909-10,
Mr. Middleton refers to the improved Beers of agricultural
research owing to the passing into law of the Development
and Road Imp yrovement Funds Act of 1909, and discusses
some of the a considerations which bear on the question
of State aid for the investigation of agricultural problems.
A public department, he points out, when authorizing the
expenditure of money on research, is bound to take to con-
sideration the probable value of the work to the State. It
cannot rest satisfied with the assurance that sooner or later all
accessions to knowledge will benefit the country. The tax-
payer of to-day naturally wishes to see a return for his
contribution, if not in his own lifetime, at least in that of his
children. It j is obvious, therefore, that as a matter of elem-
entary justice, the question of time must receive considera-
tion from any department entrusted with the expenditure of
State funds for research. This obligation may make it
difficult to resist the demands of those who call for early
results; but, on the other hand, these demands must be resisted
if the State is to avoid squandering its resources. Nothing is
more certain than that much of the best work, and the work
which most deserves the aid of the State, is of a kind which
cannot be hurried, or than that no genuine scientific worker
can grind out results to order.
As a preliminary question it may be asked—What is
Research! What may be included and what must be excluded
when the time comes for discriminating between the various
claimants for assistance from funds provided for the improve-
ment of agriculture? A certain class of agriculturist holds
that ‘all that there is to learn about agriculture must be
learned ona farm; another class, now perhaps more numerous,
but not more logical, supposes that when any agricultural
product is transported to a laboratory, it becomes then, but
not till then, a subject for research. But in fact the ‘expert’
agriculturist laying out manurial plots on a farm, or the
chemist analysing agricultural products in his laboratory,
may be no more engaged in research than the farm labourer,
or the miller carrying out his routine tasks. In order that
work may become research, it must satisfy one or both of two
conditions: (1) it must, as a result of observation or experi-
ment, result in the collection of fresh facts; (2) it must
involve an examination of the facts collected, or phenomena
observed, and the reduction of them to a form in which they
constitute ‘an addition to knowledge. (The Journal of the
Board of Boece lines November 1910.)
ELECTRICITY IN AGRIC ULTURE
Sir Oliver Lodge, who has for some years been in ies
ting the application of electricity to agriculture, gave some
interesting information on the subject in a lecture delivered
at the Midland Institute, Birmingham, on November 14,
1910. Of the probléms which were receiving, and yet await-
ing attention, Sir Oliver placed the absorption of nitrogen by
plant life as one of the chief. The action of nitrifying
Hacteria in the soil, the influence and function of leguminous
plants in the rotation of crops, the whole process of the
absorption, elaboration and assimilation of sap, the chemical
changes goingon in the laboratories of the leaf under the
influence of sunshine, and the discharge of electricity from
plant surfaces under the action of, ultra-violet : light—all
these had been’ recognized, though as yet very imperfectly
studied, for a few years. But there were others which were
coming to the front, of perhaps equal importance with these,
and which, in combination with them, would affect the power,
of the British nation to feed itself, and to lessen the amount
of imported food. Disceveries lay ahead ready to be made
in the direction of the reclamation of barren soils, the influence
of strong sunshine and of heat upon soils, and in preparing
it for seed, and now in the curious effect not only of burning,
but of poisoning or disinfecting the soil, and thereby increas-
ing its fertility. This last process was coming to be under?
stood now as having the effect of destroying the opponents
or devourers of the useful and, co-operating bacteria, which
enabled the latter to multiply to a prodigious extent, and the
soil became far more fertile than before. In addition, there
was the problem of the electrification of the air above the
growing plant. Such electrification always existed, but by
artificial means it could be intensified, the plant stimulated,
and the action of feeble sunshine acc elerated and assisted by
high-tension electricity, purposely conveyed to the atmosphere
above the plants, Only recently had it been possible to
supply electricity of the kind desired in a fairly easy, and
permanent and engineering manner.
His son, Sir Oliver added, had devised an apparatus for
applying electricity to growing crops in a practical engineer-
ing manner, and an agricultural electrical discharge company
had been started on a small scale at Gloucester, and had sent
out apparatus to many parts of the world—to Germany and
Austria, to Java and Sweden, as well as to Scotland for
experiments by Mr. Lowe, of Balmakewan, who was testing
the whole process, scientifically and financially, for a period
of five years. Dr. Priestley, of Bristol, a scientific chemist
and botanist, was also giving careful attention to the testing
of results. A 2 h.p. engine was sufficient for a 20-acre plot.
(The Field, November 19, 1910.)
!
Preservation of Labels and Plant Stakes.—
Plant stakes and labels are often the cause of much trouble
in gardens, owing to the way ijn which they rot and break
off, and the consequent labour and expense of having to renew
them. A frequently practised method is that of tarring the
portion that goes into the ground to prevent decay, or “that
of charring the ends; but neither can be said to be quite
satisfactory, fungi and moisture often finding a way in,
especially just above the surface soil. A correspondent to
Moller’s Gartner Zeitung mentions a simple plan which he
saw described in some old horticultural work, which appears
to be practicable, simple and inexpensive. When the stakes
are thoroughly dry they are placed with their lower ends to
soak in lime water for several days, after which they are taken
out and allowed to dry. They are then painted over with
dilute sulphuric acid and put in the sun to dry. This results
in the formation in the treated wood of calcium sulphate, or
gypsum, which is almost insoluble in water, and fairly hard:.
It might be thought that the sulphuric acid would prove
injurious to plant roots, but this is not so, as all the’ free
acid enters into combination with the calcium, and we know-
that gypsum is beneficial to plants. It cannot, of course, be
claimed yet that this treatment of labels and stakes for use
in gardens has proved a good preservative, as it would require
several years to test it, but it certainly looks like serving the
purpose admirably, and every gardener and forester knows the.
value of a stake or label that would do duty for a number.
of years. The treatment might also prove useful for gate
posts, the principals of fences, ‘ete.; in fact, for all wood that
is liable to decay from damp, ete, (The Field, oe 5
1910.)
44 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
GLEANINGS.
The distribution of plants from the Dominica Botanic
Station for December 1910 was as follows: limes 4,350,
spineless limes 750, cacao 415, grafted cacao 145, Para
rubber 1,000. The total for the month was 6,869 plants.
A report received from the Agricultural Superintendent,
St. Kitts, shows that the plants distributed from the Botanic
and Experiment Stations during December 1910 were 17,000
cane cuttings and 300 lime plants.
The planting of seedling canes, in connexion with the
trials that are being made there, has been conducted recently
at the Experiment Station, Tortola when the varieties put in,
were D.95, B.6450 B.1753, B.6388, B.109, B.147, B.306,
B.208, Sealy Seedling and two local kinds.
Official returns issued by the Government of Ceylon show
that the exports of rubber during the month of September and
the three months ended September, 1910, were 3,131, cwt.
8,936 cwt., respectively. The similar figures for 1909 were
1,249 cwt. and 3,529 cwt.
The Acting British Consul at Bangkok, Siam, reports
that an Exhibition of Agriculture and Commerce will be held
there this year, commencing on April 3. At this, there will
be sections for the agricultural, forest, mineral, and industrial
produce of Siam, as well as an international section for agri-
cultural and industrial machinery.
The Proceedings of the Agricultural Society of Trinidad
and Tobago for December 1910, shows that the amount of
cacao shipped from ‘Trinidad during that month was
4,154,175b. The total quantity forthe year was 57,839,074 Ib.,
as compared with 51,575,109 Ib. and 47,632,438 tb. for 1909
and 1908, respectively.
In regard to the International Rubber and Allied Trades
Exhibition (see Agricultural News, p. 396), it is announced
that the proprietors of Grenier’s Rubber News, Kuala Lum-
pur, Federated Malay States, are offering a trophy valued at
25 guineas for the best sample of rubber sent to the exhibi-
tion from Ceylon, the Malay States, or Jaya.
Dry weather was experienced in Barbados at the end of
the year, when the rainfall for December, as measured at the
Meteorological Station was 2°54 inches, which was 4:29 inches
less than the average of the month in the past ten years.
The number of days on which rain fell was twelve, and the
heayiest fall took place on December 4, when 1:20 inches
was registered.
Fesruary 4, 1911.
2 ee ee ee
-\ note appeared in the Agricultural News, Vol. IX, p. 281,
on the manufacture of cloth from banana fibre, in China.
Since this, the Board of Trade Journal for October 13, 1910,
states that the Commercial Intelligence Branch has been
informed by the Colonial Office that, as a result of an exam=
ination of a sample of the cloth at the Imperial Institute, the
weft only has been found to be composed of banana fibre;
while the warp consisted of ramie fibre.
A report received from Montserrat states that, while
the general average of the cotton crop is good, few or none
of the estates are producing large crops. A scarcity of
labourers for cotton-picking exists on the windward side
because of the possession by a large number of peasants of
cotton grounds in New Windward and Blakes districts. The
statement is made, further, that the area of cotton in Mont-
serrat is likely to be increased this year.
Information has been received from the Agricultural
Superintendent, St. Vincent, that three thoroughbred mares
have been imported recently, under the bonus scheme of the
Government. In addition to these, the Agricultural Superin-
tendent has obtained a pure-bred Ayrshire bull and a three-
quarter bred Zebu, for a local stock raiser, from Canada and
Trinidad, respectively. All the animals are stated to belong
to very fine types of the breeds represented by them.
The ulletin Agricole, Mauritius, No. 11, p. i42, notes
that experiments made at the Central Institute for Agri-
cultural Experiments, Sweden, lead to the conclusion, in the
same way as similar trials in Germany, that the milk of cows
fed on the soy bean tends to become lowered in its content of
fatty matters. No changes in the appearance or taste of the
milk have been observed, but it has been found that the butter
from the milk of cows fed on large quantities of this bean, in
summer, possesses a pronounced taste of the food.
A copy of Plants Indigenous to Victoria, Vol. II, by
A. J. Ewart, D.Se., Ph. D., F.L.S., Government Botanist and
Protessor of Botany and Plant Physiology in the Melbourne
University, has been received for the use of the Department.
The issue of the work, which continues Baron von Miiller’s
Plants Indigenous to Victoria, published in 1862, is a small
one of 484 copies. It may be obtained from the Department
of Agriculture, Public Offices, Melbourne, for 10s , with post-
age 9d. Application should be made to the Secretary for
Agriculture, Melbourne.
The board of Trade Journal for December 8, 1910,
announces that the Ninth International Agricultural Con-
gress will be held at Madrid from May 1 to 6, 1911, under
the patronage of H.M. the King of Spain. The Congress
will be divided into eight sections, and the subjects for
discussion include the organization of co-operation and agri-
cultural credit, reattorestation, diseases of fruit trees, animal
nutrition, and the application of green manures. The sub-
scription for societies or private persons who wish to partici-
pate in the Congress is 20 pesetas (about 15s.). Application
for admission must be sent, before March 15, to the Secretary
of the Organizing Committee of the Congress, Society of
Spanish Agriculturists, 12, Campoamor, Madrid.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 45
STUDENTS’ CORNER.
AGRICULTURAL EXAMINATIONS.
In the last number of the Agricultural News, a review
was given of the questions and answers in the recent Inter-
mediate Examination held in connexion with the Courses of
Reading of the Department. It is intended in the present
article to deal with the questions and answers in the Final
Examination. in the same manner,
Like the Intermediate Examination, the Final stage is
divided into two parts, one dealing with general subjects and
the other with such special subjects as might be offered by
candidates. ‘I'he first part was subdivided into four parts
dealing with subjects under the following heads: A. Produc-
tion of Plants; B. Production of Animals; ©. Construction on
Estates; D. Economics of Planting. This plan enables the
questions which treat of the different parts of the work to be
classified definitely, and at the same time makes it possible
for them to be set in a broad manner, so that each candidate
can base his answers on his own experience, no matter what
the subjects of the questions attempted by him may be. In
the arrangement of the special subjects, the lines adopted for
the Intermediate Examination were followed; so that this
paper contains: Sugar Industry: General, Muscovado Method
and Vacuum Pan Method; Cacao; Limes: Cotton; Provision
Crops.
Three questions were set in each of the four parts of
the general paper, six of which, only, were to be attempted,
while questions had to be chosen from all the parts. The
candidate was warned that the questions must be answered in
relation to the special crop subjects offered by him; that is to
say his answers were required to refer directly to the estate
work in which he had been employed. In part A, the best
answers were obtained to the first and third questions; with
regard to the first, however, some candidates did not understand
that the answer was not meant to include an account of tran-
spiration by plants. Some of the answers to question 3
were good, while question 2, dealing with the ways in which
the chances of the introduction of fungus pests into an estate
may be lessened, was rarely attempted; it is necessary to
understand that answers to this should have reference to
legislation against the introduction of plant diseases into a col-
ony, as well as to the precautions that should be observed on
estates, in regard to the same matter,
Part B of the general paper, which had to do with Pro-
duction of Animals, included questions which dealt with the
ways in which stock is useful on estates; the use of estate
products for feeding animals, and means for supplementing
these; and the special characteristics of any estate animal that
might be chosen. The best answers were obtained to the
first question; although few of these could be termed good,
on account of their incompleteness. Some knowledge was
usually shown of the use of estate products for stock-feeding,
though there was a weakness in the direction of knowing
how these have to be supplemented. Few answers were
obtained to question 3, and none of these could be called
thorough, in any sense of the word; it appears that there
should be much more interest on the part of candidates in
regard to the extent to which various breeds of animals possess
characteristics which fit them specially for the kind of work
that is expected from them,
As has been stated, the next part of the paper dealt
with Construction on Estates. The first question required
an account of a piece of machinery or a mechanical instrument
in use on estates; the second, a description of the way to make
a simple plan of a small estate, with drawings; while the third
had reference to the cheap provision and the usefulness of
fences. Some good answers to the first were obtained, show-
ing, among other things, that there is an increased interest
in implemental tillage. It isa matter for regret that no
attempts to answer the second were made; candidates are
advised to give attention to simple methods of surveying and
plan-drawing, which may be feasible. One or two thorough
answers were obtained in connexion with the points of useful-
ness of fences, and some of the candidates showed that they
had given intelligent consideration to methods by which
these may be provided cheaply, under conditions with which
they were familiar.
Attempts were received to all the questions given under
the heading Economics of Planting. The first one asked for
an account of the way in which labour is provided for use in
the conditions under which the candidate had worked, as
well as suggestions for methods whereby it appears that
the supply of this could be made more regular; it evoked at
least one fairly good answer. Some of the descriptions of
the way in which the chief product on an estate on which
the candidate had lived is prepared and packed for export,
written in answer to question 2, showed that the candidates
possessed a good knowledge of the subject. Question 3 is of
much importance, and may be given here in full as follows:
State what records should be kept on an estate in relation to
(a) plants, (b) animals, (c) the produce of its main crop.
What are the uses of these records? The matters included
in a complete answer to this question are of the greatest
concern to a properly conducted estate, and candidates
Should find it of much benefit to place themselves in a posi-
tion to be able to provide such an answer,
It will be seen that these questions should be approach-
ed in a broad manner, and that in giving answers to them
the familiar conditions of estate practice should be kept well
before the candidate’s mind. He is required to answer them
from experience, and to show that he has dealt with the
subjects with which they are connected in an intelligent and
practical manner.
It is not intended to deal with the questions set in the
Special Subjects in such a detailed manner as has just been
adopted for those in the General Subjects; the parti-
cularized nature of the answers required prevents this
from being done in the space at command. Three questions
were set in each of the seven parts, answers to only three of
which, altogether, were expected. For those answers, the ques-
tions had to be chosen from both of the special subjects offered
by the candidates, and from those only; candidates offering two
sugar subjects were permitted, however, to select a question
from each of these, and the third from their other special
subject. An important matter that was brought to the
notice of candidates was that two hours were given for
answering the three questions; this was because it was expect-
ed that they would be answered in as detailed a manner as
possible; so that candidates would require for the purpose all
the time that was given.
With regard to the Final Examination, generally, it may
be said that candidates require a wider outlook on their
subjects and a broader way of dealing with them; though the
answers were not discouraging, considering the fact that this
is the first of the examinations in this stage. The circum-
stance that an examination has now been held, together with
the assistance given in the Agricultural News and by officers
of the Local Agricultural Departments and others, should
speedily bring about an improvement in the standard of the
answers received in future Final Examinations.
46 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Frepruary 4, 1911,
FUNGUS NOTES.
TWO DISEASES OF CITRUS TREES
IN FLORIDA.
Of recent years a disease known as scaly bark has
caused considerable damage to sweet orange trees in Florida,
and has been in consequence the subject of careful study
extending over the last few years. Professor Fawcett, Plant
Pathologist on the Staff of the Florida Experiment Station,
has recently published a full account of the disease, its
cause and treatment, in the Annual Report of the Florida
State Experiment Station for 1910. A second disease known
as scab or verrucosis is also described in the same article, by
this author, The two diseases will be considered below.
SCALY BARK. The disease occurs principally on sweet
orange trees, but it may be found on old trees of the
grape-fruit and lemon. It appears first most commonly, on
twigs varying in age from nine to eighteen months; it may,
however, commence its attack on much older branches,
though it is very rarely found on twigs less than six months
old. The attacks most generally commence between June
and December, a period which corresponds closely to the
rainy seasons in Florida. The first noticeable stage of the
disease consists of the appearance, on the epidermis of the
branch attacked, of circular or oval spots from 1 to 4 mm. in
diameter. The spots consist in some cases of a slightly
raised ring, composed of small pustules appearing like breaks
in the epidermis; in other cases the spots commence as lemon-
coloured areas of approximately the same size as in the
mature condition. The bark of infected areas turns
rusty in colour, so that at the end of eight or ten months
the spots are of this colour, have a well defined margin,
and are from 10 to 20 mm. in diameter. Later the
bark becomes brittle, cracks, and forms small flakes. The
spots are at first separate, but increase in number and become
joined together, and finally, at the end of two or more years,
the branch is ringed, and dies. These symptoms are frequently
accompanied by exudations of gum. On older branches
and main stems the disease is rarely fatal, and merely
causes a rough irregular appearance of the bark. Even on the
smaller branches the action of the disease is slow, though in
many cases it is hastened by subsequent infection by spores
of Colletotrichum glocosporioides,the wither-tip fungus of citrus
plants. The spores germinate and grow on the diseased spots,
and the resulting mycelium secretes a poison which causes the
death of the branches.
The disease can also attack the fruit, on which it usually
commences to appear in the months of July and August, when
the green fruits are about }-inch in diameter. The spots
occur on the rind only, They are from 2 to 3 mm. in diameter
at first, but extend to a diameter of 5 or 10 mm. They occur
most frequently in the form of rings or bands similar to those
on small branches; they may also commence as round, yellow-
ish areas. Later, the rings become sunken and brown, while
the central portion remains green. Eventually, the fruits turn
yellow prematurely, the spots become brown throughout, and
the fruits drop.
It has been shown by means of carefully conducted
infection experiments that the diséuse’ is due to a fungus,
Hormodendron sp., whose mycelium atid spores occur partly
on the surface of the diseased areas. | *
On different culture media the’ firntius forms a dark-green
or black mycelium, consisting of septate hyphae, with strong-
ly marked constrictions at the septa. The spores are borne
on upright conidiophores. They ‘Are more or less circular,
dark in colour, and oceur in chains or branched chains.
Branches arise from any segment near the end of the conidi-
cphore, and also give rise to chains of spores.
Four lines of treatment have been recommended for this
disease. The first consists of top-working infected trees to
immune varieties of citrus. In the second, the tops of the
trees are cut off, so that only the trunks and basal portions
of the main branches are left. The trees are then washed
with a mixture of equal parts of carbolineum and water in
which soap has been dissolved, the mixture being carefully
painted all over the bark. This is done about the month of
February. At the end of the following growing season
a strong, healthy growth may be expected. In the third case,
the trees are carefully pruned, and sprayed with a 1-to-5-per
cent. emulsion of carbolineum in soap and water. Experi-
ments on the effect of spraying with this solution have, how-
ever, not progressed sufficiently to give any very definite
results. The last line of treatment consists in spraying the
trees for two or three years with Bordeaux mixture, made up
on the 5-5-50 formula. Spraying should be carried out three
times each year—once before the flowers open, once when the
fruit has set, and once when it is about half-grown. In
Florida, it was found that this treatment has an injurious
effect on the fungoid parasites of the scale insects, so that
these should be reintroduced into the trees after the final
spraying in each year, to prevent damage by the insects,
If this point is attended to, spraying proves successful. It
would appear, from the results of the experiments in these
various lines of treatment, that at present, heading back and
treating with carbolineum, and spraying with Bordeaux mix-
ture, are the most successful methods.
scab. This disease attacks lemons, sour oranges, satsumas
and grape-fruit, in Florida. It is rarely found on sweet orange
trees.
The attack commences on young leaves in the form of
light-brown or cork-coloured spots. These become depressed
on one side and raised on the other. They are of a dark-
brown or sometimes pinkish colour. The separate spots
coalesce until an irregular corky scab is formed, while the
leaves become twisted and contorted. The fungus may also
occur on the fruit, which then presents a warty appearance.
The disease has been proved by inoculation experiments
to be due to a fungus, Cladosporvum citri. It can be pre-
vented by the use of Bordeaux mixture. This should be
sprayed on to the trees early in the year, before growth com-
mences. A second application may be made later if the
disease appears on the young fruits. Asis stated above, care
must be taken, when using this mixture, that a watch is kept
on the scale insects, and if necessary, that measures are
employed to prevent their undue increase.
In connexion with the two diseases described above,
matter of some interest is furnished by Mr. C. K. Bancroft
in a paper, published in the Annals of Botany, Vol. XXIV,
No. XCIV, April 1910. The author found that a large number
of different host plants were subject to a leaf disease due to
a species of Hormodendron. This fungus he found to be
identical.;with Cladosporium herbarum, a evmmon sapro-
phyte. . His investigations further led to the conclusion that
the Hormodendron form was parasitic, and occurred in the
summer; while the Cladosporium form was a saprophyte, and
occurred in the winter, At a low temperature, the last-
mentioned form reproduces itself, while at a high tempera-
ture it gives rise to the Hor modendron spores. It would be
interesting to discover if any parallel to this is furnished by
the scaly bark and scab fungi of Florida. =
WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS.
DRUGS AND SPICES ON THE LONDON
MARKET.
Mr. J. R. Jackson, A.L.S., has forwarded the fol-
lowing report on the London drug and spice market,
for the month of December :—
A diminution of business generally, in the drug and spice
markets, begins to be perceptible as soon as the last month of
they ear is entered upon, and becomes more apparant as the
month advances. In view of the holidays and stock-taking,
buyers are content with making small purchases, sufticient to
carry them over to the New Year. The last drug auction of
1910 was held on December 15, and the first one of 1911 is
fixed for January 12. Throughout December, however, though
the purchases were not large, prices, generally were well main-
tained, and a belief prevailed that the New Year would open
very satisfactorily.
GINGER.
This article maintained a firm position throughout the
month, and improved rates have been obtained for Jamaica,
especially towards the close of the month. The following are
the details: On the 7th of the month the offerings consisted
of 8 cases of bold Calicut, and 252 bags of washed rough.
The first were bought in at 92s. 6d. and the latter at 54s.,
good brown rough being held at 65s. per cwt. Privately, some
sales were made of rough Cochin at from 53s. to 54s, per ewt.
At auction on the 21st, good washed Cochin sold at 52s. 6d. to
55s., and good Calicut commanded prices up to 65s. Jamaica
also commanded much firmer prices than had hitherto pre-
vailed. The increased exports trom Jamaica, from the begin-
ning of April to the end of October last, of 15,255 ewts.
against 12,934 cwt. in the same period of 1909 have been
favourably commented on,
NUTMEGS, MACE AND PIMENTO,
The dealings in none of these articles call for any remark,
except that in the middle of the month there was a slight
advance in mace, good pale West Indian fetching from 2s. 4d.
to 2s. 5d., fair 2s. 2d. to 2s. 3d., and ordinary 2s. to 2s. 1d.
per Ib.
ARROWROOT.
A quiet tone has pervaded this article. At the early part
of the month, some 200 barrels of St. Vincent were disposed
of at prices from 2d. to 3?d. per tb., the higher price being
for fine manufacturing. Attention has been drawn in com-
mercial circles to the fact that the combination of St. Vincent
exporters not to sell below 2d. has come into operation this
month.
SARSAPARILLA,
At auction on December 1, 24 bales of grey Jamaica
were offered, 20 of which were sold at the following rates:
fair Js. 5d., slightly mouldy 1s. 2d. and damaged 1s.
Native Jamaica was represented by 8 bales, most of which was
sold, fair to good bright red fetching 10d. to 103d. per Ib.
One bale of native red Jamaica realized 97. per tb., and 11
bales of Mexican were bought in at 9d. per ib. A fortnight
later, the offerings at auction were: grey Jamaica 3 bales,
Lima-Jamaica 29 bales, and native Jamaica 27 bales; 1 bale
of grey Jamaica fetched 1s. 5d., and the other 2 1s. 4d. per hb.
for shightly mouldy. The Lima-Jamaica was all bought in,
17 bales at 1s. per b., and the remaining 12 at 103d. to 1s.
per lb. Four bales only of the native Jamaica found buyers,
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS 47
2 of good red fetching 114d. per tb., 1 of fair red 10d., and
1 of dull 9d. per tb.
KOLA, LIME JUICE AND OIL OF LIME,
Kola has been in demand throughout the month; at the
beginning, 8 bags of bright dried St. Lucia were all disposed
of at 3d. to 4d. per Ib, and a fortnight later, 4 bags of dried,
and 3 barrels of dark West Indian, were brought forward,
and disposed of at from 3}d. to 33d. per tb. for the first, and
33d. for the second. At the early part of the month, concen-
trated lime juice was firm at £18 2s. 6d Of oil of limes,
some 60 packages from Dominica were said to have arrived
about the middle of the month, and the following prices were
quoted: hand pressed 5s. 6d., fair white distilled 1s. 5d., and
other qualities ranging from 8d, to 1s. 3d. At the beginning
of the month, 2 barrels of West indian oil of bitter orange
were brought forward, and 1 was sold at 4s. 9d, per Ib.
Rice in British Guiana.
The last fortnightly report of Messrs. Sandbach,
Parker & Co., of Georgetown, on the rice industry of
British Guiana, dated January 18, 1911, gives informa-
tion as follows:—
The weather during the fortnight has been showery
and milling, as a consequence, has been interrupted.
Very little paddy now remains in growers’ hands and
exorbitant prices are being asked for it. The local demand
is very good, and with a continuance of showery weather we
expect a further increase in price. :
Shipments to West Indian islands during the fortnight
amounted to 1,866 bags.
We quote to-day, f.o.b. Demerara, for good export
quality :-—
Nominally, 23s. 6d. to 24s. 6d. per bag of 180 bb. gross,
218. 6d. to 22s. 6d. ,, 4,-5; 164 ,, ,,
)
Potato Meal in India.—The development of new
industries in India is always interesting, and the experiments
in the manufacture of potato meal made by Colonel Rennick,
a Kulu planter, in the hills beyond Simla, have now become
a practical success, the Army Authorities having already pur=
chased several thousand tins as emergency army rations.
Colonel Rennick has recently transferred his operations from
Kulu to Narkanda, a village some 40 miles beyond Simla,
on the well-known Hindustan and Tibet road, constructed by
Lord Dalhousie about half a century ago, with the object of
fostering trade with Tibet. Machinery has been procured
from England, and the various buildings, works, and barracks
are now approaching completion. The spot is in the centre
of a tract under potato cultivation, with a radius of about
10 miles; while firewood is obtainable from an extensive
forest called Baghi, and the railway is at a convenient
distance. The potatoes, after being boiled, and peeled by
hand labour, are then crushed by the engine-driven machines,
prepared by a patent process, and packed in hermetically
sealed tins, each containing a pound of meal, which will cost
about a rupee, and serve roughly for a week’s consumption—
2 oz. being more than sufficient for a good meal. As
a new and useful addition to the kitchen stores, it is antici-
pated that the potato-meal tin will find favour in many
acamp. (Journal of the Royal Society of Arts, December 16,
1910.)
London.—-TuHe Wesr Inpra
MARKET REPORTS.
CoMMITTEE CIRCULAR,
January 3, 1911; Messrs. E. A. DE Pass & Co.,
January 6, 1911.
ARRowRooT—No quotations.
Batata—Sheet, 3/10; block, 2/11 per tb.
Beeswax—£7 12s. 6d.
Cacao—Trinidad, 50/- to 62/- per ewt.; Grenada, 50/6
to 54/6; Jamaica, 48/- to 54/-.
CorrrE—Jamaica, 62/- to 62/6.
Copra—West Indian, £26 per ton.
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, no quotations.
Frouir—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
Gincer—Common to good common, 52/- to 55/6 per
cewt.; low middling to middling, 56/- to 59/6; good
bright to fine, 60/- to 65/-.
Hoxrty—No quotations.
IstncLass—No quotations.
Lime J urce—Raw, 11d. to 1/-; concentrated, £18 2s. 6d. to
£18 7s. 6d.; Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/6, nominal.
Loewoop—No quotations.
Mace—Firm.
Nourmecs—Quiet.
Pimento—Common, 2),d.; fair, 2¢d.; good, 2¥,d. per tb.
Russer—Para, fine hard, 5/6, fine soft, 4/10; ime Peru,
5/4 per tb. ;
Roum—Jamaica, 1/6 to 6/-.
Sucar—Crystals, 14/- to 17/-; Muscovado, 11/- to 13/6;
Syrup, no quotations; Molasses, no quotations.
New York,—Messrs. Giutesriz Bros. & Co., January
13; 1900"
Uacao—Caracas,: 11$c. to 12c. ; Grenada, 112c. to I1Ze. ;
Trinidad, 11 $c. to 12c. per tb.; Jamaica, no quotations.
Cocoa-Nuts—Jamaica, select, $30°00 to $31°00; culls,
$17:00 to $18:00; Trinidad, select, $30°00 to $31-00:
culls, $17°00 to $18-00 per M.
CorreE—Jamaicea, ordinary, 135c. to 13}c.; good ordinary,
14c.; washed, 154c. per tb.
GinceR—9c. to 12c. per tb.
Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 53c.; Barbados and Antigua, 48c.
to 50c.; St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 45c.
to 47¢. per tb
Grare-Frurt—$2:00 to $3:00 per box.
Linres—$6°00 to $6°50.
Mace—40c. to 46c. per th.
Nurmrcs—110’s, 9c. per th.
Orances—Jamaica, no quotations.
Pimento—3<c. per th.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3°674c. per tb.; Muscovados,
89°, 3°17}c.; Molasses, 89°, 2°924c. per th., all duty
pid.
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpoy, Grant & Co., January 21,
LOW
Cacao—Venezuelan, $12°75 per fanega; Trinidad, $12:50
to $13:00.
Cocoa-Nur Orr—$1°07 per Imperial gallon.
CorrEE—Venezuelan, 15c. per th.
Corra—$4°60 per 100 th. ist
DHAL—$3'50.
Ontons $4°25 to $4°30 per 100 lb.
Pras, Spiir—$6-00 to $6°10 per bag.
Porators—English, $1°90 to $2-00 per 100 tb.
Rick—Yellow, $4°35 to $440; White, $4°60
per bag.
Sucar—American crushed, $6°20 per 100 tb.
to $4°65
‘ec
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Frpruary 4, 1911.
Barbados,—Messrs. T. 8. Garraway & Co., January 23,
1911; Messrs. James A. Lyncn & Co., January 23,
1911.
ARRowRooT—St. Vincent, $4°50 to 54°60 per 100 th.
Cacao—$11°00 per 100 th.
Cocoa-NuTS—$22°00.
Corree—Jamaica and ordinary Rio, $13°50 to $15-00 per
100 tb. scarce.
Hay—$1°50 to $1°60
per 100 th.
Manures—Nitrate of soda, $65:00 ; Cacao manure, $42-00
to $48:00; Sulphate of ammonia, $75°00 per ton.
Motassrs—No quotations.
Ontons—$5:00 to $5"
50 per 100 tb.
Pras, Sprir—$5'85 to $6°10 per bag of 210 th.; Canada,
$3°60 per bag of 120 th.
Potators—Nova Scotia, $2:00 to $2°75 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam, $4°50; Patna, $3°50 to $3°80; Rangoon,
$2°30 to $3-00 per 100 tb.
Sucar—No quotations.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wrerinc & Ricuter, January
19, 1911; Messrs. SaAnpBacH, ParKER & Co,
January 18, 1
911.
ARTICLES.
ArrowRrooT—St. Vincent
Batata— Venezuela block
Demerara sheet
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STARCH—
Cocoa-NUTS—
CorrEE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
DHaLt—
Green Dhal
Eppos—
Mo tasses— Yellow
Ontons—Teneriffe
Madeira
Pras—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Poratrors—Nova Scotia
Lisbon
Potators—weet, B’bados
Rice—Ballam
Creole
TANNIAS—
Yams— White
Buck
Sucar—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
Timeer —Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
,, Cordwood
Messrs.
& RIcHTer.
$9-00 to $9°25
per 200 tb.
No quotation
8le. per th.
11c. per tb.
6c.
$6°50
l5c. per tb.
19c. per Tb.
10c. to lle. per tb 12c. per tb.
$3°25 per bag of |$3°50 per bag of
168 th. 168 tb.
$4-00 we
$1°20 ae
None ——
Be. 6c.
$5°75 to $600 per] $6°10 per bag
(210 tb.)
bag (210 tb.)
$4°50
20c. to 48c.
82°75
$1°80 per bag
No quotation
$5°00 to $5°50
$1°82 per bag
$2°40
$264 °
$2°10 to $2°20
$2°80 to $3:00
$4:00
$2°10 to $2°30
32c. to dc. per
cub. foot
$3°75 to $600
yer M
$1:80 to $2-00
_ per ton
WIETING
Messrs. Sanp-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$900
Prohibited
72c. to 80c.
10c. to 11e. per tb.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 per M |$10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
selected
16c. per th.
19c.per tb.
No quotation
$2°75
No quotation
34°80
$500 to $5°25
None
$2°65 to $2-70
$4:00 to $425
None
32c. to bbe. per
cub. foot
$400 te $6°00
per M.
No quotation
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
FOR THE WEST INDIES.
The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal.
Volume I. No. 1. Out of print. Nos, 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free. 1s. 2d,
Volumes IJ, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VII, IX and X:—Price 2s. each ; Post free 2s. 8d, where complete. (III, 2; LV, 3;
and V, 2 and 3 are ont of print.)
Volume XI. No. 1. Containing papers on The Control of Ecale Insects in the British West Indies by Means of
Fungoid Parasites; Epizootic Lymphangitis; A New West Indian Cacao Pod Disease; Nomenclature of
Seale Insects; Notes on Lime Cultivation; The Planting of Fruit Trees; Report on a Visit to the Guanica
Central Sugar Factory, Porto Rico; Manurial Experiments with Cotton in the Leeward Islands; and The
Noot Development of Cotton Plants in Differrnt Soils. Price 6d. Post free, 8d.
PAMPHLET SERIES.
The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially
adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work
on sugar-cane and manures. the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued up to the
present time is sixty-four. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print.
Suear Inpustry. (14) Screw Worm in Cattle at St. Lucia. Price 2d.
Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (15) Plain Talk to Small Owners. Price 2d.
in 1900. No, 3, price 2d.;in 1901, No. 18, price 4d.; | (16) Hints on Onion Cultivation. Price 2d.
in 1902, No. 19, price 4d.; in 1902, No. 26, price 4d.; (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d.
in 1904, No. 32, price 4d. (18) Recipes for Cooking West Indian Yams. Price 2d.
Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, (25) Ground Nuts in the West Indies. Price 2d.
in 1903-5, No. 40, price 6d.; in 1904-6, No. 44, price 6d.; (28) Barbados and Porto Rico Molasses. Price 3d.
in 1905-7, No. 49, price 6d.; in 1906-8, No. 59, price 6d.; (34) Notes on Rabbit Keeping in the West Indies. Price 2d,
in 1907-9, No. 62, price 6d.; No. 66, price 6d. (35) Information in regard to Agricultural Banks. Price 5d,
Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, (87) Cultivation of Oranges in Dominica. Price 4d.
in 1900-1, No. 12, price 2d.; in 1901-2, No. 20, price 2d.; (38) Cultivation and Curing of Tobacco. Price 4d.
in 1902-3, No. 27, price 2d.; in 1903-4, No. 33, price 4d.; (41) Tobago, Hints to Settlers. Price 6d.
in 1904-5, No. 39, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 46, price 4d.; (43) Cotton Seed and Votton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta-
in 1906-7, No. 50, price 4d.; in 1907-8, No. 56, price 4d.; tions. Price 2d.
in 1908 9, No. 63, price 6d. (45) A BC of Cotton Planting. New and Enlarged Edition,
Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, Price 6d.
in 1902-3, No. 30 price 4d.; in 1903-4, No. 36, price 4d.: (52) Hints for School Gardens, Revised Edition. Price 4d.
in 1904-5, No. 42, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 47, price 4d.; (53) A B C of Lime Cultivation. Price 4d.
in 1906-7, No. 51, price 4d.,; in 1907-8, No. 57, price 4d.; (54) Fungus Diseases of Cacao and Sanitation of Cacao Orchards,
in 1908-9, No. 64, price 4d. Price 4d.
ScaLe Insects. (55) Millions and Mosquitos. Price 3d.
Scale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I. No. 7, price 4d.; (58) Insect Pests of Cacao. Price 4d.
Part II., No. 22, price 4d. (60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them. Price 4d.
GENERAL. (61) The Grafting of Cacao. Price 4d.
(5) General Treatment of Insect Pests, (Revised), price 4d. (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition,
The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of $d. for the pamphlets marked 2d., 1d. for those
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The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’. A Fortnightly Review.
The ‘Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and
other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony, and the progress made in
Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies.
The ‘Agricultural News ’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the
local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is
2s, 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII complete, with title page and index, as issued
—Price 4s. each.— Post free, 5s. Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no
longer be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents Alt
applications for copies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department.
Agents.
The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department :—
London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. St. Vincent: Mr. L. S. Mosenny, Agricultural School.
Barbados : Messrs. BowEn & Sons, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. M. A. Lawrence, Botanic Station.
Jamaica: THe EpucationaL Suppty Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Bripcewater, Roseau,
Street, Kingston. Montserrat : Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station.
British Guiana: Tur ‘Datty Curonrcie’ Orrice,Georgetown. Antigua: Mr. 8S. D. Matong, St. John’s.
Trinidad : Messrs. Muir-MarsHatt & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: Tue Brsue anp Book Suppty Agency, Basseterro,
“Tobago: Mr. C. L. Puacemann, Scarborough. Nevis : Messrs. Howrt, Bros., Charlestown,
Grenada: ‘THE Srores’ (Grenada) Limited, St. George.
Vor. KX. No; 7229: THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Fepruary 4, 1911.
THE BEST MANUR ES FOR ‘COLONIAL USE
PY pol SE
Ohlendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—For Sugar-cane and general uce
Chiendorff’s Special Sugar-cane Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cocoa Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cotton Manure
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, high grades,
Potash Salts, Basic Slag and all other high-class Fertilizers.
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO :—
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London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, H.C.
Barbados Agents: James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
cotton SEED MEAL.
GOTTEN SEED MEAL,
Recommended by the Imperial Department af
Agriculture as a first class Feeding Stuff for Cattle,
Mules, etc, Special quotations for large quantities,
THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON
FACTORY, LIMITED,
BRIDGETOWN.
JUST ISSUED. - | SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS. ——
WEST INDIAN BULLETIN.
(Vol. XI, No. 2.)
Containing papers on The Report on the Prevalence of
Some Pests and Diseases in the West Indies, for the year
1909-10; An Account of the Report of the Royal Commission
on Trade Relations between Canada and the West Indies, and
Memorandum by the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture
for the West Indies ou the Development of a West Indian
Fruit Trade; Report on a Mission to Canada and New York:
and British West Indian Limes in the New York Market.
To be obtained from all agents for the
sale of the Department’s publications. Price
6d.; 6d: post freemed, 2 ae ee eee free, 8d.
Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter, 4, High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados,
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Vou. X. No: 230:
CONTENTS.
PAGE. PAGE.
| Insect Notes :—
A Summary of Entomolo-
gical Information in the
Agricultural News and
Acclimatization of Stock in
the Tropics... ... ... 49]
Bananas in Hurope, Demand | West Indian Bulletin in
NWP cas. odo! coe ME booe soDgRaea| 1910 eM ce, cs. 00
Calcium Cyanamide and ‘Light, Effect of, on the
Nitrate of Lime... ... 57 Development of Fruits
Camphor, Yield from Diff | ANG SCCdS) Meee es: eee OL
erent Parts of the Plant 56) Market Reports ... 64
| Method for Studying Prob-
lems in Soil Fertility 59
Notes and Comments ... 56
Para Rubber Plants, Im-
ported, and Disease ... 61
Corn Ear Characters and
Wield! stim csmbsiak ec
Cotton Notes :—
British Cotton Growing
Department News 5 | ial Departmenvot Agri- yA
Departmental Reports... 55/ p:, ae (tae et
Fiji, Export Trade of, 1909 65 See ata ipmmereete cy ars
Fowl Ticks, to Destroy ... 65 See ae Ch ee me
: 2 cake Students’ Corner... ... GL
Fungus Notes :— Sugar Industry :—
The Green Muscardine Wax from the Sugar-cane 51
Fungus of Frog-Hoppers 62 | Toggerburg Goat, 'Half-bred 53
The Secretion of Poisons | Toggenbury (Goat-breeding
by Fungi ... ... ... 62| intinclandmeeemeeee eee OO
>
Gleanings ... ... ... ... 60|Toggenburg Goats in
Grape Fruit in Canada ... 52 | Grenada Bee aess\| ses DO
The Rechiastization of Stock in
the Tropics.
HE largely increased interest, of reeent
P years, in tropical agriculture, is causing more
Ajattention continually to be given to various
problems that have arisen in connexion with the devel-
opment of lands in countries near the equator. A matter
of considerable importance among these is the introduc-
tion and acclimatization of useful animals in such lands,
especially where those animals do not exist already.
BARBADOS, FEBRUARY 18, 1911.
Price ld,
In relation to this subject, a valuable paper* was pre-
sented at the First International Congress of Tropical
Agriculture held last year at Brussels, which gives
the results of the experience of a veterinary officer in
the Belgian army, who has spent much time in work of
the kind in the Congo Free State.
It is pointed out by this authority, first of all, that
the chief climatic characteristics of the tropics are the
uniformity of the temperature and humidity of the
atmosphere, as well as their higher value; the uniform-
ity of the atmospheric pressure; and the fact that the
wet and dry seasons, or seasons of heat and cold, become
more definitely differentiated as one passes from the
equator. There are, of course, variations of a local
nature, due to the influence of altitude, the nature of
the soil, the neighbourhood of the sea, the prevailing
winds, and the rainfall system; these are, however,
matters for consideration in each special case.
In regard to the introduction of stock into such
regions, the conditions may be broadly divided into two
kinds: those where the country has been developedalready
to a very great extent, as in the West Indies; and those
where there has been little or no development, as in the
larger part of Africa. In either case. the acclimatization
of an animal will be the gaining of that physiological
state in which the organism has become adapted to the
conditions of its new habitat. During such adaptation,
the equilibrium of the living conditions, and the power
of resistance of an animal, are upset and decreased, on
account of the struggle made by it ugainst the unaccust-
omed circumstances during the period of acclimatiza-
tion. In this struggle, the two factors to consider are the
climate, including all the conditions produced by it, and
the individual animal itself. In regard to the first, it has
Se Tepe eo eae ee Se Se
*[/ Agronomie Tropicale, 1910, p. 101.
50 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
been the custom to attach an undue importance to the
effects of the climate properly termed, alone, and not
to give due attention to all the circumstances that are
included under the wider definition of the term. As
far as meteorological conditions are concerned, it 1s
evident that these cannot be altered by man, although
he can provide the animals with such shelter as will
assist in ininimizing any evil effects from them.
Recent research has caused a very large considera-
tion to be given to the minute organisms that are
known to produce various diseases, and to the means of
their transmittal, as well as to the best methods for
combating the diseases. In relation to the animals
attacked by these, other observations
gations have tended to show that the most deeply
seated changes, resulting from their introduction into
a new habitat, take place in the alimentary system;
while there is evidence, on the other hand, that there
is usually little alteration in the powers of reproduction.
and investi-
The period of the year at which animals should be
introduced into new countries depends mainly on the
available food-supply. Where food is plentiful, the
best time for this 1s at the cool or dry season; where,
however, dependence is to be had on locally produced
forage alone, the wet season is preferable, as then the
animals will meet with the new conditions, under the
best circumstances of nutrition, A difficulty arises, in
regird to newly opened lands, in that the local grasses
during the wet season attain a rauk growth in which
their nutritive value is comparatively small. In the
article to which reference has been made, attention is
drawn to the interesting fact that the continued rais-
ing of stock ina district increases the grazing value
of such grasses, as the constant cropping and treading
down of the plants causes them to grow less rankly, and
to cover the ground much more thickly. This power of
grazing animals to improve the pasturage in new coun-
tries is a matter of the greatest importance, in relation to
the settlement of these. With reference to such
countries, the difficulties that have been pointed out
already do not complete the li8t; there are others, notably
the likelihood of the stock being introduced into places
where disease is epidemic, when the lower pastures in
the valleys are sought during the dry season; and added
to this there is the likelihood of loss through the con-
sumption of unknown, poisonous plants.
The opinion of the author is given that the ques-
tion of the provision of food is perhaps the most
important in acclimatization, more particularly as the
organism during this process requires a large amount.of
Frepruary 18, 1911.
energy for adaptation to the new conditions, so that
sufficient nourishment is a matter of necessity, if it is
to survive in the most useful state. As has been
indicated, the next matter of importance has to do with
the presence of the minute forms of life that cause
disease, including the ways in which these pass from
animal to animal. In many cases, these are not only
dependent for their presence on the climate, in the
restricted sense of the word, but the character of this
is often such as to make it less easy for the animals
to resist their attacks. The introduced animals
can do this chiefly through an acquired immunity,
and the treatment which man is enabled to accord
to them as a result of his study of the pathological
conditions. Other useful factors in the fight against such
diseases are the circumstance that animals introduced
when young into the region where they are present
often show an increased resistance to some of them;
the discovery of serums, the injection of which confers
immunity on the treated animals; and the fact that
new means are continually being found of destroy-
ing the intermediate hosts that harbour the parasites
of disease.
Returning to the question of the introduction of
animals into tropical regions, this resolves itself into .
a consideration as to whether the superiority of the
strains shall be maintained by importation of fresh
animals from time to time, or whether this shall
be done by continual selection and careful breed-
ing of the material already at hand. In examining
this matter, regard must be had to the fact that
the conditions in the new country will probably
be better fitted to an animal of a coarser type than
that which is introduced, as well as to the circumstance
that superior types of animals, in their struggle to sur-
vive in their new surroundings, will tend to degenerate,
as they gradually lose the power to transmit their
special characteristics to their descendants. The opinion
is given that the best course is to commence with a type
that has not undergone rigid selection for particular
characters, and to select this in the country of its adop-
tion with special reference to the qualities that it will
be required to show in its new environment. The
opinion is expressed again that, in relation to all such
work, the question of the supply of sufficient food is of
primary importance in the acclimatization of the chosen
breeds of animals. In giving these conclusions, the
fact of the usefulness of the introduction of highly
specialized strains under favourable conditions is not
forgotten, and it must be remembered that this will be
a matter of common feasibility in countries which have
been settled fora long time, and where dependence is
Vou. X. No. 230.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 5]
not had upon the local production of forage alone.
There are added to this the advantages that accrue trom
the careful intermixture of new blood with that which
is already present in the country, or district.
It is fully understood by the author that these
ideas do not receive universal acceptance, and he quotes
two examples on which objections are sometimes based.
These refer to the introduction of merino and mutton-
producing sheep into Australia and New Zealand, and
the absence of deterioration in them since this
took place. The objections are answered by the
author by reference to the fact that the wool-pro-
ducing power of the merino is an innate character, and
that the special quality of sheep producing mutton has
been obtained by constant selection over a very long
period, so that these particular properties are not likely
to disappear quickly under a change of surroundings.
In fine, the broad conclusions that are brought
forward in the consideration of the matter are: that
success in acclimatization depends on the provision of
a sufficient quantity of food, and the introduction of
animals that are not too highly specialized: that it is
likewise bound up with the extent to which means are
found for combating disease; and lastly, that the meteor-
ological conditions of a country, except in special
instances, have less to do with success or failure in
acclimatization than the problem of providing sufficient
nourishment suitable to the introduced animals.
SUGAR INDUSTRY.
WAX FROM THE SUGAR-CANE.
A short note on work that has been done in con-
nexion with the extraction of wax from the sugar-cane
was given in the Agricultural News tor November 13,
1909, p. 860. Further particulars of the investigations
are given in the Kew Pulletin, No. 9,1910, p. 355, and
the article in which they appear is reproduced here:—
SUGAR-CANE WAX.—We are indebted to Professor
G. Barger, Professor of Chemistry at the East London College,
for the following review of Mr. A. Wijnberg’s book in Dutch
on ‘The Wax of the Sugar-cane, and the Possibility of its
Technical Production’, which has been presented to Kew by
Professor G. van Itersen, of Delft.
The book under review is a dissertation from the newly
founded botanical laboratory (Prof. G. van Itersen) of the
Technical High School at Delft,and deals in an exhaustive
manner with the possibility of commercially utilizing the wax
coating of the sugar-cane. In addition, there is an account
of the chemistry and biological significance of vegetable
waxes in general.
The botanical part of the investigation completely con-
firmed the results of de Bary’s investigations: the origin and
structure of the wax coating is illustrated by drawings of
microscopical preparations.
Chemically, the wax of the sugar-cane was examined as
long ago as 1840 by Avequin (Ann. Chim. Phys. (ii), Vol. 75,
p- 28), and an analysis of it was made by the celebrated
chemist Dumas. The material for this examination was
obtained by carefully scraping the outside of the cane,
a process which is of course not applicable on a large
scale. The author of the present treatise has therefore used
another method, starting from the so-called ‘filter dirt’,
a waste product of the Java sugar industry. When the
cane is crushed, and subsequently extracted with hot water,
nearly all the epidermal wax passes into the crude juice,
where it remains suspended, until the juice is purified by the
addition of lime and subsequent boiling, when the wax is
carried down in the precipitate formed. Thus on filtration
the wax is found in the so-called ‘filter dirt? which remains
in the filter press, and which may contain 10 per cent. or
more of wax.
By extracting fresh filter dirt with ligroine (light petrol-
eum) a complicated mixture is obtained, consisting mostly of
fats (glycerides of oleic and linolic acids), and about 30 per
cent. of wax. If the filter dirt has fermented for some time,
the fats have disappeared and the ligroine extract consists
mostly of the wax, which is more resistant to bacterial action,
The wax may be separated from fats by crystallization from
ligroine, in which it is less soluble; it then consists chiefly of
myricyl alcohol and a substance of the formula C;,H, 0.
The crude cane wax, thus obtained, melts above 80° and
is still dark-coloured. It may be bleached by means of chlor-
ine, when it is, however, attacked to some extent. The col-
ouring matter may also be removed by adding fuller’s earth
or a similar substance to the melted or dissolved wax, and
allowing to settle. The product, refined by this mechanical
process, closely resembles the valuable Carnauba wax, ob-
tained from the Brazilian palm Copernicia ceriferu. It would
appear that the latter wax can be replaced in most cases by
cane wax, so that there ought to be a market for the latter
article. The author advises sugar works to keep their filter
dirt and let it ferment, with a view to ultimate extraction,
The extraction of the crude material is being started in Java,
where, it is calculated, more than 4,000 tons of wax should
annually be obtainable. At present, it is impossible to estim-
ate the commercial value of cane wax with any degree of
accuracy. Since it is much harder than beeswax, and closely
resembles Carnauba wax, it is thought that it might be almost
as valuable as the latter article, which is worth at least 11d.
per lb. The author estimates the cost of producing refined
cane wax on the large scale at 2d. to 3d. per hb.
In the development of a chemical industry the utilization
of waste products is often of great importance; whether the
wax of the sugar-cane can be utilized technically remains to
be seen; but in any case, Mr. Wijnberg’s book is a most im-
portant contribution towards the solution of the problem.
The Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales, 1910
p. 219, gives the results of the examination of bare patches
of land on which attempts had been made to grow grass for
five years. It was found that the soil in these patches con-
tained more than °25 per cent. of manganese, while where
the grass grew well there was none. The opinion is expressed
that manganese compounds in the soil become poisonous to
plants on account of oxidation.
Or
bo
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Frepruary J8, 1911,
FRUITS AND FRUIT @REBS
THE GRAPE-FRUIT IN CANADA.
A circular has been issued recently by Messrs G. Vipond
& Co., of Montreal, Canada, dealing wlth the status of the
grape-fruit in that country and making suggestions for its
larger export from the West Indies. Attention is first drawn
to the recent lowering of prices of this frnit and the conse-
quent larger demand; so that from being an article of luxury,
it is becoming one for every-day consumption by all classes.
This demand is increasing to such an extent that the firm
feels fully justified in stating that any dealer in grape-fruit in
Canada will require to have access to a full stock during the
whole of the year. In taking measures to increase such
demand, attention must be given to careful grading and
packing, and the use of attractive packages.
Messrs. Vipond have placed their Jamaica business on
an organized and established basis, and the first importation
of grape-fruit and oranges under the new arrangement ar-
rived in Canada in October. Distribution of this shipment
was made in car lots in Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg and
Regina as well as in several smaller cities. This initial ship-
ment has been followed by larger weekly ones, and it was
expected that during November and December, about 15,000
boxes of fruit from Jamaica, largely grape-fruit, would be
distributed in the Northern United States and Canada.
Special attention is drawn to the necessity of care on the
part of exporters in forwarding the fruit, especially as the
prices obtained depend mostly on this, and as freight has to
be paid for the bad frnits which depreciate the value of the
shipments, as well as for the good ones.
The firm invites increased exports of grape-fruit from
the West Indies, and suggests that those who wish to forward
consignments of the fruit, and who are not resident in Jamai-
ca, Cuba or the Bahama Islands, should cable or write direct
to its office in Montreal, giving full particulars as to quantity,
quality, etc., of the output. seg Sak
In connexion with the issue of this circular, it is of inter-
est that the Jamaica Telegraph and Guardianfor December 3,
1910, contains particulars of an interview with Mr. George
Vipond, who was recently visiting Jamaica. It was stated by
Mr. Vipond that the demand for grape-fruit in Montreal, sup-
plied by his firm, had increased to about 1,000 boxes a week.
In regard to Jamaica oranges, the complaint was made that
the adoption of improved methods of packing was required,
as many of those obtained from Jamaica did not arrive in
a sound state and with a good appearance. It was his opin-
ion that, with improved steamship service from Jamaica, the
fruit trade should be easily increased to a large extent.
In conclusion, Mr. Vipond gave it as his opinion that
Canada requires all the fruit that is grown in the greater part
of the British West Indies, and pointed to the large demand
for Canadian products on the'part of the West Indies, referring
to the importance of this in connexion with the proposals for
trade reciprocity between these two parts of the Empire.
THE DEMAND FOR BANANAS IN BUROPE.
An article in the Daily News for January 3, 1911,
draws attention to the threatened shortage in Jamaica
bananas, caused by the bad weather that has been experienced
during the past season, It is stated, however, that compen-
sation for part of this lessened production will be probably
obtained from an increased supply from the Canary Islands
and Central America.
The article goes on to state that the demand for bananas,
both in England and on the Continent, has increased enor
mously of late, and the Managing Director of Messrs. Elder
& Fyffe is responsible for the statement that the larger supply
of fruit from the Canary Islands and Central America will
only be suflicient to satisfy the homedemand. It will be the
Continent which will suffer from the shortage, as the fruit is
only allotted to buyers there, after orders have been filled for
the United Kingdom. ‘his condition of affairs is illustrated
by the fact that, on one recent occasion, nearly 9,000 bunches
were required by Continental buyers, who could only be satis-
fied to the extent of about 5,000 bunches, or little more than
one-half of the demand.
The increased demand for bananas in Europe is arising
chiefly from the realization of the value of the fruit, during
the last year or two, by the people of Holland, Germany,
Norway and Sweden.
There is not only an increasing want for the fruit in
these countries, however, that in the United Kingdom is
rapidly becoming larger. In support of this fact, there is
the circumstance that Messrs. Elder & Fyffe imported, last
month, 100,000 bunches more than in the corresponding
month of 1910. ‘The increased supply comes chiefly from
Central America, and although that from the West Indies
has decreased temporarily, the additional fruit arriving from
the first mentioned source is likely to keep the rates steady,
so that the price of Central American bananas in the United
Kingdom will probably remain at the same level.
Vou. X. No. 230.
LIVE STOCK.
TOGGENBURG GOAT BREEDING
IN ENGLAND.
An article in Farm Life for November 5, 1910, gives
an account of a stud farm for Toggenburg goats, which is
kept at Basingstoke by Mr. W. A. Wilcox, who has rapidly
attained a leading position among goat breeders in England,
and is at the present time the owner of four stud animals,
accepted by the Committee of the British Goat Society for
service during the season of 1910-11.
After describing several of the stud goats on the farm,
the article gives an account of the boxes that are provided
for these. Each of them is 6 feet wide and 12 feet deep, and
has a height of 9 feet at the highest point, to 5} feet where
the roof is lowest. The floors are of cement, covered with
sand, and there is a corridor at each end of the hox, to assist
ventilation. The doors of the boxes are double, and provided
with bars to prevent the animals from climbing over
them. Sleeping accommodation is provided in the form
of platforms, raised 1} feet from the ground. In the case
of the rams, each box holds one animal; while the number of
ewes accommodated in each is three, except at the time of
kidding, when a goat is allowed one to itself. All the boxes
are provided with hay racks,
over the heads of the animals.
The doors are opened during
the day, and closed at night.
The goats are dry-fed exclus-
ively in winter, and partially
in summer. During the former
period, they are fed three
times a day, and have the run
of a paddock, in which shelter
from rain is provided. The
plan followed in summer is to
allow the goats to run over
about 8 acres of ground, which |
is changed from year to year.
This change of pasture is
recognized as being a vital
point, as goats do not thrive
on one small plot of ground.
The opinion is given that Toggenburgs will be the most
desirable kind of goats to breed, for some time at any rate.
They are very rare in England, on account of the fact that
the Board of Agriculture will not allow them to be imported
from Switzerland, because of the prevalence of foot-and-mouth
disease in that country.
After drawing attention to the fact that Toggenburg
goats remain in milk longer than any other breed, it is pointed
out that, in England, if a breeder possesses two good
examples of the breed, one of which kids in spring and one
in autumn, he can reckon upon a supply of 3 quarts of
milk every day, all the year round. The average Toggen-
burg produces ten kids a year, and there is a ready sale for
these when three months old, in that country, at £5 each.
A description is given of a crate suitable for sending
goats to shows. This is made of bicycle tubing; its length
is 5 feet, its width 24 feet, and its weight only 35 fb. It is
provided with receptacles for hay and corn, and can hold
three of the animals.
It is the opinion of the breeder mentioned that, m
England, a stud of twenty pure Toggenburg goats will yield
a profit of £200 a year, allowing for a few losses, the sources
of income being the kids, the milk and the stud fees. It is
Fic. 4.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 53
HauLr-BreD ToGGENBURG GOAT.
goat ‘Chamy’, owned by Mr. R. F. Parkinson, Junior, of
his opinion, also, that a capital of at least £300 to £350 is
required by those who are desirous of taking up the breeding
of Toggenburg goats on any fair scale.
TOGGENBURG GOATS IN GRENADA.
Information has been received from the Superintendent
of Agriculture, Grenada, in connexion with the progeny of
one of the pure-bred Toggenburg rams imported from Switz-
erland last June, by this Department, for Mr. T. B. C.
Musgrave of Grenada. ‘This ram was only available for service
for a short period as, unfortunately, he died a few weeks after
being landed in the Colony, but from the following list it will
be seen that advantage was taken of his presence in the island:—
Sire. Dam. Pedigree of dam. Number and
sex of kids.
Imported full-bred Bruce 4-bred Toggenburg 2 ewes
}-bred; grand- | nears
Bh a Pauline, daughter of Bruce, - 1
| daughter of Wallace | og
f 3-bred; daughter I
55 rad Ge Nenny - of West’s goat and 2 ewes
Bruce |
iy eee Chance 3-bred in kid
(Native ewe; property of |
J BP \iipedis dds 1D). Gus if EOE
It will be observed that
seven kids were born, up to
the date of the letter from
the Superintendent of Agri-
culture, namely December 20,
1910, and that six of these
are ewes, The one ram kid
should turn out well, as
his dam is by ‘Wallace’, which
is a pure-bred ram from the
pure-bred pair of Toggenburgs
imported by this Department
in April 1903.
THE HALF-BRED
TOGGENBURG GOAT.
The subject of the illustra-
tion (Fig. 4) is the half-bred
Barbados. ‘This is the result of a cross between the Toggen-
burg and Anglo Nubian strains, but shows little of the
marking belonging to the latter, the chief indication of its
partly Eastern origin being the possession of a long udder, in
the place of the characteristically spherical milk-bag of the
Toggenburg.
The photograph from which the above illustration was
made was taken a few hours before the goat gave birth to
kids. After kidding had taken place, she was milked, when
she gave 5 pints. Nineteen months afterwards, when she was
more than five weeks in kid, she gave 13 pints.
As regards Anglo-Nubian goats, it should be explained
that these are descended from the Nubian and the common
English goat. Nubian goats are considered to be among the
least wild; they are excellent milkers, and very prolific. The
chief distinguishing characters of the breed are the absence
of horns and beard, short hair and a blunt nose. An example
of an Anglo-Nubian goat was ‘ Black Rock’, imported into
the West Indies by the Imperial Department of Agriculture
in 1902.
It may be mentioned that an article on the Toggenburg
goat in Barbados appeared on page 117 of the last volume
of the Agricultural News.
54 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Frepruary 18, 1911.
——s
ee
To ASS
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date January 16, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
Since our last report, a few small lots of West Indian
Sea Islands have been sold, chiefly from the Leeward Islands,
at from 20d. to 22d. Buyers are, however, very indifferent
and we expect a dragging market.
A further report from Messrs. Wolstenholme and
Holland, dated January 50, states:—
About 250 bales of West Indian Sea Island cotton have
been sold since our last report, chiefly St. Vincent 20d. to
22d. with a few bales at 23d.
The fine trade continues indifferent and buyers will
only operate very sparingly.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending January 28, is as follows:—
There has been some demand during the past week,
resulting in the sale on private terms of several planters’
crops, aggregating upwards of 100 bales, included in which
are the crops, 45 to 55 bales Special, 50 bales Robt. Bee, 15
bales Corona. There is some further demand for planters’
crops at prices below the views of the planters.
The market for odd bags classing Fine to Extra Fine
remains very quiet, with Factors still holding at our quota-
tions, refusing to sell at any further concession in price.
We quote viz:—
Extra Fine Islands at 36c.=20d. c.i.f. & 5 per cent.
Fully Fine ,, 34c.=19d. ,,
Fine A 32¢:=18d. ;;
” ” ”
THE BRITISH COTTON GROWING
ASSOCIATION.
A report, dated January 12, 1911, has been receiv-
ed from the British Cotton Growing Association, from
which the following extracts are taken :—
The eighty-third meeting of the Council of the British
Cotton Growing Association was held at the Office of the
Association, 15, Cross Street, Manchester, on Tuesday, the
10th instant. 4
In the absence of the Earl of Derby, G.C.V.O. (Presi-
dent), Mr. J. Arthur Hutton occupied the Chair.
WeEsT AFRICA, A cable has been received from Lagos
stating that the climatic conditions continue favourable, and
the crop prospects are excellent. The picking of the crop
will commence this month. During the past year the Asso-
ciation has conducted some experiments on a small scale with
Nyasaland Upland seed; the results of these experiments have
been eminently satisfactory, and a small sample which has
recently been received from Northern Nigeria has been very
favourably reported on by Liverpool If these
experiments prove successful, there is reason to believe that
it may revolutionize the cotton-growing industry in West
Africa, as this class of cotton is very hardy and realizes
a considerably higher price than Middling American.
brokers.
The purchases of cotton in Lagos during 1910 amount
to 5,626 bales, as compared with 11,875 bales in 1909 and
a I r
5,225 bales in 1908.
Considerable progress is being made with the extension
of the Northern Nigerian Railway; the Baro-Kano section is
now opened for traffic a distance of about 111 miles,
and lines have been laid down to a distance of 210
miles, with the exception of a bridge which is under con-
struction at mile 200.
NYASALAND. Very satisfactory reports continue to be
received from this Protectorate, both in regard to native culti-
vation and ulso as to cotton cultivated by European planters.
The principal drawback to the developmentnof cotton-
growing in Nyasaland is the difficulty of transport, but it is
hoped that arrangements may be made for the railway to be
extended to Lake Nyasa, and also in a southerly direction
from Port Herald to some navigable point on the Zambesi
river.
UGANDA. A report has been received stating that the
output of cotton in this Protectorate for the twelve months to
March 31 next will be between 10,000 and 12,000 bales of
100 Tbh. each, as compared with 6,000 bales for the correspond-
ing period of last year.
SUDAN. Arrangements have been made for the Union
Castle Mail Steamship Company to run a direct service of
steamers to British East Africa, through the Suez Canal, by
which means the cotton from the eastern side of Africa will
reach Liverpool much more expeditiously than previously,
and satisfaction was expressed that the Steamship Company
had also consented to make Port Sudan a port of call for
their steamers. It was mentioned that the scheme for
developing cotton-growing in the Sudan was proceeding
favourably, and Mr. Macegillivray is at present in the Sudan
making the necessary arrangements.
Von, xX.) Now 230!
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
or
Or
REPORTS ON THE BOTANIC STATION, AGRI-
CULTURAL INSTRUCTION AND EXPERIMENT
PLOTS, GRENADA 1909-10,
At the commencement of this report, the various
important changes that have taken place in the Grenada
Agricultural Department, during the season under review, are
signalized. The chief of these has been the organization of
an Agricultural Board, which directs the activity of the local
Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Imperial
Commissioner of Agriculture. Another change was the
appointment of Mr. G. G. Auchinleck, B.Sc., as Superintend-
ent of Agriculture, in place of Mr. R. D. Anstead, B.A., who
has resigned to take up agricultural work under the United
Planters’ Association of Southern India.
The gardens have been placed under the care of the
Agricultural Instructor, who has carried out work in them
having for its object the improvement of their appearance
and the better exhibition of the interesting plants that they
contain.
The rainfall at Richmond Hill, which is situated between
the dry southern belt and the moist central and northern
uplands of Grenada, was, during 1909, 80°54 inches; this is
higher than the average for the past nineteen years, which is
78°48 inches; it also exceeds that of any year since 1901, with
the exception of 1906, when it was 83°27 inches. The range
of the precipitation over the island is illustrated by the fact
that, during 1909-10, it was 37°56 inches at Point Saline in
the Parish of St. George, and 178°15 inches at Belvidere in
St. John’s.
Although a large stock of plants for distribution is not
kept at the station, these are raised as they are required, and
an examination of the list on page 5 of the report will show
that this distribution takes no small place in the work of the
station. Plants are both sent out free, and sold, and there is
a fair demand for them; this tends to show that a condition
of greater diversification of crops in Grenada should be ob-
tained in the future.
Experiment plots are maintained for the purpose of
conducting trials with food crops such as yams, sweet potatoes,
Guinea corn, maize and ground nuts as well as with green
dressings.
A portion of the report that is of particular concern is
an account of the prize-holdings competitions, which have
been enabled to be held through the interest of several of
those who are engaged in agricultural pursuits in the island.
Substantial prizes are offered for good work on the holdings,
and useful progress appears to have been made, for the
greater part.
As far as the general agricultural conditions in Grenada
are concerned, a record crop of cacao has been obtained, and
the plants are fairly healthy in most districts; although
a certain amount of damage from pests continues to be
suffered. The chief danger appears to be from the spread of
the mealy bug, with the associated black blight. Other
pests are thrips, beetles and certain fungi, which however are
kept in check, What has been said about cacao cannot,
unfortunately, be repeated in regard to spices and kola, as
low prices are being obtained for these, on account of the
small demand. Special attention is drawn in the report to
the necessity for the extension of the cultivation of ground
provisions, and it is pointed out that Sea Island cotton would
be very likely to do well in certain parts of the island.
Carriacou receives attention in the report, and interest-
ing notes are given in relation to the agricultural conditions
in that island, as well as to the work that has been done
already in the direction of the amelioration of these.
A section of the report gives the proposals of a Com-
mittee of the Board of Agriculture for a scheme of experi-
mentation in connexion with black blight. This has been
submitted to the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture, and
returned by him, with suggestions for a systematic course of
experiments with this important pest.
The usual report on agricultural instruction is included.
This shows that the ordinary work of the Agricultural
Instructor, which is carried out particularly in relation to the
interests of the peasantry, has been continued. It also refers
to the fact that the duties of this officer have been made to
include the charge of the Botanic Garden, as has been stated
already. An interesting feature of the report is the indi-
cation that the existence of the prize-holdings competitions
assists materially toward increasing the efficiency of the work
done by this Officer in country districts.
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture, accom-
panied by Mr, A. G. Howell, Chief Clerk, returned to
Barbados on February 5, 1911, by the SS. ‘Sobo’, from
Antigua, after a visit to that Presidency to confer with
His Excellency the Governor of the Leeward Islands
on official matters.
Mr. F. W. South, B.A., Mycologist on the Staff of
the Imperial Department of Agriculture, returned to
Barbados on February 9, by the R.M.S. ‘Magdalena ’,
from Grenada, where he had been making investigations
in regard to the fungus diseases of crops in that island,
Rice in British Guiana.
The last fortnightly report of Messrs. Sandbach,
Parker & Co., of Georgetown, on the rice industry of
British Guiana, dated February 6, 1911, gives informa-
tion as follows:—
The weather during the fortnight has been very wet,
and mills have been almost at a standstill.
The local demand continues good, and with light deliv-
eries of rice to town as a consequence of the wet weather, we
look for a firm market.
Shipments to the West Indian Islands during the fort.
night amount to 1,050 bags.
We quote to-day, f.o.b, Demerara, for good export
quality :—
Nominally, 21s. 6d. to 23s, 6d. per bag of 180 tb. gross,
5 21s. 6d, to 22s. 6d. MUON Se
” ”» ”
56 THE AGRICULTURAL
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘ Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
bown, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co., 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s. 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
Aqricultural News
Vou. X. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY
Ae} Seas
No. 230.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Contents of Present Issue.
The editorial gives a review of the subject of the
Acclimatization of Stock in the Tropics—a matter that
is of increasing interest, both in those parts which have
been settled for some time, and in those which are being
exploited at the present moment.
The subject-matter on page 53 is confined to
various points of information concerning Toggenburg
goats, and an illustration 1s included of an animal which
i .
is a cross between the Toggenburg and Anglo-Nubian
breeds.
An account of the eighty-third meeting of the
British Cotton Growing Association is contained on
page 54.
The greater part of page 55 is taken up with
a review of the report on the Botanic Station, etc.,
Grenada, 1909-10. The issue of this report completes
the series published by this Department for that season.
Under the heading Insect Notes, on page 58, a con-
clusion is made of the articles commenced in the last
issue of the Agricultural News, presenting a summary
of entomological information contained in this journal
and the West Indian Bulletin during last year.
An interesting paper, which describes a method
recently adopted for studying problems in soil fertility,
is abstracted on page 59.
The Fungus Notes (p. 62) deal with The Secretion
of Poisons by Fungi and the Green Muscardine Fungus
of Frog-hoppers.
just been issued.
NEWS. Fesruary 18, 1911.
Publications of the Imperial Department of
Agriculture.
Vol. XI, No. 2, of the West Indian Bulletin has
The first article in this consists of
a Report on the Prevalence of Some Pests and Diseases
in the West Indies, for the year 1909-10, by F.W.South,
B.A., Mycologist, and H.A. Ballou, M.Sc., Entomologist
on the Staff of the Department. This is completed by
an index consisting of two parts, dealing respectively
with the diseases and pests: each part treats of its sub-
ject from the side of the diseases or pests, and from that
of their distribution, so that the index is particularly
handy for purposes of reference,and contains a large
amount of useful information, in itself. This is followed
by An Account of the Report of the Royal Commission
on Trade Relations Between Canada and the West
Indies, to which is appended a Memorandum by the
Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West
Indies on the Development of a West Indian Fruit
Trade.
The remaining articles in this issue are by W. N.
Sands, Superintendent of Agriculture, St. Vincent.
The first of these presents a report by Mr. Sands on
his recent work in Canada, in connexion with the
Canadian Exhibitions, as the representative of the
Imperial Department of Agriculture. The second gives
the results of investigations conducted by Mr. Sands
into the position occupied by British West Indian limes
in the New York Market.
The West Lndian Bulletin may be obtained from
the agents for the publications of the Department, price
6d., post free 8d.
It may be mentioned that the Report on the
Botanic Station, ete. St. Vincent, for 1909-10 has just
been issue’, while the similar report for Grenada will
be distributed shortly. The price of these is, respec-
tively, 6d., post free Sd., and 3d., post free 4d., and they
are obtainable from the agents for the publications of
the Department.
rr +
The Yield of Camphor from Different Parts of
the Plant.
Experiments that have been conducted in Jamaica
and Antigua, and in the Federated Malay States, notes
on which have been given in the Agricultural News,
Vols. VIII, p. 328, and IX, p. 233, have shown that the
youngest parts of the plant give the greatest yield of
camphor.
In connexion with this result, it is of interest that
a note in the Planters’ Chronicle, for December 17,
1910, based on information contained in Der Pjlanzer
(1910, 6, 86), states that experiments made at the
Biological Agricultural Institute at Amani, German
Zast Africa, showed that young twigs and leaves are
richer in camphor than the wood. The trials were
carried out with about 3,500 trees, mostly three and
a half years old, a few being older than this The trees
were cut back to about one-third of their height,
without ill effect.
Vou. X. No: 230.
THE AGRICULTURAL, NEWS 51
The investigations showed that the young twigs
and leaves yielded on the average about 1:2 per cent. of
distillate, containing 0°8 to 0°9 per cent. of camphor
and 0°3 to 0:4 per cent. of oil, from the latter of which
camphor could still be obtained, on a large scale; the yield
of camphor is therefore estimated at 1 per cent. The
results were very different with woody branches, as
these yielded only about 0°16 per cent. of distillate con-
sisting of 0°06 per cent. of camphor and nearly 0°1 per
cent. of oi. ‘The advice is therefore given that, in
growing camphor trees, large leaf formation should be
aimed at as far as possible.
Other matters of usefulness that were discovered
were that it is best to distil during dry weather, and
that there is no definite difference between the yield of
camphor from leaves and twigs, whether these are
collected from low or high altitudes.
a —S
The Effect of Light on the Development or
Fruits and Seeds,
An abstract of a paper in the Hxperiment Station
Record of the United States Department of Agriculture,
Vol. XXIII, p. 728, gives the results of experiments
which were undertaken recently for the purpose of
studying the effect of light on the development of
fruits and seeds. For the purpose, the fruits of several
species of plants were exposed to diffused light; while
others were kept in complete darkness, by enclosing
them in paper bags, those for the former purpose being
double, and those for the latter, black.
It was found that light is absolutely necessary for
the commencement of the development of the fruit.
Tf, however, the embryo had been permitted to grow
for a short time, development was found to take place
in darkness; though the amount of dry matter in a fruit
produced under these conditions is smaller than that
in one which is developed normally. Another lhght
effect is that, as the amount of this is decreased, the
proportion of ash in the fruit appears to become greater.
rr + re
Corn Ear Characters and Yield.
The Bulletin of the Ohio Experiment Station,
No. 212, p. 37, presents the results of five years’ experi-
ments, having for their object the determination of the
connexion between the different characteristics of corn
and the yields. One of the results obtained showed
that the seed from long ears gave greater returns per
acre than that from shorter ears. This lessened yield is
the result of employing seed from short ears, as that
from medium ears gave results like those obtained
when long ears were used. As regards shape, again,
cylindrical ears showed themselves superior, in the
definite connexion, to those which taper.
For the first planting, better yields were obtained
with seed from bare-tipped ears than with that from
those which were well covered. In the second year,
however, with seed selected from that obtained already
there was a difference in favour of the well covered
tips—a difference which was greater still in the third
year. As regards the produce of seed from the differ-
ent kinds of tips, it was found that seed from those
which were well covered gave a larger percentage of
well covered ears, than that from incompletely covered
ears.
Among other results, the outcome of former inves-
tigations was confirmed, in that the heavier ears gave
more produce than those which were lighter. A fur-
ther matter of interest is that the smallest yields were
obtained from the seeds which yerminated earliest: the
latter were those containing the greatest percentage of
starch. Lastly, it may be mentioned that good yields
were found to be correlated with good germinating
power.
TT
Calcium Cyanamide and Nitrate of Lime.
On page 280 of the last volume of the Agricultural
News, information on this matter is presented, and
references are given to notes that have appeared recent-
ly, from time to time on the same subject, in this
publication.
In continuation of the matter, it is of interest that
a leaflet has just been published by the Aberdeen and
North of Scotland College of Agriculture, which
describes field experiments with these manures, for the
purpose of making comparison of them with nitrate of
soda and sulphate of ammonia. In the result, it was
shown that both forms of manures can be usefully
employed in growing Irish potatoes.
As was found in the other investigations, however,
to which reference is given above, there was little to
choose between the different manures, in the special
connexion wherein they were employed.
A
Trade of Samoa, 1909.
It isshown, in Diplomatic and Consular Reports
No. 4543 Annual Series, that the total exports of this
German possession during 1909 were valued at
£151,068; of these the chief were copra, value £129,003,
and cacao, value £20,309.
The report states that the rubber plantations
which have been started are doing well, and that if
success is obtained in this direction, there will be
a great increase in the area occupied by the plant.
This is particularly the case on account of the fact that
the Government now controls all the lands owned by
the natives, and there are large tracts owned by
Europeans. The immigration of small settlers is not
encouraged, however.
Much progress is being made in cocoa-nut plant-
ing, the trees being placed for the greater part between
cacao trees that exist already. This planting of cacao
land in cocoa-nuts has been brought about chiefly
through the appearance of a cacao canker which, while
it can be kept in check by constant attention, causes
a large amount of damage if it is neglected.
58 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Frpruary 18, 1911.
a
‘amr/ | \
yi < VA =
INSECT NOTES.
A SUMMARY OF ENTOMOLOGICAL IN-
FORMATION, IN THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS AND WEST INDIAN
BULLETIN IN 1910.
The following article concludes the information that is
being given, under the above title, in this and in the last
number of the Agricultural News.
The sweet potato weevil (Cy/as formicarius) is men-
tioned on p. 42, and an illustration is given by which it
should be possible to recognize this pest if it should appear
in these islands. It is known to occur in the United States
and in British Guiana, but at the present time it is not
reported from the Lesser Antilles.
Cacao pests in Jamaica are dealt with on p. 330, The
insects included in this account are ants, which destroy the
cacao flowers, a wood-boring beetle and the girdler weevil of
the orange (Praepodes vittatus), which also attacks cacao.
Cocoa-nut insect pests are considered on p. 26, where
accounts and illustrations of scale insects, white fly and
weevils are to be found.
A short article on the cow-pea cureulio (Chaleodermus
aeneus, Boh.) which appeared on p. 378, gives an account of
a pest which does not occur in the West Indies, but may
eventually be introduced.
The notes on the pests of domestic animals are two, one
on the screw worm (p. 122), and one on ticks (p. 157), the latter
with special reference to the method of freeing pastures from
ticks by a system of rotation. The former of these mentions the
remarkable occurrence of the maggots of an insect related to
the screw worm in a flying fish just caught from the sea.
An article on house-flies and disease (p. 298) calls
attention to the part played by these insects in the trans-
mission of typhoid and other diseases.
Papers on insecticides include two on carbon bisul-
phide, Part I, p. 74, Part UH, p. 90, two papers on lead
chromate, p. 159 and p. 314, and a general article on
insecticides, p. 282. The last of these discusses stomach
poisons, contact poisons, fumigants and repellents. The first
gives a general account of carbon bisulphide and of its use as
an insecticide. The notes on lead chromate deal with a new
insecticide which, though not as poisonous as many of the
better-known substances, has the advantage of not being
injurious to plants to which it may be applied.
Beneficial insects form the subject of insect notes as
follows: Lady-birds and Weevil borers, p. 106; Natural
Enemies of Sugar-cane Pests, p. 138; The Black Scale
and its Parasite, p. 170, and The Introduction of the St. Vin-
cent ‘Jack Spaniard’ into Montserrat, p. 378. The first of these
was referred to earlier in the present article when consider-
ing the root-borer of the sugar-cane. The notes on natural
enemies of sugar-cane pests refer to the endeavours in Hawaii
to establish natural enemies which shall control the sugar-
cane borer (Sphenophorus obscurus), and give the results of
a visit to New Guinea (Papua) in search of parasites.
The occurrence of the black scale, and its control by the
parasite (Zalophothrix mirum), are dealt with on p. 170, and
there is also on the same page reference to other natural
enemies of cotton pests. The Jack Spaniard (Polistes annul-
aris) seems to have been successfully introduced into Mont-
serrat from St. Vincent, according to the note on p. 378.
Experiments with scale insects were carried out in
Grenada with reference to a better control of these pests and
the concomitant black blight, and results are presented on
p. 362.
A report on Uganda insect pests, p. 42, gives a_ brief
account of certain African insects which are of interest
because of their similarity to West Indian forms.
The Brussels Congress of Entomology, at which Sir
Daniel Morris represented the Royal Colonial Institute and
the Imperial Department of Agriculture, was reported on at
p. 298.
A method of detecting the presence of eel worms in cane
fields was suggested on p. 314. This consists in growing
plants known to be susceptible to attack, and examining their
roots from time to time.
The papers on entomological subjects which have
appeared in 1910 inthe West Indian Bulletin are four in
number, two of these: Legislation in the West Indies for
the Control of Pests and Diseases on Imported Plants (Vol.
X, No. 3, p. 197), and The Disinfection of Imported Plants
(Vol. X, No. 4, p. 349), are closely related since they both
deal with the diseases and pests of imported plants. Another
was entitled Notes on Lime Cultivation (Vol. XI, p. 39),
and the last was on the Nomenclature of Scale Insects (Vol.
XI. p. 35). The article on legislation gives an account of
the various legislative enactments and proclamations in the
West Indies which have had for their object the prevention of
the introduction of diseases and pests from foreign countries
and neighbouring islands. That on disinfection of imported
plants deals with the treatment to be given to such plants,
and discusses the several substances which might be used,
with accounts of the properties of each and the method of
application.
The paper on nomenclature of scale insects is a revision
of the technical names in accordance with recent studies by
eminent authorities in order that the names, both technical
and common, that have been in use in the West Indies may
be compared by readers of the publications of the Department
with those that have recently been generally adopted.
The paper entitled Notes on Lime Cultivation contains
accounts of experiments recently carried out in Montserrat,
and gives an historical review of the pests and diseases
recorded, together with remedial measures adopted for their
control, and an estimate of the value of natural enemies of
certain pests.
In South India and Ceylon, mangoes are attacked by
a weevil (Cryptorhynchus mangiferae). which is closely
related to the sweet potato weevil, scarabee, or jacobs
(Cryptorhynchus batatae). The insect breeds in the stone
of the fruit; the eggs are laid on young fruits and the
larvae feed on the stone until they are fully developed,
when they eat through the pulp and pass the pupal stage in
the soil. In regard to this pest, a writer in the Florida
Fruit and Produce News, 1910, No. 40, p. 2, mentions the
danger that it may be introduced into other countries, where
it is unknown, with mango seed, and suggests that, as the
insect is believed to hasten the maturity of the fruit and to
cause it to fall from the tree, competent inspection should be
made of all such imported seed.
Vor, X:? SNios 230)
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 59
A METHOD OF STUDYING PROBLEMS
IN SOIL FERTILITY.
In the Journal of Agricultural, Science for September
1910 (Vol. III, p, 297), a method is described by which it
appears that certain problems in soil fertility may be studied
in a convenient manner. Particulars are given of work that
has been actually conducted so far with the aid of the method
described; this refers to the action of leguminous plants in
assisting in increasing the amount of nitrogen in the soil.
The devising of the method arose from the fact that the
attention of the writer of the article was called to the cireum-
stance that oats made better growth than was the case ordin-
arily, if they were sown with field peas. The idea was
strengthened in the mind of the writer by further observa-
tions and enquiry, so that it appeared evident to him that
when legumes and non-legumes are raised together the latter
receive an advantage because they are supplied with nitrogen
compounds, which are provided either by the decay of the
roots of the legumes or from the passage of soluble material
out of those roots into the surrounding soil.
After giving examples showing the extent to which the
two kinds of plants are often sown together, the writer draws
attention to the importance of the matter, giving the opinion:
“that if it should be demonstrated that non-legumes could be
provided with an abundant supply of nitrogen even in poor
soils, by being grown together with legumes under proper
conditions, it would become practicable not only to dispense
with all or a portion of the nitrogenous manures employed
for certain crops, but also to secure non-legumes with an
increased proportion of protein in the dry matter,’
The apparatus employed in the investigation consisted of
two earthenware pots, one smaller than the other, the latter
being placed inside the former. The outer pots had
a capacity of about 5 gallons, the smaller ones were made of
a very porous flint mixture, while some were glazed and others
left unglazed.
In the trials, the smaller pots were placed inside the
larger, and both were filled with white quartz sand to which
was added the essential mineral food required by plants, to-
gether with a small amount of water that had been shaken
up with soil in order to provide the bacteria necessary to
enable the leguminous plants to form nodules.
The invention and arrangement of this apparatus arose
from the idea that if leguminous plants allow soluble nitrogen
compounds to be given off from their nodules and roots, these
compounds would pass through the porous walls of the un-
glazed inner pots and supply nitrogen to the non-legumes that
were growing in it. This would not be the case, on the other
hand, if such passage did not take place, so that if the non-
legumes were not given nitrogen they would starve for want
of this element.
The procedure was, therefore, to plant such leguminous
plants as field peas in the outer pots while oats were grown in
the inner pots, some of which were glazed and some unglazed;
no nitrogen was given in either case, and the moisture condi-
tions were kept uniform.
In the result, it was found that where unglazed inner
pots were used the oats made the best growth and were of
a deeper colour than those in the glazed inner pots. In the
words of the author: ‘every indication was...supplied that
soluble nitrogen compounds were diffusing through the un-
glazed porous wall and were being utilized by the oats.’ It
was found subsequently, that when the oats growing in glazed
and unglazed pots were weighed and analyzed, the latter gave
not only a much larger amount of dry matter and nitrogen
than the former, but that the dry matter contained nearly
twice as much nitrogen as that from the oats grown in
the glazed pots.
It is pointed out that this method of experiment may be
employed in a similar manner for studying the influence of
various crops on the bacteria contained in soils; here the crops
would be grown in the outer pots, while nothing would be
raised in the inner, the soil from which would be examined
bacteriologically and the results compared, in the glazed and
unglazed pots. Other investigations might include the
study of various manures in their effect on certain groups of
soil bacteria; for that of the effect of crops on one another,
both when grown continuously. and in rotation; and for
investigations in regard to the supposed toxic effect of
excreta from the roots of plants.
The article concludes with a description of the material
for making the porous inner pots. This consisted of clay,
mixed with 25 per cent. of hard coal and the same proportion
of soft coal, fired in the usual way. For providing controls
on the glazed pots, those coated with asphaltum paint were
employed, as tests in the laboratory had shown that they
were impervious to diffusible salts.
AGRICULTURE IN HAWAII, 1908-9.
Among the matters dealt with in Diplomatic and Con-
sular Reports, No. 4601 Annual Series, which was issued in
November last, there is an account of the Agriculture of the
territory of Hawaii from which the following information is
taken.
The chief industry, namely sugar production, has
progressed to such an extent that more than $70,000,000 is
invested in it, and the area devoted to sugar-cane is 213,000
acres, of which about one half is irrigated The yield per acre
is nearly twice as great on irrigated lands as on those which
are not irrigated. In 1908, 125,123 short tons of sugar was
obtained from 101,379 acres, which gives an average of 5-14
tons per acre. The production for 1907 and 1906 was
440,017 and 429,213 short tons, respectively.
In regard to other chief industries, the output of rice is
valued at about $2,500,000; most of it is consumed in the
territory. The outturn of coffee is variable; last year, an
amount worth $258,083 was exported from about 4,500 acres.
The rubber industry has not passed beyond the experimental
stage; on the six principal plantations there are now about
1,600 acres, containing about 600 Castilloa trees, 66,700
Hevea trees and 444,450 Ceara trees.
Among the new industries, the greatest progress is being
shown by the pine-apple industry, the exports in connexion
with which have increased from 2,000 cases during 1900-1
—the first year under the protective tariff—to 411,000 cases
for 1908-9. Other matters of interest are the flotation of
new tobacco companies, renewed activity in regard to the
sisal industry, and the steadily growing production of honey,
the present value of the last being about $70,000.
A paper in the Journal d’ Agriculture Tropicale, No. 106,
p. 99, describes observations which support the conclusion
that the abortion of the flowers of Coffea arabica is due to
faulty nutrition of the plant. Among the particular causes,
in this connexion, there are stated to be the provision of too
much shade, together with too heavy applications of green
dressings and artificial manures, as well as too thorough
pruning where the shade is heavy.
60
GLEANINGS.
It is reported from St. Kitts that the prospects of the
sugar-cane crop that is being taken off at present are gener-
ally good. The young canes, too, are making good progress,
on account of the rain received during January.
A report received from the Curator of the Botanic
Station, Montserrat, states that cotton-picking is completed
on the Leeward side, while it is being still continued at
Windward, where there is a prospect of a second crop being
obtained. On some estates, the preparation of land for the
next cotton crop is well advanced.
The Superintendent of Agriculture, Barbados, reports
that, on the whole, a good cotton crop will have been reaped
in that island. He states further, that the bacterial disease
of cotton known as black arm and angular leaf spot seems
at present to be stayed, as does also the attack of root borer
in the sugar-cane.
The Field for November 12, 1910, states that the expend-
iture on the construction of the Canadian National Trans-
last fiscal
Continental Railway during the year was
$20,000,000. The total expenditure so far has been
872,000,000, and for this 1,100 miles has been graded, and
800 miles of track laid.
The Morning Post, for December 23, gives a telegram
from Jamaica which states that the Atlantic Fruit Company,
which has hitherto been connected with that island, has
acquired a concession of 100,000 acres of banana land in
Nicaragua, and will develop this with West Indians, thus
creating another rival to Jamaica.
The amount of cotton exported from Peru, in 1909, was
47,641,776 bb., valued at £1,284,590, while the area under
cultivation was 125,000 acres. Jt is estimated by the Direc-
tor of the Lima Experimental Station for Cotton, that the
exports from the present crop will be 55 million pounds, as
the conditions during the season have been very favourable.
With regard to the list of examiners in the recent Inter-
mediate and Final Examinations, given in the Agricultural
News, Vol. X, p. 31, Mr. J. C. Moore, Agricultural Super-
intendent, St. Lucia, has pointed out that there was an error
in stating that the Hon. E. G. Bennett officiated in that
capacity in this island. The actual examiner was Mr. G,
Barnard, who kindly assisted Mr. Moore in the oral examina-
tions.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Fesruary 18, 1911.
Professor Annett, of the University of Liverpool, has
recently elaborated a quick and certain method for the
diagnosis of anthrax, which does not rely entirely on the
microscopical examination of stained specimens, but involves
the use of an incubator, Petri dishes and agar tubes.
It is extremely simple, and furnishes, it is claimed,
absolutely certain diagnosis in three hours. The appar-
atus costs about £40. (The Colonial Office Journal, Vol. IV,
p. 246.)
Particulars have been received, from Messrs. H. C.
Me. Kinlay & Co., of 59, Mark Lane, London, E.C., relating
to a fibre-cleaning machine made by Messrs. John Down-
ham & Co., Bury, near Manchester. This is known as the
Patent Double Drum Decorticator or Extractor, No. 1, and
it is claimed that the machine will not only crush and unravel
the leaves, but will cleanse and wash the fibre, so that this
comes from the machine ready for drying and _ baling.
Information concerning this and other similar machines may
be obtained by applying to either of these firms.
An account of a meeting of the Board of Management
of the Jamaica Agricultural Society held on December 17,
1910, contained in the Journal of the Jamaica Agricultural
Society, Vol. XIV, p. 431, shows that at this meeting the
opinion of the Staple and Minor Products Committee in con-
nexion with legislation against the bud rot disease of cocoa-
nuts was submitted. In the end, it was agreed that the
Government should be informed that legislation was consid-
ered necessary by the Board, both to make it compulsory to
destroy trees affected with the disease and to make it illegal
to allow débris from fruits to accumulate on the roadside.
An improved cultivator, which has been patented by
Messrs. J. F. Alderman & Kerr, of Thorney, Cambridgeshire,
is described in the Farmer and Stock Lreeder for December 26,
1910, where it is claimed to be the first combined cultivator
and digger brought into practical use. The machine is
preferably worked on cables from stationary engines, or it
may be operated by any other suitable mode of traction. It is
stated that by means of this machine 18 acres, and more, of
land can be broken up and prepared for sowing, per day.
Der Tropenpflanzer, Vol. XIV. p. 417, contains an
account of experiments that have been made recently in the
direction of shipping pine-apples in pulverized peat, from the
Cameroons to Hamburg. The fruit was found to be in fairly
good condition on arrival, and the opinion is expressed that
the use of pulverized peat may enable pine-apples to be ship-
ped in vessels that are not provided with cool storage.
These trials are of interest in view of similar work that has
been done with bananas; this was described recently in the
Agricultural News, Vol. X, p. 20.
The Lxperiment Station Record for December 1910
(Vol. XXIII, p. 623) gives a short extract of a paper describ-
ing experiments, in which the effect of magnesium and
calcium carbonate on nitrifying bacteria in the soil was
investigated. It was found that, with a sandy loam soil
containing a rather high percentage of magnesia, the addition
of magnesium carbonate to the extent of more than 0°25 per
cent. stopped the action of the bacteria, while favourable
results were obtained with calcium carbonate up to 2 per cent.
It is indicated by these results that nitrifying bacteria are
affected by the lime-magnesia ratio in the soil (see Agricud-
tural News, Vol. 1X, pp. 95 and 204) much in the same way
as some green plants are supposed to be influenced.
Vou. X. No. 230. THE
AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 61
STUDENTS’ CORNER,
FEBRUARY.
Last Prrtrop. -
Seasonal Notes.
Discuss the advisability of the formation of nurseries for
the propagation of planting material for the sugar-cane. Note
that, among other advantages, the possession of such nurseries
gives the planter comparative independence, for a time at any
rate, in relation to other sources of supply. Nurseries
may also prove useful because the plants in them will give
hints as to the presence of diseases and the comparative sus-
ceptibility of different kinds of sugar-cane to these. The
possessor of such a nursery, too, is afforded the best chance of
selecting and planting exactly the kinds of cane that may
appear to him to be best for the conditions in which he has
to work. A nursery forms a place that can be kept always
ready for the reception and growing of propagating material
for new canes, and the common possession of such an aid to
estate work in an island or district enables the planters to
co-operate towards the improvement of the varieties grown,
especially in that it facilitates the interchange of planting
material among them.
The present time is suitable for taking note of the vari-
eties of cane that are specially adapted to the conditions in
which you live, and together with this there is the consider-
ation of the best means to employ for cultivating those
varieties in that district. Observation should not be confined
to the praetices on the estate with which one is familiar;
others should be visited, and careful notice should be taken of
any modification of methods which may be possibly adopted
with advantage on the estate on which the observer works.
The various means which may be employed for the pro-
duction of a soil-conserving mulch in sugar-cane and other
cultivations are of much importance. They include the use
of plant remains such as trash, the thorough breaking up of
the uppermost layer of the soil to form what is called
a dust mulch, and the spreading of pen manure on the
soil so that it will not only form a source of plant food,
but will prevent much of the water in the soil from
being drawn to the surface and evaporated. In Barbados,
more particularly, a special kind of mulch is often form-
ed by taking the fine soil from the drains and spreading
it over the areas between them. It is obvious that, where
different kinds of mulches are employed, useful opportunities
will be given to the student to observe and compare the
effects of the different methods.
It is commonly recognized that, at this period, in regard
to cotton cultivation, a matter of much importance is the
destruction of the old plants, particularly in the effort to
reduce the extent to which leaf-blister mite is present, and to
lessen the chances of its being carried over to the plants of
the new crop. The seed-cotton from the plants that were
chosen in the field will now be subjected to further selection
in order to obtain the best seed for the next crop, in pur-
suance of the policy of maintaining the superiority of the
strain, us well as for purposes of improvement, where this is
requisite. It must be remembered that such selection cannot
result in improvement to an indefinite extent. Its results
are limited to the stage which is occupied by the best plants
in the field. What selection really does is to increase the
number of plants bearing the desirable characteristics, and
therefore to make larger the proportion of good cotton in the
whole crop.
It may be well to mention, at this time, the necessity
for the proper drying of cotton, either for ginning or storage,
Imperfectly dried cotton is worked up with difficulty, both
in the ginnery and the mills, and when such cotton is stored,
it suffers gradual deterioration and may be even destroyed
through spontaneous combustion.
it is a useful plan to take samples of the seed-cotton
coming from the different fields and to examine these,
especially in relation to the different conditions in those
fields, as regards character of soil, supply of water, modes of
tillage and manuring, and the origin of the seed from which
the cotton was raised in the different cases. This should
give much useful information as to the effects of various
conditions on the cotton plant.
Questions for Candidates
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS.
(1) Name some common plants in which starch is pro-
duced in quantity, and state in what part of the plant the
starch is stored.
(2) How does milk of lime assist in clarifying cane juice!
What is the result of using an excess of lime?
(3) State definitely the difference between the meanings
of the terms Pollination and Fertilization, in respect to
flowers.
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS.
(1) Describe carefully the appearance of a good sample
of concentrated lime juice. Give details as to the preparation
and testing of such a sample.
(2) Give an account of methods of extracting starch
from starch-producing plants.
(3) How is the power of soils to absorb heat related to
‘a) the characteristics of the soils, /b) their suitability for
growing plants?
FINAL QUESTIONS,
(1) Give details as to the methods and cost of providing
a square 10-acre field with (a) a living fence, (b) any other
kind of fence.
(2) Discuss broadly the different uses of water to plants.
(3) What steps would you take in order to satisfy your-
self that an insect pest, under given conditions, was being
parasitized by another insect, or other insects!
Imported Para Rubber Plants and Disease.
—At a meeting of the Board of Agriculture of British Guiana,
held on December 21, 1910, it was stated by Professor J. B.
Harrison, C.M.G., that Para rubber plants which had been
received recently from Ceylon had been found by the Govern-
ment Botanist to be infected with a fungus (Botryodiplodia
elasticae), common in Ceylon, which destroys Hevea brasili-
ensis. Professor Harrison stated, further, that he had sub-
mitted a report on the matter to the Rubber Committee,
and it had been recommended unanimously that the importa-
tion of cuttings and stems of rubber should be subjected to
the same inspection as that of sugar-cane. This was necess-
ary, more particularly as, when a new industry like the rub-
ber industry is being started, it is of the utmost importance
that every care should be taken to prevent the introduction
of disease from other countries.
The consideration of the proposals in connexion with the
matter was postponed until advice could be received on
several legal points.
62 THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. Fesruary 18, 1911.
ES.
THE SECRETION OF POISONS BY FUNGI.
It has been known for some time that certain fungi
possess the power of secreting various poisons from the tips
of their hyphae. These poisons kill the cells of the host in
their immediate neighbourhood, somewhat in advance of the
tips of the hyphae, which subsequently in the course of
their growth, reach these dead cells, and feed on them in
a saprophytic manner.
A good example of this is the secretion of oxalic acid by
the hyphae of the Botrytis stage of species of Sclerotinia.
These fungi attack tulips, lilies, and various other host
plants. They are partly saprophytic, but are enabled
to live practically as parasites by means of this character.
Very many fungi give rise to crystals of calcium oxalate, appa-
rently as a waste product, these crystals either being stored
inside the hyphae of the fungus, or being formed on the out-
side of the hyphal wall. It would seem that, in the case of
Botrytis, calcium is either not absorbed to the same extent,
or is used for some other purpose, so that the acid which is
formed, as in several other fungi, is not neutralized, and,
consequently, is secreted. In this case, however, it serves
a useful purpose, since it kills the cells of the host plant and
enables the hyphae to attack them, the latter being unable to
penetrate living cells.
A much more remarkable instance of this secretion of
poison is furnished by a fungus known as Stereum purpureum.
This causes a disease known as silver leaf, affecting plums,
peaches, apples, pears, laburnums and the Portugal laurel.
Some recent work on this fungus, by Mr. Spencer Pickering,
has been published in the Zwelfth Report of the Woburn
Experimental Fruit Farm; a short account of this paper ap-
pears in the Gardeners’ Chronicle, No. 1246, November 12,
1910. The mycelium of the fungus lives in the branches,
only, and does not appear to extend to the leaves. It secretes
a poison, however, which is carried to the leaves of the
host plant by way of the wood and the leaf veins; this is
produced in sufficient quantities to cause a material alteration
in the appearance of the leaves, namely, to turn their colour
from green to a silvery or ashen grey. The yield of infected
trees is much reduced, and eventually branches are killed,
and the trees slowly die. Death does not always occur, how-
ever, as infected trees sometimes recover, at any rate so far
as to be free from the silver leaf symptoms. The cause of
the silvery colour is the separation from one another of the
surface cells of the leaf, so that spaces are formed which
are filled with air. These cause the silvery appearance, on
the same principle as the white colour of pounded ice is
produced; among the particles of this, air is entangled. In
the case of the leaf, between the adjacent cell walls of two
healthy cells is a portion known as the middle lamella, which
binds the two together: this is dissolved by the substance
secreted by the mycelium of the Stereum, and thus the silvery
appearance is brought about.
The middle lamella is composed of a substance known as
calcium pectate, which can be destroyed by acids. This
suggests that, possibly the poison secreted by the fungus is
oxalic acid as in the case of Botrytis. If this is so, a dress-
ing of lime, or of calcium nitrate, might prevent to some
extent the damage inflicted on the leaves, since these sub-
stances, if absorbed by the roots and present in the water
carried in the wood, would neutralize the acid, with the
formation of calcium oxalate.
Stereum purpureum is a wound parasite, and its spores
gain an entrance only through wounds. Consequently, soft-
wooded varieties of the plants mentioned are usually found
to be more susceptible to the disease than the hard-wooded
varieties, since the former are more easily injured. The
fructifications are formed on the surface of dead branches only,
and it is not until this stage is reached that a diseased tree is
capable of infecting others in its vicinity.
Another fungus which possesses this power of secreting
a poison is the wither-tip fungus of citrus trees, Colletotri
chum glocosporioides, found in Florida and other places. It
kills the young twigs and branches, which it attacks by
means of the poison. As in the case of Stereum, the poison
is also carried in the wood to the leaves, which are turned
yellow.
The power possessed by some fungi, of killing parts of
their host situated at some distance from the actual invading
mycelium, may possibly furnish an explanation of the cause
of more than one disease at present but little understood.
THE GREEN MUSCARDINE FUNGUS OF
FROG-HOPPERS.
In the Proceedings of the Agricultural Society of Trini-
dad and Tobago, Vol. X, pp. 467 to 482, appears a second
short paper by Rorer on the green muscardine fungus of
frog-hoppers in Trinidad. The first paper by the same author
on this subject is referred to in the Agricultural News,
Vol. IX, p. 350.
The fungus has been identified by Dr. Roland Thaxter
of Harvard as Metarrhizium anisopliae, Sorokin. It is iden-
tical with a species frequently found in Russia and France.
In the former country it attacks the cockchafer of wheat,
Anisoplia austriaca; in the latter it has occurred on silk
worms. It has also been found on a weevil (Cleonus puneti-
ventris) that attacks sugar beets, and has been observed on
several other insects in different countries.
The fungus is a somewhat peculiar one, which has been
given a number of different names, and has been placed in
many different genera, but at present is usually consigned to
a specially created genus of its own.
Such infection experiments as have been undertaken,
both in the field and in the jaboratory, have led to the belief
that it may be possible to employ it as a means of assisting
in the control of the frog-hopper in Trinidad, though former
experiments in Russia with the cockchafer of wheat were not
successful on a field scale. The chief difficulties to be over-
come are the provision of a sufficiently large number of spores,
and their distribution throughout the fields. Rorer appears
to think that it will be possible to produce the spores in the
quantity required, and that their distribution can be effected
by either of two methods. The first means is the employ-
ment of a machine such as is used for distributing dry
insecticides and fungicides. This would blow a cloud of spores
into the air, and these would be distributed over the field by
the wind. The other means is by catching a large number
of adults with light traps at night, inoculating them with ~
the fungus, and setting them free the next day.
It seems probable that as the frog-hoppers are most
active in the rainy season—the time most favourable
for the growth of the fungus; this may render of consider-
able value the means of controlling the insects,
Vou. X. No. 230.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS 63
EXPORT TRADE OF FIJI, 1909.
The main exports, and the staple products of the Colony
continue to be sugar, copra and green fruit.
The quantity and value of the principal exports during
the past five years are given in the following statement :—
Year. Sugar. Copra. Green fruit.
Quantity, Value, Quantity, Value, Value,
tons. , tons. 2, £.
1905 58,488 539,594 10,200 125,892 28,996
1906 38,523 347,198 9,772 143,683 97,678
1907 66,597 602,820 11,290 182,788 79,891
1908 66,149 647,306 12,931 154,488 62,217
1909 60,825 607,969 15,880 226,599 98,491
The figures show a decrease in the export of sugar for
1909 of 5,324 tons as compared with 1908. This deficiency
was due, toa certain extent, to the short crop at Labasa,
occasioned by the prolonged crushing season in 1908, dur-
ing which year the mill at that centre was closed for crush-
ing purposes in order to renew machinery and enlarge the
mill. The cane just left over for inclusion in the 1909 out-
put was very considerably less, both in quantity and quality,
than it would have been under ordinary circumstances.
The output of copra during the year was exceptionally
high, showing an increase as compared with 1908, in the
value of the quantity exported, of £72,111. This was due
mainly to the greater demand and the consequent higher mar-
ket price of that product which obtained throughout the year.
The quantity exported exceeded that of the previous year by
2,949 tons.
A considerable increase has taken place also in regard to
the exportation of green fruit. This item consists chiefly of
bananas exported to Australia and New Zealand.
The following statement shows the quantities of bananas
exported during each of the past five years :—
Year. Bunches. Cases.
1905 313,829 =
1906 604,617 191,640
1907 46§2,139 192,591
1908 356,180 145,110
1909 585,713 188,577
After deducting the three principal items of export from
the value of the total exports of the colony, the value of the
minor products exported during each of the last four years
amounted to:—
Year. £.
1906 9,799
1907 12,157
1908 13,321
1909 13,752
The principal minor exports were: molasses (£5,682),
turtle shell (£2,381), hides and pelts (£1,333), and maize
(£932).
The following table shows the value of the total imports
and exports for the past five years:—
Year. Imports. Exports.
£ £
1905 442,852 706,403
1906 609,496 603,410
1907 645,007 881,364
1908 662,654 878,393
1909 636,250 947,136
(Colonial Reports—Annual, No, 657.)
TO DESTROY FOWL TICKS.
The following is taken from a report by a Com-
mittee of the Agricultural Society of Trinidad and
Tobago, which was appointed to enquire into the ques-
tion of fowl ticks. The report appears in the Journal
of the Society, Vol. X (December 1910), p. 496.
To rid a badly infested fowl house of these pests is
a difficult undertaking, and if the building is old or badly
constructed, so that it affords an abundance of hiding places
for ticks, it is often cheaper to replace it by a new and
suitable structure. Never use the old material for the new
building, nor erect a new fowl house on the site of the old, or
near it. If the lumber from the old house is good enough for
some other purpose, store it out of reach of the fowls.
A jet of flame from a blast lamp is probably the most effect-
ive means which can be used to destroy ticks in an infested
fow] house. Pass the flame slowly and carefully over every crack
and crevice, and force it in as far as possible. After this has
been thoroughly done, paint the whole inside of the fowl
house with tar and lard oil (2 oz. of oil to 1 gallon of tar).
Aim at sealing all cracks with this preparation. It will
adhere well, and will remain sticky for a considerable length
of time. Some prefer to heat it before applying. The floor
should be cleaned, and lime freely used on it. If necessary,
reconstruct the roosts on lines above indicated. Destroy the
old nesting boxes, and care for the new in the proper manner.
Adult ticks will be found on the fowls only by night. Only
a small portion of the pests would be found each night by
searching on the bodies of the birds, and this procedure would
disturb the flock too much. The larvae remain on the hosts
for several days, and can be found in the daytime. Here
hand dressing, if a somewhat slow process, is effective when
properly done. Oils thoroughly rubbed in are the best reme-
dies. They will clog the breathing pores of the creatures,
and so destroy them.
Kerosene oil and sweet oil give most satisfactory
results. Kerosene oil and cocoanut oil in equal propor-
tions have proved very efficacious. A mixture consisting
of sweet oil (2 parts), 10 per cent. solution of caustic
potash (4 parts) and kerosene (6 parts) is highly recommended
from Australia as a dip. Careful dusting with Keating’s
powder by means of a blower—pushed along under the
feathers so that the powder will reach the skin—vwill also
answer well for this purpose. Among the numerous insect
powders on the market, this brand has proved the most
reliable. The fresher it is, the better.
All these preparations deteriorate rather quickly in our
climate. Fowls which are infested should never be placed
in a new fowl house. They should be kept separate, and
treated until entirely free from parasites. If some members
of a clean stock become infested, they should at once be
segregated and given attention; the fowl house in which they
have roosted should be inspected and tarred.
Fowl ticks can be exterminated, but painstaking care
must be exercised in order to accomplish their destruction.
Unremitting vigilance is the poultry raiser’s greatest safe-
guard against these pests.
It is reported by H.M. Embassy at St. Petersburg
that the second preliminary estimate published by the Minis-
try of Finance gives the production of white sugar in the
Russian Empire, during 1910-11, at 113,639,180 poods,
which is just over 1,825,000 tons,
64 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
Fepruary 18, 1911.
MARKET REPORTS.
London.—THe West Inpia ComMITTEE CIRCULAR,
January 31, 1911.
ArRowrRooT—2d. to 23d.
Batata—Sheet, 3/11; block, 2/10 per tb.
Brerswax—£7 12s. 6d.
Cacao—Trinidad, 58/- to 67/- per cwt.; Grenada, 53/6
to 57/6; Jamaica, no quotations.
Correr—Jamaica, no quotations.
Uopra—West Indian, £25 10s. per ton.
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 20d. to 23d.
Frouir—No quotations.
Foustic—No quotations.
Gincer—54/- to 56/6.
Honey—No quotations.
IstneLass—No quotations.
Live Jvu1ceE—Raw, 11d. to 1/-; concentrated, £18 2s. 6d. to
£18 8s. 9d.; Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/3, nominal.
Loewoop—No quotations.
Mace—Firm.
Nourmecs—Quiet.
Pimento—()uiet.
Ruspser—Para, fine hard, 5/2, fine soft, 5/1; fine Peru,
5/3 per tb.
Roum—Jamaica, no quotations.
Sucar—Crystals, 14/6 to 17/6; Muscovado, no quotations;
Syrup, 9/14 to 14/-; Molasses, no quotations.
New York,—Messrs. Gittesrie Bros. & Co., January
2, LOT.
Cacao—Caracas, I1jc. to 125c. ; Grenada, 11{ec. to12tec. ;
Trinidad, 11 fc. to 12}c. per tb.; Jamaica, 108c. to 11c,
Cocoa-Nuts—Jamaica, select, $2800 to $30°00; culls,
$16°00 to $1700; Trinidad, select, $28°00 to $30-00;
culls, $1600 to $17-00 per M.
Corrrre—Jamaica, ordinary, 13}c. ; good ordinary, 135c.;
washed, 1l5c. per tb. r
Gincer—9c. to 12c. per Ib.
Goat Skiys—Jamaica, 514c.; Barbados and Antigua, 40c.
to 50c.; St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 45c.
to 47c. per tb.
Grarn-FRvuit—$2'50 to $5°00 per box.
Limes—$5°‘50 to $6:00.
Mace—39c. to 48c. per th.
Nurmecs—110’s, 10{c. per tb.
Orances—Jamaica, no quotations.
Pimento—3£e. per tb.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3°42c. per Ib.; Muscovados,
89°, 2°92c.; Molasses, 89°, 2°67c. per th, all duty
paid.
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., February 4,
1911,
Cacao—Venezuelan, $13°50 per fanega; Trinidad, $13:00
to $13°75.
Cocoa-Nur Orr—$1°'04 per Imperial gallon.
Corrre—Venezuelan, 15c. per th.
Copra—$4°75 per 100 th.
DxHat— $330.
Onions $425 per 100 lb.
Peas, Sprrr—$6'00 to $6°10 per bag.
Porators—English, $1°80 to $1°90 per 100 th.
Rice—Yellow, $4°30 to $4°35; White, $4°65 to $4:70
per bag.
Sucar—American crushed, $5°50 to $5°60 per 100 tb.
Barbados,—Messrs. T. S. Garraway & Co., February 6,
1911; Messrs. James A. Lyncn & Co., February 6,
19 108
ArrowkooT—St. Vincent, $4°50 to $4°60 per 100 th.
Cacao—$11:00 to $13:00 per 100 th.
Cocoa-NuTS—$20°00.
Correr—Jamaica and ordinary Rio, $13°50 to $15-00 per
100 tb. scarce.
Hay—$1°50 to $1°60 per 100 th.
Manvures—Nitrate of soda, $65°00 ; Cacao manure, $42:00
to $48-00; Sulphate of ammonia, $75-00 per ton.
Moxasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$5°00 to $6°00 per 100 th.
Peas, SpLit—$5°85 to $6:10 per bag of 210 tbh.; Canada,
$3°60 to $3°90 per bag of 120 tb.
Porators—Nova Scotia, $2:00 to $2°50 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam, $4°60; Patna, $3°50 to $3-80; Rangoon,
$2°90 to $3:00 per 100 th.
Sucar—No quotations.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wierine & RicutER, February
6, 1911; Messrs. SanpBacn,
February 3, 1911.
PaRKER & Co.,,
ARTICLES.
ArrowRrooT—St. Vincent
Batata— Venezuela block
Demerara sheet
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STARCH—
Cocoa-NUTS—
Corrre—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
DxHat—
Green Dhal
Eppos—
Motasses— Yellow
Ontons—Teneriffe
Madeira
Peas—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Porators—Nova Scotia
Lisbon
Porators—Sweet, B’bados
Rick—Ballam
Creole
TANNIAS—
Yams— White
Buck
Sucar—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
Timber —Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
3, Cordwood
Messrs. WIETING
& Ricuter.
$9:00 to $925
per 200 tb.
No quotation
81le. per th.
llc. per Ib.
96c.
$6°50
Messrs. Sanp-
BACH, PARKER
Co.
$9-00
Prohibited
72c. to 80c.
10c. to 11e. per tb.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 per M |$10 to $16 perM.,
16c. per tb.
19¢. per tb.
10c. to lle. per tb.
peeled and
selected
16c. per fb.
19¢c.per Tb.
lle. per tb.
$3°25 per bag of |$3°25 per bag of
Ib
168 th.
$4:00
$1'20
None
5e.
$5°75 to $6-00 per
bag (210 tb.)
$450
20c. to 48c.
$2°75
$1:20 per bag
No quotation
$5:°00 to $5°50
$1°82 per bag
$240
$264
$2°10 to $2°20
$2°80 to $300
34:00
$2°10 to $2°30
32c. to dc. per
cub. foot
$3°75 to $6:00
per M.
$1°80 to $2:00
per ton
168
6e.
$600 per bag
(210 tb.)
No quotation
$2°75
No quotation
$5°00 to $5:25
None
$2°65 to $2-75
$4:00 to $4°25
None
32c. to 55c. per
cub. foot
$400 te $6:00
per M.
No quotation
J
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
FOR THE WEST INDIES.
The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal.
Volume I. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price ls. each. Post free. 1s. 2d.
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CONTENTS. what may be termed more purely formal knowledge.
fos The purpose of this urticle is to indicate briefly
the nature of some of these economies.
PAGE. PaGE,
| Insect Notes :—
The Moth Borer of the
ica Seo esse detec Set) Sugar-Cane as a Test
Agricultural Conference, | of Indian Corn... ... 74
1911, Postponement of 72 | Machines for Gathering
Agricultural Schools, Half- | SINOMISIBEE Soo. cao ode
~ Yearly Examination of 75) Manchester Fruit Market 68
British Guiana and the |Mangosteen in Dominica 68
Abnormal Rainfall in
St. Lucia and Domin-
Canadian Exhibitions, Market Reports... ... . 80
TOMO) fee. ee eS G9INotes and. Comments’ ~.. 72
Coffee and Coffee Disease ... 68) Practice of Mconomy on
Estates, The 5
Cotton Notes :—
"| ae: )St. Vincent Starches and
Cotton-Growing in Alge- Pi
Canadian Trade Reci-
Winds | oda: ioaoewusees. wens | NU ead San
Cotton Manufacture in le (eee UY, =e oS fe
5 e, | Sesbania Aculeata as
unas stn VA ELEN OS ap aGreen Manure... ... 73
est Indian Cotton ... CO Ie onee Culture, oh GO
Fungus Notes :— )Students’ Corner... ... 77
Some Diseases Common | Sugar Industry :
to Rubber and Cacao Sugar from Shredded
HESS bhaon: W soucmmeace vance citey| Wane! "|... eee OF,
Gleanings .-- ee os 76/Tenure of Private Hstates
Imperial Department of | in Java Sco Wee
Agriculture in the /Tephrosia VPurpurea as
Wiestilndiestsss te--) aed) aGreen Manure... ... 75
Index and Title Page 72| West Indian Products ... 79
The Practice of Economy on
Kstates.
N the present days of serious competition and
f . oe . . . . .
low prices, a full recognition is being given to
< the importance of effecting the major econom-
ies on estates. The nature of these is well recognized,
and they have become part of the natural routine in
the work of the estate. There are others, however,
whose existence is not obvious, which are the outcome
of careful thought and consideration, in the light of
A larger proportion of the expenditure of an estate
than is commonly recognized consists in the continual
replacement of small articles. Where no inventory is
made of such articles, and where the lists. even if they
exist, are not checked every few months, losses are
occasioned through careless use, and through the mis-
placing of the articles, because,as these are not regularly
entered as estate property, the cost of buying them
from time to time is considered to be a small matter.
The keeping of accurate records of the purchase of such
articles, and the consequent knowledge of the economy
effected by the careful storing of them, will not fail to
give the practical agriculturist an idea of the expense
that carelessness in this respect has caused him in
the past.*
In the matter of the larger articles, such as the
implements employed in cultivation, although these
cannot be lost outright, neglect of care for them short-
ens seriously their period of usefulness, and lessens
their efficiency.
the parts which have to bear the greatest wear and
tear, more especially, should be dried, cleaned, and
covered with an application of heavy lubricating grease.
When these are put aside for a season,
Attention may also well be given to those portions of
them that do not receive direct wear, and here the care
will consist in keeping such parts properly painted.
Some of the largest, but least obvious economies
can be effected in regard to the animals employed by
the agriculturist.
the provision of energy, or for giving food products.
In either case, the policy should be followed of treating
Animals are required by him for
*See also Agricultwral News, Vol. IX, p. 127.
66 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS
Marcy 4, 1911.
the animals in such a way that the food absorbed by
them is used as little as possible in doing useless
work. Chief among the precautions to be observed in
this way will be to see that the animals are stalled as
near as possible to the places where they are wanted,
and that they are properly protected against inclement
weather. In regard to the former consideration, energy
and therefore food, are wasted where it is necess-
ary to take the animals on the estates long distances
to be worked, or in the case of cows, to be milked. In
the latter connexion, animals subjected to untoward
conditions of weather must use energy in order to over-
come the possible evil effects of those conditions. An
interesting illustration of the extent to which the food
and energy of an animal may be wasted in this way
is supplied by the fact that, with cows, for every
pound of rain evaporated from the body, there is con-
sumed more than three-quarters of a pound of solid
substance, reckoned as fat which might have gone to
form milk.
In continuation, as regards animals, a large amount
of the food is often wasted in providing energy for
doing useless work, in connexion with ploughing and
hauling. In both of these, care should be taken that
the animal is attached to the implement or vehicle in
such a way that as large a proportion as possible of the
power given by it shall be used directly in the work
that is required of it. Generally speaking, as regards
ploughing, the line of the traces should be one and the
same with a line passing through their place of attach-
ment and the centre of greatest pressure on the mould
board. With reference to haulage, in the case of a very
smooth road such as that formed by a line of rails,
the plane of the traces should be parallel to the
surface of this; where the road is not smooth, however,
the effect of the friction and the fact that the wheels are
continually endeavouring to mount up out of the surface
into which they have sunk, will make it necessary for the
Another
matter of importance that is not usually recognized, as
regards vehicles travelling over ordinary roads, is the dis-
tribution of the load on the carriage. It is most usually,
but not always, the case that the heaviest part of the
load should be placed over the hind wheels, because
firstly, the front wheels make a firm track for the hind
wheels carrying the heavier weight: secondly, the hind
wheels are generally the larger, so that they sink
asmaller distance into the road, and use less of the
energy of traction than would be consumed by the front
wheels, with the greater part of the load on them; and
thirdly, such distribution of the load enables the vehicle
traces to slope downwards and backwards.
to be turned with greater ease and less damage to the
road,
So far, attention has been given to the animal, its
mode of attachment, and the load on the vehicle which
it draws. It is plain, however, that much more might
be done toward the improvement of the roads them-
selves, on which the animals have to work. Bad roads
mean constant expenditure in providing extra food for
a continual waste of energy, and they also bring about
unnecessary injury to animals, vehicles and implements.
In the amelioration of such conditions, attention should
be given to the provision of smooth and rigid roads
with easy inclines, and where it is not possible to pro-
vide anything but a rough road, the conditions should
be bettered as muchas may be by the use of vehicles
having large wheels with wide tires. It may be useful
to mention here that a cheap and effective implement
known as the road drag* is much employed in the
United States for the economical improvement of roads
in agricultural districts. In any case, to whatever
extent the improvement of a road may have been
effected, attention to its proper drainage is a matter
of the first importance, if its best condition is to be
maintained,
While mention is being made of roads in connexion
with agricultural economics, it may be opportune to
attend to the fact that much more use may well be
made of means for overhead transport and portable rail-
ways.
estates already possessing permanent track for purposes
like that of cane haulage, and where wide cultivation is
practised. They can be made to connect with the per-
manent lines, and form a means of effecting the carriage
of estate products from the fields, and of manures to
the cultivated areas, with no necessity for transfer,
and with the greatest economy in the provision of
energy for traction.
The latter are of particular application on
Another matter to which a large amount of atten-
tion may well be given is the practice of economy in
the construction of buildings on estates. There is often
a great waste of material when these are being erected,
on account of a tack of knowledge as to the relation
between the size of the stutt used and the stresses that
it can support, so that useless expenditure occurs in the
provision of unnecessary material. In the same connexion,
useful consideration might well be given to the greater
employment of round buildings*+ in the place of those
which are square or oblong. These the
are most
* Described most recently in Press Bulletin No. 33 of the
University of Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station,
+ See Agricutural News Vol. 1X, p. 153.
VoL. X. No. 231.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 67
economical in construction, as they enclose the greatest
area with the smallest provision of material, and where
it is necessary continually to remove produce from
one part of the building to another, as in places where
stock is fed, economy is effected in the shorter distance
which such produce has to be conveyed. In the West
Indies, round buildings have a particular advantage in
that they most readily resist high winds and hurrican: s.
The subject may be extended almost indefinitely,
among other matters that have a more obvious con-
nexion with it beimg economical methods of keeping
manures; the constant provision of good drainage,
especially for increasing the available moisture in the
soil; the provision of wind-breaks* for making plants
grow better, preventing the falling of fruit, and con-
serving the soil moisture: and the utilization of waste
products from the estate. Though these and others
equally important cannot be dealt with here, itis hoped
that what has been said may suggest useful lines of
thought in connexion with the practice of economy on
estates.
SUGAR FROM SHREDDED CANE.
Much interest has been evinced lately in the process by
which sugar-cane is shredded and dried, and exported from
its country of origin to factories where the sugar is extracted.
The results of the trials have been eagerly awaited, and it
may be said at present that success for the process appears
to be indicated.
A statement to this effect occurs in the American Sugar
Industry and Beet Sugar Gazette for January 1911, which
quotes from the Madison Journal (Wisconsin) for December
20, 1910. More information is given, however, in the Low/s-
tana Planter for January 21, 1911, where an anonymous
article is presented, from which the following facts are taken.
The experiments are described as constituting an attempt
to procure white sugar directly from the sugar-cane without
the use of bone-black filters. They have been carried out at
the factory of the United States Sugar Company at Madi-
son (Wisconsin). As is well known, the shredded and dried
cane was prepared at Nipe Bay, Cuba; this was done by first
of all subjecting the cane to the action of two closely
placed sets of circular saws, on shafts revolving in opposite
directions, which cut the cane into shreds about the size of
a toothpick. The cane was then sent on to a drying oven,
through which it was carried by travelling belts, remaining
there until all the moisture, except 6 or 7 per cent., was
removed. The dried cane finally passed over screens, which
separated the ‘pith’ from the ‘ fibre’, the two products then
being baled separately.
When the shredded cane arrived at the factory, two
kinds of attempts were made to deal with it. In the first,
the diffusion process was employed, but was found to be too
slow to be of practical use, apparently because the water
pressure in the cells packed the cane so tightly that circula-
tion could not take place. The remedy was tried of reversing
the direction of the water pressure, without success. In these
*See Agricultural News, Vol. X, p. ff
trials, the pith alone was used; but as the fibre is less likely
to pack together and stop the flow of the diffusion water, it
is thought that the method may be employed successfully for
this, and trials are to be made.
Great success is said to have been obtained with the sec-
ond method, in which the sugar was extracted from the dried
cane by means of centrifugals. The first part of the process
consisted in shredding the baled cane again by subjecting it
to the action of saws, on to which it was fed from an endless
moving platform. The effect was to tear the cane into
shreds, which were sucked up into a wide tube and fell into
a mixing vat; here the first cane is mixed with water, while
later, it is treated with the last water that has been used for
the exhausted cane.
The next stage in the process was the extraction of the
sugar. For this, the mixture was fed into centrifugals where
the sugar is extracted with such speed that in less than two
minutes the amount in the pith is reduced from 55 or 60 per
cent. to ‘Ol per cent, or less. The similar reduction for the
fibre takes place in about three minutes, A useful feature of
this method of treatment is that it leaves the residue of
megass dry enough to be packed for shipment to the paper
mills. :
The juice coming from the centrifugals has a dark brown
colour and is very dirty, testing between 11° and 14° Brix;
its purity should be about 89°5 per cent., but was found to
be actually 72°5 to 74°4 per cent.
The first stage in the purification of the juice, which is
known as raw juice, is to mix it with 2 to 3 per cent. of
lime, added in the form of milk of lime of about 25° or 30°
Beaumé. After the mixture has been subjected to the action
of carbon dioxide, the juice is pumped through filter presses
in which it loses the calcium carbonate that has been
formed, as well as a large proportion of the impurities. The
juice passing from the first, filter possesses an alkalinity of
about 07 per cent., a purity of about 74:1 to 75:9 per cent.,
while the Brix has been reduced to about 7° or 8°. A second
carbonatation is now carried out, making the characteristics
of the juice as follows: alkalinity 02 to 0-3 per cent., purity
74:6 to 76°5, Brix between 6° and 7° (on account of the
addition of water containing sugar, from the filter presses),
colour light yellow.
The juice is now sulphured, with the result that it is
bleached and its purity is increased, the alkalinity becoming
‘01 to 02 per cent. and the purity 75 to 76°8. The final
result is to produce a juice having a Brix of 5° to 6°5°, in
which state it runs into the evaporators.
In the evaporators, the density becomes about 60° Brix;
the juice from them is passed through thick juice filters and
sand filters of the kind used in beet sugar manufacture. It
has now the following qualities: purity 76°7 to 77:5 (esti-
mated at 95°0 per cent. for normal cane), and alkalinity less
than 002 per cent, Such juice produced a massecuite having
a light brown colour, a Brix of about 92°8°, and a purity of
74°5 (estimated at 92°2 to 92°8 for normal cane).
The sugar obtained in this way possessed a very light
canary-yellow colour; it was reboiled and formed a very white
sugar when separated from the mother liquor in the centrifu-
gals. It isa matter of importance that this sugar is hard,
witha high lustre and a grain suitable for marketing purposes.
Future work will include the enlargement of the drying
plant at Nipe Bay, and the installation of continuous centrifu-
gals at Madison in the place of the sugar centrifugals that
have been used so far. In this way, the capacity of the plant
will become 100 tons of dried, or 300 tons of standing, cane
per day of twenty-four hours. The first actual manufacturing
season will commence at some time during this month,
68 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Marcu 4, 1911.
FRUITS AND BRUIT EES:
THE MANGOSTEEN IN DOMINICA.
Mr. J. Jones, Curator of the Botanic Gardens,
Dominica, has forwarded the following note on the
mangosteen in that island. The acclimatization of this
plant that appears to be taking place in Dominica
would seem to be a matter for encouraging the growing
of the mangosteen on a larger scale in the West
Indies:—
At the Point Mulatre estate, Dominica, two fine mangos-
teen trees, thirteen years old, are now fruiting for the first
time. One specimen is bearing several dozen fruits, and the
other a single fruit. There are now known to be four bearing
mangosteen trees in Dominica. As quite a number of estates
possess a few young specimens of this interesting tree, it is
probable that in the course of a few years the fruit will be
fairly well known in the island, and may, in the course of
time, be available for export.
One point in this connexion is worthy of notice. The
seedlings raised from trees established in the West Indies
show much greater vigour, and thrive better, than did the
original imported plants. This is probably due to acclimat-
ization. With this increased vigour, and with great care in
growing and selecting land and position, it may be possible to
bring trees in fruit during their ninth or tenth year.
The first imported mangosteen plant took many years to
come into bearing. The plant at the Botanic Station required
sixteen years. Now, trees have fruited at thirteen years.
The vigour of some of the younger specimens is such as to
warrant the expectation stated above.
COFFEE AND COFFEE DISEASE.
An article in L’) Agriculture Pratique des Pays Chauds,
No. 91, p. 337, gives a short account of some of the efforts
that are being made in the French colonies against Hemileia
vastatrix—the most destructive fungus pest of coffee. In
Réunion, it seems, these are chiefly concerned with the
employment of so)utions containing sulphate of copper,
which are applied three times in quick succession, at inter-
vals, without waiting for the appearance of the disease—
a treatment that has met with encouraging success during
the two or three years in which it has been tried. Added to
this, for the better success of the method, planters are
paying more attention to the use of manures for increasing
the power of resistance of the trees, and are receiving useful
assistance through the employment of judicious pruning.
In the Comoro Islands, efforts to combat the disease have
been restricted so far to the introduction, to some extent, of
Liberian coffee (Coffea liberica), mainly because the produc-
tion of coffee is regarded as a secondary industry.
It isin Madagascar where the most conclusive results
have been obtained through the introduction of resistant
varieties. Liberian coffee grows successfully, but its special
characteristics lessen the interest in it. The greatest success
has been obtained with Coffea congensis, var. Chalotii, and
then with C. canephora, var. opaca, and C. javanica,
The Manchester Fruit Market.— Manchester has
for some considerable time been the second soft fruit market
for the United Kingdom. But until 1894, no market was
established in Manchester for green fruit, merchants obtaining
their supplies from Liverpool. With the inception of the
ship canal an effort to establish a green fruit market sue-
ceeded, and since that time trade has yearly increased, until
Manchester has become one of the foremost markets in the
country. Goods are sold by auction by three firms of brokers,
who collectively handle over 1,000,000 packages of oranges,
apples, lemons, grapes, etc., representing a turnover of more
than £500,000 per annum. ‘The sales (which are held twice
weekly) are attended by buyers from all parts of the country,
and at a recent sale day some 40,000 packages of fruit were
sold. Eleven steamers are employed to bring fruit from the
Mediterranean. Large supplies of apples and pears also
arrive from America and Canada by the regular lines of
steamers. Manchester is admittedly the best market in
England for Spanish onions, and favourably compares with
other markets for oranges, lemons, etc. American and
Canadian shippers are waking up to the advantage of ship-
ping apples to Manchester. Very satisfactory prices have
been obtained this season as compared with those in other
markets, and there is every prospect of prices further advane-
ing. (The Chamber of Commerce Journal, Trade Review,
January 1911.)
Vb. X.| No; 231.
SPONGE CULTURE.
The United States Bureau of Fisheries has recently pub-
lished a bulletin entitled A Practical Method of Sponge
Culture, by H. F. Moore, Scientific Assistant, United States
Bureau of Fisheries. This paper was presented before the
Fourth International Fishery Congress, held at Washington,
U.S.A., on September 22 to 26, 1908, and was awarded the
prize of $100 in gold offered by Hayes Bigelow for the best
demonstration, based on original investigations and experi-
ments, of the commercial possibilities of growing sponges from
eggs or cuttings.
The following points from this bulletin are given here,
as being likely to prove of interest in the West Indies, where
it would seem possible that sponge culture might be taken up
in certain localities with a prospect of a profitable return. It
may be mentioned, by the way, that a list of sponges identi-
fied from the St. Vincent Grenadines was given in the Agrv-
cultural News, Vol. 1X, p. 307.
In discussing the conditions and needs of the sponge
fisheries, the author states that it is not likely that any new
sponge fishery district with possibilities of great commercial
importance will ever be discovered, although new beds and
new regions may come into productiveness; and that the
present method of harvesting sponges is likely to deplete the
sponge beds to such an extent that they may no longer be
profitable to work.
The demand for sponges in the United States is growing
rapidly, and has become already very great The importation
of foreign sponges during the three years from 1905 to 1907
averaged an annual valuation of about $531,000. The
domestic production during the three years 1906 to 1908
was valued at an average of $658,000, and the greater part
of the sponges was put to use in the United States.
The previous trials in sponge culture are recounted
in the bulletin, and the possible lines of experiment dis-
cussed at some length. In this connexion, the following
methods of propagation are considered: grafting, growing from
eggs, growing from degenerative bodies and dissociated tissues,
and growing from cuttings, From a practical point of view,
only the last of these was found to be of value.
The growing of sponges from cuttings is a fairly simple
operation. Any healthy sponge, whatever its shape or size,
may be used for seed. In collecting and transporting sponges
for planting, care must be exercised to keep them from injury.
Any bruising or abrasion of the surface of the sponge is
injurious, and contact with fresh water, or Water of a less
degree of salinity than the open ocean, is fatal to them. Seed
sponges which are being kept a short time for planting pur-
poses may be strung on a rope stretched between stakes in
such a manner that the sponges are suspended just clear of
the bottom of the water.
It has been found by experiment that cuttings about 14
by 25 by 3 inches, er of approximately the same volume as
would be given by these dimensions (viz. about 10 to 11]
cubic inches) are the best for planting. The cutting is best
done with large knives kept sharp by whetting on a coarse
whetstone, a ragged cutting edge being preferable to a smooth
one. The sponges are not ordinarily injured by exposure to
the air during the time necessary to make the cuttings. It
is a good plan, however, to take them from sea-water and as
soon as possible to return the cuttings to this. The water in
which sponges or the cuttings are being kept should be
changed, if in tubs or similar receptacles, about once an hour,
the stale water being replaced by fresh sea-water of full saline
strength.
The finding of suitable material for the attachment of
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 69
theplanted sponges has been one of the greatest difficulties
found in the experiments. After extensive trials, cement
discs and triangles for the substratum, and lead and
aluminium for the metals to hold the cuttings in place until
the organic attachment is brought about by the growth of the
cuttings, have been found most serviceable.
These discs are 10 inches in diameter and about 1}
inches in thickness. They may be made with a short spindle
of lead rod (or wire), }-inch in diameter, which projects 24
inches from the centre on one side, or with two holes through
the disc, diametrically opposite each other and about 2 or 3
inches from the centre.
By means of a stiff steel point which fits on the top of
the spindle the cuttings may be impaled on it where
they form an attachment to it, and to the disc, by the pro-
cess of growth. In planting, the discs are dropped outward
from a small boat, care being taken that they will be right
side up when in position on the bottom.
When the plain discs with the two holes are used, the
cuttings are fastened in place by means of an aluminium wire
which pierces the cutting, and passes through the holes, the
ends being twisted together on the reverse side of the disc.
It is estimated that cuttings of the size indicated above
will increase in size to give marketable sponges in four years,
and that about 4,840 cuttings per acre of bottom can be suc-
cessfully grown. ‘The cost of the entire operation of procur-
ing the seed sponges, making the cuttings, providing the
dises and planting an acre amounts to some $230. The
sponges to be harvested at the end of four years should be
worth about $968, allowing for a mortality of about 20 per
cent. The discs and spindles would be available for replanting,
and this would really reduce the first cost of the undertaking,
The culture of sponges would seem worthy of experiment-
al trials in those islands of the Lesser Antilles where com-
paratively shallow water offers seemingly favourable oppor-
tunity. In the shallow water, more especially, in certain locali-
ties of Barbados, Antigua, Barbuda, the Grenadines and the
Virgin Islands, there may be found conditions under which
sponges can be grown, and a profitable industry started.
BRITISH GUIANA AND THE CANADIAN
EXHIBITIONS, 1910.
Particulars of the prizes that have been gained by differ-
ent Colonies and Presidencies in the West Indies, at the
recent Canadian Exhibitions, have been given in the Agri-
cultural News, Vol. IX, pp. 343 and 412. To make the
record complete, the following list of awards to British Guiana,
taken from the Jowrnal of the Board of Agriculture of British
Guiana, for January 1911, is presented here:—
Gold Medal: Permanent Exhibitions Committee, for
general exhibit.
Gold Medal and Diploma: the Hon. B. Howell Jones,
for sugars.
Silver Medal and Diploma : T. Earle, Esq., for cacao.
Silver Medal and Diploma: Colonial Chocolate and
Confectionery Co., for confectionery.
Diplomas: Messrs. Sprostons, Limited, for greenheart;
the Consolidated Rubber and Balata Estates, Limited, for
balata; the Demerara Development Company, for citrate of
lime; Messrs. Sandbach Parker & Co., for general exhibits;
Messrs. Wieting & Richter, Limited, for rice and sugar; the
New Colonial Company, Limited, for sugar; Messrs. Booker
Bros., MeConnell «& Co., Limited, for molascuit.
70 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Maren 4, 1911,
SQV
~G: \
°
TUM 1 =~
COTTON NOTES./
LULL eg VILELULALL
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date February 13, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
Since our last report, about 30 bags of West Indian Sea
Island cotton have been sold at 20d. to 21d. Buyers continue
absolutely indifferent, and we think it will be some time
before there is any demand for quantity.
The pressure to sell American Sea Islands is so great,
that we do not think English spinners will enter the market
for quantity, unless a concession of 2d. per Ib off current
rates be entertained. Spinners have stocks in hand from last
season’s crops of both American and West Indian growths,
and cannot effect sales of yarn.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending February 11, is as follows:—
The Factors, becoming more concerned at the absence of
demand, and realizing that they could not secure their asking
prices, decided to make some concession to meet the views
of buyers, resulting in sales of about 1,000 bales, on a basis
of Fully Fine 352c
The buying has been for England, France and the
Northern mills. At this decline the Factors hope that the
demand will become general, admitting of their selling more
freely. ;
The supply of Extra Fine is small, and it is probable
that the stock of this grade will soon be disposed of.
The larger portion of the stock consists of the lower
grades, tinged and off cotton.
We quote viz:—
Extra Fine Islands at 33c.=18}d. c.if. & 5 per cent.
Fully Fine _,, SoCs aly snee Pee
Fine a 30c. = 16d. a es ix %
COTTON-GROWING IN ALGERIA.
Great efforts are being made by the Algerian Govern-
ment to encourage the planting of cotton. In 1908, four
years after the first experiments had been started, a crop
grown on irrigated land in the district of Orleansville was
sold at Havre at 8{d. per Ib., representing a net profit to the
grower varying from £5 10s. to £12 10s. per acre, whilst an
offer of 94d. to 9}d. for the same consignment was sul sequent-
ly received from Liverpool; more recently a first shipment of
10,000 kilos, [22,000 Ib] has realized 1s, 23d. to 1s. 3d.
per lb. at Liverpool. The crops gathered on these lands have
varied from 1,200 to 25,000 kilos, of raw cotton, yielding
from 380 to 800 kilos. of ginned cotton per hectare [330 to
700 tb. per acre] which, at the prices last quoted, with the
addition of by-products at market prices, would produce
a gross return of from 1,400 to 3,000 fr. per hectare [£22 te
£48 per acre]; the cost of cultivation, in the case of the grow-
er who shipped the above consignment, was 557 fr. per hee-
tare [£9 per acre]; in some instances it is more, but it has
never reached 1,000 tr. [£16 per acre], so that it is estimated
that the net profit on cotton-growing on these lands amounts
to between 850 and 2,000 fr. per hectare, or approximately
from £14 to £32 per acre. This calculation is based on
abnormally high prices, but with ordinary prices the yield
would still be very large. Experiments, which have been
continuously successful, have also been conducted on Jands
impossible of irrigation; at Philippeville, 17 acres under
Mississippi and 1] acres under Egyptian Mitafifi have yielded
154 ewt. and 85 ewt. of raw cotton, respectively, whilst at
Bona 130 ewt. and 133 cwt. of these respective varieties have
been obtained from two plots of ground each containing about
15 acres, giving an estimated net profit of £11 an acre. In
comparison with these figures, it is pointed out that in the
United States of America the average net profit to the cotton
grower, calculated over a period of twenty years, is between
£1 18s. 6d. and £2 i3s. 6d. per acre, whilst in Egypt it has
been shown not to exceed £1 15s. On the above grounds,
local agriculturists have been strongly urged to plant their
ground with cotton, and several hundred additional acres
are now in course of cultivation. (The Board of Trade Jour-
nal, December 1, 1910, p. 441.)
Cotton Manufacture in India.—Sixty years ago,
the first cotton spinning and weaving mill was projected
in India. Ten years later the number had increased to
twelve, containing 538,000 spindles. According to the
Bombay Millowners’ Association returns to June 30 last,
there were 243 mills, with 20 others in course of erection.
The number of spindles had risen, in round numbers, to
6,200,000, and the looms to 82,700; the hands employed had
increased to 234,000, and the cotton consumed to about
2,000,000 bales. The capital in the industry exceeds
£12,000,000.
For the year ending March 1910, the product of the
Indian cotton mills was 627,364,000 Ib. of yarn and
228,723,000 Ib., or 962,463,000 yards, of woven cloths.
There were exported 227,400,000 Ib. of yarn and 94,100,000
yards of cloth. In eleven years, the production of cloths
had increased 133 per cent. by weight and 193 per cent.
by length. But imports of piece-goods increased 63 per
cent, nearly all coming from the United Kingdom. (The 7ewtile
Mercury, January 28, 1911.)
Vou. X., No. 231.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 71
THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE IN THE
WEST INDIES.
A paper with this title was read, with lantern illustra-
tions, by Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G., late Commissioner
of Agriculture tor the West Indies, at a meeting of the Royal
Colonial Institute, beld at the Whitehall Rooms, Hotel
Métropole, on January 10, 1911. The chair was taken by
the Right Hon. Lord. Brassey, G.C.B. Sir Daniel prefaced
his paper by drawing attention to the possession by the
British of some of the richest portions of the tropics, the
extent of the area being about 3,000,000 square miles, or
1,920 million acres, with a population of about 300 millions,
and an estimated value of exports of not Jess than 230
million sterling. In regard to the portion of this area known
as the West Indies in its widest sense, that is comprising the
West Indies, the Bahamas, Bermuda, British Honduras and
British Guiana, it was stated that the area is 109,836 square
miles, with a population estimated at 2,300,000, and a total
trade having a value of about 22 million pounds. Further,
in regard to the West Indies it was pointed out that this
total trade had increased, in exact figures, from £15,647,316
in 1903 to £21,429,301 in 1909. Sir Daniel gave as the
causes of this increased prosperity: (1) the revival of confi-
dence in the sugar industry as the result of the abolition of
bounties; (2) the increase in the production of cacao in
Trinidad, Grenada and Jamaica; (3) the development of the
American fruit trade in Jamaica; (4) the introduction of Sea
Island cotton into St. Vincent, Barbados and the Leeward
Islands; (5) the extension of the cultivation of limes in Domin-
ica and of rice in British Guiana.
Coming to the subject of the paper, namely the work of
the Imperial Department of Agriculture in the West Indies,
it was pointed out first of all that this Department was
created on the recommendation of a Royal Commission, made
in 1597. For the purpose of this creation, funds were voted
by Parliament on August 2, 1908, on the motion of
Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, and the average amount that had
been expended up to 1908 was at the rate of £17,400 per
annum, of which about £5,000 was required for the Head
Office, the remainder being used for grants-in-aid of Botanic
and Experiment Stations and agricultural education in
the individual colonies. The account proceeded to a descrip-
tion of the wide activities of the Imperial Commissioner
of Agriculture both in connexion with the larger and
the smaller colonies, and pointed out that, as far as
the larger colonies possessing their own departments of
agriculture are concerned, Trinidad had taken advantage of
the services of the Mycologist, in 1906, while the Govern-
ment of British Guiana had made application for the services
of the Entomologist, in 1908.
After giving an outline of the general duties of the
Department, and stating that the details of its working have
been presented regularly for discussion at the several West
Indian Agricultural Conferences that have been held, the
lecturer pointed out that, among the experiments carried on
by the Department, those with sugar-cane had proved of
great service in the West Indies, and that their usefulness
had extended to other countries, such as the Southern United
States, Australia, Natal and Manritins. In the same con-
nexion, reference was made to the developments in the
direction of the establishment of sugar factories in Antigua,
with a prospective factory in St. Kitts, owing mainly to the
efforts in the former instance of Sir Gerald Strickland,
K.C.M.G., late Governor of the Leeward Islands, and
Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G., the present Imperial Commissioner.
The sugar industry, further, was showing the good fruits of
the recommendation of the Royal Commission to which
reference has been made, namely that less dependence should
be placed in the West Indies on that industry, and that
a greater diversification of agricultural interests should be
brought about. In illustration of this, the value of sugar-
cane products had declined during the past few years, while
as has been seen, the total exports had increased.
As an example of a case where the greatest good had
resulted from a ‘scientific investigation conducted by an
Officer of the Department, Sir Daniel referred to the work of
Mr. Maxwell-Lefroy, the first Entomologist on the Staff, in
connexion with the moth borer of the sugar-cane—work that
had_ placed planters in possession of a full knowledge of the
life-history of this pest, as well as of the means of controlling
it.
The industry second in importance to sugar, namely
cacao production, had also greatly benefited by the work
of the Department. Later, reference was made to limes
and lime products, which form the material of an industry
not as old as the sugar and cacao industries, but one which
has been established for some years, and is making good
progress, notably in Dominica, Montserrat and Jamaica. In
this relation, reference was made to the useful work that is
being done by the West India Committee in extending the
interest in limes and lime products, in the United Kingdom.
For the purpose of showing the possibility of the develop-
ment of new industries in the West Indies, attention was
drawn to rice-growing in British Guiana, the cultivation of
Sea Island cotton, the increased exports of limes and lime
products, and the greater interest that is being taken in
tobacco-growing, particularly in ‘Jamaica, as well as to the
establishment of rubber plantations, more especially in British
Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago. The development of the second
of these, namely the growing of Sea [sland cotton, had been
initiated by the importation by the Imperial Department of
Agriculture of the best seed from the Sea Islands, in 1903.
The growth of the industry is shown by the fact that, while
7,600 acres was planted in 1904, the area in 1908 was 24,000
acres, and there was the further circumstance that the total
exports of cotton from the West Indies, including Marie
Galante, now amount to 15,000,000 tb., with a value, in
lint and seed, of £800,000. In connexion with this matter,
Sir Daniel referred to the valuable assistance that has been
received from the British Cotton Growing Association, as
well as from the interest of manufacturers in Lancashire,
through whom most useful guidance for dealing with the crop
had been obtained in the West Indies.
After referring to the work of distribution of planting
material from Botanie Stations in the West Indies, the
lecturer gave a review of what has been done in connexion
with education and with the co-ordination of the efforts of
scientific workers in different parts of the colonies. The
success of the Department in this and other work had led to
the formation of Departments of Agriculture in other parts of
the world, on much the same lines—a policy that was show-
ing itself worthy of continuation
In conclusion, the lecturer made special reference to the
valuable assistance that has been given by the Royal Gardens
at Kew, with the aid of the Imperial Institute, as well as by
the West India Committee and the West India Club, finally
quoting opinions as to the usefulness of the work of the
Department, expressed by members of the recent Royal
Commission, and stating that, with the guarantee of its con-
tinued maintenance for a further period of years, it will do
much toward the general advancement of the West Indies.
=~
bo
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Marcu 4, 1911.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘ Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Ayents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co., 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 8 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s, 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
Vor... XX:
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1911. No. 231.
Contents of Present Issue.
The subject of the editorial is The Practice of
Economy on Estates. The matter could not, of course,
be treated in a complete manner; the article is rather
intended for the purpose of suggesting lines of thought
that may be pursued in connexion with the question.
It is followed by an abstract of an account of the
experiments that have been made in the United States,
in extracting sugar from sugar-cane shredded in Cuba,
and exported after being dried.
An interesting article on sponge culture appears
on page 69, It shows that compensition for the de-
pletion of the sponge banks that is threatened in most
parts of the world may be made, to a large extent, by
the employment of judicious planting.
Page 71 presents an abstract of a paper of much
interest, read recently by Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G.,
late Imperial Commissioner, and dealing with the
Imperial Department of Agriculture in the West Indies.
Some useful facts in connexion with the legumin-
ous plant Seshania aculeatu, used as a green manure,
are given on page 73.
The Insect Notes, on page 74, present facts of
interest concerning the moth borer of sugar-cane, in its
special relation as a pest of Indian corn, in the United
States.
On page 78, the Fungus Notes summarize the
most recent information concerning some diseases that
are known to attack both rubber and cacao trees to
a serious extent.
Index and Title Page.
The Index and Title Page of Volume IX of the
Agricultural News are published as a supplement to
the present issue, so that the opportunity is now given
for the numbers of that volume to be bound together.
It has been endeavoured to inake the index
more detailed in nature than has been the case in the
past. This applies particularly to the portion dealing
with Insect Pests and Plant Diseases, with the result
that this possesses the nature of a dictionary of the
common and scientific names, in addition to being use-
ful as an index, in accordance with the first intention.
ro
Postponement of the Agricultural Conference,
1911.
A note was given in the Agricultural News for
January 7, 1911, p. 8, announcing the postponement,
until the middle of April, of the Agricultural Conference,
originally proposed to be held in January of this year.
Since the matter has been given fresh atten-
tion, the Imperial Commissioner ,of Agriculture
has received information from. His Excellency the
Governor of British Guiana to the effect that it will
not be found convenient to that Colony to hold the
Conference in April, as was suggested.
It is probable, therefore, that the Conference will
take place toward the end of the year; the question is
being given further consideration, and this is as
definite a statement as can be made at present, under
the circumstances.
a
Machines for Gathering Stones. .
A short note on trials with machines for gathering
stones, presenting information from the Natal Agri-
cultural Journal tor August 1910, p. 207, was given
in the last volume of the Agricultural News, p. 348.
Further information is contained in the issue of
that Journal for December 1910, p. 685, in which it is
stated that the inventors of the machine found best
for the purpose, Messrs. Ji & R. Forgan of Port Pirie,
South Australia, are prepared to supply the machines
in any quantities for £50 each (f.0.b. Port Adelaide).
The following description of the machine is given
in the latter-mentioned issue of the Natal Agricultural
Journal. ‘The machine is built on a V-frame of
T-seetion steel. ‘The bodies or tines are fitted with
our patent automatic spring rehef «raft, this being
a close-coiled expansion spring 14 inches long by 14
core by % steil, which is adjustable to any tension, and
has a roller attachment that works up and‘down on the
body, taking the tension off the tines when jumping,
thereby preventing strain on the implement or horses.
In addition to being a gatherer, this machine is easily
converted into a cultivator of thirteen tines, cutting
7 feet, by taking out two bolts in each body, removing
the gathering attachments, and fixing on a cultivator
share. The machine clears 10 feet when used as
a stone-gatherer, is very strongly built of steel through-
out, and is light of draft.’
Vou. X.. No. 231.
Abnormal Rainfall in St. Lucia and Dominica.
A letter dated February 7, 1911, has been received
from Mr. J. C. Moore, Agricultural Superintendent of
St. Lucia, stating that an excessive rainfall for the time
of the year has been experienced recently in St. Lucia;
15°53 inches was received at the Botanic Station, and
15:24 inches at the Experiment Station, Union, between
January 1 and February 6. Greater amounts than
these have been recorded in the interior of the island,
but complete returns are not yet available. The rains
were accompanied to a large extent by high winds.
The effect of this has been to cause the destruction
of cacao flowers, and excessive blackening of the pods,
as well as to increase the difficulties of drying, in cases
where artificial means are not employed. Further,
Mr. Moore states that the reaping of the sugar-cane
crop will be seriously delayed, in the absence of
improvement in the weather.
A communication from Mr. J. Jones, Curator of
the Botanic Station, Dominica, dated February 15,
1911, reports that very heavy rains fell in the South
Windward District of that island on the night of
February 7. The effect was to produce many landslips
with considerable damage to cultivations, notably at
Stowe and Geneva estates. At the former place, about 15
acres of lime plants has been swept away, together with
the mill house, while a loss of cultivation of the same
kind, which is estimated at a like area, has occurred
at Geneva. Considerable losses were also sustained by
small proprietors at Dubecque and Petite Savanne.
Mr. Jones hoped to pay an early visit to the dis-
tricts, in order to afford such assistance as is possible,
and to make a further report.
ee
St. Vincent Starches and Canadian Trade Reci-
procity.
In the report of the committee appointed recently
{see Agricultural News, Vol. X, p. 12), by His Honour
the Administrator of St. Vincent, to consider and make
recommendations regarding the proposals for reciprocity
with Canada put forward by the recent Royal Commis-
sion, special attention is given to arrowroot and cassava
and their products. The committee recommends that,
in addition to a preference of not less than 20 per cent.
being made in favour of St. Vincent, in respect of the
articles mentioned in Schedule B of Appendix I of the
first part of the report of the Royal Commission, that,
as arrowroot and its by-products form one of the only
exports in respect of which the colony is likely to
benefit from a preferential agreement with Canada,
these should be placed on the Canadian free list, in
accordance with the suggestion of the Royal Commis-
sion, contained in paragraph 90 of the first part of its
report.
The suggestion is also made that cassava and its
products from St. Vincent and other West Indian
colonies possessing reciprocal trade relations with
Canada should either be admitted duty free, or that
there should be a refund of duty to such Canadian
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 73
manufacturers as should use these articles as
material, on evidence of their use being furnished.
The question as to the importation of West Indian
cassava into Canada under favourable terms 1s import-
ant, as there may be brought about a great demand
for the product, for the manufacture of starches and
syrups.
raw
ee ailindl
The Tenure of Private Estates in Java.
Private estates in Java are held under grant
from the Government, and a Law has been passed
recently to provide for the restoration of these, under
certain circumstances, to the State Domain.
The mode of application of the Law is through
a declaration by Ordinance to the effect that it will be to
the benefit of the general interest ifone or more certain
private estates in the country are restored wholly or
partly to the State Domain. If, after such declaration,
the ownership of the land required cannot be taken
over as a matter of friendly agreement, the title may
be transferred by judicial sentence, and the compensa-
tion that is to be granted to the owner will be paid at
the time when this is done; the title, however, only
passes after the compensation has been paid.
Further arrangements that are necessary for the
execution of the Law will be made under a General
Ordinance.
rT +
Sesbania Aculeata as a Green Manure.
Notes on Seshania aculeata, which is known largely
in India as Dhaincha, have appeared from time to time
in the Agricultural News; references to these will be
found on page 325 of the last volume. The particular
usefulness of this plant is as a green manure, and its
employment in this way appears to be under consider-
able extension in India.
The Quarterly Journal of the Department of
Agriculture, Bengal, for Octover 1910, p. 94, gives
a note on the employment of the plant in this way, in
connexion with tobacco cultivation, in certain districts
in India. The result was to increase the crop by about
50 per cent., and although, for some reason, the leaves
were thinner than those produced in the ordinary way,
and therefore of less value locally, a larger monetary
return was obtained than when the green dressing was
not used. The matter of this production of thinner
leaves in land where Seshania aculeata has been turn-
ed under will be investigated.
A like suecess has been obtained in the same
district with rice, and the experiments are being con-
tinued along similar lines with both tobacco and rice.
As has been stated before, in the Agricultural
News, Seshania uculeata occurs in many islands in the
West Indies, being often found along roadsides. It is
a small, woody plant, having a prickly, cylindrical stem,
and leaves with many leaflets. ‘The flowers are yellow,
with the largest petal dotted with purple, and the pods
are long and flattened, with a sharp beak.
74, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Marcu 4, 1911.’
INSECT NOTES.
THE MOTH BORER OF THE SUGAR-
CANE AS A PEST OF INDIAN CORN.
The moth borer of the sugar-cane (Diatraea saccharalis)
has long been known as a serious pest in all parts of tropical
America where sugar-cane is grown. Among the early
entomological work carried on by the Imperial Department of
Agriculture was an extensive study of this insect, as a result
of which its life-history and habits became known, A paper
entitled ‘The Moth Borer in Sugar-cane’ appeared in the
West Indian Bulletin, Vol. I, p. 327, and subsequently
the moth borer has been included: in all accounts of the
insect pests attacking this crop. In the Agricultural News,
also, mention has from time to time been made of the work
of this insect, and of the methods used for its control.
The moth borer is not recognized in the West Indies as
a serious pest of Indian corn, although it has been observed
to attack this crop in several instances. In the southern
part of the United States, however, it is commonly known as
the larger corn-stalk borer, which would indicate that it is
best known as a pest of Indian corn, in spite of the fact that
it is a serious pest of sugar-cane in those portions of the
Southern States where this crop is cultivated.
A circular (No. 116) recently issued by the United
States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Entomology,
entitled The Larger Corn-Stalk Borer (Diatraea saccharal-
is, Fab.) presents a considerable amount of information
which may be of interest to readers of the Agricultural News.
It is believed that Deatraea saccharalis was introduced
into the United States from the West Indies or Central or
South America with importations of sugar-cane cuttings,
many yearsago. It occurs at the present time in localities
considerably further north than those where sugar-cane is
cultivated.
Corn is damaged in two ways by the larvae of the stalk-
borer, which, in the latitude of South Carolina, has two
broods, or generations, a year. The eggs are laid in spring
(April and May) on the leaves of the young corn plants. The
young caterpillar crawls down the leaf into the centre or
throat of the plant, where it feeds for a time, tunnelling
through and through the rolled-up, tender leaves. Later in
the season, it descends on the outside of the plant, and
attacks the stalk near the surface of the ground. A hole is
cut through the outer wall of the stalk, by means of which
the caterpillar is able to enter the central pith. The soft,
central portion of the stalk furnishes food for the remainder
of the larval life of the insect; this, when fully grown, tunnels
upward a short distance, turns to one side, and cuts a circular
hole through the outer wall. A few loose threads are spun
across this opening, and the larva retreats into its burrow
and transforms to the pupal stage.
The length of time required for the development of the
larvae in the spring is about twenty or thirty days. The eggs
hatch in from seven to ten days; the pupal stage occupies
from seven to ten days, after which time the adult moths
emerge, and egg-laying for the next generation commences
almost at once. The time occupied for the first generation,
including egg, larva, pupa, and adult, is from thirty-four to
fifty-two days.
The eggs for the second generation are laid on the leaves,
and the larvae proceed, after feeding there a short time, to
attack the stalk of the corn near the ground. These caterpil-
lars do not injure the plant by entering the centre, in the
manner of the larvae of the first brood. The larvae of the second
live in the pith of the corn-stalk, like those of the first
but when fully grown they turn downward, and pene-
trate to the extreme base of the stem, where they pass the
winter in the larval condition.
The over-wintered larvae change to pupae in the spring,
and the adult moths emerge and fly about in search of young
corn on which to deposit eggs.
This borer has been reported as attacking Sorghum (Sorg-
hum vulgare), Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense), Guinea
corn (Andropogon Sorghum, var. vulgaris), and Grama grass
(Tripsacum dactyloides), in addition to Indian corn and
sugar-cane.
In South Carolina, Diatraeu saccharalis is stated to have
but few natural enemies. The minute Hymenopterous egg
parasite (Z'richogramma pretiosa) has been found in a few
instances, living in and destroying the eggs. The larva of
a brown, velvety beetle Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus is
a valuable natural enemy, from its habit of entering the holes
in the stubble after the corn is cut and devouring the borer
larvae. The termites or white ants (Zermes flavipes) some-
times destroy the borers in the stubble in the winter. Fungi
have been observed to attack and kill the larvae, but none of
these agencies is thought to exert any great influence in
checking the pest.
Rotation of crops is considered a very efficient means of
combating the larger corn-stalk borer, for it has been proved
that where corn follows corn in the same field, in successive
years, the attacks are worse than when other crops intervene.
The complete destruction of all stubble in the field during
the winter is perhaps the best method to employ against
this insect.
It may be well briefly to review the situation in the
West Indies with regard to Diatraea saccharalis. This insect
is commonly known as the moth borer—the principal insect
pest of the sugar-cane. It occasionally attacks Indian corn
as a stalk-borer, but no observations seem to have been
recorded as to the habit of this insect of feeding on the corn
leaves and tunnelling in the rolled-up leaves in the throat of
the plant. The leaves of Indian corn are attacked in this
manner by another insect, the corn ear- worm (Laphygma
Srugiperda).
The moth borer’s eggs are laid on the leaves of the sugar-
cane; the larvae enter the cane at the axis of the leaves, and
most of the larval life is spent in the stem of the plant. The
time required for the life-cycle is about fifty days. Breeding
is probably continuous, one brood or generation following
another. The greatest abundance of adult moths, and con-
sequently the most rapid rate of egg-laying, oceurs in Febru-
ary and March.
In addition to its direct effect, the moth borer has
a very great influence on the welfare of the sugar-cane as
a result of the easy access to the interior of the plant which
is afforded to disease-producing fungi by means of the
tunnels of the insect.
The remedies recommended and in use for the control of
the moth borer, are: (a) collecting the eggs, (b) cutting out
dead hearts. Parasites exercise a considerable influence in
destroying numbers of eggs. Eggs of the moth borer should
be kept a few days away from the fields, to allow the
egg parasite to emerge. These, being able to fly, will find
their way back to the cane fields, while it will not be possible
for the young larvae that hatch to return in this way.
The collecting of eggs is not a difficult matter. The flat
scale-like eggs are laid on the leaves of the cane, and
children can easily be taught to find them. Dead hearts, the
young cane shoots which are dead or dying as a result of the
feeding of the borer at the growing point, should be cut out,
Vor, X.-— No; 231.
care being taken that the cut is low enough, so that the
larva is not left behind in the base of the plant.
The question has recently been raised in Barbados as to
whether the cutting out of dead hearts is a beneficial practice.
It is argued that the cut surface affords an additional area for
infection by fungi, and that the injury from this source is
greater than from the action of the borers, and their increase
in numbers for the next generation. This is a point that
should be carefully experimented upon by planters themselves.
The egg-laying season is now at hand. Either the eggs
deposited on the mature canes,
from them, will be disposed of in the process of reaping; those
on the young canes are in a position to be collected, and if
this is not done the larvae will cause the death of many plants
during the next few months.
HALF-YEARLY EXAMINATION OF
AGRICULTURAL SCHOOLS.
The following are the general reports of the
examiner (Mr. F. W. South, B.A.) on the recent half-
yearly examination of the pupils at the Agricultural
Schools in Dominica, St. Vincent and St. Lucia:—
DOMINICA AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL.
Ten boys sat for this examination, all of whom were in
the junior class, The average percentage of marks obtained
was 52°3. This shows considerable falling off, as compared
with that obtained by the juniors in the last examination.
Poponne was the best, but G. T. Cuffy and Antoine also did
satisfactorily.
The handwriting throughout was poor, and the diagrams
very weak. English Grammar and Spelling still show great
weakness, and have always been some of the chief difficulties
with which the pupils have had to contend. The Chemistry
was fairly satisfactory, but the other subjects were only
moderate, and the Arithmetic and Geography were especially
poor.
ST. VINCENT AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL.
Eighteen boys sat for this examination. Three were
seniors, twelve juniors, and three new boys. The average
percentages of marks obtained were as follows: seniors 74°8,
juniors 57°5, new boys 73°6. In the case of the seniors, this
average is almost identical with that obtained at the last
examination. There is a slight decrease in the average
sojtained by the juniors, and a marked increase in that
obtained by the new boys, as compared with the correspond-
ivg results given by last year’s examination. The work of
the seniors was again good, Floris Simmons being the best.
Of the juniors, Otto and James Haynes were best, but were
closely followed by Doddridge Davis and Joseph Bradshaw;
the marks obtained by these boys were much the same as
those recorded for the previous examination. On the other
hand, Bertram Derrick and Claude Hazell, two of the three
boys promoted at the commencement of the half-year, together
with Joseph Robinson, obtained marks which were distinctly
below the average. These boys require careful attention.
Of the new boys, Julian McConnie was the best, but the work
of all three was distinctly promising.
y The Botany, Arithmetic and Composition of the seniors
were good. Spelling and English Grammar were not so good
as has usually been the case in recent examinations. The
answers in Chemistry and Agriculture in this class were
somewhat disappointing. The Arithmetic of the juniors
requires some attention; the answers in this subject were not
as good as on former occasions. Botany and Agriculture
THE AGRICULTURAL
or the larvae hatching
NEWS. 75
were also somewhat disappointing in this class. The three
new boys sent in papers in Wictation and Geography which
showed a very marked improvenitnt on those submitted when
they were probationers. The other subjects in this class were
also satisfactory. The handwriting, general neatness, and
tidy appearance of the papers were highly commendable
throughout.
On the whole, the results of this examination are satis-
factory, and it is clear that the pupils continue to receive
very careful attention.
ST. LUCIA AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL,
Eight boys sat for“this examination. Of these seven
were seniors, and there was one junior. The average per-
centages of marks obtained were as follows: seniors 65'8,
junior 53°8. These results are fairly satisfactory on the
whole, though the junior boy was rather weak. Auguste did
very well throughout, and Moise also sent in some good
papers.
Dictation requires careful attention, as it appears to be
much weaker than it has been previously. Attention should
still be paid to Arithmetic, as there is no marked improve-
ment in the papers on this subject, as compared with those
of the previous examination. English Grammar is also open
to improvement. The general appearance of the papers was
neat and tidy, and the handwriting good throughout.
On the whole, the results obtained were fairly satis-
tactory, though somewhat variable. The pupils appear to
have received careful instruction.
TEPHROSIA PURPUREA AS
A GREEN MANURE.
Seeds of Tephrosia purpurea have been obtained by the
Department, through the courtesy of the Director of the
Botanic Gardens, Buitenzorg, Java, and have been distribut-
ed for trial at the different Botanic and Experiment
Stations.
Articles on this plant, describing its use for keeping
down weeds, appeared in the Agricultural News, Vols. VIII,
p, 405; IX, p. 281. Recently, information concerning its use
as a green manure has been given in Progress Report No. L,
of the Ceylon Agricultural Society, together with details of
the analysis of the plant, by the Government Agricultural
Chemist, some of which are reproduced here for the purpose
of comparison with the similar facts for other green manures.
The percentage loss on drying in the sun was found to be
64°61 for the twigs, leaves and pods, and 44°89 for the roots.
Further details for the sun-dried samples were found to be
as follows, in percentages :—
Twigs, leaves Roots.
and pods.
Moisture 17°50 2-50
Organic matter 78°85 84°75
Nitrogen in organic matter 2°24 0-84
Ash 3°65 2°75
The analysis of the ash of the whole plant gave the
following figures, expressed as percentages: lime, 28:00;
magnesia 14°40; potash, 11°96; phosphoric acid, 16-00.
Finally, details in regard to the analysis of the leaves
and twigs are as follows, in percentages as before:—
Leaves. Twigs. Leaves
and twigs,
Moisture 7:00 6:00 6:57
Nitrogen 3°47 1-76 2°75
Nitrogen on whe : :
dried ae 200) ied a2
76 THE AGRICULTURAL
GLEANINGS.
A report by the International Sugar Committee, publish-
ed in the Frankfurter Zeitung of December 20, 1910, gives the
yield of sugar in Europe in 1909-10 as 6,092,070 metric tons.
The estimated production for 1910-11 is 7,947,560 metric
tons.
During January last, more than 22,000 cane cuttings,
1,000 lime plants and 104 miscellaneous plants were sent out
from the Antigua Botanic Station. In regard to sugar-cane,
several boxes of seed were sown, and nearly 100 varieties
were planted out at the Skerretts Experiment Station.
A report by the Inspector of Agriculture, Uruguay,
shows that the area of land under grain cultivation in the
Republic during 1909 was about 1,258,000 acres; the similar
figures for 1905 and 1900 were 1,150,000 and 1,193,000,
respectively. As regards maize, the area increased from
364,000 acres in 1900, to 508,000 acres, in 1909.
The Department of Agriculture of Eastern Bengal and
Assam has issued a forecast of the winter rice crop for
1910-11 on a basis of 9} ewt. as the normal yield per acre.
This should make the total outturn of 109,046,600 ewt. (or
67,851,223 bags of 180 tb.), which is about 5 per cent. less
than the final estimate for the crop of last year.
The following figures are given in the India- Rubber Journ-
al for January 21, 1911, for the imports of Manicoba rubber
into the United Kingdom during the years stated, the
amounts being in tons: 1901, 176; 1902, 590; 1903, 865:
1904, 860; 1905, 675; 1906, 878; 1907, 1,024; 1908, 405:
1909, 770; 1910, 651.
Anarticle in the Western Daily Press (Bristol) for Janu-
ary 7, 1911, shows that the exports of bananas from Jamaica
to Avonmouth during 1901-2 was 600,000 bunches; this has
increased to 780,000 bunches in 1909-10. In the same
period the number of cases had increased from 36,000 to
65,000. These figures refer, of course, to exports in the
Elder Dempster line of steamers.
Attention is drawn to the fact that a useful paper
entitled The Culture of Hevea in the Malay Peninsula, by
Dr. P.J.S. Cramer, Director of Agriculture, Surinam, is
given in The Proceedings of the Agricultural Society of
Trinidad and Tobago for January 1911. The paper is
translated from Bulletin No. 25 of the Departement van den
Landbouw, Suriname, August 25, 1910.
NEWS. Marca 4, 1911.
In relation to the employment of arsenate of lead as an
insecticide, it is of interest to note that the United States
Association of Economologists and Official Analysts regards
samples of this substance to be adulterated which contain :
moisture exceeding 50 per cent.; total arsenic oxide less than
12°5 per cent.; or a proportion of soluble arsenic equivalent
to more than 0°75 per cent. of arsenic oxide.
The distribution of plants from the Dominica Botanic
Station during January included: cacao plants 680, grafted
cacao 135, rubber 357, spineless limes 400, limes 200, grafted
mangoes 8, the total for the month being 1,886. A matter of
interest is that over 25,000 Para rubber seeds arrived during
the month, and were dealt with at once, in order that the per-
centage of germination may not be lowered through any delay.
The Annual Report on the Forest and Gardens Depart-—
ment, Mauritius, 1909, which has just been received, states
that from cuttings of D.625 and D.147, acquired from this
Department, twenty-three pits of each were planted. It is
also of interest to note that among the canes offered for
auction at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Pamplemousses, there
have been included B.208, B.306, D.74, D.95, D.109, D.130
and D.145.
During the month of January, the distribution of plants
from the Nevis Experiment Station comprised: sweet potatoes
1,000 tb., young cocoa-nut plants 20, and a quantity of sweet
potato cuttings. In regard to the distribution of varieties
of sugar-cane that have been made from this station in the
past, it is satisfactory to be able to state that success has
been obtained with most of these, during the past season, in
spite of the unfavourable weather.
His Excellency the Governor of British Guiana has
appointed a committee for the further consideration of the
question of the establishment of agricultural loan banks in
the Colony. The place of Chairman of the Committee will
be occupied by His Excellency, and the other members are
the Immigration Agent General, the Auditor General, the
Surgeon General, the Solicitor General, the Hon. R. G.
Duncan, Dr. J.S. Nedd and Mr. J. Me.F. Corry.
A Chefoo (China) correspondent writes to the Textil
Mercury for January 21, stating that much is being done by
the Industrial Taotai (Presiding District Officer) there,
toward the extension of the cotton industry. Experiments
have been made with American varieties of cotton, but
these have not been successful, and such cotton is not so far
supplanting the native kinds. Further trials are to be made,
however, as there is a keen desire to develop a large cotton
industry.
Avreport by Mr. H. A. Tempany, B.Sc., Superintendent
of Agriculture for the Leeward Islands, on a visit made
recently by him to St. Kitts, in company with the Imperial
Commissioner of Agriculture, states that the average return
of cotton in that island will probably be 200 tb. of lint per
acre. Mr. Tempany states further, that excellent results
have been obtained from the trials conducted by cotton
planters in the island with the strains of selected cotton seed
originated by the Department of Agriculture, and that there
is a strong demand for similar seed to be used during the
coming season,
Vor. X. No. 231. THE
AGRICULTURAL
NEWS 17
STUDENTS’ CORNER,
MARCH.
First PERIOD.
Seasonal Notes.
It is often observed that lime trees growing wild among
other trees, as well as those in abandoned lime plantations,
show comparative freedom from severe insect attack,
although the general appearance of the plants may or may
not be indicative of vigour. Discuss the difference in the
conditions surrounding such trees and those of the cultivated
plants, with special reference to the chances of infection from
pests and diseases, and of recovery after attacks by such
enemies. Other observations of much interest that might be
made are connected with the root disease of limes, to solve
the question for instance, as to whether the absence of the
fibrous roots that should be produced in the upper layers of
the soil in lime cultivations is indicative of the presence of
this disease. What are the signs shown by plants attacked
by the root disease of limes, and what can be done to assist
such plants in their struggle against them! In what ways
do the diseases of roots interfere with the proper nutrition of
the plants attacked?
Where pen manure has been applied in lime cultivation,
it is interesting to watch the effects that more obviously
result from its use. Observe if these include the production
of a large amount of soft, sappy tissue, and if the presence of
this tissue encourages attacks by scale insects. What damage,
in lime cultivations, may be expected to follow the injudi-
cious use of nitrogenous manures! Help in dealing with
this question may be obtained by reference to the editorial
in the last number but one of the Agricultural News.
Bengal beans that have been allowed to grow over
lime trees should be removed at this time of the year,
and observations should be made of the amount of injury to
the trees (if any) that has resulted from their use. It would
be well, in another season, to allow the beans to cover
selected trees, that are in much the same state of health and
growth, to different degrees, in order to determine the extent
to which the covering plants may be most usefully allowed
to climb over them. A circumstance that has been observed
in connexion with this matter is that large amounts of dead
wood are often seen, after the removal of the beans, in the
case of trees that have been weakened through the attacks of
scale insects.
At the present time, the grafting of cacao is being con-
ducted. There is no need to say much about this subject at
present, as it has been referred to recently in other issues, on
this page. Attention may be drawn, however, to Pamphlet
No. 61 of the Department Series, entitled The Grafting of
Cacao, in which a complete account of the process will be
found, and it may be well to point out that the attainment
of success in grafting cacao, as is the case with regard to
similar operations with other plants, depends upon thorough
attention to details, as each part of the process has its definite
and indispensable value. In practice, notes should be taken
of the time required for union to take place, a record should
be made of the proportion of grafts successfully obtained, in
regard to the total number of attempts, and when it is pos-
sible, the causes of failure should be ascertained, for guidance
in future work.
Time may be spent in an interesting and useful manner
by making a close study of the flowers of cacao, and by observ-
ing the ways in which they are pollinated in nature. The
results of such observations should be discussed in relation to
the employment of spraying as a measure against cacao pests.
There are indications that cross pollination will be employed
to an increasing extent in the near future, for the production
of improved strains of cacao. What do you consider to be
the chief characteristics that should receive attention in
attempting to obtain such strains !
Give an account of the processes to which cacao is sub-
jected in order to prepare the bean for market, Why are
these processes carried out? What kinds of organisms are
chiefly instrumental in producing the changes that occur
during the processes? Describe the kind of examination that
you would make, in order to find out whether a sample of
cacao has been subjected to fermentation in a proper manner,
or merely dried without fermentation.
Consideration should be given to plants, such as arrow-
root and cassava, which are raised more especially on
account of the fact that they produce starch in quantity.
The life-history of such plants should be studied, par-
ticularly in relation to the circumstance that they do store
starch in this way, and enquiry should be made into the par-
ticular part of the plant in which this storage is effected.
This will lead to a consideration of the question as to why
plants form starch at all, and the matter will have to be
viewed in its special relation to carbon assimilation.
Questions for Candidates
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS,
(1) Give an account of the way in which ordinary green
plants absorb water.
(2) What is humus, and what is the use of it to living
plants!
(3) Explain: heavy soil, tilth, loam.
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS.
(1) How would you compare several samples of soils
with respect to their power to retain water?
(2) What is guano, and how should it be stored?
(3) How would you prepare, and employ green dressings
for, a field to be planted with cotton? What plants are used
for providing green dressings in your neighbourhood!
FINAL QUESTIONS.
(1) Describe the principle on which evaporation is con-
ducted in the triple effect and the vacuum pan.
(2) Give an account of the process of improvement by
selection, in the case of any plant with which you are familiar.
What other important means exists for the improvement of
plants, and how does it differ essentially from selection?
(3) Discuss the advantages which accrue from the taking
of regular inventories, on estates.
It is stated in the India-Rubber Journal for January 28,
1911, that a British group of capitalists has obtained con-
cession of extensive territory at Lunda, Portuguese West
Africa, for the exploitation of rubber and its direct export to
Great Britain on a large scale, the capital of the group being
£1,000,000. The concession has been granted on condition
that the holders pay the State 10 per cent. of the profits,
make roads, build a railway from the coast to the interior,
make every possible improvement in the region, and buy at
a fixed price all rubber presented for sale by the natives.
Much mineral wealth is stated to be present in the territory
granted,
I
D
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Marcu 4, 1911.
FUNGUS NOTES.
SOM& DISEASES COMMON TO RUBBER
AND CACAO TREES.
It has been suspected for some time that several of the
diseases affecting Hevea and cacao trees are due to fungi
capable of attacking both host plants, and producing similar
symptoms on both, while some of these fungi have also been
shown to be capable of infecting Castilloa trees. This point
was indicated in the Agricultural News, Vol. IX, p. 302, and
was also mentioned in the cases of pink disease and die-back
on pp. 270 and 318, while the identity of the brown root
disease of cacao, Hevea and Castilloa in Ceylon is mentioned
on p. 302 of the same volume. Recent work of very consider-
able importance has added to this list; the suspicion in
the case of die-back is confirmed as regards the Federated
Malay States, and two new diseases, namely, canker and fruit
disease, have been added from Ceylon. These will now be
considered at somewhat greater length.
PHYTOPHTHORA FABERI, Maubl. It has recently been
shown by Petch, in Ceylon, that this fungus is the true cause
of canker and fruit diseases of Hevea, and of canker and the
pod disease, known in the West Indies as black pod of cacao.
A short reproduction of Petch’s work appears in the India-
Rubber Journal, Vol. XLI, No 2. This discovery constitutes
an interesting confirmation of Rorer’s work in Trinidad, and
also emphasizes the importance of taking all possible precau-
ticns to keep the diseases of cacao as completely as possible
under control in any district where Para rubber has been
planted.
It has been found in Ceylon that the disease is only
active during the wet season, while in dry weather the spread
of the mycelinm in the tissues of the host is entirely arrested,
and there is no additional infection. As has been indicated
previously (see Agricultural News, Vol. IX, p. 318), the
symptoms of canker in Hevea are not easily detected, the
surest indication being the cessation of the flow of latex from
all infected bark. When cuts are made into spots where this
phenomenon has been observed, it is found that the bark is
reddish purple in colour, while the cankered area frequently
has a well-defined black border.
When cacao pods are infected by Phytophthora, the
fungus is able to spread up the stalk into the cushion, and
cause canker of the cushion aud of the surrounding bark. In
the case of ftlevea, infection of the woody branches cannot
occur in this way, since the fruits are borne on the young,
green twigs only. The parasite may, however, spread back-
wards along these from the fruits and cause die-back, though
the extent of the tissue destroyed in this way is limited to
the end of the twig.
The diseased Hevea fruits, like diseased cacao pods, will
naturally serve as a source of spores which, when carried to
the trunk of the tree during damp weather, are capable of
germinating and forming new areas of canker. Consequently,
such fruits should be collected and burned, just as diseased
cacao pods should be buried with lime.
One or two points liable to be overlooked are worthy of
careful attention. In the first place, it was formerly believed
that canker could only arise where the bark had been wounded.
This was due to the fact that the disease was universally attri-
buted to various saprophytic or semi-saprophytic species of the
genus Nectria, which were known to be unable to produce direct
infection, though allied to certain well-known wound parasites
occurring in temperate countries. This belief must now be
entirely discarded. The fungus in reality responsible for the
disease is a direct parasite, and does not require the existence
of wounds for its entrance, either on the fruits or on the stem.
The only requirement is the presence on the trees of sufficient
moisture to ensure germination of the spores. In the second
place, it is possible that a partly diseased cacao cushion might
produce pods. These, as the attack on the cushion developed,
would become infected by the mycelium of the fungus, as it
grew down into them from the cushion. In this way, more
diseased pods and more fungus spores would be produced.
Consequently, when a pod diseased at the stalk end has been
removed from the tree, a cut should be made into the cushion,
also, in order to determine how far back the fungus has
spread. All discoloured tissue from such diseased cushions
should be removed as carefully as the tissue from the more
usual cankered patches. This is important, not only for
the reasons stated above, but also because such cushions
give rise to as large areas of diseased bark, as do diseased
portions of the ordinary stems. Another point is that
pods which are discoloured from the pointed end upwards
for about half their length are often seen hanging on the
trees. Such pods should be removed from the trees when-
ever they are noticed, since in this stage of the disease the
mycelium of the fungus is unlikely to have penetrated as far
as the stalk and, consequently, if the pods are taken away
the cushion may be saved from infection. Lastly, it may be
recorded that the Immortel trees, Hrythrina spp., largely used
as shade for cacao, are also subject to canker, and should be
carefully examined for this disease when growing in the
neighbourhood of badly infected cacao.
The only remedial measure so far known for this
disease is excision. Petch suggests a new form of subse-
quent treatment for small wounds made in this operation.
This consists of covering them with a dressing of cow dung
and clay, which promotes the growth of the covering bark,
Where the wounds are large, they should be tarred or painted,
with the exception of a strip about 1 inch wide all round
the edge. This should be dressed with cow dung and clay as
is mentioned above, for the bark cannot cover the whole
wound, but will grow over the strip around the edge. In the
case of Hevea, tarring or painting the major portion of large
wounds is especially important, in order to prevent the entry
of boring beetles, which destroy the trees.
LASIODIPLODIA THEOBROMAE. This is the fungus respons-
ible for die-back and brown pod disease of cacao all through
the tropics, and for die-back of Hevea in the Malay States,
West Africa and probably Ceylon. Bancroft, in the Agricul-
tural Bulletin of the Straits and Federated Malay States,
Vol. IX, p. 475, has shown that the die-back fungus in that
country, originally described by Massee as Diplodia rapax, is
identical with Lasiodiplodia theobromae, and probably with
Botryodiplodia elasticae, of Ceylon. Furthermore, he found
that cultures of the cacao fungus kept at Kew, developed
asci in the perithecia and that these asci contained eight,
3-septate, dark, oblong spores belonging to the genus
Thyridaria, of the family Sphaeriaceae. He has called this
fungus Thyridaria tarda, and this is the name by which it
will probably be known in future. The discovery of the
ascomycetous stage is important, as it should help in prevent-
ing further mistakes in the identity of the different forms of
Lasiodiplodia found on various host plants.
Rorer has shown that, like Phytophthora, the mycelium
of the brown rot fungus is able to grow from the pod into the
wood of the cushion and thus cause stem disease, so that in
advanced stages of this disease on the pods, the cushion
should also be examined. Unlike Phytophthora, however,
this fungus is only a wound parasite, though once it has
obtained a footing it can cause serious damage very rapidly,
particularly on Hevea,
Vou. X. No. 231.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS 79
In connexion with canker, Petch supports the employ-
ment of Bordeaux mixture as a preventive measure on badly
diseased estates, and there can be no doubt whatever, now
that the real nature of this disease and of die-back is known,
that experiments with this treatment are well worth trying.
In considering this point it should be remembered that, at
present, young Hevea plantations in the West Indies are, as
far as is known, entirely free from these diseases; and though
it cannot be expected that they will always remain so, yet
every effort may well be made to delay infection as long as
possible, and to keep it at a minimum when it does occur.
Furthermore, spraying would also be of considerable direct
advantage to cacao.
ROOT DISEASE. In the Agricultural News, Vol. IX,
p- 366, a description is given of the root disease of cacao,
together with a list of the other plants which the causative
fungus is able to attack. Interesting information has recently
been received from the Hon. G. 8S. Hudson in St. Lucia,
which shows that there is very little doubt that this fungus
can attack Castilloa trees in addition to its numerous other
host plants. Shortly, the evidence showed that a Castilloa
tree, growing near a patch of cacao infected with root disease,
died suddenly, while on examination the characteristic white,
fan-shaped patches of mycelium were found between the
bark and wood of its roots. This information is interesting
but need cause no particular alarm, as it is only to be
expected that a semi-saprophytic soil fungus such as is
responsible for this root disease, should attack almost any
host growing in its path. As has been mentioned already,
this is not the only root fungus common to several hosts,
among which cacao, Hevea and Castilloa are included.
WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS.
DRUGS AND SPICES ON THE LONDON
MARKET.
Mr. J. R. Jackson, A.L.S., has forwarded the fol-
lowing report on the London drug and spice market,
for the month of January :—
The usual activity of Mincing Lane always suffers more
or less of a check at the Christmas holidays, and stock-taking
times, which extends for a week or a fortnight into the New
Year, consequently our report for January will cover a period
of but little more than half the month. It is satisfactory
however, to know that even before the time of the renewal of
the regular auctions, a firm undertone prevailed, and the pros-
pects of future business was considered good—a prophesy
which has been confirmed at the time of writing. There was
nothing during the month, affecting the West Indies calling
for special comment. Buchu leaves still attract a considerable
amount of attention, 3s. per Ib. being paid for short broad
leaves, which are still scarce. Rubber has ceased to attract,
fine hard Para being down to 5s. 2d. per Ib. In the matter of
GINGER
the markets started with a firm tone, becoming easier towards
the end of the month. In the middle of the month, some 117
packages Jamaica were offered and sold without reserve at
52s. to 53s. 6d. Cochin was represented by 466 bags, part
of which sold at 45s. per cwt. for common wormy rough;
sound Cochin was bought in at from 54s. to 55s. On the
25th, the offerings amounted to 229 barrels of Jamaica,
which were sold without reserve at 54s. to 56s, 6d. for
medium scraped. Cochin was represented by 178 bags, sold
also without reserve at 49s. 6d. to 50s. for washed rough.
NUTMEGS, MACE AND PIMENTO.
Nutmegs were in slow demand at the beginning of the
month, but later the sales improved, 130 packages West
Indian being offered at one auction, and mostly disposed of
at the following rates: 57’s at 11d., 67’s to 69’s at 7d. to 8d.
72’s to 75’s at 53d. to 64d., and other sizes in proportion. At
the first spice auction, there was a steady demand for West
Indian mace, 57 packages being disposed of, ordinary to fair
fetching 2s. to 2s. 2d. and good to fine 2s. 3d to 2s. 5d.
Little or no alteration has taken place during the remainder
of the month. For pimento there has been a very slow
demand, nearly all the offerings being bought in at prices
averaging 24d. per tb.
ARROWROOT.
At auction, the transactions in this article have been
unimportant. On the 18th of the month, 20 half-barrels of
Bermuda were offered and bought in at ls. 8d. per tb. It
was stated that, privately, some 400 barrels of fair fine manu-
facturing St. Vincent had been disposed of at from 2d. to
32d. per hb.
SARSAPARILLA.
At the first drug auction on the 12th, sarsaparilla was
represented by 14 barrels of grey Jamaica, all of which were
disposed of at an advance of ld. to 2d. per tb. on previous
prices, ls. 6d. to 1s. 7d. being paid for ordinary, part mouldy
to fair. Out of 21 bales of Lima-Jamaica offered, 18 were
sold, 12 fetching from 104d. to 11d. per tb., and the remain-
ing six 94d. to 10d. per lb. Of native Jamaica the offerings
amounted to 34 bales, but only 8 were sold, the best red
fetching 104d. to 11d., dull mixed 9d., and mouldy 7d. per hb.
Seventeen packages of Guatemala and Mexican and 4 pack-
ages of Honduras were also offered, but all were bought
in, the first at 9d. and the last at 1s. 3d. per tb. Later, it was
stated that the whole of the 17 packages of Gaate-
mala and Mexican had been disposed of at 744. per lb.
LIME JUICE, LIME OIL, KOLA, ETC.
At the first spice sale, concentrated lime juice was firm
at £18 2s. 6d., and raw Wesi Indian was quoted at ls. to
1s. ld. per gallon. West Indian oil of lime, distilled, was
steady at from 1s. 2d. to 1s. 3d. and hand pressed 5s, 6d.
per Ib. Kola was well represented at the auction on the 12th
of the month when some 38 packages were brought forward,
but only 12 were disposed of; 8 of these consisted of dried
Jamaica. Fair realized 3?d., dark 3fd., and mouldy 23d.
The other 4 bags of West Indian fair but rather dark,
fetched 34d. per lb. The remainder were all bought in at
4d. per hb.
It is reported by the Imperial Trade Correspondent,
Brisbane, Australia, that the production of sugar in Queens-
land last year will probably constitute a record, the output
being estimated at 190,000 tons, with that in New South
Wales at 14,000 tons; in addition, a considerable quantity of
coloured and dark sugars was imported to be refined, from
Mauritius and Java, The opinion is given that, with the
prospect of the control of the sugar industry being brought
under the Federal Government, there will be a considerable
expansion of the industry, so that Australia is likely to
become a sugar-exporting country.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
Marcu 4, 1911.
MARKET REPORTS.
London.—TxHe Wesr Inpia ComMITTEEK CIRCULAR,
February 14, 1911; Messrs. E. A. DE Pass & Co.,
February 4, 1911.
Arrowroot—2d. to 3d.
Batata—Sheet, 4/- ; block, 2/11 per tb.
Breeswax—No quotations.
Cacao—Trinidad, 58/- to 68/- per cwt.; Grenada, 53/-
to 57/6; Jamaica, 52/- to 56/-.
CorreE—Jamaica, 64/- to 73/-.
UCopra—West Indian, £24 10s. per ton.
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 20d. to 21d.
Fruit—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
GincER—52/- to 65/-.
Honey—No quotations.
IstncLass—No quotations.
Live Juice—Raw, 104d. to 1/-; concentrated,* £18 2s. 6d.
to £18 7s. 6d.; Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/- to 5/3,
nominal.
Locwoop—No quotations.
Mace—Firm.
Nurmecs—Quiet.
Pimento—Common, 2!d.; fair, 2jd.; good, 2,%d. per tb.
Russer—Para, fine hard, 5/9,"to 5/10%:; fine soft, 5/33;
fine Peru, 5/8 per th. =- <=
Rum—Jamaica, 1/6 to G/- per gallon.
Sucar—Crystals, 14/3 to 17/6; Muscovado,")11/3 to 14/3;
Syrup, 9/- to 14/6; Molasses, no quotations.
New York,.—Messrs. Gituesriz Bros. & Co., February
10, 1900
Cacao—Caracas, 12c. to 125c. ; Grenada, 12c. to 12}c. ;
Trinidad, 12}c. to 13c. per tbh.; Jamaica, 10}c. to 115e.
Cocoa-nuts—Jamaica, select, $26:°00 to $27-00; culls,
$1500 to $16°00; Trinidad, select, $26:00 to $27-00;
culls, $15°00 to $16°00 per M.
CorrrE—Jamaica, no quotations.
GinceR—9c. to 12c. per th,
Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 51c.; Barbados and Antigua, 45c.
to 48c.; St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 48e.
to 45c. per th.
Grapr-Fruit—$2°75 to $4°00 per box.
Limes—$6'00 to $6°50.
Macre—39c. to 48c. per tb.
Nurmrcs—110’s, 10c. to 10}c. per tb.
OrancEs—Jamaica, no quotations.
Pimento—3{c. per tb.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°,
89°, 2:°98c.: Molasses,
paid,
3°48c. per Ib.; Muscovados,
89°, 2°73c.= per tb., |all duty
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorvon, Grant & Co., February 20,
1911.
Cacao—Venezuelan, $12°25 per fanega; Trinidad, $11°75
to $12:25.
Cocoa-Nur Or.—$1:00 per Imperial gallon.
Corrrer—Venezuelan, 15$c. to 16c. per tb.
Copra—$4‘75 per 100 tb.
Dxar—$3°30.
Ontons $2°75 to $4:00 per 100 Ib.
Peas, Spiir—$6-00 to $6°10 per bag.
Porators—English, $1°80 to $1°90 per 100 tb.
Rice—Yellow, $4°30 to $4°35; White, $5:20 to $5-25
per bag.
Sucar—Aroariean crushed, $5°50 to $5°60 per 100 fh.
Barbados,—Messrs. T. 8. Garraway & Co., February 27,
1911; Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., February 20,
1911
ARROWROOT—St. Vincent, $4°50 to $470 per 100 th.
Cacao—$12:00 to $12°50 per 100 th.
Cocoa-NutTS—$20 ‘00.
CorreeE—Jamaica and ordinary Rio, $13°50 to $15-00 per
100 th. scarce.
Hay—$1°50 to $1°60 per 100 tb.
Manures—Nitrate of soda, $65°00 ; Cacao manure, $42:00
to $48:00; Sulphate of ammonia, $7500 per ton.
Motasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$35'00 to $3°50 per 100 tb.
Pras, Sprir—$5'85 to $6°10 per bag of 210 th.; Canada,
$4:00 per bag of 120 tb.
Potatoes—Nova Scotia, $2°00 to $2°25 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam, $4°80; Patna, $3°50 to $3°80; Rangoon,
$2°80 to $300 per 100 th.
Sucar—No quotations.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wierine & Ricurer, February
18, 1911; Messrs. SanpBacH, Parker & Co,
February 17, 1911.
ARTICLES.
Arrowkroot—St. Vincent
Barara— Venezuela block
Demerara sheet
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STARCH—
Cocoa-NUTS—
CorrEE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
DxHAL—
Green Dhal
Eppors—
Motasses— Yellow
Ontons—Tenerifte
Madeira
Preas—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Potators—Nova Scotia
Lisbon
Porators—Sweet, B’bados
Rice—Ballam
Creole
Tannras—
Yams— White
Buck |
Suear—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
TiBer —Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
Messrs. WIETING
& RIcHTer.
$9°25 to $9°50
per 200 th.
No quotation
81c. per th.
lle per lb.
$1-00
$6°50
$10 to $16 per M
16c. per th.
19c. per tb.
103c. to lle. per th
$3°50 per bag of
168 tb.
$4-00
$1:92
None
6e.
$5°75 to $590 per
bag (210 tb.)
$4°50
20c. to 72c.
$2°75
$144 per bag
No quotation
$5-00 to $550
$2°16 per bagi
$2°40
$264
$2°10 to $2:20
$2-70 to $3-00
$4-00
$2°10 to $2°30
32c. to 5d5c. per
cub. foot
$3°75 to $6:00
per M.
$1-80 to $2-00
Messrs. Sanp-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$9°25 to $950
Prohibited
72c. to 80c.
10c. to 11e. per tb.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
selected
16c. per th
19c.per tb.
llc. per th.
$3°50 per bag of
168 tb.
6c.
$6:00 per bag
(210 tb.)
No quotation
$2-75 to $3:00
No quotation
$5°00 to $5°25
None
$2°65 to $2°75
$4:00 to $4°25
None
32c. to 55c. per
cub. foot
$400 te $6-00
per M.
,, Cordwood)
_per ton
No quotation
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
———
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agricuiture
FOR THE WEST INDIES.
The ‘WREST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal.
Volume I. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 24,
Volumes IJ, II], IV, V, VI, VII, VIIJ, 1X and X:—Price 2s. each ; Post free 2s. 8d, where complete. (III, 2; IV, 3;
and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.)
Volume XI. No. 1. No. 2. Containing papers on The Report on the Prevalence of Some Pests and Diseases in the West
Indies, for the year 1909-10; An Account of the Report of the Royal Commission on Trade Relations
between Canada and tlie West Indies, and Memorandum by the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture
for the West Indies on the Development of a West Indian Fruit Trade; Report on a Mission to Canada
and New York; and British West Indian Limes in the New York Market. Price 6d. Post free 8d.
PAMPHLET SERIES.
The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially
adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work
on sugar-cane and manures. the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued up to the
present time is sixty-four. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print.
Sucar Inxpustry. (14) Screw Worm in Cattle at St. Lucia. Price 2d.
Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (15) Plain Talk to Small Owners. Price 2d.
in 1900. No, 3, price 2d.;in 1901, No. 13, price4d.; (16) Hints on Onion Cultivation. Price 2d.
in 1902, No. 19, price 4d.; in 1902, No. 26, price 4d.; (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d.
in 1994, No. 32, price 4d. (18) Recipes for Cooking West Indian Yams. Price 2d.
Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, (25) Ground Nuts in the West Indies. Price 2d.
in 1903-5, No. 40, price 6d.; im 1904-6, No. 44, price 6d.; (28) Barbados and Porto Rico Molasses. Price 3d.
in 1905-7, No. 49, price 6d.; in 1906-8, No. 59, price 6d.; (34) Notes on Rabbit Keeping in the West Indies. Price 2d,.
in 1907-9, No. 62, price 6d.; No. 66, price 60. (35) Information in regard to Agricultural Banks. Price dd.
Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, (37) Cultivation of Oranges in Dominica. Price 4d.
in 1900-1, No. 12, price 2d.; in 1901-2, No. 20, price 2d.; (38) Cultivation and Curing of Tobacco. Price 4d.
in 1902-3, No. 27, price 2d4.; in 1903-4, No. 33, price 4d.; (41) Tobago, Hints to Settlers. Price 6d.
in 1904-5, No. 39, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 46, price 4d.; (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta-
in 1906-7, No. 50, price 4d.; in 1907-8, No. 56, price 4d. ; tions. Price 2d.
in 1908.9, No. 63, price 6d. (45) A BC of Cotton Planting. New and Enlarged Edition,
Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, Price 6d.
in 1902-3, No. 30 price 4d.; in 1903-4, No. 36, price 4d.; (52) Hints for School Gardens, Revised Edition. Price 4d.
in 1904-5, No. 42, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 47, price 4d.; (53) A B C of Lime Cultivation. Price 4d.
in 1906-7, No. 51, price -4d.; in 1907-8, No. 57, price 4d.; (54) Fungus Diseases of Cacao and Sanitation of Cacao Orchards,
in 1908-9, No. 64, price 4d. Price 4d.
ScaLe Insects. ee Millions and Mosquitos. Price 3d.
Scale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I. No. 7, price 4d.; (58) Insect Pests of Cacao. Price 4d.
Part IL., No. 22, price 4d. (60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them. Price 4d.
GENERAL. , (61) The Grafting of Cacao. Price 4d.
(5) General Treatment of Insect Pests, (Revised), price 4d. (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition
The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of $d. for the pamphlets marked 2d., ld. for those
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The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’. A Fortnightly Review.
The ‘Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress ana
other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony, and the progress made in
Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies.
The ‘ Agricultural News ’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly By each mail, and is on sale by the
local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is
2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV, V, VI, VI, and VIII complete, with t title page and index, as issued
—Price 4s. each.— Post free, 5s. Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no
longer be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be eae d on application to the Agents AX
applications for copies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department.
Agents.
The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department :—
’
London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. St. Vincent: Mr. L. S. Moseney, Agricultural School.
Barbados : Messrs. BowEn & Sons, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. M. A. Lawrence, Botanic Station.
Jamaica: Tae Epucationan Suppty Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Bemcewarer, Roseau,
Street, Kingston. Montserrat : Mr. W. Rozson, Botanic Station.
British Guiana: Tux ‘Datty Curonicie’Orrice,Georgetown. Antegua: Mr. S. D. Martone, St. John’s.
Trinidad : Messrs. Murr-MarsHatt & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: Tae Brste snp Book Surety Agency, Basseterre,
Tobago: Mr. C. L. Puacemann, Scarborough. Nevis : Messrs. Howett, Bros., Charlestown
Grenada: ‘THe Stores’ (Grenada) Limited, St. George.
Vou. X. No. 231. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcu 4, 1911.
THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE
= ATR
Ohlendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—For Sugar-cane and general use
Ohlendorff’s Special Sugar-cane Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cocoa Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cotton Manure
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, high grades,
Potash Salts, Basic Slag and all other high-class Fertilizers.
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO:—
THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS.
London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C.
Barbados Agents : James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
COTTON SEED MEAL.
COTTON SEED MEAL.
Recommended by the Imperial Department of
Agriculture as a first class Feeding Stuff for Cattle,
Mules, etc. Special quotations for large quantities,
THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON
FACTORY, LIMITED,
BRIDGETOWN.
“JUST ISSUED. ~—_ | SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS.
WEST INDIAN BULLETIN.
(Vol. XI, No. 2.)
Containing papers on The Report on the Prevalence of}
Some Pests and Diseases in the West Indies, for the year
1909-10; An Account of the Report of the Royal Commission
on Trade Relations between Canada and the West Indies, and
Memorandum by the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture
for the West Indies ou the Development of a West Indian
Fruit Trade; Report on a Mission to Canada and New York;
and British West Indian Limes in the New York Market.
To be obtained from all agents for the
sale of the Department’s publications. Price|
6d.; post free, 8d.
a A RR RS ER RT RE RS RE ER A a a ee a
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Vol. X. No. 232.] SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1911.
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Vout. X. No. 232. BARBADOS, MARCH 18, 1911. Price ld,
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CONTENTS.
PAGE. PAGE.
Abnormal Rainfall in Loofah or Vegetable Sponge 84
St. Lucia red. eee 88 | Machine for Picking Cotton 89
Agricultural Journals, Re- }Manure, A New Green ... 91
duction in Number ... 88, Market Reports... ... ... 96
Argentine Corn ... . 85) Mexican Rubber Industry 91
Cotton Notes :— Notes and Comments ... 88
Brazil as a Cotton-Grow- Oil from Para Rubber Seed 89
w ing Country cae eee aoa 6 | Paddy Seedlings, Hints for
The British Cotton Grow- cima eDGntane 89
ing Association ... ... 86 ner Ae eae
Rubber Latex, A New
Method of Coagulating 95
Sago and the Sago Palm ... 59
Science Teaching at the
St. Vincent Grammar
West Indian Cotton ... 86
Department News ... ... 87
Fungus Notes :— |
Recent Work with Fun- |
gus Parasites of Scale ‘ ,
er oe as ig i biSehool Mpeg fx, 589
Gl eee eer . 99 Stock and Scion, Interaction
Hunus Tt “Vale of al oe. Boerner
umus, The Value 5 INE ar >
ge : 2 | Students’ Corner ee ano
Insect Notes :—
The Entomological Re-
search Committee ... 90| 0
Jamaica and the Canadian =| The Cost of Sugar Produc-
Exhibitions... ... ... 87} tiomin Jawaeemess ess (CO
Kola Nuts, Varieties of ... 84| West Indian Products ... 95
Sugar Industry :—
Sugar from Shredded Cane 83
The Value of Humus.
West Indies where
Be N those islands of the
cultivation is
sugar-cane carried on more
iS)
is often the outcome of the experience of several gene-
particularly, the agricultural procedure, which
rations of planters, shows that the importance of an
adequate supply of humus in the soil is generally
Every effort is made to keep the soil in
good condition by the use of farmyard manure, and as
little waste as possible is permitted of such plant
recognized.
remains as are available for application to the field;
while there is a constantly greater understanding of
the need and importance of green dressings.
It is generally understood, by now, that the term
humus means to the agriculturist the dark-coloured
material, formed of plant remains, that gives the soil
its characteristic different colour from that of the sub-
soil. The researches of recent years have shown that
this material is formed, from vegetable waste, by the
action of bacteria ina partial or total absence of air,
The circumstances under which it is produced cause
more of it to be found in land that has not been tilled
for some time than in that which has been turned over
regularly; this condition is met with more frequently
in temperate climates than in the tropics. It is a matter
of common observation, however, in this part of the
world, that the humus content of clay soils is higher
than that of sandy soils, because the access of air to
the interior of the soil is not as great in the case of the
former as in the latter: so that almost ideal conditions
for the production of humus are afforded by clay soils.
In dealing with humus more gerneally, it will
be well to treat, in turn, of its importance, firstly in
relation to the soil, and secondly with reference to the
plant. It must not be forgotten, however, that all final
effects of humus have a direct or indirect influence on
the plant; for whatever affects the soil must ultimately
have its influence on the vegetation which it supports,
One of the most useful effects, to the agriculturist,
of the possession by a soil of a good humus content is
the circumstance that this improves its texture, so that
there is ease as well as economy in tillage operations.
The artificial employment of this fact has its largest
application on heavy clay soils, in the improvement of
their condition by the use of vegetable matter either in
bo
the form of decayed remains such as trash, or as with-
ered green dressings. Another matter, to which a pass-
ing reference only need be made here, on account ofits
comparative unimportance in the tropics, is the effect
of humus in darkening the colour of soils and thus
increasing their ability to absorb heat.
It is recognized by the agriculturist that all soils
contain mineral plant food in an unavailable condi-
tion. He knows, too, that some of this may be
freed in a state in which it can be used by plants,
by the employment of artificial dressings such as lime.
Humus probably plays the greatest part, however, in
this matter, both artificially and in nature. This is
because of its power to form bodies, commonly called
humic acids, which have a dissolving action on some of
the mineral constituents of the soil. The process is
naturally slow but is continuous and, where the soil is
well supplied with humus, its eventual importance in
relation to the provision of mineral plant food is obvious,
especially when consideration is given to the compar-
atively small bulk of this food that is necessary to
plants.
A final general matter in connexion with humus
in a soil is probably of the greatest concern as
regards its ultimate effect in enabling that soil to pro-
duce quantities of vegetation. This is the circumstance
that it provides ideal surroundings to, and a certain
amount of food for, the bacteria which effect improve-
ments in the soil, from the agriculturist’s point of view.
This appears particularly to be the case in relation to
the nitrogen-fixing organisms. Greater recognition of
the in:portance of the extent to which these affect the
nitrogen content of the soil is being attained rapidly,
and the matter is brought particularly to the notice of
agriculturists on account of the comparative difticulty
and expense of sustaining an adequate nitrogen content
in the land from which they raise their crops.
The next matter to consider 1s the value of humus
in relation to the plant, more directly. In the first
place, humus itself contains nitrogen, potash and
phosphates, and this is a fact that becomes of impor-
tance when the suggestion is made to remove plant
waste from the land, or on the other hand, to bring in
supplies of vegetable material from other areas on
which it has been raised. The matter will be consider-
ed further, in the former aspect, when the question is
raised of the destruction of vegetable matter for the
control of pests.
The most important and most fully recognized
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS
Marcu 18, 1911.
direct function of humus in relation to the plant is the
effect that it possesses in increasing the capacity of
soils to absorb water, as well as their ability to hold
it when it is supplied to them. It has been
considered already that the power of a plant to grow
depends upon the existence of several limiting factors,
the absence of, or deficiency in, any one of which will
interfere with its proper development.* Of these
factors, as is well known, the one whose absence or
insufficiency most quickly shows itself is the water-
supply, and the importance of humus in keeping this
at an adequate level cannot be underestimated.
Che consideration may now be undertaken of some
of the more particularized facts in relation to humus.
One that has been indicated already is the quick
rate at which vegetabie matter is lost from sandy
soils. This is on account of the easy access of air to
such soils, whereby the bacterial action which would
lead to the formation of humus is prevented, and
oxidation takes place: so that the material is quickly
lost in the atmosphere. It is in such soils that the
agriculturist requires to exercise the greatest care in
regard to the supply of humus, especially as if this
is deficient, any water that they receive passes away
almost immediately, through drainage.
The burning of waste vegetable matter, particu-
larly of trash in cane fields, for the eradication of pests,
is often recommended. It appears, however, that this
can only be done continuously, with impunity, where
there is irrigation and the plentiful supply of artificial
manures, as in Hawai: and it remains to be seen, even
there, what will be the ultimate effects of the procedure.
Other matters that remain for short consideration
in the present relation, are those dealing with what is
called ‘soluble humus’, and the connexion between
carbohydrates in the soil and the increase of efficiency
of the nitrogen-fixing organisms. Soluble humus, it
may be explained, is the product obtained by the
action of alkalis such as ammonia and soda on the
humic acids; there is a large amount of this matter
dissolved in the dark liquid that drains away from
manure heaps, because of the alkalinity of the contents
of such heaps, through the production of ammonia,
Much remains to be discovered concerning soluble
humus, and it is not yet known with certainty if similar
bodies are of direct use to green plants.
The effect of the presence of carbohydrates in the soil,
in increasing the power of the nitrogen-fixing bacteria
* Agricultural News, Vol. UX, p. 257.
Vote aexe NOM 232:
to do the work that is required of them, is probably due
to the greater provision of food, whereby there is an
augmentation of the number of bacteria present above
that which is normal, with a consequent enlargement
of the amount of nitrogen fixed. Information concern-
ing the question has been given already; * it is receiv-
ing some attention, ina practical way, more particularly
in Antigua and Mauritius, where experiments on
a field scale are being undertaken. Little considera-
tion will show that work of this and a similar nature
should throw much further light on the matter of the
value and importance of humus to the agriculturist.
SUGAR INDUSTRY.
THE COST OF SUGAR PRODUCTION
IN JAVA.
The following interesting figures, relating to the
cost of making sugar in Java factories, are contained
in an article, by H.C. Prinsen Geerligs, in the /nter-
national Sugar Journal for January 1911, p. 7:-—
As a complement to Mr. George Martineau’s interesting
paper on the cost of production of sugar, published in the
December issue of this journal, I give here some figures on
the cost of production of Java sugar during the last years.
Inthe issue of July 1904, of this journal (p. 341), I set
down the cost of production in the year 1902, of an average
of forty-two well equipped factories, at £7 5s. 114d. per
metric ton, subdivided as follows:—
#5, 1s, Gl EDS Cl
Salaries 13. 4 Commission 7 23
Cultivation 213 4 Sundry expenses 4 63
Transport of cane 16 ©O Wear and tear 8 6h
Fuel 1 14 New machinery 15)
Wages 3 9 Interest on floating
Sundries I 103 capital 8 0
Packing 4 3 —
Transport of sugar 8 3 @ ois
After calculating the cost of production of a great
number of Java factories during the years 1908 and 1909,
I found this figure to still hold good. The production of
sugar to the acre has increased, but the price of many articles
and the rate of wages have followed the same upward move-
ment, so that, on the whole, the cost price of raw Java refined
crystals, basis 96°, packed in bags or baskets, delivered at the
buyers’ doors at the ports, and including all charges of
management, agriculture, transport of cane, machinery,
manufacture, carriage to the coast, upkeep and depreciation
of plant and buildings, but not including interest on the
capital invested in the sugar house and machinery, may be
put down at 5:50 guilders per picul of 61°76 kilos., or 7s. 64d.
per cwt.
At a rate for freight from Java to the United Kingdom
or to the United States of 20s. per ton, this figure comes to
8s. 64d. in Great Britain, or 144c. per tb. in New York;
* Agricultural News, Vols. VII, p. 227; IX, pp. 159, 339.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 83
and at a rate for freight of 25s., to the equivalent of 8s. 93d,
in England, or 1c. in America.
We therefore fully agree with Messrs. Willet & Gray
when they state that the cost price of Java sugar is higher than
6s. per cwt. Some factories, situated in very favourable
spots, may make the sugar at that price, but this is an excep-
tion, and not the rule, and the average cost price is much
higher, so that it may be taken at 7s.64d. per ewt., delivered
at the buyer’s warehouse on the coast.
In the February number of the International
Sugar Journal, this figure (7s. 64d. per ewt.) is sub-
jected to a correction, as it does not refer to f.o.b. Java,
as was understood at first, but to the cost at the buyer’s
doors at the coast. The expenses for warehousing,
hghterage and loading, and for insurance, which are not
included in the charge for freight, have therefore to be
added, bringing the figure up to about 7s. 10d. per ewt.
SUGAR FROM SHREDDED CANE.
There was given, in the last issue of the Agricultural
News, a description of the McMullen process by which sugar
is manufactured from shredded and dried cane; this was in
the form of an abstract of an article that appeared recently
in the Lowiscana Planter. In continuation of the subject,
the latter journal includes, in its issue for February 4, 1911,
an account of the events which led up to the devising of the
system. ‘The information on which this is based has been
supplied by the Simmons Sugar Company, of Kenosha, Wis-
consin, the firm which holds the patent for the process,
The actual work of investigation has been carried out by
Mr. G. W. McMullen, of the Armour Institute of Chicago,
during the past six years, who evolved the process after
observations had been made by him in connexion with
devising methods for drying sugar beets and storing them,
in order that the factories may benefit by the economy of
being able to work all the year round, as well as by the addi-
tional chance that was gained of securing the by-products
of the beet. ‘This led to the invention of the shredding
apparatus; its application to the sugar-cane; the discovery of
the added usefulness of the sugar-cane megass obtained in
this way; the use of the improved watery solution from
which the sugar has to be obtained, in the place of
the ordinary juice; and the knowledge of the greater
recovery of sugar from cane so treated, as compared
with that from cane crushed in the usual manner. The
inventor considers that the greater recovery of sugar increases
the return on each ton of cane by $2, and there is an addi-
tional $3 or $4 on every ton, as the value of the cellulose.
This is not taking into account the wax, which can be
obtained more easily from the cane under this treatment
than after it has been crushed for the juice in the ordinary way;
the amount of this by-product should be 10 tb. or 11 hb.
per ton of cane, and if it is properly extracted, it should
further increase the return for each ton of cane by $2 or $3,
not allowing for the cost of extraction, which should not be
great in proportion to the obtainable profit.
A more recent issue of the Louisiana Planter (February
11, 1911) states, with regard to the article mentioned
first, above, that later experience has shown that if the juices
could have been dealt with more quickly than was the case
in the criginal trials, a white sugar could have been easily
obtained in the first process, and thus a large economy should
be effected in the manufacture.
84 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Marcu 18, 1911.
FRUITS AND FRUIT SREES.
THE LOOFAH OR VEGETABLE SPONGE.
The loofah of Egypt, which is often used in the
place of the sponge, is the fruit of Lujiw wegyptiaca,
a plant closely related to the vegetable sponge of the
West Indies (Lufia acutungula); the latter is generally
seen growing over fences, or over other plants. Both
of thern belong to the same order of plants as the
melon, pumpkin, squash, calabash pipe fruit, ete.
The following account of the way in which loofahs are
prepared for market is taken from the Agricultural
Journal of the Cape of Good Hope, for December
1910, p. 651:—
The following report from the Imperial Institute, South
Kensington, has been received by Mr. J. Burtt-Davy, Govern-
ment Agrostologist. The loofah of commerce is prepared from
the fruit of Luffa aegypteaca, and consists of the network of
fibres existing in the interior of the fruit. The fruits should
be allowed to remain on the vines until they have acquired
a yellowish tint, but not until they have begun to assume
a brown colour, as this indicates that the outer skin of the
gourds is undergoing decay, which will cause the fibrous
structure within to become discoloured. he fruits should
be cut from the vine with about 2 inches of stem attached,
for convenience of hanging. They should be hung in an
airy, draughty shed for two or three days, and the outer skin
will then be found to be fairly soft and pliant; this stage of
the preparation is assisted by cutting off the tip of the gourd
at the lower end, leaving a small hole through which the
contained moisture may drip. The loofahs may next be
removed by running the finger down the skin of the fruit on
one side, splitting it open, and turning out the loofah, which
is at once thrown into a washing vat containing lime-water
(5 tb. of slaked lime to 60 gallons of water). The loofahs
are stirred about in the lime-water for a few minutes, and
then removed to a draughty shed to dry. Care should be
taken to shake the lime-water out of each loofah before dry
ing. If the loofahs are dried too quickly they are apt to
become brittle and crack; they must not, however, remain
damp too long, or they may become mouldy, though the lime
prevents this to a large extent, and is, indeed, used in order
to protect them from fungoid growths. When the loofahs
are dry, the seeds may be easily shaken out of them by hand,
and when this is done they are ready for the market.
THE VARIETIES OF KOLA NUTS.
In L’Agriculture Pratique des Pays Chauds for April
1910, there appeared an article dealing with the kola plant
in French Guinea. In this, a description of the tree is fol-
lowed by an account of the fruits and seeds. It appears
that the fruits are mostly collected in December, and that
they are in the form of green ‘ pods’, closely bunched, and
about as large as the fist; three or four of these are ordinarily
borne together. They contain from five to ten flattened
nuts, which possess a white skin, about ;',-inch thick, which
is easily removed. As is well known, however, this skin is
not always white, but is often of a deep red colour, while
there are nuts exhibiting the intermediate tints. Both kinds
of nuts may be found in the same fruit, although some of the
natives aftirm that trees exist which give solely one kind or
the other—a matter which it is at present difficult to con-
firm or deny. Other natives hold that any one tree never
produces nuts of one tint alone, but that the proportion of
nuts of each colour varies from year to year, without there
being any actual change of tint in the general product, and
the opinion is given in the article quoted, that this way of
regarding the matter is probably correct. In any case, no
special importance seems to be attached to the character of
colour; and for raising new trees, seeds of either kind are
sown indifferently. A further consideration is that the age
of the plant producing the nuts may have some influence,
and the natives in certain parts actually believe that it is
only the older trees that give nuts of different tints.
The article presents attempts to account for the differ-
ences, and suggests that the kola plant of French Guinea
may be an indifferently fixed hybrid between a type pro-
ducing white seeds and one giving those which are
red. A second hypothesis is presented, namely that they
are due to accidents of nutrition—a suggestion which is
supported by the fact that the plants flower at a time
when the season is changing, so that the trees bearing
the different kinds of fruits vary their produce in accordance
with the circumstances that happen to surround them. The
idea receives further support, since the greatest changes seem
to be produced where the plant is near the limits of its normal
habitat, and is consequently more sensitive to climatic con-
ditions.
Analyses by Professor Heckel have shown that the
white nuts are richer in caffeine than the others, so that there
would appear to be some relation between the content of
Von. X. No. 232.
alkaloids and the colour. Little is known, even yet, as to
the part which alkaloids play in the physiology of plants;
their proportions seem to vary with changes in nutrition,
but there is no certainty as to the way in which these varia-
tions take place.
The usefulness is suggested of performing experiments
entailing rigorous selection, for the purpose of finding out if
the possession of one character or the other has anything to
do with heredity. This plan is difficult of accomplishment,
however, because of the time that the plant takes to grow and
the short period spent by Europeans on the West Coast of
Africa; while the natives and mulattos are incapable of carry-
ing out such work, except in regard to annual plants such as
rice and millet.
The information contained in this article is of interest
in connexion with the results of an examination of kola
nuts from the Gold Coast, which was conducted at the
Imperial Institute; these are given in Colonial Reports—
Miscellaneous, No. 71, dealing with food stuffs. Here it is
stated that the Hausas, who are the largest purchasers of the
nut, have a preference for the white variety, and believe
that the seeds lose a large proportion of their tonic properties
when dried. ‘Trials were therefore made for the purpose of
determining if this opinion is correct, when it was found
that, with the white seeds, the total alkaloids, principally
caffeine, were as follows: fresh 2°36, dry 2°48 per cent.,
calculated on water-free substance; while the similar figures
for the red seeds were 2:00 and 2°33 percent. This shows,
further, that the alkaloid content is slightly in favour of the
white nuts—a fact which supports the conclusion reached in
Professor Heckel’s researches, mentioned above.
SAGO AND THE SAGO PALM.
The following extracts are taken from an article on
this subject in the Journal of the Royal Society of
Arts tor January 20,1911 :—
Ceram—one of the Moluccas—is probably the metropol-
is of native sago manufacture in that part of the world.
The whole of this large island is practically covered with
forest, and the greater area is very mountainous; but there
is much low-lying coastal land, and there the sago palm
(Metroxylon Sagu of botanists, a species which only occurs
in the East Indian Archipelago) grows luxuriantly. It is
turned to almost as many uses as the bamboo, for besides
furnishing sago, its leaf-fronds provide ‘attap’ or thatch; the
whole mid-ribs of the leaves, termed ‘ gaba-gaba’, make raft-
ers and posts for houses, and when split are used for floors
and walls; split into smaller strips they make excellent cord.
Many people seem to think that cocoa-nuts and other
fruits growing in these wild countries may be plucked by any-
body who wants them; but all such trees, even in the depths
of the forest, are private property, and the sago palm is no
exception. Every palm is owned, either privately or by
villages, or the Dutch Government; but the trees and prepar-
ed sago are sold so cheaply that probably no death from star-
vation is ever heard of in the Dutch Kast Indies, for the sago
from Ceram is sent all over the islands,
Natives come to Ceram, which is very thinly populated,
from Ambon and many other islands far and near; procure
a Government licence to cut so many trees, and live and
work in a sago-swamp till they have converted the trees into
sago, sailing for home with the finished product. The trunk
of the palm often attains forty-five feet in length to where
the leaf-fronds spring, and a diameter of two feet; but thirty
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 85
feet to the crown is a fair average, and even then the trunk
will usually measure two feet in diameter. Such trees at
Piroe cost, standing, two to three guilders each (about four
shillings), and one man can fell, extract the pith, build the
washing apparatus, and prepare the sago in about fifteen
days, if he works hard; but the Malay is not fond of hard
work, or indeed any work, and in these islands he can live
almost without labour. From one sago palm he can obtain
a supply of food which, varied a little with fish and vege-
tables, will last him many months. The natives distinguish
four varieties of palm -viz: Sagu duri and Sagu makanaru,
which are both thorny, the young trees being armed on the
trunk and leaf-sheaths with immense, strong, slender spines,
sharp as needles; and Sagu tuni and Sagu mollea, which are
thornless. ‘The amount of sago produced from these palms
varies from about ten packages of finished sago from Sagu
makanaru to eighteen or twenty from the other trees, each pack-
age weighing about twenty-five catties (say 80 tb.). The life
of a palm is said to be about ten years, before it is ready for
felling; this is done as soon as the flower spike appears, and
the tree is always cut down before it is in full flower, other-
wise much of the pith is spoilt.
After giving a description of the way in which the
sago is obtained from the palm, the article goes on to
say :—
The prepared sago is usually baked into smaH cakes
about four by three inches and an inch thick, in a little clay
oven with about half-a-dozen slits; the powdered sago is dried
and deodorized in the sun for a day or two, then sieved, and
again spread out to dry. The powder is then filled into the
slits of the oven, which has been previously heated almost to
a dull red, face down, over a wood fire. The upper side is
then covered with plantain leaves, and in a few minutes the
cakes are ready. They cost a cent each (about a farthing) in
the Malay markets, and keep indefinitely, and are therefore
much used on the Malay praus for their long sea voyages,
ARGENTINE CORN.
The Journal of the Jamaica Agricultural Society
for December 1910 publishes the following information
about Argentine corn:—
Argentina is now entering into competition with the
United States all through the world, with corn; the Argentine
has been even sending beef and mutton into the United States.
Argentine corn is being imported into Jamaica by Messrs.
Wessels Bros & Von Gontard, who advertise in this issue,
The following comparative analysis of Argentine corn
and American corn have been made by the Hon. H. H.Consins,
M.A., Island Chemist; these we have pleasure in publishing:—
Argentine corn, American corn,
Constituents. per cent. per cent.
Moisture 14-11 1411
Proteids 10°41] 918
Fats 5:09 3°43,
Crude fibre 1:59 1°87
Ash 1:33 1:23
Carbohydrates as starch 67°00 70°18
The Argentine corn contains about 1°3 per cent. more
proteids, and is markedly higher in fats, than the average
American corn, with which it is compared, and Mr. Cousins
is therefore of opinion that it is to this extent superior for
feeding horses and mules in Jamaica.
86 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Marcu 18, 1911.
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date February 27, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
Since our last report, between two and three hundred
bales of West Indian Sea Islands have been scld at easier
prices. % a
The sales are chiefly St. Kitts, Nevis and Barbados at
18d. to 20d.
There is still great pressure to sell all Sea Island growths,
with few buyers.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending February 25, is as follows:—
With sales of only 50 bales the market has remained
quiet and unchanged throughout the week, and as in the
absence of demand, Factors are continuing to hold for their
previous prices, we have only to repeat our last quotations,
viz:—
Extra Fine Islands at 33c.=181d. cif. & 5 per cent.
Fully Fine _,, SACHIN SAA Mss) 53 eer
Fine i 30c.=163d. ,, ,, aw es
BRAZIL AS A COTTON-GROWING
COUNTRY.
In considering the sources of cotton supply outside the
Southern States of America, the potentialities of Brazil are
often overlooked and underestimated. Mr. H. Priestley, who
has just returned from the cotton-growing districts of Brazil,
directs attention to them. It will surprise many to be told,
on his authority, that there is a larger cotton-growing area in
Brazil than in the United States, although the amount of
cotton actually grown in Brazil is barely one-third the quant-
ity grown in the United States. Millions of bales more could
be grown in Brazil if the cotton users of Lancashire would
only interest themselves in the matter. The Germans are quite
alive to the possibilities of the country in the way of cotton-
growing, and within the last four months a wealthy German
syndicate has secured three large tracts of land in three of
the cotton-growing provinces of Brazil. Mr, Priestley says
(and he has had practical experience in cotton-growing in one
of our colonies from which much is expected, namely
Northern Nigeria) cotton grows beautifully in Brazil. There
are practically no pests, and, if native labour is not very
abundant, plenty of Italians are available. Brazil would
seem to offer the most promising field for cotton-growing
outside the United States. (Jowrnal of the Royal Society of
Axts, December 30, 1910.)
THE BRITISH COTTON GROWING
ASSOCIATION.
The following is taken from an account of a recent
mecting of the Council of the British Cotton Growing
Association:—
The eighty-fourth meeting of the Council of the British
Cotton Growing Association was held at the offices of the
Association, 15 Cross Street, Manchester. The Right Hon.
the Earl of Derby, G.C.V.O. (President), occupied the chair.
Before proceeding with the formal business, the President
alluded to the serious illness of Mr. Crinion, and expressed
the hope that he might soon recover his usual health.
LAGOS. It was reported that the cotton-buying agreement
was now being signed by all the merchants, and a cable had
been sent to the Acting Manager in Lagos, instructing him
to pay an all-round price of 1d. per f. for seed-cotton.
NORTHERN NIGERIA. The Association Manager’s report
on his tour through the Kano and Zaria provinces was consi-
dered very satisfactory. The Kano province is the richest in
the country, and contains 30,000 square miles, with a popu-
lation of two million people, who are most industrious and
educated, and at the present time it is estimated that at least
5,000 tons of seed-cotton is grown annually in the province.
The cotton produced in the Zaria province is estimated at
about 3,000 tons. The opinion was expressed that the future
of the industry in Northern Nigeria would depend to a great
extent upon whether the natives would be willing to sell their
cotton at ld. per tb.; and it is hoped that, with the importa-
tion of manufactuted cotton goods, the local demand for the
raw cotton will diminish.
It was reported that the site for the Zaria ginnery had
been settled, but the erection of the plant was being delayed
until the Executive Committee had had an opportunity of
consulting with the Governor, Sir Henry Hesketh Bell, at
the Colonial Office in the ensuing week.
It was mentioned that a book had recently been pub-
lished by Major Ross on the Prevention of Malaria, containing
some very valuable directions for preventing the disease. It
was decided to take such steps as may be necessary to render
the conditions under which the Association’s employees are
living in West Africa as healthy as possible. It is hoped
that Major Ross will arrange for the publication of an
abridged edition of the book
NYASALAND. ‘Some discussion took place with regard to
the inadequate transport facilities, and it was suggested that
possibly the best solution of the difficulty might be the exten-
sion of the railway from Port Herald to Beira-—a distance of
about 200 miles. It was pointed out that this question of
transport would be brought forward for discussion at the
next conference at the Colonial Office.
Vout. X. No. 232.
A letter from Mr, J. Stewart McCall, the Director of
Agriculture, was read, giving a very satisfactory report on
the Karonga district, and stating that this district is one of
the most promising cotton centres in the Protectorate. The
Mlangi native cotton crop during the past season has also
done well and is expected to show a considerable increase
next year, and large increases are taking place in the other
districts. Mr. McCall concluded that the past season had
been a great success, and the native cotton now in sight
amounts to fully 600 tons of seed-cotton, as compared with
250 tons last year, and 130 tons the previous year.
The report was considered most satisfactory, and it was
decided that a small gionery should be sent out immediately
for erection in the Karonga district. Owing to the difficulty
of transport the bales at this ginnery will have to be about
60 to 70 tb. in weight, and will afterwards be pressed at Port
Herald.
RHODESIA. Satisfaction was expressed that the difficul-
ties with regard to the site at Kafue Bridge had apparently
been overcome, and that the Association’s Manager was
proceeding with the erection of the ginnery.
uGANDA. It was reported that a cable had been received
from the General Manager of the British East Africa Cor-
poration stating that he had purchased a satisfactory quantity
of cotton during December.
It was also reported that there was a large number of
bales of Uganda cotton in stock in Liverpool, and it is hoped
that spinners will take the opportunity of buying this cotton.
JAMAICA AND THE CANADIAN
EXHIBITIONS.
The report by the representative of the Government of
Jamaica at the Exhibition of last year at Toronto, Mr. E. J.
Wortley, has been published recently; it may be found as
a supplement to the Jamaica Gazette dated December 22,
1910.
After giving a short description of the West Indian
court, 800 square feet of which (or twice as much as the
area required by any other West Indian island) was taken up
by Jamaica, the report goes on to record the fact that much
interest was shown in the growing specimens of economic
plants that were sent for exhibition. Among these were full-
sized specimens of sugar-cane, of vanilla with pods, and of
coffee with ripe berries, as well as young trees of orange,
mango and banana.
Dealing with the export trade of Jamaica to Canada, it
is stated that this has undergone a considerable increase dur-
ing the last ten or fifteen years, and that there are indica-
tions that this may be enlarged with profit, in the near
future. There appears to be the fear, in some quarters, that
Jamaica products are likely not to prove true to sample.
This is generally unwarranted, and there is often heard, on the
other hand, the expression of the greatest satisfaction with
the quality of the exports sent from the island. It is point-
ed out, in this connexion, that the existence of the former
opinion indicates that the greatest care should be taken in
the preparation and the packing and marking of produce for
Canada.
Cacao from Jamaica is meeting with a fair-demand, and
now competes, with some success, with other kinds that were
once thought to be superior. Enquiries elicited the informa-
tion that care in regard to the preparation of a uniform
product, and the standardization of this under definite names,
would do much to increase the trade. The amount of
Jamaica coffee consumed in Canada is comparatively small,
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 87
and there appears to be little knowledge of the existence of
the Blue Mountain coffee. Some prejudice exists against
this, on account of the mixed nature of some of the ship-
ments that are received. There seems to be a likelihood of
an increase in the trade, on account of the high present
prices of Rio and Santos coffee.
Jamaica rum is largely imported into Canada from the
United Kingdom, instead of directly, and there is evidence that
much of the product sold is adulterated. A revision is being
made of the laws affecting the sale of food in Canada, and it
would appear to be a useful procedure at a time like the
present to draw attention to the conditions under which
Jamaica rum is sold in that country. A good and sustained
demand for Jamaica sugars exists, the popularity of some
marks being particularly great. It is thought that a steady
enquiry might be created for the cheaper brands of Jamaica
cigars. As regards those of high quality, only small quanti-
ties have been put on the market; these have to compete with
Havana cigars, which are already popular. A sample of
Jamaica leaf tobacco received a very favourable report from
an expert to whom it was submitted.
It was not possible to make a good show of fruit, on
account of the season of the year. From a general point of
view, the Jamaica orange is not as popular as the fruit from
California, mainly because the latter possesses an attractive
skin, and is packed carefully with a regard for uniformity;
the flavour of the Jamaica product is, however, considered to
be superior. In connexion with this matter, the suggestions
are made that all oranges exported before the end of Septem-
ber should be marked ‘Jamaica Earlies’, and that the fruit
should never be shipped in barrels. The mangoes sent to the
Exhibition arrived in good condition. Bananas, as is well
known, are steadily growing in popularity in Canada.
Particulars are given further, of Jippi-jappa hats, honey
and beeswax, and preserves. With due care as to the
particular requirements, there should be a fair demand for
these.
The awards gained by Jamaica included: gold medals by
the Government of Jamaica, the Hanover Agricultural Society,
and by fifteen firms of exporters; silver medals by six firms
and by the Women’s Self-help Society; bronze medals by
fourteen firms and private exhibitors; and a diploma by the
Government Reformatory.
The report concludes by drawing attention to the work
done in other West Indian islands by permanent exhibition
committees, and with suggestions for the formation of
a local’ committee with functions similar to those of the
former, so that a permanent exhibit might be brought
together in Kingston, for general instruction, and to serve as
a basis for exhibitions abroad.
It may be mentioned that references to the West
Indies and British Guiana, in relation to the Canadian
Exhibitions held last year, may be found in the Agricultural
News, Vols. IX, pp. 209, 251, 291, 319, 343 and 412; X,
p. 69.
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
The Imperial Commissioner of. Agriculture left
Barbados for St. Lucia on March 14, 1911, by the
S.S. ‘Guiana’, for the purpose of conferring with His
Honour the Administrator on official business, relating
more particularly to the reorganization of the Agri-
cultural Department, consequent on the recent changes,
Dr. Watts is expected to return to Barbados by the
S.S.‘Korona’, on the 18th instant.
88 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Marcu 18,° 1911.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 837, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s, 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
Agricultural News:
Vou.
X. SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1911. No. 232.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Contents of Present Issue.
The editorial deals in a general manner with The
Value of Humus, and presents some facts and points
of view that are of the most recent discovery.
A short article, on page 83, gives the details of an
estimate of the cost of sugar production in Java.
Some facts about the varieties of kola nuts that
are produced in West Africa are given on page 84.
Page 86 contains details concerning a_ recent
meeting of the Council of the British Cotton Growing
Association, as well as other matters of interest.
The Insect Notes, on page 90, present an account
of the Entomological Research Committee, which was
appointed by the Colonial Office in 1909. Special atten-
tion is given to the work that has been described in
the Journal of the Committee, which is published under
the title of The Bulletin of Entomological Research.
An abstract of a recent report on the Mexican
rubber industry, with references to that of Panama, is
given on page 91.
On page 94, the Fungus Notes deal with recent
work with the fungi that are parasitic on scale insects.
The article should be of much interest to fruit growers
in the West Indies, especially where the trees are
attacked to a large extent by black blight.
Reduction in Number of Agricultural Journals.
The Agricultural Journal of the Cape of Good
Hope for December 1910 contains an announcement
to the effect that the Government of South Africa has
decided to discontinue the publication of this, as well
as of the Natal and Transvaal Agricultural Journals,
and to issue one Agricultural Journal for the whole
Union of South Africa, in which these will be merged.
In making this announcement, the opinion is given
that great advantages will accrue to the farming
community, ‘as such a course opens a wider field and,
aS a consequence, gives an opportunity for greater
efficiency.’
In view of the tendency toward the multiplica-
tion of agricultural journals that is being shown at
present, this decision is interesting, especially as it
arises from an experience extending over many years.
rr
Abnormal Rainfall in St. Lucia.
A note on the heavy rainfall that has been experi-
enced recently in St. Lucia appeared in the last number
of the Agricultural News; this was based on informa-
tion received from Mr. J. C. Moore, Agricultural Super-
intendent, St. Lucia. Since this,a letter dated March 2,
1911, has been received from Mr. Moore, stating further,
that on the 7th, 8th and 9th of last month, still heavier
rains were experienced in the northern half of the
island, causing destructive floods in the valleys, and
landslips in the hills. Some idea of the excessive rain-
fall that has been received may be gained from the fact
that the average precipitation for the month, at six
stations in the affected district, was 20°41 inches;
nearly the whole of this fell between the 1st and 9th
ultimo. The month’s records at the Botanic Station
and the Experiment Station were 16°64 inches and
21-91 inches, respectively. On the 7th of the month,
4:04 inches was recorded at the Botanic Station, and
8°60 inches at the Experiment Station; most of this
rain fell during the night. Records are not available
from some of the other stations, because the rain gauges
were too small, and thus overflowed.
Details of the damage and loss of life have been
given in a special report submitted by the Agricultural
Superintendent to the Administrator, who has forwarded
a copy to the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture.
This shows that there was no loss of life, except at the
factory in the Mabouya valley, where unfortunately, ten
out of seventeen persons occupying a barrack building
near the factory were drowned, as they were unable to
escape from the building, which was carried away by
the flood.
In regard to the damage done, the report shows
that, while considerable losses have been sustained in
some individual cases, this should be of a temporary
character, and reparable by the energy of those who
have suffered it. The satisfactory opinion is given
that there is no evidence of general distress and hard-
ship in any of the districts visited by the Agricultural
Superintendent.
Vout. X. No. 232.
Interaction of Stock and Scion.
A note on this subject appeared in the Ayri-
cultural News, Vol. VII, p. 313. Further informa-
tion is contained in an abstract of a paper in the
Botanical Gazette, 1910, p. 73 This describes experi-
ments in which tobacco (Nicotiana Tabacun.) was
grafted on NV. agfinis, and the Irish potato (Solanwm
tuberosum); and Datura Stramonium (known as
David’s bush or wildfire bush in the West Indies), on
the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and the potato.
The results showed that there was a slow movement of
the particular alkaloid in the case of each of the scions
to the stocks. Jt was also shown, in the case of tobacco
on NV. affinis, that the amount of alkaloid in the former
decreased, with an increase of this in the latter. A
similar result occurred in the case of tobacco on the
potato, the nicotine being mostly stored in the latter,
with the circumstance, however, that little or none was
found in the tubers.
> ee
Oil from Para Rubber Seed.
The Planters’ Chronicle tor December 31, 1910,
draws attention to a statement in the Chemist and
Druggist to the effect that several journals are again
referring particularly to oil from Para rubber seed, on
account of its ability to make up for part of the present
shortage of linseed oil. Large quantities of the seed
are now practically wasted, when it might form a useful
addition to the profits of the rubber industry, particu-
larly on clean weeded estates where the seed could be
gathered or swept up comparatively cheaply, and sent
to oil mills for the production of oil and seed cake.
This is of much interest, as the scarcity of linseed
oil is such that it is quoted higher than has been the
case for the past twenty years, and prices have doubled
during last year. The rise in price seems to have been
brought about through failure of the linseed crop and
the employment of many of the mills for crushing soy
beans.
EEE ee
A Machine for Picking Cotton.
There is being shown in Liverpool a new machine
for picking cotton, which has been invented in the
United States, and demonstrations with it have actually
been made. According to the Textile Merewry for
January 21, 1911, it is driven by petrol at walking
speed, and it is said to remove the cotton from the
bolls with fair ease and regularity. For the purpose,
an arrangement exists by means of which teeth, acting
as fingers, come into contact with the cotton hanging
out of the boll, so that the lint is caught by them, and
then detached automatically into a bag at the rear of
the machine. The claim is made that the plant is not
damaged by its use, and that no destruction of Howers
takes place.
It is evident that the employment of such a ia-
chine is much more feasible for upland than for Sea
Island cotton, in view of the larger power to bear of the
former kind, and the consequent extent to which the
lint hangs out of the boll.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 89
Science Teaching at the St. Vincent Grammar
School.
In a memorandum drawn up in relation to
the suggestion that science teaching shall be given in
connexion with the classes at the Grammar School,
St. Vincent, for the information of His Honour the
Administrator, several proposals are made for adding
to the feasibility of such a scheme,
It is suggested that the classes should be held in
the Agricultural School, which possesses facilities for the
purpose, while these do not yet exist at the Grammar
School. It is further advised that the lessons should be
held in general elementary science, botany, chemistry,
agriculture and physics, and that the classes should
work from 7.80 to 9 am. It is the intention to
follow the plan adopted at the Antigua Grammar
School, where general elementary science is taken by
all pupils up to Form IV—a plan which insures that
some knowledge of chemistry is gained by every boy
before Form IV is reached, so that the work with this
form is much simplified. It is at this stage that
specialization commences, all the science subjects being
taken by the agricultural students, only.
It is not intended, at present, to substitute any of
these subjects for those ordinarily taught in the schools;
although as time goes on, those who intend to specialize
in agricultural subjects may possibly be allowed to let
these replace partly some of the others.
Sanne aii
Hints for Transporting Paddy Seedlings.
The Quarterly Journal of the Department of
Agriculture, Bengal, for October 1910, contains details
of an experiment which was devised for the purpose of
finding out how long paddy seedlings will last, and
what condition they would show at the end of the
time, if they were kept under certain circumstances
made to imitate those which exist during ‘transporta-
tion. In the trials, the seedlings were placed in a cart,
in the open, for one day, in a closed railway truck for
three days, and again in a cart for one day,
The results of the experiments showed that, before
the seedlings are first put into the carts, they should be
freely sprinkled with water without, however, washing
the soil from the roots; only freshly plucked seedlings
should be chosen. Before removal to the railway trucks,
they should be watered once more, but not to excess;
the employment of watering cans has been found useful
for the purpose.
Another result obtained was that the best way to
pack the seedlings in the trucks is in an upright
position, with the roots downward, and it is suggested
that a useful method to adopt would be to pack the
small bundles loosely to form large ones, which should
be tied with stems and not with ropes.
Before the seedlings are placed on the carts for the
third stage of the journey, they should be watered again.
The adoption of all these precautions made it possible
to obtain seedlings for transplanting, in good condition,
five, er even six, days after they had been picked.
90 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Marcu 18, 1911,
INSECT NOTES.
THE ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH
COMMITTEE.
During 1909, the Colonial Office appointed a Committee
to carry out investigations in Economic Entomology in Tropi-
cal Africa, with special reference to the relation between
diseases, in man and animals, and ticks and insects.
The Committee includes several eminent Entomologists
who receive and study the material sent in by the Committee’s
collecting entomologists, and that sent in by the Government
Entomologists of the several African colonies, and also by
medical officers and others who collect. The results of these
studies are published as papers in the Dudletin of Entomolo-
gical Research, published by the Committee, which has
appeared in four parts (Vol. I, parts 1-4), with a total of
319 pages. The separate parts have appeared as follows :
Part I, April 1910: Part II, July 1910; Part III, October
1910; and Part IV, January 1911.
There have been presented five papers dealing with
mosquitoes, their habits, life-history and distribution, giving
‘accounts of the different stages of development; and in many
cases accompanied by figures from drawings and photographs.
Papers dealing with the blood-sucking Diptera number six-
teen. These include studies of tse-tse flies, which carry
sleeping sickness and diseases of cattle; of the gad flies or
horse flies of the family Tabanidae, which annoy animals by
their vicious biting, and notes on habits and distribution.
Three papers have appeared on sleeping sickness; one on
a sub-family of the Tachinidae, the Jarvae of which occur as
subcutaneous parasites of man; one on the fleas attacking
mice and rats; and one on the families of Acarina.
The more strictly agricultural papers have been on fruit
flies (two), Coccidae (five), and Hemiptera injurious to
cacao (two).
; The notes on Coccidae are based on collections from
Uganda, forwarded by Mr. C. C. Gowdey, B.Sc., which have
been studied by Mr. R. Newstead. These are of scientific
interest, since they contain several new species; and small
Hymenopterous insects, which are stated to be fairly abund-
ant, occur as parasites of the Uganda scale insects.
The. notes on Hemiptera injurious to cacao include an
account of a species of Helopeltis from the Gold Coast, which
occurs as a pest in certain localities. The mosquito blight
of tea in India is due to a species of this genus (//e/lopeltis
theivora), which rendered large areas of tea plantations in
Northern India unproductive. The injury is caused by ,the
punctures of the insect, made in feeding. These cause many
young pods to-die, and often injure the older pods to such
an extent that, although they survive on the tree until they
reach maturity, the seeds are worthless.
Another Hemipterous insect injurious to cacao on the
Gold Coast is the cacao bark sapper (Sah/bergella theobroma),
with which is often associated a nearly allied species (Sahl-
bergella singularis). These insects are reported as destroying
cacao trees in certain localities. The injury to the trees
results from the punctures in the bark made by the insects
with their sucking mouth parts while feeding. Experiments
indicate that spraying with kerosene emulsion, at a time when
the immature insects are abundant, is an efticient and prac-
tical measure.
A paper by Dr. W. M. Graham on West African fruit
flies (Trypetidae) states that these pests belong to two
genera: Ceratitis, of which nine species have been recorded,
and Dacus, of which eleven species are known. Very little
seems to be described of the habits and food plants of most
of these species, but they are all liable to prove serious pests
to fruit cultivations.
The remedies suggested are the destruction of all fallen
fruit and the use of the poisoned sweet mixture which has given
such good results in Cape Colony. This is prepared by mix-
ing: sugar 2} tb., arsenate of lead (paste) 3 0z., and water
4 gallons, and is applied by being sprayed on the foliage of
infested fruit trees. The adult flies feed upon this mixture
and are killed.
In the second paper on fruit flies, Mr. E. E. Austen des-
cribes a new genus and two new species from Uganda. It is
expected that these insects will prove to be pests of fruit, but
nothing is known of the life-history and habits.
Certain of the statements with regard to the yellow fever
mosquito, Steyomyia fasciata, which are found in the paper
on the Prevalence, Distribution and Significance of Stegomyta
Jasciata, F. (S. calopus, Mg.) in West Africa, by Sir Rubert
Boyce, may bg of interest. Sir Rubert Boyce visited the
West Coast in 110, to investigate the conditions existing in
connexion with an outbreak of yellow fever. He found
Stegomyia abundant in many towns, more abundant in fact
than in any of the localities visited by him in the West Indies
and Central America. The yellow fever mosquito was found
breeding in both pure and foul water, but always in the
vicinity of human habitations. Mosquito larvae do not have
a purifying effect on water in which they occur, as is some-
times supposed, but on the contrary they contaminate pure
water, and probably increase the contamination in foul.
The statements in regard to the length of time spent in
the several stages are of interest. It has been found that the
Stegomyia eggs collected in Manaos were kept practically
dry for from forty-five to forty-seven days, and that when
these were placed under suitable conditions in England,
they hatched in from six to twelve hours: the larval stage
occupied nine days, the pupal stage three days, the com-
plete cycle thus occurring in from twelve to thirteen days
after the eggs were placed in conditions suitable for their
development.
It has been stated, also, that the eggs of Stegomyia are
laid at the edge of the water and not actually in or on it.
Accordingly, if a period of dry weather ensues directly after
the deposition of Stegomyia eggs, these may remain dormant
until submerged by the rise of water due to rains, and then
hatch.
The length of time that an infected female yellow fever
mosquito may liye before depositing eggs is sometimes con-
siderable, and this may. often account for ‘the sporadic
appearance of yellow fever long after the latest known cases
have occurred.
The influence of infected immunes in a district where
Stegomyia is present and yellow fever is at the time absent,
is also indicated, by acting as reservoirs of yellow fever from
which new cases originate. Mosquitoes may become infected
by biting such persons, and then give rise to new cases of
yellow fever.
This review of the contents of the numbers of the journal
published so far by the Committee of Entomological Research
should serve to show the wide scope of its work, and the way
in which its labours are assisting in the opening up of new
countries for the practice of scientific agriculture.
Vout. X No. 232.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 91
THE MEXICAN RUBBER INDUSTRY.
An important report on a visit by Mr. H. 8, Smith, of
Tobago, to Mexico and Central America, for the purpose of
investigating the rubber industry, was presented to the
Trinidad Board of Agriculture on January 20, 1911.
In Mexico, Mr. Smith found that the care employed in
tapping the Castilloa plants varied much on different estates; in
some cases, this is done in the roughest manner with a machete,
and notwithstanding the treatment, most of the trees seem
to be healthy, although there were evidences that many of
them had been killed through the drastic cutting that they
had received. On one estate, where careful tapping was done,
this was in the form of long V cuts, connected by a shallow
vertical channel, which carries the latex to a single cup at
the base of the tree. The method employed was to mark
the cut with the V tool, and to open it dawn to the wood
with the point of a sharp knife. Interesting particulars of
results obtained by different methods of tapping are given in
the report.
In parts of Mexico, much damage is done from time to
time by fires, some 83,000 trees having being burned recently
on one estate alone; and although these are making a good
second growth, the delay in tapping is a serious affair tor
the company owning the estate.
It is a matter of some interest that there are unmistak-
able indications that Castilloa thrives well when planted at
stake, closely, without shade. This has been the experience
from the early times, when plants were grown in the partial
shade of forest clearings, and their growth was compared
with that of plants raised in nurseries, in the open. As
regards weeding, the old method was to keep the land absolut-
ely clean; at present, the plan is to remove the weeds from
the vicinity of the plants alone, allowing them to come up
between the rows.
Interesting experience is quoted from the Isthmus of
Tehuantepec, where it was found that Castilloa will not thrive
on a stiff clay soil, or on low-lying, swampy land. It also
does not grow well on hilly land with a shallow soil, where
the dry season is long, and strong and hot winds are preva-
lent. A useful result of this experience has been to discourage
the flotation of bogus companies pretending to exploit Castil-
loa in impossible situations.
A large proportion of the rubber produced in the
La Zacualpa group of estates is separated by means of a centri-
fugal machine, the best method having been found to be to
dilute the latex until it contains 1 per cent. of rubber solids,
and to allow it to stand thirty-six to thirty-eight hours before
it is placed in the machine. Rubber prepared in this. way
realizes about 44d. per tb. more than crépe.
In Panama, a different variety of Castilloa was found, the
chief particular characterics of which are the absence of hori-
zontal spreading of the branches—a quality which is usually
very evident in the case of the Mexican tree—and the fact
that the latex does not flow freely at any time.
The conclusions made by Mr. Smith at the end of his
report include the following points: (1) that the varieties of
Castilloa in Mexico and Tobago are identical: (2) that Castil-
loa rubber can be produced as well in Tobago as in Mexico;
(3) information given by planters in Mexico shows that the
average yield of Castilloa trees ten to twelve years old, is nearer
4- lb. per tree than 2 Ib., as has often been supposed; (4) that
tapping higher up the tree will increase the yield considerably,
and the cost of production can be reduced materially by the
adoption. of Mexican methods of tapping; (5) that the rubber
from trees of similar ages is probably the same in Mexico and
Tobago, but that the former is likely to contain more resins
than the latter, on account of the fact that some of it is
obtained from wild Castilloa growing in the plantations.
A NEW GREEN MANURE.
Seeds of a plant called Boja Medelloa or Candida
Tephrosia were distributed for trial last year among the
various experiment stations in the West Indies. A short note
on the plant appears in the dyricultural News, Vol. IX,
p. 341.
The seeds of the plant were received from Ceylon, and
subsequently, particulars of the analysis of the plant, in
relation to its use as a green manure, have been obtained
from the Superintendent of Telbedde estate, Badulla, who
forwarded the seeds in the first instance. The figures given
for the green plant were determined from partly withered
leaves and stems, so that allowance must be made for this;
the percentage of moisture is probably too low by about 20.
In the following table the figures are expressed as percent-
ages:—
Leaves. Stems.
Green plant. Plant dried Green Plant
at 100°C. plant. dried at
100° C,
Moisture 5453 = 14 06 —
Organic matter* 42°86 94°27 82°37 95°85
Ash 2°61 5°73 3:57 4:15
*Containing nitrogen 2.03 4:47 Weyl 1:99
The analysis of the ash shows that this contains the
following amounts for the leaves and the stems, taken in this
order: lime 17°69, 14°48 per cent.; potash 21:47, 32°89 per
cent.; phosphoric acid 8°10, 11°00 per cent.
A consideration of the analysis is given which shows
that every 1,000 tb. of fresh green manure from the plant
supplies an equivalent, in nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash,
to about 400 Ib. of castor cake, 10 tb. of bone meal, and
a similar amount of sulphate of potash, respectively.
The investigation was made by the Analyst to the
Colombo Commercial Company, Ltd, and the opinion is
given that the figures compare very favourably with the
similar quantities for other green manures, with particular
reference to those published in the Czrewlars and Agricultural
Journal of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Ceylon, and it
is considered that, with a reasonable yield of material
per acre, the plant should prove to be a very valuable green
manure.
It is with much regret that the death of Mr. J. H.
Hart, F.L.S., late Superintendent of the Royal Botanic Gar-
dens, Trinidad, is placed on record. Mr. Hart had been
engaged directly in matters connected with agriculture in the
West Indies since 1875, first in Jamaica and then, from 1887
in Trinidad, where he occupied the post of Superintendent of
the Royal Botanic Gardens urtil 1908, when he retired on
the maximum pension, and took up the work of an expert
adviser in tropical agriculture. Mr. Hart’s keen interest in
almost all questions of tropical agiculture makes his death
a loss both locally, and in regard to those parts of the world
where the matters on which he was an authority are of
first importance.
92 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
GLEANINGS.
A report received from the Curator of the Botanic
Station, Montserrat, shows that the distribution of plants
during January last included: cane cuttings 9,600, cacao
plants 233.
A new regulation has been made by the Government of
Jamaica concerning the importation of flour, so that this is
not now permitted to be landed in that island in bags, but
must be packed in barrels.
The last annual report of the Secretary of the United
States Department of Agriculture shows that the value of
sugar and molasses imported into that country, during 1910,
was about one and a quarter million pounds sterling.
It is shown in a report from the British Acting Consul
at Dairen, Manchuria, that the export of sesamum seed from
Manchuria has begun lately to increase largely, because of
the higher prices in South China, resulting from a greater
demand. From two of the Manchurian ports, over 1,500 tons
was shipped to Japan during last November.
Copies of three leuflets, issued by the Permanent Exhi-
bitions Committee of British Guiana have been received.
These deal with the sugar industry, the balata and rubber
industries and the rice industry, and are produced in an
attractive and usefnl form which should help to arouse
and sustain interest, where it is required, in the subjects with
which they deal.
It is announced from the St. Lucia Botanic Station that
several thousand lime plants are now ready for distribution
in the island, from the nursery of the Agricultural Depart-
ment at Union. The price of the plants is 6d. per 100, at
the Botanic Station, and orders, together with the necessary
remittance, should be forwarded to Mr. J. C. Moore, the
Agricultural Superintendent.
The number of bales of cotton imported into the United
Kingdom during the fifty-two weeks ended December 29 was
3,773,012. This amount included 6,500 bales of British
West Indian cotton, 6,812 bales British West African, 16,209
bales British Hast African, and 24 bales of foreign East
African cotton. (From The Board of Trade Journal, Jan-
uary 5, 1911.)
A forecast of the cotton crop of Eastern Bengal and
Assam, dated December 10, 1910, states that the estimated
area is 99,100 acres. When it is considered that the crop in
this part of the country represents, on the average of the five
years ending 1908-9, about 0°3 per cent. of the total area,
some idea of the extent to which cotton-growing is carried
on in India may be obtained.
Marcu 18, 1911.
SS
Information has been received from the Curator of the
Botanic Station, Dominica, to the effect that the prospects
for a satisfactory caréme crop of cacao are fair. With regard
to cacao, it is announced that the judging in connexion with
the prize-holdings competitions in Dominica has been carried
out recently, with the assistance of that officer, when the work
entailed the inspection of no less than thirty-seven small
holdings.
The Agricultural Instructor for the Virgin Islands
reports that the total amount of seed-cotton purchased during
January 1911, was 55,877 Ib., for which payments were made
amounting to £735 $s. 9d. These figures constitute a record;
they are approached most nearly by those for December 1908,
when 43,000 Ib. of cotton was bought, the amount paid being
£439 8s. 3d. It is further stated that 17,780 Ib. (80 bales)
of cotton have been shipped so far, for the season, the value of
this being £1,333 10s., and the whole of it is reported to
be of first quality.
Through the courtesy of the Trustees of the British
Museum, Vol. I of Lhe Flora of Jamaica, which deals with
the Orchidaceae, has been received. This has been compiled
by Mr. William Faweett, B.Se., F.L S., late Director of
Public Gardens and Plantations, Jamaica; and Dr. Alfred
Barton Rendle, M.A., F.R.S., F.LS., Keeper of the Depart-
ment of Botany, British Museum (Natural History). The
work consists of 150 pages of text and 32 plates: it should
be of the greatest use to those who are interested in the
orchids of Jamaica.
It is stated in.an article entitled Some Useful Plants of
Mexico, in the Journal of the New York Botanical Garden
for January 1911, that there is the expectation that the seeds
of Argemone, a member of the poppy family, which is largely
represented in Mexico, will be used to produce an oil that
will eventually become an important article of commerce,
both in relation to medicine and its employment in the place
of some of the fixed oils This is somewhat interesting, in
view of the fact that one species of this genus, namely
Argemone mexicana, is very common in several of the West
Indian islands.
A new Ordinance, called the Importation of Plants Ordin-
ance, 1911, has been enacted in Uganda, to be read as one
with the Importation of Plants Ordinance, 1908. It provides
for the prohibition of particular importations and removals,
by special proclamation; the destruction of plants which in the
opinion of the Botanical Authority cannot be disinfected by
ordinary means; and the designation by the Governor of
any officer whom he may choose to act under the Ordinance,
A subsequent declaration under these Ordinances appoints
the Economie Entomologist to be the Botanical Authority for
the purposes of them.
The Field for February 4, 1911, states that the most
recent report of the National Sugar Beet Council is of an
encouraging nature and shows that plants giving 17-0 te 20-5
per cent. of sugar have yielded as much as 26 tons per acre,
in Cornwall, from 13 to 16 tons being common. The result
would indicate that roots with a high sugar content and
yielding a juice of satisfactory purity can be grown under
the conditions of the British climate. A further note, in the
next number of the same paper, shows that 19 tons per acre
of cleaned roots without tops has been obtained at Farnham,
Surrey, and that the juice of these gave, on analysis in Hol-
land, 164 per cent. of sugar,
Votnexer | Nos 2ae-
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 93
| - —n—
STUDENTS’ CORNER.
MARCH.
Seconp PeERrop,
Seasonal Notes.
In peasant cultivation, particularly, several different
kinds of crops are often planted in the same plot of ground.
Discuss the advisability cf adopting such a method of cultiva-
tion, especially in reference to the likelihood of obtaining
the best yields from the plants, and to the chances of attack
by insect and fungus pests. In the same relation, consider
the question of the desirability of growing green dressings
between the rows, in the case of certain crops. In peasant
cultivation, again, the trash is often removed from plots
where sugar-cane is being grown. What is likely to be the
result of such removal, in regard to the plant and with
respect to the soil? What is your opinion concerning the
trashing of land, in relation to the supply of plant food that
will be available from it?!
Where the flower-bud maggot of cotton has proved
itself to be a notable pest, records should be available
concerning the date of its appearance in the season just
ending, as well as in previous years. These will help in
arriving at a decision as to whether early or late planting is
advisable in connexion with the power to minimize the
destructive effect of this pest. Where cotton is still standing,
and attacks of leaf-blister mite are taking place, a comparison
might be made of the effectiveness of picking off infected
growths, with that of dusting with lime and sulphur, in
relation to the problem of preventing its spread. What is
the place of the leaf-blister mite in the Animal Kingdom,
and what are the chief matters of importance in its life-
history? Give an account of the flower-bud maggot, particu-
larly in relation to the stages which are passed through by
it, and include any reasons that are suggested for the great
difficulties that exist in connexion with the eradication of
’ this pest. A detailed account of it is to be found in the
West Indian Bulletin, Vol. X, p. 1.
Make a list of the different varieties of sweet potatoes
with which you are familiar, and to which you have access.
From time to time, careful note should be taken of the chief
characteristics of these varieties, with special reference to the
shape of the leaves and roots, their colour and its distribu-
tion in the case of the leaves, as well as in connexion with
the quality of the product, its yield, and the resistance of the
different kinds to diseases and pests. If these matters are
noted on a list which has been made, as is described above,
they will give useful information with regard to the plant
itself, and will form a guide in selecting varieties for future
planting.
Further work in connexion with varietal differences of
plants may well be done at the present time with the sugar-
cane. Observations should be made continually for the pur-
pose of attaining the ability to name the different kinds
after a short examination. This leads to the practical use of
the knowledge that has been gained, for it will be possible
now to make notes on definite characters of the varieties,
special attention being given to the yields that are
obtained from them, the time that each takes to come to
maturity, and the power to resist disease which it exhibits,
It isa well-known fact that certain varieties of sugar-cane,
especially, develop noticeable differences in their appearance,
as well as to some extent in their sugar content, in relation
to the surroundings in which they are grown. Of what use
to plants is the power to vary under different conditions, and
how, in a general way, may advantage be taken of this power
by the agriculturist ? For guidance in making observations
on the time of maturity of different kinds of sugar-cane, it
may be stated that this is comparatively short in the case of
B.208; while B.147 is a late maturing cane. What hint does
this give us in regard to the use of one or the other of these
canes for supplying dead holes ?
Why is it important that, in reaping, the cane should
be cut as low down as possible, giving attention to other
considerations than that of obtaining the largest yield
of cane per acre? Where the stumps of plant canes
are being left in the ground for a ratoon crop, a careful
examination should be conducted for the purpose of determin-
ing if root disease is present, and to what extent this is
the case, in order that it may be decided if it will be well to
raise a ratoon crop at all in that part of the ground. What
are the signs that you would look for in conducting observa-
tions of this nature? In cases where the disease is seen to
be particularly prevalent, what are the proper precautions to
be taken in order to lessen its chances of spread, and its
opportunity to do damage to succeeding crops, as far as
possible?
It should not be necessary at the present time to remind
those whose work is conducted on sugar estates that every
thing that is possible should be done now, in order to gain
a good knowledge of the processes that are employed for the
manufacture of sugar. The student will have regard, firstly,
to the method used on the estate on which his work is done.
He should then take all possible opportunities of gaining infor-
mation concerning other methods, with the object of comparing
the different kinds that come under his notice, in respect to
their efficiency and adaptability under particular conditions.
Inany case, he should not be satisfied as long as there remains
any part of the process for the adoption of which he has not
been placed in possession of an adequate reason, and of the
working of which he is not supplied with a well understood
explanation.
Questions for Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS.
(1) How would you show the existence of capillary
attraction! Of what use is this in relation to growing plants?
(2) How is quicklime made? What changes take place
in its properties after it has been wetted?
(3) Give a general account of the effects of tillage on
the soil.
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS.
(1) What is meant by saying that manuring with lime
may be equivalent to manuring with potash?
(2) How does the soil retain water, even though it is
well drained?!
(8) Describe the way in which it may be shown that
starch is formed in green leaves, in sunlight.
FINAL QUESTIONS,
(1) What are the chief differences in character between
molasses and syrup, or fancy molasses, and how do these
differences depend upon the manner in which they are
respectively obtained?
(2) Give a discussion of the ways in which the presence
of an excess of water in the soil may be harmful to plants,
(3) Taking into consideration the conditions that obtain
on an estate with which you are familiar, discuss the advan-
tages of the use of green dressings on that estate.
94 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Marcu 18, 1911.
FUNGUS NOTES.
RECENT WORK WITH FUNGUS
PARASITES OF SCALE
INSECTS.
In the Agricultural News of September 18, 1909 (Vol.
VIII, p. 299), a short account was given of the fungi known
to be parasitic upon scale insects in the West Indies, and this
preliminary paper was followed by another inthe West Indian
Bulletin, Vol. XI, p. 1, where a detailed account of their
known distribution and hosts was given. It was also point-
ed out that for various reasons these fungi were likely to
prove a useful means of controlling scale insects, provided
that they were employed in the right way. Experiments
have been conducted recently with one of these, the shield
scale fungus (Cephalosporiwm lecani:), in Barbados and Gren-
ada, which furnish some interesting additional information;
while general observations in Grenada have indicated the
advisability of paying careful attention to one or two matters
which will be mentioned below.
GRENADA. As is well known, many of the trees in this
island have been subject in recent years to bad attacks of
scale insects, attended by black blight fungus. These are
found on very many different trees, but are commonest on the
mango. The scale insects chiefly associated with the black
blight fungus, on whatever species of plants it occurs, are the
soft shield scales, members of the genus Coccus, which are
persistently attacked by the shield scale fungus. In conse-
quence of this, experiments were undertaken with a view to
extending as widely as possible the distribution of this
useful fungus throughout the island, as it was known
to occur there, but appeared to be limited to the
Botanic Gardens and their neighbourhood, at the extreme
leeward end of the island. The Superintendent of Agri-
culture sent out packages of leaves bearing specimens of
soft shield scales attacked by the fungus, with the request
that they might be tied carefully into any big mango tree on
the estate to which they were sent, provided that the tree
was badly infected with black blight. A request was also
made that any results obtained as regards freeing the tree
from black blight and scale insects might be carefully noted.
In addition, experiments were conducted under the direction
of the Superintendent of Agriculture for the purpose of ex-
tending the distribution of the fungus in the Botanic Gardens
themselves. As a result of these experiments, the fungus
has become definitely established at two localities in the
interior of the island, and its distribution in the Botanic
Gardens has been extended. The trees on which it has
spread successfully have been almost entirely freed from
scale insects and, in consequence, are not nearly so severely
affected with black blight. It was noted, moreover, that the
fungus had spread to a species of scale insect that it had
never been known to attack before, namely the mealy shield
scale (Pulvinaria pyriformis), which occurred on a cinnamon
tree in the gardens.
Although the fungus mentioned cannot yet be said to
have attained anything approaching universal distribution in
the island, yet the experiments show that this much desired
result might be attained, by means of diligent and persist-
ent effort, in a reasonably short space of time.
BARBADOS. In November 1910, the Superintendent of
Agriculture observed the shield scale fungus attacking the
black scale (Sazssetia niyra) on some branches of Hibiscus,
and made use of this material to infect the green and mango
shield scales (Coccus viridis and Coceus mangiferue) on guava
and mango plants at the Botanie Station at Dodd’s Reform-
atory. The results were so satisfactory that similar experi-
ments were conducted at Queen’s Park, and these were
also attended with success. In fact, in February, the Superin-
tendent of Agriculture reported that it was difficult to find
in the infected trees scales which were not attacked by the
fungus.
Information as to the discovery made in Grenada that
the shield scale fungus could attack the mealy shield scale
was communicated by the Imperial Commissioner of Agricul-
ture to the local Department of Agriculture, Barbados. As
a result, examination was made in February of certain
trees at Dodd’s Reformatory, of Java plum (Hugenia
Jambolana) and rose apple (Hugenia Jambos), on which
this scale was known to be living, and it was found
that individual insects were attacked by the fungus in
that locality, also. In order to hasten the spread of the
parasite, the Superintendent of Agriculture caused certain
branches of the Barbados cherry (Malpighia glabra), on
which the scale insects had been destroyed by it, to be tied
into the Java plum and rose apple trees, with the result that
the spread of the fungus has gradually increased.
These experiments afford most striking confirmation of
the results that might be expected in consequence of careful
and well directed applications, not only of the shield scale
fungus, but also of all the species known to destroy scale
insects in these islands.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. One of the most important
points requiring consideration when employing these fungi,
is that they have not yet become distributed throughout the
whole of several of the islands. Consequently, where this is
the case, if their spread is left entirely to natural means, it
may be many years before their benefit becomes at all evi-
dent, and in certain cases, their effect might never be so large
as to be of much practical service. Thus, in order to obtain
the best results as quickly as possible, every effort should be
made to increase their distribution artificially by means
similar to those indicated above. This effort, moreover, must
be sustained, the infection experiments being repeated until
they are definitely successful.
In conducting these experiments, certain points should
be remembered. The trees chosen for infection should be
situated at the windward end of the district to be treated;
this applies especially to narrow valleys. The material should
be tied in at the top, and on the windward side of the trees;
while it is advisable also to cause the infected leaves to come
into fairly close contact with the under sides of the leaves to
be infected, as it ison the under side of the leaf that the
majority of the scale insects occur
Again, even when infection has been established, it is
possible that after an interval reinfection may become necess-
ary; for if all the scale insects are killed the fungus dies, so
that a new attack of insects will make it necessary to
introduce more fungus.
Even when a given fungus has become well established
in an island, efforts to increase its prevalence by artificial
means will almost certainly be necessary, in order to ensure
that its spread keeps pace with that of its hosts. This is
particularly the case in seasons unfavourable to the fungus,
which are bound to be of periodic occurrence.
Although there is need of continuous effort and of sus-
tained artificial encouragement in order to induce these fungi
to do the work required of them, yet there can be little
doubt of their economic usefulness. It may be added that
no such sustained effort has as yet been made, so that the
present condition of affairs cannot be taken as any criterion
of the possible effect of these parasites in controlling the
scale insects of the West Indies.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 95
WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS.
DRUGS AND SPICES ON THE LONDON
MARKET.
Mr. J. R. Jackson. A.L.S., has forwarded the fol-
lowing report on the London drug and spice market,
for the month of february :—
The month of February opened well in Mincing Lane
in the matter of drugs and chemicals, but with spices much
less interest has been shown. The greatest activity prevailed
in the middle of the month, and affected products of Eastern
origin rather than those of the West, but the general tone of
the markets was considered, by buyers and sellers alike, as
highly satisfactory, both in the quantities brought forward,
as well as in the prices realized. The drug that is still
attracting perhaps the most interest is Buchu, the leaves of
species of Barosma from Cape Colony, which at the time of
writing are fetching as much as 4s. 3d. per Ib. The interest
shown in, and the demand for, this drug are proved from the
facts that in the month of December 1909, the exports from
Cape Colony amounted to 13,885 1b., valued at £585, while
in December last (1910) the exports were only 6,727 tb, and
the value £563.
GINGER.
The demand for this article has been very slow. In the
early part of the month it was represented by only 215 bags «
of Cochin, which were sold without reserve at 47s. 6d. to 48s.
Again later, some 300 packages of Japan were brought for-
ward, and sold without reserve at 38s, to 40s. per ewt.
NUTMEGS, MACE AND PIMENTO.
On the Sth of the month, 190 packages of West Indian
nutmegs were brought forward, and partly sold at the follow-
ing rates: 56’s 10d., 58’s 9d., 84’s 8d., 68’s to 70’s 7d. and
in proportion down to 120’s at 4d. to 44d. Later in the
month, 16 packages of West Indian were offered and sold, 67’s
fetching 53d., 90’s 5d., 104’s to 109’s 4}d. to 5d. Some 51
packages from the east were also offered and partly sold; 60’s
realizing 8d., 85’s 6d. and 100’s 4¢d. Mace was represented
on the 8th by 58 packages West Indian, which sold at
2s. 3d. to 2s. 7d. per tb. Pimento has been very little in
demand, and the offerings mostly bought in, and the same
may be said with regard to arrowroot.
SARSAPARILLA.
Grey Jamaica and Lima-Jamaica have been scarce
during the month, and enquiries have been made for both.
Their absence has been the cause, at the latter part of the
month ,of a greater demand for native Jamaica. At auction
on the 9th this quality was however slow of sale. Some 11
bales were bought in at 10d. per Ib., while 4 bales out of
another offering of 21 bales sold at 114d. to 113d. per bb. for
dull mixed to fair red,; yellow fetched 7d. per tb. At the
same sale, 4 packages of Honduras were bought in at 1s. 2d.
per Ib. At the last auction on the 23rd, grey and Lima-
Jamaica were still absent, with the result that a few bales of
native Jamaica fetched slightly increased prices, 10d. to 1s.
being paid for dullish red mixed.
KOLA, LIME JUICE AND LIME OIL.
At auction in the middle of the month, 5 bags of West
Indian kola were offered and sold at 33d. per tb. for dull
and dark, and at the last sale 34d. per tb. was paid for 7
barrels of fair dried West Indian. In connexion with the
continental trade in kola, it may be interesting to say that
the West African crops are reported to be very small, with
the result that prices have risen considerably, and further
advances are expected, especially as the stock at Hamburg
is said to be small. The business in concentrated West
Indian lime juice has been small at prices from £18 2s, 6.
to £18 7s. 6d. Raw West Indian, for which there has been
a fair demand, has fetched from 1s. per gallon upward. For
hand pressed West Indian lime oil 5s. to 5s. 3d. per bb.
has been paid, and for West Indian distilled oil ls. 1d. to
1s. 2d.
A NEW METHOD OF COAGULATING
RUBBER LATEX.
The process, devised by Mr. W. F. Dern, chemist to
the Mexico Latex Company, consists of two stages, the first
being the preservation of the latex. For this purpose the
latex is filtered the first day it is collected; thereby particles
of bark and other impurities are removed. A preserving
powder, discovered by Dern, is then well mixed in, and this
sets up a kind of fermentation. When this fermentation
has subsided, the latex is prepared for transport by being
enclosed in hermetically sealed drums. The latex prepared
in this way will remain in its natural state for months. At
the works it first undergoes another treatment with a second
compound discovered by Dern, 2 litres of this liquid being
sufficient for 5 gallons of latex. The mixture is then treated
in a centrifugal machine, this process taking from twenty to
thirty minutes. By these means the objectionable resins and
protein substances are separated, and there remains, accord-
ing to statements of the company, a pure, well-preserved,
nervy, non-sticky raw product. The yield naturally varies
according to the nature of the latex. With Castilloa latex
about 35 per cent. of pure rubber is obtained, and 10 per
cent. of rubber resins; with Hevea brasiliensis, up to 40 per
cent. of pure rubber and 6 per cent. of rubber resins. The
value of the rubber resins amounts to about 50 per cent. of
that of the pure rubber, and when working with large
quantities of latex it covers the total cost of treatment
The rubber thus obtained is immediately passed through
the washing rollers and dried, and is ready for despatch within
twenty-four hours; the rubber resins are obtained two days
later. With the plant, as at present used in San Juan Bautista,
namely, one motor, two presses, and twenty mixing machines,
about 200 gallons of latex can be treated daily. The com-
pound used to bring about coagulation can be used
repeatedly, and when it is finally too weak, its original
strength can be restored by distillation and the addition of
about 20 per cent. of spirit. At present the rubber produced
by this process is shipped to Hamburg, where it is said to find
a ready sale at a good price; rubber resin is sold in the
United States. Up to now the process has only been tested
with Hevea, Castilloa and balata. It should, however, be
applicable to other sorts with equal results. As for the pro-
duct of the new method, reports must be awaited. (The
India- Rubber Journal, January 28, 1911.)
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Marcu 18, 1911.
96
Barbados,—Messrs. T. 8. Garraway & Co., March 13,
1911; Messrs. James A. Lyncnu & Co., March 6,
1911.
Arrowroot—St. Vincent, $4°50 to 4°70 per 100 th.
Cacao—$12'00 to $12°50 per 100 th.
Cocoa-NuTS—$20°00.
CoFFEE—Jamaica and ordinary Rio, $13°50 to $14°50 per
100 tb. scarce.
Hay—$1°40 to $1°50 per 100 tb.
Manvures—Nitrate of soda, $65°00; Cacao manure, $42-00
Cacao—Trinidad, 57/- to 66/- per cwt.; Grenada, 52/- to $48-00; Sulphate of ammonia, $75:00 per ton.
to 57/-; Jamaica, no quotations. Motasses—No quotations.
Correr—Jamaica, 57/- to 65/6. On1ons—$2°50 to $3°50 per 100 th.
Copra—West Indian, £22 5s. per ton. ; Peas, Sprit—$5°8u to $6°10 per bag of 210 th.; Canada,
MARKET REPORTS.
London.—Txe Wesr Ixpra ComMirree CIRCULAR,
February 28, 1911; Messrs. E. A. Dz Pass & Co.,
February 4, 1911.
ArRrowroot—2d. to did.
Batata—Sheet, 4/- ; block, 3/1 per th.
Brerswax—No quotations.
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota- $4°25 per bag of 120 tb.
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 18d. to 20d.
Fruir—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
Gincer—Quiet.
Honey—No quotations.
Istnciass—No quotations.
Lime Juice—Raw, 11d. to 1/-; concentrated, £18 2s. 6d.
to £18 7s. 6d.; Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/- to 5/3,
nominal.
Locwoop—No quotations.
Mace—Firm.
Nurmecs—Quiet.
Pimento—(Quiet.
Russper—Para, fine hard, 6/103: fine soft, 6/1; fine Peru,
6/7 per tb.
Rum—Jamaica, 1/6 to G/- per gallon.
Sucar—Crystals, 14/9 to 18/5; Muscovado, 13/-; Syrup,
9/6 to 12/6; Molasses, no quotatioas.
New York,—Messrs. GittespiE Bros. & Co., February
24. Sia
Cacao—Caracas, 12c. to 125c. ; Grenada, 113c. to 11£c. ;
Trinidad, 12c. to 124c. per th.; Jamaica, 10}. to 114c.
Cocoa-nuts—Jamaica, select, $30°00 to $31:00; culls,
$18-00; Trinidad, select, $30°00 to $31-00; culls,
$1800 per M.
CorrrE—Jamaica, 12$c. to 18c. per fb.
Gincer—9c. to 12c. per tb
Goat Sxins—No quotations.
Grapve-Fruit—Jamaica, $1°50 to $2°00 per box.
Limes—$4°75 to $5:°00.
Macr—4lc. to 48c. per th.
Nurmecs—110’s, 10c. to 10}c. per th.
Orancres—Jamaica, $125 to $1°50.
Pimento—4c. per fb.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3°67c. per Ib.; Muscovados,
89°, 3:17c.; Molasses, 89°, 2°92c. per tbh., all duty
paid.
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., March 6,
1911.
Cacao—Venezuelan, $12°10 per fanega; Trinidad, $11°25
to $12-00.
Cocoa-NuT O1L—96c. per Imperial gallon.
Corrre—Venezuelan,\l6c. per tb.
Copra—$4°30 per 100 th.
DxHar—$3°30.
Ontons $2°75 to $4:00 per 100 Ib.
Pras, Sprit—$5‘90 to $6:00 per bag.
Porators—English, $1°80 to $1°90 per 100 tb.
Rice—Yellow, $4°30 to $4°35; White, $5°40 to $5°50
per bag.
Sucar—4 meriean crushed, $5°50 to $5°60 per 100 fh.
Potators—Nova Scotia, $2°00 to $2°25 per 160 th.
RiceE—Ballam, $4°85;
Patna,
$2-90 to $3-00 per 100 th.
Suear—No quotations.
$3°50 to $3:80; Rangoon,
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wrerinc & RicurEr, March
4, 1911; Mes
March 3, 1911.
srs. SANDBACH,
PaRKER & Co,,
ARTICLES.
ArrowRroot—St. Vincent
Batata— Venezuelablock
Demerara sheet
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STARCH—
Cocoa-NUTS—
CorrEE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
DHaL—
Green Dhal
Eppors—
Motasses—Yellow
Ontons—Teneriffe
Madeira
Peas—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Porators—Nova Scotia
Lisbon
Porators—Sweet, B’bados
Rice—Ballam
Creole
Tannias—
Yams— White
Buck
Sucar—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
Timber —Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
Cordwood
”
Messrs. WIsETING
& RicHtTer.
$9°25 to $9°50
per 200 tb.
No quotation
81c. per tb.
lle. per th.
96e.
$6°50
$12 to $16 per M
l6c. per tb.
19¢. per tb.
105c. to 1le. per th.
$3°50 per bag of |
168 th.
$4:00
$1:92
None
6c.
$5°75 to 85-90 per
bag (210 tb.)
$450
20c. to 72c.
$2°75
$144 per bag
No quotation
$5°00 to $5°50
$2°40 per bag
$2-16
$2-40
2°50 to $2°40
$2-70 to $3-00
34-00
$2°10 to $2°30
32c. to 5d5c. per
cub. foot
$3°75 to $6:00
per M.
$1:80 to $200
per ton
Messrs. SAnp-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$9°25 to $9°50
Prohibited
72c. to 80c.
10c. to 11c. per fb.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
selected
l16e. per tb.
19c.per tb.
lle. per fb.
$3°75 per bag of
168 tb.
6c.
$600 per bag
(210 tb.)
No quotation
$2-75
No quotation
$5:00 to $5°25
None
$2°65 to $2°75)
$4°00 to $4°25
None
32c. to 55c. per
cub. foot
$4:00 to $6-00
per M.
No quotation
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Vou. X. No. 233.
CONTENTS.
PAGE. PaGE.
Agricultural Effort, Stimul- Germination of Hevea
ation of 5. Hee 97 | Seeds ... 111
Agricultural Research, |Gleanings ... ... 108
Centralization of ... 104, Insect Notes :—
Agriculture and rade of The Green Seale ... 106
Martinique, 1909 ... 104! The Mole Cricket in
Agriculture in Anguilla ... 101, Trinidad bean) cae LOG
Broom Corn Industry in Machine for Felling Trees 105
the United States ... 105, Market Reports --. 112
Cocoa-nut Cultivation in Mosquito Larvae in Drink-
Antigua . 100} log Water 224)... 105
OnttonieNctese= Notes and Comments LO4
Natural Geen of Cote Recent Agricultural Shows 107
Fe = 102 Tuce in British Guiana ... LOL
The Supply efRaw Cots jocneols Show im Tobago’ 10p
tort Cone cad F108 Students Corner 109
West Indian Cotton ... 102) SUS*™ Ea os)
Improved Sugar Machin-
Department News ... ery in St. Lucia 99
Fungus Notes : | The Production of Sugar-
Some Diseases of the | Cane Seedling Varie-
Banana Spor EI) ties in Louisiana 99
The Stimulation of Agricultural
Effort.
)GRICULTURAL work, in its broadest sense,
6 2
YF} means that the
mi purpose of assisting and directing the devel-
opment of industries which are concerned with the pro-
duction from the soil of things useful to man. It
includes efforts to introduce and grow new products,
and to bring about the best conditions under which
AN
which is undertaken for
they will thrive, as well as to maintain a progressive
standard of agricultural practice in relation to every-
BARBADOS, APRIL 1, 1911.
Price ld,
thing that is grown for use. Such work cannot attain
to its best fruition unless means exist for its stimulation
and encouragement, and it will be well to consider
generally how it originates, and the manner in which
the impulses arise that cause its inception, and make
for its progress.
The chief ways in which agricultural effort in any
given direction is stimulated are through the operation
of commercial interests; through the desire by private
individuals for investigation and advice; and through
suggestions on tke part of agricultural departments
and similar bodies, arising from their experience and
work. ‘there is also the incentive to such effort that
comes from the direct action of Governments; but this
action is most generally taken as a result of the inde-
pendent indication of a need, so that Governments may
be regarded as being the media through which the
stimulus acts. In other words, they often form useful
means of directing and encouraging effort that has
already been suggested through any of the channels
that have just been mentioned.
Commercial methods for the inception and encour-
agement of agricultural work are becoming employed
more frequently than has been the case in the past.
The eftorts of the late Sir Alfred Jones, in relation to
the West Indies and West Africa, form an example of
work of the kind that has been undertaken on a large
scale. Many other illustrations of the same phase are
available in the West Indies, notably those having
relation to the introduction of improved methods of
sugar-making, in Antigua and St. Kitts, as well as to
the development of the citrus industry and timber re-
sources—the former in Dominica and Montserrat, more
especially, and the latter particularly in the first-
mentioned island. These do not by any means exhaust
NEW
BOTAR
GARE
98 THE AGRICULTURAL
the illustrations of such effort, nor do they include the
great extent to which the resources of Jamaica, Trin-
idad and British Guiana are being developed by com-
mercial bodies.
instances of the large degree to which the exigencies
of trade and the supply of raw material are increasing
continually the amount of agricultural effort through-
out the world. They have a larger interest in the
present connexion—an interest which is bound up
with the fact that they nearly all illustrate the greater
measure in which the necessity is being recognized for
obtaining the co-operation of the scientific adviser, in
order that the best results may be achieved. The
interests of agricultural commerce demand the exist-
ence of the agricultural department, and often require,
further, the services of the trained expert immed-
iately employed by those under whose direction the
commercial activities are sustained.
They are merely cited as_ being
The second stimulus to agricultural effort, as has
been stated, is concerned with the expressed desire on
the part of individuals for the adoption of some definite
policy, for the purpose of the improvement of agricul-
tural conditions in a given instance. This desire may
arise through the existence of a declining state of
a particular industry, through untoward natural or
economic circumstances; these may be the prevalence of
pests in the first case, or that of unfavourable trading
conditions in the second. It may also be caused through
the recognition of the need for the development of new
industries, either to replace the old, or to provide
additional means of agricultural activity, especially
for the sake of the diversification of crops. There are
instances, too, where this desire for increased agricul-
tural effort has not led only to the attempt to gain the
jnterest of those who are responsible for the administra-
tion of ‘the Government or for the provision of agri-
cultural advice; the individuals themselves
decided to attempt a large part of the work, and this is
why the present generation is in possession of the
results, among others, of the labours of Lawes and
Gilbert at Rothamsted, of Coke of Holkham, and of
the Dukes of Bedford.
have
The stimulation of agricultural effort through the
aid of agricultural and botanical departments has its
first and greatest illustration in the work of the Royal
Botanic Gardens, Kew. Reference is made to this in
a recent article* by Sir W. 'T. Thistleton-Dyer, from
which some of the facts mentioned here are taken.
*What Science Has Done for the West Indies. Nature,
February 9, 1911, p. 477.
NEWS. Aprit 1, 1911.
For many years, Kew was almost solely responsible for
the work that was done for tropical countries in plant
economy, entomology and mycology. It would not be
possible to indicate here, even approximately, the extent
to which this has been the case. The value of its work
in the past, in the identification and distribution of
economic plants, cannot be judged adequately; the fact
of its being through Kew that the introduction of useful
rubber plants into India, Ceylon and the Federated
Malay States originally took place, and the circumstance
that it was largely on account of its useful advice that
the Government of India was able successfully to intro-
duce Cinchona into that country, are sufficient to give
some idea of the scope of its work, and of the accurate
foresight with which its schemes have been carried out.
In the plan of its activities which was sanctioned by
Parliament, recognition was made of its duties in rela-
tion to commerce and agriculture: in fine, in the words
of the article to which reference has been made above,
‘The history of Kew...atiords one of the earliest
instances...of the recognition of the duty of the State
to promote scientific knowledge in the public interest.’
Among matters that affect more nearly the concerns of
the West Indies is the circumstance that it was from
Kew that the first suggestion came for the application
of the principle of chemical selection for the zmprove-
ment of the sugar-cane; and, as is stated in the article
quoted above, it was this institution that directed the
attention of the Colonial Office to the importance of
the selection of varieties raised from seed, for the same
purpose.
Turning from the consideration of detail, the
history of the past and present activities of Kew is
illustrative of the work that is now being done by
a number of agricultural and botanical departments,
each placed where it will most usefully serve its purpose.
Tt has been stated already, that the work of Govern-
ments is most usually concerned with the administra-
tion of schemes that have been indicated as necessary
through other channels. Some of the most extensive
work of the kind has been done by the Indian Govern-
ment, particularly in relation to tea and rubber. In
the West Indies, part of the agricultural activity in
some of the islands, especially St. Vincent and the Vir-
gin Islands, is directly regulated and fostered by the
local Government; and there is, in relation to the for-
mer island and Barbados, the circumstance that the
Governments were responsible tor the appointment of
a Commission to investigate the sugar-cane diseases
which caused great losses during certain years in the
decade 1890-1900. In St. Vincent, too, Government is
Vou. X. No. 233. THE
AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 99
responsible for the administration of the Land Settle-
ment Scheme, and, as regards the sugar industry more
directly, the central factory scheme in Antigua, to take
an example, was originally fostered by it. ‘These exam-
ples simply serve the purpose of illustration. Others
have existed, but are no longer found; for it must be
understood that the object of Governmental work in
such connexions is most generally the provision of
necessary pioneering activity and initial encourage-
ment, further developments being left to individuals
and corporations acting under the advice of agricul-
tural departments.
It remains to be pointed out that the consideration
of the matters with which this article deals draws
attention to the necessity for endeavouring to gain
a reasonable mental estimate of the extent and impor-
tance of the work of the past. The attempt to compare
present conditions with those which might have
obtained under better and more ideal systems of
working has a useful purpose; but it is of much impor-
tance to compare the progress that has been made in
matters of agriculture and commerce during the phases
that are past, in order to appreciate the improved
circumstances of the present.
couragement for the future, and will make for the
attainment of knowledge by which the progress to
come will be still more stimulated and hastened.
SUGAR INDUSTRY.
THE PRODUCTION OF SUGAR-CANE
SEEDLING VARIETIES IN
LOUISIANA.
Many attempts have been made, since the year 1890, to
produce sugar-cane seedling varieties in Louisiana. These
are reviewed shortly in Vol. I, No. 4, of the American L) ced-
ers’ Magazine, where it is pointed out that these efforts
attained no success until the work was taken up a few years
ago by Mr. A. E. Weller, whose labours. are first described
in a report of the Louisiana Sugar [xperiment Station,
issued in 1908.
The article in the periodical mentioned gives informa-
tion concerning the continuation of this work, and it is from
this that the following facts are taken. The preparation for
the investigation consisted in addressing requests to various
Governments, agricultural departments, experiment stations,
botanic gardens, sugar companies and individuals, through-
out the world, for cane seeds with which it might be conduct-
ed. A list of the contributors who replied to this request
includes, in the British West Indies, Dr. Francis Watts,
CM.G., then in Antigua, Mr. J. C. Waldron, Antigua,
Mr. J. R. Bovell, Barbados, Mr. F. Evans, Port-of-Spain,
Trinidad, the Department of Agriculture, Trinidad, and the
Department of Agriculture, Jamaica. Of the material sent,
only nine varieties gave seedlings; of these six were from
Antigua, two from Barbados and one from Jamaica, the
This will provide en-
canes with which success was obtained being B.147, B.208,
B.306, B.1355, B.3412, D.95, D.109, D.115, and one
with no number, sent from Antigua. Of these D. 109 was
the most prolific, giving as many as 194 seedlings, whereas
the next in order—B.147—gave 77, while any of the others did
not produce more than five. The largest number of germina-
tions was obtained from the seed sent by Mr. Waldron, and
as is stated, this is all the more remarkable because of the
opinion that the sugar-cane in Antigua rarely bears fertile
seed. The greater success of this material is suggested to
be due to the fact that the arrows were shipped in large
bundles, so that they arrived in a better state than if
they had been sent by mail, and to the circumstance that
the material was in its best condition when it was gathered.
The conclusions to be drawn from the work are rather
suggestive than final; they indicate however, that the produc-
tion of new seedling varieties of sugar-cane in Louisiana will
become of much commercial value to that State.
Investigations with the canes that were raised have
shown that while L.92 gavea richer juice than D.74, at first,
it has deteriorated since. Other Louisiana canes, namely
L.201, L.248, 1.450 and L511, which were propagated in
1908, have shown a similar superiority to D.74, but in the
light of the experience with L.92, it remains for further work
to demonstrate if this superiority will be maintained.
The value of the work is to be increased by the co-opera-
tion of the Bureau of Entomology, which proposes to investi-
gate the power of the different varieties to resist insect attacks
so that choice from them will be enabled to be made from
a consideration of this factor, as well as from those that have
usually been given attention, in the past. It isexpeeted that
similar co-operation will be made with the Bureau of Plant
Industry, in regard to investigations of the resistaneeto plant
diseases.
IMPROVED SUGAR MACHINERY IN
ST. LUCIA.
Information has been received from Mr. J. C. Moore,
Agricultural Superintendent, St. Lucia, that a new 6-roller
crushing plant has been erected at the Cul-de-Sac factory in
that island, as an addition to that which is in existence
already. The new plant consists of two horizontal 3-roller
mills, 30 x 60 inches, fitted with Siemens-Martin mild steel
gudgeons, journals 16 x 16 inches, cast steel pinions, Rousselot
head-stocks, water-jacketed brasses, a cast steel Rocker type
trash turner, patent toggle pressure-regulating apparatus, and
a compound spur gearing to enable the two mills to be driven
from one engine. The engine itself is of the Corliss type,
with a 26-inch cylinder having a 48-inch stroke, fitted with
piston valve and link motion reversing gear.
The machinery has been supplied by Messrs. Mirrlees
Watson & Co., Ltd., and was erected under the supervision
of one of the engineers employed by this firm. The Cul-de-
Sac factory is therefore now equipped with an efficient
9-roller crushing plant of a modern type.
A trial of the plant was made on March 1, when its
working appeared to be satisfactory in every way. It is
estimated that the possession of the additional crushing plant
should increase the efliciency of the factory by at least
18 per cent. It seems that the Cul-de-Sac Company is to be
congratulated on the valuable addition to the equipment,
which may now be considered to be well up-to-date.
It is of interest that this company does not confine its
attention to the cultivation of sugar-cane, as it possesses about
100 acres in cacao cultivation and 40 in limes, the trees in
both cases being nearly all in bearing.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Aprin 1, 1911.
BRUITS AND FRUIT TREES.
COCOA-NUT CULTIVATION IN ANTIGUA.
A paper on cocoa-nut cultivation in Antigua was
read by Mr T. Jackson, Curator of the Botanic Stauion,
at a general meeting of the Antigua Agricultural and
Commercial Society, held on March 10, 1911, an abstract
of which has been forwarded by Mr. H. A. Tempany, B.Sc.,
Superintendent of Agriculture forthe Leeward Islands:—
Tn the course of his remarks Mr. Jackson pointed out
that, at the present moment, there are 15V acres under cocoa-
nuts in Antigua. The majority of the plants for this area
were raised at the Botanic Station, from which institution
some 7,500 plants have been sent out during the last few
years. Unfortunately, here, as in other places, a large per-
centage of the nuts fail to germinate, and it is advisable to
have about 40 per cent. more nuts in the nursery than the
number of plants that it is desired to plant out in the field.
The best germination has been obtained when the nuts are
planted horizontally, or with the pointed ends turned upward.
This agrees with experiments conducted in various parts
of the world, which indicate that the least successful results
are given when the nuts are planted vertically, with the points
either upwards or downwards,
When one considers that there are about sixty varieties
of this palm, the difference between each mainly consisting
in variations in size, shape and character of the fruit, it will
be seen how necessary it is for seed nuts to be rigidly selected.
They should be obtained from middle-aged trees of robust
growth, and should be allowed to mature on the trees, and
when picked should be lowered, and not thrown down. The
size of the nuts must also be considered, depth of flesh and
thickness of husk being factors to take into consideration
when selecting seed for planting purposes.*
The question as to the type of soil best suited to the
cocoa-nut palm is not easily answered, but it is generally
acknowledged that a deep alluvial soil, or that of a sandy
nature, possessing moving underground water, situated at no
great distance from the sea is a type in which it flourishes.
Speaking generally, as far as Antigua is concerned, it
would appear that the land situated between Old Road and
Claremont, chiefly that included in Claremont estate, is prob-
ably the part best suited to the requirements of this crop.
In addition to this, there are numerous pieces of land suit-
: *See also Agricultural News, Vol. IX, p. 244.—Ed. ALN.
able to its cultivation, some forming gentle slopes to the
sea, and others valleys, possessing underground supplies of
water, which this deev-rooting palm would tap. Types of
soils to be avoided are thin gravels, and those of a particu-
larly clayey nature.
In the existing plantations, the soil is of a very sandy
nature, apparently not containing an adequate supply of food
for the immediate use of the young plants. Consequently,
for some time after planting, the foliage of the trees is yellow
and, on the whole, unhealthy-looking. As the plants become
established and root systems of comparatively large dimen-
sions are formed, the general appearance of the trees improves
considerably. A probable explanation of this Is that the
roots reach underground water, which undoubtedly exists in
the land in question. By the aid of the additional nourish-
ment thus placed at their disposal, they increase in vigour
and the plants are better able to withstand the attacks of
scale insects. The improvement is decidedly noticeable after
the latter have attained a height of about 3 feet. Such soil
conditions are generally acknowledged to be suitable to the
requirements of this crop.
lt is much too early to estimate when these plantations
will be in bearing. On good land, the time from the planting
of the crop to the first return is usually given as six years, and
under such conditions, the plants are in full bearing in eight
or nine years. If artificial watering were resorted to until
the plants were firmly established, the time of fruiting would
be hastened consideral ily.
With the exception of scale insects, cocoa-nuts do not at
the present time, in Antigua, suffer from the attacks of
any serious pests, as far as can be gathered; only one attacks
these palms to any great extent, that 1s Asprdiotus destructor.
For some time after planting, this pest seriously retards
the general development of the trees. The larger trees,
however, some of which are between 14 and 16 feet high,
appear to have sutfticient vigour to withstand successfully the
attacks.
The planting of this crop in Antigua is only in its
experimental stage, but the general appearance of the planta-
tions, started some three or four years ago, is on the whole
encouraging.
One very obvious conclusion that can be drawn from
these plantings is that when cocoa-nut plants are raised in
soil of a nature similar to that under consideration, they
should be provided with sufficient plant food to tide them
over the first two years of their existence. This might be
VoL. X... No. 233.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
101
done by growing and turning under crops of green dressings;
as it is generally admitted that the increased_returns from
such treatment more than compensate for the extra outlay.
In the discussion which followed the reading of the
paper, several members of the society took part. During the
course of it, Mr. Tempany called attention to the fact that
beside the south-western district, in which practically all the
planted areas existed, Antigua possessed numerous places
which in his opinion were favourable to the growth of cocoa-
nuts, and mentioned in particular the coast lands of the
northern and windward districts, in which part he thought
that, notwithstanding the low rainfall, numerous suitable
areas could be found, by reason of the plentiful supply of
underground. water existing there. He pointed out that,
with present prices, the industry was highly profitable.
Mr. G. N. Sahasrabuddhe made some remarks on the
subject of the cocoa-nut industry in the Bombay province of
India. Here cocoa-nut plantaticns thrived best near the
sea shore; though the cocoa-nut did grow as far inland as
150 to 200 miles from the sea, it thrived best up to 5 or 6
miles trom the coast, as it requires a constant sea-breeze. It
grew well on sandy soils, free from stones or clay and reason-
ably removed from the approach of sea-water. The life of
a cocoa-nut tree was eighty to one hundred years, but it
gave its best return when it was twenty to forty years of
age, though it afforded an average yield ten years after being
planted. Each tree yielded 125 to as much as 800 nuts
per year, though the mean may be takenas 150 to 200
nuts. The cocoa-nut tree was of all-round importance in
Rombay, as nothing of the plant was wasted. The stem
served as the building material of the cultivators, the
leaves formed the thatching material, the ribs of the leaves
were made into good brooms, the core atforded excellent ropes
which were much valued in navigation, also it served as an
excellent material for making mats and brushes; good buttons
were made from the inner hard shell; the copra yielded
a good edible oil, and the oil cake formed a valuable cattle
food. The cocoa-nut oil was used in cooking or as a substi-
tute for butter; also for the toilet, tor burning, and fur mak-
ing soaps and candles. The tree was tapped for extracting
a beverage called ‘madi’, which was either drunk or evaporat ,
ed down to concrete sugar (gul) and was used as such or
sold for refining.
A vote of thanks to Mr. Jackson for his paper termin-
ated the discussion.
AGRICULTURE IN ANGUILLA.
The Agricultural Superintendent of St. Kitts, Mr. F. R.
Shepherd, recently accompanied His Honour the Administra-
tor of St. Kitts-Nevis on a visit to Anguilla, for the purpose
of viewing the present agricultural conditions in that island.
On his arrival, on February 26, Mr. Shepherd was received
by Mr. C. Rey, who made arrangements by which he was
enabled to inspect the cotton and other cultivations carried
on in the Dependency.
At the time of the visit, cotton picking was taking place,
being late on account of the dry conditions which obtained
when the seed was sown; this has caused the crop to reach
maturity much later than is usually the case. The yield of
cotton promises to be larger than that of either of the past
two years. The whole of the crop is ginned at the Central
Cotton Ginnery, which is owned by Mr. Rey, either after
being purchased by him, or for shipment for other buyers.
This factory is equipped with a Hornsby oil engine, three
gins and a hand baling press; by February 28, it had turned
out 40,000 tb. of ginned and baled cotton, and it seemed
likely that the crop would reach at least 60,000 bb.
grow cotton successfully. With the aid of the local Govern-
ment and the British Cotton Growing Association, Mr. Rey
is enabled to make advances to the small growers during the
season; at the end of it, the cotton is taken over by him at
a fixed rate, according to market prices, and after the accounts
have been carefully balanced at the end of the season, a pro
vata bonus is declared, in the event of the price having
reached a value above the average market price paid during
the season. The amount of this bonus, last year, was £250.
As regards cotton cultivation, -much improvement
has taken place in this during recent years, and ploughs
are now being successfully used on the larger growers’
estates. The matter of the provision of power for
drawing ploughs in Anguilla is of serious moment, as
the frequent droughts cause a high mortality among the
oxen usually employed for draft. As a consequence, Mr. Rey.
is importing a small ‘Universal’ motor for the purpose of
hauling ploughs, as well as for other similar work. This
motor is being selected by an official of the British Cotton
Growing Association, and as it is highly recommended, it is
hoped that it will prove successful for the purpose.
Cotton is not the only crop that is raised to a fair extent
in Anguilla; sweet potatoes, pigeon peas and Guinea corn all
find a reasonable place among the products of the island. One
of the chief difficulties that are met with, is the provision of
pasture; at present, the stock lives chiefly on ‘bush’ and
weeds. It is intended to try to introduce a hardy grass,such as
Barbados sour grass (Andropogon pertusus), which would very
likely form a valuable addition to the agricultural assets of
the island, if it was protected for a time, after its introduction.
The report shows that encouraging progress is being
made in connexion with agricultural matters in Anguilla, and
that there no longer exists any reason for the despairing view
of the prospects of the island which might have been’ taken
a few years ago.
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture return-
ed to Barbados from St. Lucia on March 19, 1911, by
the S.S. ‘Korona’, from a visit to that Colony for the
purpose of conferring with His Honour the Adminis-
trator on official business, relating more especially to
the recent reorganization of the local Agricultural
Department. i
Rice in British Guiana.
The last fortnightly report of Messrs. Sandbach,
Parker & Co., of Georgetown, on the rice industry of
British Guiana, dated March 17, 1911, gives informa-
tion as follows:—
The weather during the past few weeks has been very
ay and mills have been busy, and deliveries of rice to town
brisk.
Preparations are being made for the growing crop, and
sowing should be general next month.
A little paddy still remains in millers’ hands, but with
continuance of fine weather it should soon be milled off,
We quote to-day, f.o.b. Demerara, for good export
quality :—
Nominally, 21s. to 22s. per bag of 180 bb. gross.
3 19s. to 20s, i
” ” ” 1 ” ”
102
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. Aprit 1, 1911.
ren
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date March 13, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :-—
Since our last report, West Indian Sea Island cotton has
been neglected. ee :
The Fine Spinning Trade is still unsatisfactory, and
buyers are holding off until they can gauge the basis at which
American Sea Island cotton will eventually be sold in bulk
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending March 11, is as follows:—
The market has been at a stand throughout the week, and
in the absence of any demand we have only to confirm our
previous advices and to nominally renew our last quotations,
viz :—
Extra Fine Islands at 33c.=184d. c.i.f. & 5 per cent.
Fully Fine 3 32¢. = 17 4d. ” ” ”
Fine ” 30¢, = 16 $d. ” ” ” ”
THE SUPPLY OF RAW COTTON.
The expectation that the present high price of cotton
will lead to a great extension of the cotton acreage in the
southern states of America does not seem to rest on any solid
foundation. In fact, the production of cotton there is ‘not
keeping pace with the increased demand for cotton goods,
On the contrary, the growth of maize is rather encroaching
on the growth of cotton in America. At current prices it
pays the farmer in the southern states better to grow maize
than to grow cotton. It becomes, therefore, increasingly
important to encourage the cultivation of cotton elsewhere.
Last week Sir Perey Girouard, the Governor of the British
East Africa Protectorate, addressed a special meeting of the
Council of the British Cotton Growing Association at Man-
chester on the subject of cotton-growing in East Africa and
Uganda, but more especially in the Protectorate. We are
promised from Uganda in a short number of years something
like 15,000 bales of upland American variety, whilst in the
Protectorate there are large areas of land apparently eminent-
ly suitable for cotton growing, but there are practically no
natives on the land. Sir Perey Girouard says that the
valleys of the Juba and Tana rivers are specially suitable for
cotton-growing, and that on the British side of the Juba,
which is the fronticr line between British and Italian terri-
tory, there are about half a million acres suitable for irriga-
tion. The Governor does not think that the labour question
will be a very difficult one. At present, the plantations on
the coast have no difficulty in obtaining labour at very
reasonable rates from the highlands of East Africa, where
there are several million natives. But cotton-growing in the
Protectorate cannot be developed properly by small men, and
the Governor suggests that it should be made the subject of
a scheme by means of irrigation on a-large scale, such as has
been suggested for the Sudan. ‘The British Cotton Growing
Association is ready to render all possible assistance, and they
have promised to join in experimental work. Assuming
such work supports the conclusion that cotton-growing in the
Protectorate can be made commercially successful, it will be
for the general investor to find the large capital that will be
required to utilize the whole of the cotton area. Obviously,
it would be unreasonable to expect Lancashire, with her
immense and expanding industries, to finance, unaided, great
schemes of cotton development in distant dependencies.
(Journal of the Royal Society of Arts, January 20, 1911.)
NATURAL CROSSING IN COTTON.
Investigations are being made by Hd. A. Allard, of the
United States Departineut of Agriculture, for the purpose of
ascertaining the extent to which natural crossing takes place
among plants-in cotton fields, whether these are being raised
in the ordinary way, or for the purposes of selection and
breeding. An account of the work that has been done up
to the present is contained in an article, having for its title
Preliminary Observations Concerning Natural Crossing in
Cotton, which is published in Vol. I, No. 4, of the slmertcan
Breeders’ Magazine.
This investigator points out that apparently no serious
attempt has been made, so far, to ascertain the exact extent
to which cotton flowers may be cross-pollinated by natural
agencies, under field conditions. The possession of accurate
information on the subject is important, because in breeding
and selection experiments, particularly, the isolation of the
progeny rows, as regards cross-pollination, must depend upon
the readiness with which this may take place, through insects,
the wind, or birds. Attention is drawn to the fact that most
breeders and growers of cotton have considered that such
crossing does not affect more than 5 to 10 per cent. of the
seeds; whereas O. F. Cook, in describing work conducted in
Arizona, considers that natural crossing takes place very
frequently, while W. L. Balls, in Egypt, 1s of the opinion, in
consideration of his later work, that this amounts to 5
to 25 per cent. These conclusions are supported by the pre-
liminary work described by the writer, and he has arrived at
the conviction: ‘that natural crossing must be considered
a most important factor, not only in all technical cotton-
Von. X. No. 233.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
103
breeding problems, but also in the extensive field operations
of the practical grower who wishes to secure increased yields
and higher quality.’
The problem to be solved by such work must have refer-
ence not only to the number of flowers that have been crossed,
but what is more important, to the actual number of crossed
ovules. It has not been possible to deal with the question
from these points of view, because an interruption to the work
enabled definite figures to be secured only for the number of
bolls crossed.
The investigations were made while co-operative breed-
ing work, begun in north Georgia in 1908, was being carried
out. The. varieties of cotton with which the observations
were conducted were the Okra type with narrow leaves, the
Willet Red, and a pure-bred strain of the Keenan variety.
The seeds were sown, in a plot of land having an area of
about }-acre, so that the plants came up in the order:
Willet Red, Keenan, Okra, Keenan, Willet Red, Keenan,
Okra, Keenan; thus every Keenan plant stood between one
of the variety Okra, and one of Willet Red. In order that
the amount of hybridization may be determined as accurately
as possible, only the narrowest-leaved plants of Okra and
plants of the Willet Red with the darkest red-purple leaves
were used; so that the distinct characteristics of these two
parent plants were obtained in the most definite manner
possible,
In the result, 1,290 bolls were obtained, of which 260
showed evidence of having been more or less completely
crossed in a natural way, giving a proportion of 20 per cent.
It is probable, however, that the actual amount of crossing
was greater than this, for many hybrid seedlings were
doubtless lost because they had to be removed before they
had grown large enough to display the distinctive characters
which would give evidence of their true parentage. It is
estimated that if these could have been retained, evidence
would have been forthcoming that there was as much as 40
per cent. of crossing.
After a description has been given of the diagnostic
characters of the hybrids, a short review is presented of the
agencies which effect the natural cross-pollination of cotton
in the field. Most of the work, by far, is done by insects,
especially bees and certain species of wasps, particulars of
which are given. It is stated that the bee JMelissodes
bimaculata, Le P., and the honey bee are probably the most
abundant and constant visitors of cotton in Georgia, the
more active being the former. Other Hymenoptera visit
cotton flowers, but they do not take a large place in
effecting pollination, because of their smaller size, their
rarity, or their irregular visits. A list is given of all
the Hymenoptera and beetles that had been taken by the
writer during the two years of observation; this includes
twenty-six species of Hymenoptera, and seven of beetles. As
regards other insects, 1t is stated that, in Northern Georgia,
cotton flowers are rarely visited by any of the Lepidoptera.
Only one, individual, buttertly (asilarchia astyanax, F.) has
been seen on them by the writer, and very little consideration
need be given to the members of this Order in the matter of
cross-pollination of cotton in Georgia. As regards other coun-
tries, it is stated by Balls, in Egypt, that the glands outside
ef the calyx are visited by Lepidoptera; no pollination could,
however, be effected by them. Among casnal visitors of cot-
ton flowers are some of the Hemiptera (bugs), and a few
small flies, leaf-hoppers, beetles and ants. Again in Egypt,
Balls has found that the chief insects which visit the true
nectar glands in the flower are ants, but their influence in the
matter of cross-pollination, like that of the other small insects,
may be neglected.
Birds have been alluded to in connexion with cotton
pollination.. Special mention is only made, however, of hum-
ming birds, which on their part are not likely to take any
place in effecting cross-pollination, as they rarely enter the
flowers, but force their bills between the outer floral organs,
at the base, for the purpose of reaching the inner nectar
glands,
It is believed by the-writer that a considerable amount
of pollen may be carried in cotton fields by the wind, particu
arly after the middle of the day, when the grains have become
dry; and additional importance is given to this factor because
the pollen is often brought out of the flowers by bees and
scattered into the air during their flight. An actual test of
the extent to which pollen is present in the air in cotton fields
was made by placing several exposed and developed photo-
graphic plates between the cotton rows, the plates having
being coated with a very thin film of vaseline, in order that
they may hold any pollen that might fall on them. The
trials were made during several days, when there was very
little wind, and the appearance of the plate, on whose dark
surface the pollen was easily seen, showed that considerable
amounts of this had been caught; thus the fact was demon-
strated that the pollen of cotton is carried to an important
extent in the air.
Observations made particularly in regard to the behavi-
our of bees in cotton fields showed that these insects seem to
prefer to pass from plant to plant in the rows, rather than to
travel from one row to the next. Records of casual observa-
tions are given which indicate that a single bee is capable of
visiting a very large number of flowers in a few hours; so that
evidence is adduced as to the large extent to which bees may
effect cross-pollination. ‘The time at which these insects
accomplish this most readily is in the early morning, when
the pollen is very soft and sticky. A final matter of interest
is the probability that the extent of cross-pollination by
bees in different localities varies largely with the conditions,
particularly because of the differences in number and kind
of these insects.
Special consideration is given to the fact that many
kinds of cotton-breeding require the absolute elimination of
all chances of cross-pollination; and this is especially true
where Mendelian problems are being studied. The preven-
tion of free crossing is of the greatest importance in this and
all similar work, and the conclusion is reached that the only
safe way to preclude cross-pollination is the tedious process of
bagging the individual blossoms. While the matter is being
considered, it may be stated that the writer has not obtained
any definite results, so far, in connexion with the possible
prepotency of certain pollens.
After reviewing the effects of the unchecked natural cross-
ing in the field, the writer gives a summary of the conclusions
to which he has been led, so far, by his work. These have rela-
tion to the facts that natural crossing in cotton has been much
neglected, as regards its possible effects on breeding, in the
past; that it is certain thet at least 20 per cent. of the flowers
in the fields of North Georgia are crossed naturally, with
a strong probability that 40 per cent. is nearer the actual
proportion; that although where cotton is not selected such
crossing may do much harm, it is not as detrimental where
selection is practised; and lastly, that the circumstance of the
existence of cross-pollination to such an extent, in cotton,
makes it all the more important that careful seed selection
should be constantly carried out.
104
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS
Aprit 1, 1911.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed vo the
Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price ld. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s, 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
_Sarieultural Mews
Von. X. SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 1911. No. 233.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Contents of Present Issue.
As an editorial article in the present issue, the
subject of the Stimulation of Agricultural Effort is
given consideration. The chief purposes of the article
are to point out how such effort generally arises, and
the way in which it is sustained.
Page 100 contains an account of cocoa-nut enltiva-
tion in Antigua.
On pages 102 aud 103, an abstract is given of an
interesting article that has appeared recently, which
deals with work undertaken for the purpose of obtain-
ing information in connexion with the crossing of cotton
under natural conditions.
The Insect Notes, on page 106, have reterence to
the mole cricket in Trinidad, and the increased occur-
rence of the green scale on tea in India.
On page 107, there will be found general accounts
of agricultural shows that have been held lately in
Antigua and St. Kitts.
Under the heading of Fungus Notes, on page 110,
there is given some of the latest information concerning
banana diseases, particularly im connexion with legisla-
tion against their introduction.
Interesting work that has been undertaken in
Grenada, in connexion with the germination of Hevea
seeds, is described in an abstract of a report on the
investigations, on page 111.
The Centralization of Agricultural Research.
An editorial article on this subject appeared in the
Agricultural News during last November (Vol. IX;
p. 3535). It is interesting to note, in connexion with
this, that Circular No. 43 of the Scientific Department
of the Indian Tea Association, Calcutta, refers to this
matter, and suggests that the work which is being
carried out under that Association should be supple-
mented by a series of experiments on a large scale,
under the control of garden managers, with the advice
and co-operation of the Officers of the Department.
Attention is drawn to the advantages which are given
by such a scheme, among these being the provision of
wore time for laboratory work than has been available
up to the present.
The Circular, which is reproduced in the Planters’
Chronicle for December 10, 1910, goes on to point out
that it would be also desirable, at the present time, to
consider whether the Officers of the Department should
be located at one central station, stating that the
advantages of such a plan are obvious. The opinion
of other departments engaged in agricultural work,
with regard to the matter, 1s supported by the following
statement in the circular, which is given as the out-
come of experience under the conditions with which it
deals: ‘The existing arrangement, whereby the officers
are situated in widely separated districts, was admirably
adapted to the conditions of the pioneer work which
was necessary when the Department was first founded,
but at the present time it has several drawbacks,
Mutual help and exchange of opinion between the
Officers of the Department is reduced to a minimum,
and the time occupied in travelling to the various
centres of work is considerable. At a central station
each officer would be in touch with the work of the
others. and the absence of one of them would not
Hecessitate the teuporary cessation of his work, or its
relegation to his subordinate statt.’
rr
Agriculture and Trade of Martinique, 1909.
No. 4612 Annual Series, of the Diplomutie and
Consular Reports, dealing with the trade of Martinique
in 1909, has just been received. It shows that the
export of sugar during the year was 33,904 tons, as
compared with 32,081 tons in 1908. The output would
have been larger, except for the wregular raiifall that
was received; the area under cultivation is being in-
creased in some parts of the island. As regurds the
exports of the other important sugar-cane product of
the island, namely rum, these increased trom 2,742,632
gallons in 1908, to 3329,8S13 gallons in 1909. It is
estimated by the Martiniqne Chamber of Commerce
that the quantity of rum distilled during 1909 was
4,130,720 gallons; of this, 346,139 gallons, reckoned as
pure alcohol, was consumed locally.
The exports of cacao increased from 1,162,779 Ib.
in 1908, to 1,304,153 tb in 1909. The amount of coffee
produced is quite insufticient for the local demand, and
there was an importation of 297,167 Ib. the local pro-
duction being at the same time 15,330 tb., against
14,326 Ib. in the previous year. The cultivation of
Vortex.) NOS 233) «
coffee is being gradually extended, and the same is true
to some degree of bananas, 223,551 tb. of which was
sent to France, as compared with 128,330 tb. in 1908.
The increase took place in consequence of the abate-
ment of the yellow fever epidemic of 1907-8, which had
interfered with the export facilities. There is still,
however, a surplus production, and as the opportunities
for sending the fruit to France are limited, it is sug-
gested that British shipowners should interest them-
selves in the trade, particularly as the excess output is
likely, sooner or later, to find its way into the United
States.
The trade of Martinique with the neighbouring
British colonies is insignificant; this is indicated by the
fact that the value of the imports from all British
colonies was only £1,835.
+ ee
Mosquito Larvae in Drinking Water.
An article in the Annals of Tropical Medicine
and Purasitology for 1910, page 591, describes experi-
ments which were conducted for the purpose of deter-
mining the effect of the introduction of mosquito lar-
vae, ur wrigglers, into water, particularly in regard to
the number of bacteria contained therein. The larvae
employed were those of several species of Culex, and of
Theobaldia annulata, These were placed in drink-
ing water which had not been sterilized in any way,
and the number of bacteria in the water was deter-
mined from day to day; while the same determination
which was made for similar drinking water, without
larvae, was used as a control.
The result of the investigation was to show that
the effect of larvae in water is to increase the number
of bacteria present, to a very considerable extent.
EDD ee
Schools Show in Tobago.
A successful schools show was held in Tobago on
February 16, an account of which was given in the
Trinidad Mirror for February 21, 1911.
A matter of some general interest in connexion
with the show is that specimens of vegetables preserved
in alcohol, and showing plant diseases, were exhibited
for the purpose of adding to the practical knowledge of
teachers, and to stimulate interest in nature study.
Another matter for remark is that natural history
specimens were exhibited by several schools, and
although the attempt to make good collections was
creditable, there appeared to be room for improvement.
The display of fowering plants was not very satisfac-
tory, while the exhibits of bananas were good, except for
the fact that more care was required in packing and
transportation. Most of the food plants appeared to have
been of fair quality, and some were good, although the
exhibition of corn was poor.
In regard to cotton, an exhibit of some interest
was made by Mr. Thomas Thornton (late Travel-
ling Inspector for this Department, in connexion with
cotton investigations), who showed two full-sized plants
of a hybrid that has been raised by him, in full bearing.
THE AGRICULTURAL . NEWS.
A Machine for Felling Trees.
A means for felling trees, which has been put to
a certain amount of use, was described in the Agricul-
twral News, Vol. IX, p. 297. A method that is of more
general application is described in the Supplement to
The Field for February 11,1911. This was invented
by Mr. A. Ransome some years ago, and consists of
a cross-cut saw worked by steam from a cylinder with
a long stroke, which is mounted, and arranged to turn
on its centre in the direction required, by means of
a hand wheel. Great simplification of the apparatus
arises from the fact that the saw is fixed to the end of
the piston rod, so that. there is no need fora crank
shaft, connecting rod, or fly wheel. The steam reaches
the cylinder through a flexible hose, which is sufficiently
long to allow the machire to be worked over an area of
an acre without moving the boiler, although the last
matter is comparatively simple, as the boiler itself is
mounted on broad wheels, for ease in transit. The
machine is also easily moved from place to place,
four men only being required for the purpose; while
the saw with which it is fitted can fell trees up to
7 feet in diameter.
For the purpose of working, the whole apparatus
requires three men only—to attend to the boiler, the
cylinder and the saw, respectively. Lastly, the working
parts of the machine can be fitted into a special frame,
by which it is enabled to be employed for making
vertical cuts, or for cross-cutting trees after they have
been felled.
The Broom Corn Industry in the United States
The Bourd of Trade Journal for January 5, 1911,
reproduces a report by H. M. Consul General at
Chicago, which gives particulars concerning the broom
corn industry of the United States. According to the
report, broom corn is chiefly grown in Illinois, Kansas,
Oklahoma, and Tennessee, the best corn being con-
sidered to come from the first-mentioned State. In
regard to the production of broom corn in the United
States during 1910, it is calculated that enough of the
material was made for the manufacture of forty-two
million brooms, having a value of about three million
pounds sterling.
Broom corn growing in the United States is said
to be very remunerative, although the work on the
farms is very hard. The restriction of the growing of
the plant to a comparatively small area causes. the
prices of broom corn to be generally high; they amount
to about £21 to £73 per ton.
An idea is prevalent that broom corn only grows
well on certain soils, and that it does not usually flour-
ish where Indian corn is raised. For the production of
the best kinds, it is necessary to construct sheds for the
seasoning and storage of the crop. It leaves the farm
in bales having a weight of about 300 tb. As broom-
making is a simple process, and few tools are required
for the purpose, it has been largely in the hands of
small manufacturers. The brooms are now, however,
being made in large factories to a continually increasing
extent, and machines are in use which are capable of
turning out hundreds of brooms per day,
106
INSECT NOTES.
——
THE MOLE ORICKET IN TRINIDAD.
Dr. Fredholm read a paper before the Agricultural
Society of Trinidad and Tobago on December 20, 1910, on
the mole cricket (Scapteriseus didactylus). This paper was
published in the Proceedings of the Society for February
1911, page 153.
Mention has been made of the mole cricket in the
Agricultural News at various times, and in the Insect Notes
entitled Crickets, in Vol. VI, p. 106, the-previous references
to this insect are given. It is-also stated that there are two
other species of mole cricket known in the West Indies;
these are Scapteriseus variegatus and Gryllotalpa hexadactyla.
_ The mole cricket appears to be a more serious pest in
Trinidad than in the smaller islands, and a brief abstract of
Dr. Fredholm’s paper may be of interest to readers of the
Agricultural News, since this is based on extended experience
and observation.
It is estimated that the damage by the mole cricket in
Trinidad amounts to about $15,000 per annum, and this
amount of loss, together with the difticulty with which
it is controlled, makes this insect a pest of importance. The
mole cricket lives underground, in galleries which it
tunnels for itself, during the whole of its life-time. The
adults sometimes come to the surface at night, but during
the day they remain hidden. It is not difficult to determine
the location of their galleries, since these are generally so
near the surface that they are indicated by the loosened and
slightly raised earth which forms the top of them. These
galleries ramify, running in all directicns on the level,
and descending into the lower soil. It is noted, however,
that mole crickets rarely inhabit any but very level spots and
that. their superficial galleries seldom extend upwards when
any slight elevation is encountered.
The mole cricket is very powerful in the matter of bur-
rowing through the soil; but on the surface is very awkward
in walking and jumping, and feeble in flight. Its food is
largely the underground portions of plants, and when small
plants are cut off near the surface and fall within the
reach of the insect, the leaves and tender stems are also
eaten, Earthworms and insects smaller and weaker than
itself are often killed and eaten by it, when these are encoun-
tered in the galleries.
Mole crickets have several natural enemies in Trinidad,
the most important of these being insectivorous birds, the
savannah blackbird (Qudscalus crasstrostris), the tick bird
(Crotophaga anc), and the qu’est ce quil dit (Landus pitanga),
which feed freely on these insects wherever they are found,
and are very persistent in hunting them out. They snap
them up quickly whenever the insects appear above ground,
and they also carefully scrutinize the raised top of every bur-
row, and when any movement of the soil indicates the pres-
ence of an insect beneath, the birds break through into the
gallery and capture the insect, Fowls also search diligently
for mole crickets, scratch them out of their galleries, and eat
them. Ground lizards and toads, too, are natural enemies of
this insect.
Many remedial measures have been tried from time to
time, but only a few of them have proved entirely satisfactory.
In the protection of small areas, as in the case of provision
grounds and gardens, no great difficulty should be experi-
enced if war is persistently waged on this pest. Before
planting, the soil should be thoroughly turned up by forking
or ploughing, thereby exposing the mole crickets to their
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Aprit 1,-1911.
natural enemies. A trench about 1 foot wide should be dug
round plots of this kind. If the ground is left clean for some
time before planting, the absence of food will have a tendeney
to force the insects to seek other feeding grounds. Hand pick-
ing after heavy showers will result in the capture of large
numbers, when they are driven to the surface to escape from
drowning in their burrows.
Poisoned baits have been found useful, the most effi-
cacious poison being arsenic or some arsenical compound.
The baits are prepared with some favourite food plant
of the pest, which is cut or chopped into fine pieces, slightly
moistened, and thoroughly mixed with a small amount of
white arsenic or Paris green. This may be distributed along
the rows of plants where the insects feed, either on the top
of the soil, or slightly covered with it. Poisoned bait used
in this manner has the objection that it may be eaten by
fowls and useful birds. A valuable substitute is a bait
made by using fresh horse dung to which poison has
been added; mole crickets are very fond of this, and there is
less danger of its being eaten by their natural enemies than
when ordinary food baits are used. Mole crickets which have
been poisoned immediately retreat to their burrows and die
in the ground, out of the reach of birds. Young plants
in nurseries can be protected by placing around each
a screen made from banana leaves, leaves of mammee apple,
or a wire screen, or even short sections of bamboo. For the
treatment of lawns, strong soap solutions have been found
successful; these are merely poured on the ground, and serve
to drive the mole crickets to the surface, when they should
be collected by hand, as the soap and water does not kill
them. For protecting large areas, it is suggested that light
traps should be used, These are made by suspending a bright
light over a tray containing water, on the surface of which
is a film of oil at least ,!,-inch in thickness. They have been
found fairly satisfactory, but it is worthy of note that the
number of males caught by these traps is greatly in excess
of the number of females. In conclusion, it is stated that
the most effective and economical method to pursue is the
protection of the natural enemies, especially birds, which
exercise such a large influence over the extent of the occur-
rence of this pest.
THE GREEN SCALE.
In the report of the Government Entomologist of Ceylon
for 1909, mention is made of the green scale (Coceus viridis
[Lecanium viride]) which was a serious pest of coffee a few
years ago. Since the abandonment of coffee cultivation, this
insect has shown a tendency to establish itself on tea in cer-
tain districts, and in one area it has assumed the proportions
of a serious pest. At the time of the writing of the report,
it was largely abundant in one district only, but there are
indications that it may become a pest of tea.
The Entomologist could not account for its prevalence
in only one district in destructive numbers, since it had
been equally abundant in all the coffee-growing districts,
and is still generally distributed throughout the island;
besides, there seems to be no reason why it should not adapt
itself to act in one section as well as another,
The suggested control measures are the burning of
prunings, and the spraying of the trees with kerosene emul-
sion, except when ‘flushing’, when a simple mixture of soap
and water should be used.
The removal of the wild food plants from the vicinity of
tea cultivation is recommended, in order that re-infestation
may not so readily take place from outside.
Von. XX.) No, 233.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 107
RECENT AGRICULTURAL SHOWS.
Agricultural Shows have been held recently in Antigua
and St. Kitts, reports of which have been furnished by
Mr. H. A. Tempany, B.Sc., Superintendent of Agriculture for
theLeeward Islands, and by Mr. F. R. Shepherd, Agricultural
Superintendent, St. Kitts. From these reports the following
particulars are taken.
ANTIGUA AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION, 1911].
This exhibition, which forms the tenth in the series of simi-
lar events that have taken place in Antigua, was held on Feb-
tuary 23, under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency
Sir Bickham Sweet-Escott, K.C.M.G., and under the auspices
of the Imperial Department of Agriculture and the Antigua
Agricultural and Commercial Society. For the purposes of
the show, the grounds of the training school, St. John’s, were
kindly placed at the disposal of the Show Committee by
His Excellency.
In opening the Exhibition, Sir Bickham Sweet-Escott
expressed his desire to thank the officials, judges and exhibit-
ors, who had made it a success; he also tendered his thanks
to the Moravian authorities for having kindly lent the Buxton
Grove premises for past exhibitions. After comparing the
present show with former ones, and making reference to the
signs that the cotton industry of Antigua was recovering from
the set-back of recent years, His Excellency declared the
Exhibition open, having first distributed certificates to the
successful candidates in the recent examinations held in con-
nexion with the Courses of Reading of the Imperial Depart-
ment of Agriculture.
The display of large stock showed considerable improve-
ment over those of previous years, although it was a matter
for disappointment that only two milch cattle were shown.
In regard to horses in harness, the special prize offered by
the Governor for the best equipage gave rise to keen com-
petition, and brought very good exhibits. The show of small
stock was creditable, though not up to the standard of the
large; there were, however, excellent exhibits of poultry. In
the stock classes, His Excellency’s silver challenge cup, for
the best set of exhibits, was again won in competition. As
regards agricultural produce generally, a high level of quality
was maintained by the exhibits, notwithstanding the fact
that unfavourable weather conditions have been experienced
during the past season.
The standard of the cotton exhibits encouraged the opin-
ion that the industry in Antigua is recovering, as has been
mentioned already, from the untoward conditions of the past.
A feature among the prizes was a handsome silver challenge
cup, offered by the British Cotton Growing Association for
award among cultivators of not less than 10 acres of cotton.
The competition for this was fair, and the offer of such
a generous gift should serve to stimulate future interest in
the industry.
A special prize of £1 had been offered by Lady Sweet-
Escott for the best set of exhibits among ornamental plants
and flowers, and many beautiful specimens of these were
shown. Numerous entries were obtained in the class for
miscellaneous articles, and there was much appreciation of
the enlargement of the scope of the exhibition to include
handicraft work, needlework, cookery and photography.
Good collections of preserves were shown, and the school
gardens sent fine exhibits of vegetables. In the last connex-
ion, the Schools Challenge Cup, presented by the late
Sir. C. C. Knollys, was won by Spring Gardens School.
The chief special prizes offered locally were an award of
£2 by His Excellency the Governor for the best display of
goods from the store of a merchant in St. John’s, and a hand-
some cup by the Hon. H. E. W. Grant, C.M.G., Colonial
Secretary, for the best collection of exhibits from an estate,
designed to illustrate its resources. The number of competi-
tors in each case was seven, and the Governor’s prize was
gained by Messrs. D. Hope Ross, Ltd.; Mr. Grant’s prize fell
to the share of Fitches Creek estate, the next in order of
merit being Jolly Hill estate. The offer of both of these
prizes was effective in bringing forward excellent displays,
which aroused much interest.
A demonstration section was included, as usual, by the
Imperial Department of Agriculture. This comprised sam-
ples of cotton, essential oils, woods, grasses and pressed plants
of economic value, samples of manures, insecticides and other
specimens of agricultural interest.
The number of exhibits received for competition was far
greater than that in any other year, being 1,640, as against
718 in 1906—the most successful previous year; this increase
was, of conrse, partly due to the enlarged scope of the exhibi-
tion. Altogether, the function was very successful and this
circumstance was assisted by the facts that the day on which
it was held was proclaimed a public holiday by the Governor-
in-Council, and that the show was enabled to be held under
the most favourable conditions of weather.
ST. KITTS AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL SHOW, 1911.
This event, which is the fifth of its kind, was held at the
Grammar School on February 14, 1911, under the auspices
of the Imperial Department of Agriculture and the St. Kitts
Agricultural and Commercial Society. In opening the show,
His Honour the Administrator made reference to the good
quality of the exhibits and to the fact that the way in which
they were displayed showed a great advance on that of
previous years.
The total number of exhibits was 736, made up as
follows: large stock 77, small stock 13, poultry 20, sugar-
cane and its products 57, fruits 63, vegetables 145, industrial
exhibits 58, fancy work 25, plants and flowers 35, school
exhibit 1, miscellaneous 59; there were also 28 articles not
classed in the prize list, and 4 trade exhibits from merchants.
Among the horses, the young animals shown were
not up to the standard of previous years. The riding and
driving competitions were not as keenly contested as they
should have been; the Governor’s prize of £1 for the best
equipage was gained by Mr. E. de Santos. In the cattle
classes, the bulls were of a distinctly high quality, and the
champion prize given by Colonel Cotton was awarded to an
animal from Kstridge’s estate; this estate also won Colonel
Cotton’s prize for a steer over three years of age. Another of
Colonel Cotton’s prizes, for the best young mule, was won by
Mr. W. Berridge. Very good exhibits of sugar-cane, fruits,
vegetables, preserves, meals and starches, and general indus-
trial products were sent in. The collections of six kinds
of ground provisions were disappointing; the Governor’s
prize for the best basket of such products was won by
a peasant. In the class for ornamental plants, fair exhibits
were received. There was only one school exhibit, but
this was judged to be of a sufficient standard to earn
a prize. Four trade exhibits were sent in, and a diploma of
merit was awarded to Messrs. R. R. Kirkwood & Co. for
a display of hardware and groceries. From a general point
of view, the show was a success, although the attendance was
perhaps not as large as that in some former years.
The prizes, together with twelve diplomas of merit award-
ed by this Department, were distributed by His Honour the
Administrator on March 14, at a meeting. of the Agricultural
and Commercial Society held specially for the purpose.
Sir Daniel Morris, K.C M-G., late Imperial Commissioner
of Agriculture for the West Indies, delivered an address,
having for its subject The West Indies, before the Birming-
ham University, on February 8, last.
The sugar and molasses exported from Barbados, up to
March 4, 1911, amounted to 772 tons and 8,630 puncheons,
respectively. ‘The quantities for a similar period during last
year were |,237 tons and 5,660 puncheons,
Information received from the Curator of the Botanic
Station, Montserrat, shows that the total export of cotton
from that island, up to February 20, was 241,000 fb., and it
is expected that the total crop will reach 360,000 hb.
It is announced that, at the Annual International Indus-
trial Exhibition to be held at Winnipeg in July next, there
will be a competition open to firms producing agricultural
motors, and that applications to enter this will be received
until June 1, 1911.
Particulars of the exports of maize over-seas from South
Africa, for the last two years, are given in the Union Gazette
for January 20, 1911. They show that the amount exported
in 1910 was 1,760,208 bags of 200 tb. net; the quantity in
1909 was 1,551,187 bags.
The Textile Mercury for February 11, 1911, states that
the cotton crop of Chosen (Korea) has been a comparative
failure, on account of excessive rains in last June, July and
part of August. Attempts are being made to obtain improved
yields by the introduction of American seed.
The young sugar-cane crop in Barbados is making satis-
factory progress, and, according to the Superintendent of
Agriculture, may be said to be one of the most forward that
has been obtained for many years. The same Officer states
that the attack of the root borer on the sugar-cane seems at
present to be stayed.
It is stated by the Superintendent of Agriculture,
Grenada, that the cacao crop is generally healthy, although
it appears to be short, on account of the abnormal rainy
season that has been experienced. The cultivation of rubber
in the island is being extended, and an order for about
20,000 seeds of Hevea will be shortly sent to Ceylon.
Arrangements are being made for holding an exhibition
at Columbia, South Carolina, toward the end of the present
year, for the purpose of encouraging the growing of good
cotton. The work is being undertaken as an extension of
the efforts toward cotton improvement in the State that are
being made by the South Carolina Cotton Manufacturers’
Association.
. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Aprit 1, 1911.
A report from the Agricultural Superintendent, St. Vin-
cent, states that cotton-picking has been practically conclud-
ed in the island, and that growers are now pulling up and
burning the old plants. The crop of Marie Galante has
turned out to be shorter than usual. During February, the
greater part of the cotton crop of Union Island was pur-
chased by the Government.
Diplomatic and Consular Reports, No. 4615 Annual
Series, dealing with the trade of Siam, shows that the export
of rice from Bangkok for 1909-10 was the highest on record,
being 952,889 tons, value £6,433,162, as compared with
918,367 tons, value £5,975,162, in 1908-9. The amount of
the export next in value, namely teak, was 76,081 tons; in
1908-9 it was 76,930 tons.
A useful departure is being made at the Education
Office, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, in the form of the establish-
ment of a Nature Study Museum at that office. The mus-
eum is intended chiefly for the needs of elementary school
teachers, in order that they may themselves attain a better
knowledge of natural history, and be in a position to give
improved instruction to their pupils.
It is stated in a recent number of the Budletin of the
South Australian Intelligence Department that rapid pro-
gress is being made in South Australia, in regard to bee-
keeping. The amount of honey produced in 1909 was more
than one million pounds, and the yield has probably
increased since that time. Most of the honey is consumed
locally, but it is now being produced in quantity for export,
and orders have been received already from England and the
Continent.
The Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and Federated
Malay States, for January 1911, p. 18, makes mention of
a small hand-power créping and sheeting machine for use on
rubber estates which do not possess power factories. The
machine has been designed by a firm described as Messrs.
Howarth Erskine, and its purpose is to lessen the waste
entailed in using a mangle for rubber preparation, as well as
to give a method for the making up of ordinary scrap in
a convenient form, and for utilizing bark scrap.
The 7rade Review of St. John’s, Newfoundland, refers to
the dependence of the colony on Barbados for molasses, and
the higher prices that this product has commanded of late
years, on account of the smaller output from Demerara and
Porto Rico. It proceeds to point out that samples of molasses
have been sent from Brazil, as producers in that State wish to
enter the trade. So far, however, this has not met with entire
appreciation, as although the sweetening properties are good,
it darkens the colour, when used in tea—a matter that nat-
urally interferes seriously with its popularity.
In regard to the last examinations held in connexion
with the Courses of Reading of the Department, it is of
interest that the certificates gained by successful candidates
in Grenada were distributed by His Excellency the Governor
of the Windward Islands, in Legislative Council, on March 3.
In St. Kitts and Barbados, a similar distribution was made
at meetings of the Agricultural Societies, in the former case
by His Honour the Administrator. The Administrator of
St. Kitts-Nevis also presented a certificate to the successful
candidate in Anguilla, on the occasion of a recent visit made
by him to the island,
Vor: X.. No, 233,
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 109
APRIL.
First PERIOD.
Seasonal Notes.
During the first months of the year, the picking of
the lime crop comes to an end, so that at this time
attention is given to the work of bringing the trees into
a good state of health, in order that they may bear freely
during the coming season. Prepare an account of the meas-
ures that you would take in this connexion, having special
reference to tillage, the application of manures, pruning and
the removal of suckers and epiphytes. What skould be done
with the material that is taken from the tree, and why is
the procedure necessary if the plants are to remain healthy?
It has been mentioned recently in these notes that
useful observations can be made on the insect visitors to the
cacao flower, in connexion with the determination of the
particular means of cross-pollination in this plant. The same
is true of the lime, and after the ovaries have become
fertilized it is useful to continue the observations, in special
relation to the development of the fruit, until this is ripe, in
order that the time may be ascertained which elapses from
fertilization to the ripening of the fruit. The extension of
these observations will enable the time to be found during
which the crop will last, and the period when it is likely
to be heaviest.
Reference was made above to tillage in lime cultivations.
When this is done with the fork, care must be exercised to
prevent damage to the roots near the surface, as these are
of the greatest importance in relation to the nutrition of the
plants from the soil. Where a root has been damaged,
ascertain the manner in which it heals, and compare this with
the similar process in the case of stems. Further useful work
in connexion with the roots of lime trees may be performed
by making an examination of the surface roots in different
parts of the orchard, and finding out in what way, if any, the
number and prevalence of these is related to the character of
the soil.
Why is drainage necessary in relation to: (1) the soluble
salts in the soil; (2) the supply of fresh water to it; (3) the
renewal of air in it;and (4) the operations of tillage on estates!
What are the conditions under which drainage is most likely
be needed? Why is drainage often necessary where fairly flat
areas of soil are almost surrounded by higher land, and where
such land rises quickly from small neighbouring flatter areas?
Describe the kinds of drainage that would be suitable under
the different conditions. What relation do the character and
composition of the underlying rocks and soils bear to drain-
age? It is found, sometimes, that the roots of plants do not
utilize the soil below a certain comparatively small depth,
although its physical condition is apparently favourable to
their growth. What is the reason for this, and when this reason
obtains, what is the remedy? What appearance in the roots
just below the surface of the soil would lead to an indication
of the existence of the condition that has just been described ?
A greater understanding of the way in which drainage takes
place, and of its importance to plants, will be obtained by
considering the question as to why proper drainage actually
increases the amount of water inthe soil that is available
to plants.
It is important to remember that when areas of land are
well drained, deeper access is given to the organisms, such as
earthworms, which open out the soil and: enable the air to
enter it easily. What circumstance has the same effect in
relation to the changes that take place in deep clay soils after
they have been drained? A matter of interest is that if air is
enabled to circulate in the depths of the soil, nitrates are
formed in greater amounts, and the presence of these salts
leads to a flocculation of the clay, so that this admits of more
easy tillage, and again the access of air is facilitated. While
these matters are being considered, discuss the relation of
heavy falls of rain to aeration of the soil.
Give a general account of the kinds of drainage with
which you are acquainted. What is the nature of this in
cacao and lime plantations, and in sugar-cane and cotton
fields, under ordinary conditions! Describe situations in which
the ordinary methods of drainage have to be modified to suit
special circumstances. What is meant by contour drains?
How are they made, and what care is required in order to
keep them in a state of efficiency!
Questions for Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS.
(1) Give an account of the chief differences between
roots and stems.
(2) Describe shortly the value of humus in the soil.
(3) What is the difference between pollination and
fertilization?
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS.
(1) Mention the chief uses of leaves to plants, and state
when and why it is expedient that all or any of the leaves
should be removed from a plant.
(2) Mention some different forms of seeds, and account
for the special peculiarity of each.
(3, Write a description of the weevil borer of the sugar-
cane and give a short account of its life-history.
FINAL QUESTIONS.
(1) Can you indicate if there are any broad general
differences between the modes of cultivation for dicotyledons
and those for monocotyledons /
(2) Give a general account of the effects of the chief
artificial manures on the soil.
(3) Describe the uses to which the available locally-
grown woods in your district are put, and indicate any
special purpose for which one or more of them may be
employed.
A communication from H: C. Prinsen Geerligs, in the
Lowsiana Planter for February 4, 1911, shows that the
total importation of sugar in the United Kingdom during
1910 was 1,728,730 tons, of which somewhat less than half
(846,862 tons) was refined sugar. The latter came chiefly
from: Germany—335,791 tons, Austria Hungary—199,465
tons, Holland—118,i60 tons. Of the raw sugars, 562,161
tons was cane-sugar, against 302,455 tons in the previous
year. This sugar was supplied as follows: Java 118,304,
Cuba 96,330, British West Indies 78,737,. Brazil 51,469,
Peru 46,206 tons. The contribution from the British
Colonies was 130,138 tons, against 85,264 tons in 1909; but
the great increase in the importation of raw sugar was pro-
vided chiefly by foreign countries.
110
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Aprit 1,.1911.
FUNGUS NOTES.
SOME DISEASES OF THE BANANA.
During the last few months considerable interest has
been shown inthe diseases of the banana, particularly on
account of the destruction wrought in Panama, Costa Rica
and Surinam. Consequently, it is thought that a short
account of some of these diseases, and of the protective legis-
lation which they have called forth in the West Indies, may
not be without interest.
COSTA RICA AND PANAMA. A disease of bananas which
has now assumed very serious dimensions has been known for
several years in these countries, having been observed as early
as 1890, in isolated spots. In 1904, a scientific investigation
of the trouble was commenced by Dr. McKenny, who publish-
ed a preliminary paper on the subject in Sczence, Vol. XXXI,
p. 750. ‘This author refers to the disease as the Central
American banana blight, and states that, according to report,
it is not limited to the countries mentioned, but occurs also
on the Atlantic side of Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala.
The external symptoms of the disease are briefly as
follows. One or more of the leaves turn yellow rapidly, then
become brown, and wilt. Sometimes the terminal part of the
leaf turns yellow and is noticeably curved, while the remainder
is green. Subsequently, all the leaves die and fall back
against the trunk, and a crop of suckers. is left. These in
turn die, leaving still weaker shoots which are also killed.
The internal symptoms of the disease are particularly
noticeable in the vascular bundles. When the bases of the
leaves which compose the pseudo-stem are cut longitudinally,
it is seen that the bundles have a yellow discoloration which |
becomes red lower down, and is almost black near the root-
stock. Even in an early stage of the disease, when the vas-
cular bundles in the upper part of the stalk appear healthy,
those near the root-stock are always coloured. When leaf-
stalks which have been affected for some time are cut open,
a nauseating smell is often given off, although there may be
no sign of rotting inthe trunk. Fruits produced on diseased
plants seldom mature, and even when they do so are worth-
less, having a blotched and somewhat shrivelled surface and
a dry, pithy interior
The disease is not due to excessive moisture or drought,
nor to general conditions of agriculture; though the plants
succumb most easily during the period of active growth from
April to July. The common yellow, or Martinique, variety
is the most susceptible; the red variety is also attack-
ed. A new Chinese variety introduced by Dr. McKenny
was found to be immune—at any rate temporarily.
A fungus and a bacteria occurred in the diseased tissues,
but McKenny was unable to say definitely which was the
cause of the disease, confining himself to the statement that
it is evidently produced by a vegetable parasite which makes
its entrance into the plant through the rhizome or roots.
No remedial measures beyond the planting of an
immune variety have as yet been devised, although several
have been tried. Some of these are given in a paper by
Mr. H. Q. Levy, Agricultural Instructor in Jamaica, in the
Journal of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, Vol. XIV,
p. 241.
cuba. A similar disease has been reported from Cuba
by Dr. Erwin F'. Smith, whose paper on the subject appeared
in the number of Sczence cited above. This author remarks
that he and McKenny are of the opinion that this is probably
the same as the Panama disease, though in Cuba a species of
Fusarium was found in the discoloured vascular bundles.
Inoculation experiments with this fungus showed that it was
capable of living as a parasite on the banana, but did not
prove conclusively that it was the cause of the disease.
Additional experiments are in progress to determine this
point
TRINIDAD. Bananas and plantains in this island are
attacked by two stem diseases and a root disease. The stem
diseases are the ‘moko disease’, shown by Rorer to be of
bacterial origin, and the Panama disease. This last was
found on the Gros Michel variety of banana, and Rorer
succeeded in isolating a species of Fusarium irom the diseased
tissues, though the results of inoculations with this fungus
were inconclusive. (See Annnal Report of the Mycologist,
‘Trinidad, 1909-10.) The moko disease is characterized by symp-
toms very similar to those described for the Panama disease,
but has been proved by Rorer to be definitely of bacterial
origin. The plants attacked were the ‘ Moko Fig’ variety of
banana and the French plantain. In considering other
accounts of diseases of bananas attributed to bacteria, Rorer
mentions one described by Earle from Jamaica in 1903, and
another from Porto Ricoin 1904. (Earle, Journal of the New
York Botanie Garden, Vo). 4, p. 37, reprinted in the West
Indian Bulletin, Vol IV, p. 6,and Annual Report of the
Porto Rico Agricultural Experiment Station, 1904.) These
are the only two that Rorer was able to find. ‘The first is
not considered by him to be identical with the moko disease,
but is mentioned by Smith as being possibly the same as the
Panama disease. It would seem, however, that possibly the
moko and the Panama disease are the same, unless, as Rorer
remarks, it is definitely proved that one is due to a bacter-
ium and the other toa species of Fusarium. According to
Earle’s account, the Jamaica disease differs somewhat in
symptoms from either of the two referred to above. It may
be worthy of note that a rot of plantains is also recorded
from British Guiana, though the cause is not given (Journal
of the Board of Agriculture, British Guiana, Vol. Ili, p. 90).
The third disease in Trinidad is the root disease due to
a species of Marasmius, probably Marasmius semdustus, which
was reported as being severe on the red banana,
SURINAM. The Panama disease has been very destruc-
tive to the banana industry in this country, being especially
prevalent on the Gros Michel variety, which is that chiefly
cultivated.
The problem here has been investigated by Essed, who
published a preliminary note on the subject in the Annals of
Botany, Vol. XXIV, p. 488. In this note the author attri-
butes the disease toa member of the Ustilagineae, probably
in connexion with one of the primitive group Chytridineae.
Subsequently, however, in a letter to this Department, he
stated that it is due to a fungus named by him Ustilaginot-
della musaeperda, related to the genus Ustilaginoidea, one of
the Hypocreales, the family to which the genus Nectria with
its conidial stage Fusarium belongs. An attempt was made
to overcome the damage due to this disease by planting
bananas of the Congo variety. This at first appeared to be
successful, but later reports state that the new variety is also
becoming affected.
Another disease known as Elephantiasis or ‘Bigge Foote’
also occurs in Surinam. In this case, the sheathing petioles
of the leaves that form the pseudo-stem begin to rot at the
base. The outer leaves die and fall away, leaving a slender
pseudo-stem springing from a large bulb at the base. (Stock-
dale, Journal of the Board of Agriculture, British Guiana,
Vol. IV, p. 18.) his disease is also under investigation by
Essed. It may be controlled by digging out and destroying
infested plants, as soon as they are observed.
Vor. xX. No. 233.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 111
The prevalence of the Panama disease has called forth
various proclamations against the importation of banana
plants into the different islands. Jamaica led the way with
a proclamation prohibiting the importation of banana plants,
or implements used in banana cultivation, from all countries
of Central or South America and the Island of Trinidad. In
Barbados and the Windward Islands similar proclamations
have been issued, on the advice of the Imperial Commissioner
of Agriculture, with the difference that there is no prohibition
against the importation of tools, and that Tobago has been
added to the list of prohibited countries. The name of this
island does not appear on the proclamations in force in
Antigua and Dominica; though otherwise they are similar to
those in Barbados and the Windward Islands. It may
be noted further, that Mr. Ehrhorn, Entomologist to the
Board of Agriculture and Forestry, Hawaii, has advised the
Board not to permit the importation of the Bluefields
banana into that island at present, as is Shown by a letter
from him published in the Hawaiian Forester and Agricul-
turist, Vol. VIII, p. 31.
Many of the above facts afford clear proof of the seri-
ousness with which the Panama disease is regarded, and
of the necéssity of restricting it, as far as possible, to the
countries in which it is already present.
THE GERMINATION OF HEVEA SEEDS
It has been found that the seed of Hevea brasiliensis,
which has been imported from time to time for use in Grenada,
has shown very «unsatisfactory germinating power, and in view
of the cost of the seed, it was considered expedient by
Mr. G.G. Auchinleck, B.Sc., Superintendent of Agriculture, to
make observations on seeds grown locally, for the purpose of
deciding as to what the low percentage of germination might
be due. The results of Mr. Auchinleck’s investigations have
been presented by him in the form of a report, from which
the following information is taken. They show that experi-
ence in Grenada is confirmatory of that which has been
described already from other parts of the world.
Mr. Auchinleck points out that the low germinating
power of imported seed is obviously due to actual sterility of
the seeds, to their rapid deterioration after maturity, or to
both causes acting at once. For the purpose of obtaining
information in regard to the suggested deterioration, seeds
from capsules which had been opened just before dehiscence
took place were planted twenty-four hours after the fruits
had been plucked, a few being kept, however, for three days.
The number of seeds collected altogether was 975, and 160
of these were set aside as being too light. That there is
a great difference in weight between the heavy and hght
seeds is shown by the fact that 100 of the former were found
to weigh 16 oz., while the weight of the same number of
light seeds was only 6 oz.; there was, however, no observable
difference in size between the two kinds.
In the continuation of the experiment, all the light
seeds were planted in a bed, while of the heavy, eighty were
sown at stake and seventy-five in pots. None of the light
seeds germinated; of the heavy, nineteen of those at stake,
and thirteen in pots, gave sprouts. These results appear to
justify the rejection of light seeds when those of Hevea are
being selected for planting.
Observations on the rapidity with which the seeds lose
weight, together with the consideration that from two weeks
to several months are required for germination, led to the
supposition that the rate at which heavy seeds become lighter
in the soil might result in a serious diminution of their power
to germinate, before the young plant has had time to pierce
the hard seed coat. This led to the following experiment,
undertaken to find how quickly heavy Hevea seeds may lose
weight.
For the purpose, ten heavy seeds were packed in
thoroughly dried charcoal, in a flask; while ten others were
placed in a flask open to the air. Each lot was taken
periodically from its flask, at the same time, and weighed,
with the following results:—
Seeds in’ charcoal,
Day of weighing. Seeds in air,
granis. grams,
Ist 48°8 49:0
5th 48:5 43°5
9th 47-0 40°5
15th 45:5 38°7
20th 44-4 38:0
25th 43-0. Bf)
30th 41:8 37:2
42nd 39-0 37:0
45th 38:0 37:0
54th By) 37:0
Calculation of the results shows that in two weeks the
seeds kept in air had lost 6 per cent. of their weight, and those
in dried charcoal 20 per cent., the latter being about the
extreme limit of desiccation; the light seeds took fifty days
to reach this.
Further observations, made for the purpose of ascertain-
ing the cause of the decrease in weight, gave negative indi-
cations that this is due to the loss of water; and it is thought
that it takes place on account of the presence of a definite
ferment in the seed.
The fact that the trials were commenced late in the
bearing season make it impossible to ascertain if the poor
germinating power is the indirect result of some imperfection
in the flower, or irregularity in fertilization. It was noted,
however, that the embryos of all the seeds examined appeared
to be normal, and there was the interesting observation that,
out of about 320 capsules, all were trilocular and three-seeded,
except two, which possessed four loculi and four seeds. The
seeds in the abnormal capsules were subjected to a germina-
tion test, and three out of the eight gave sprouts. Attention
is drawn to the faint possibility that a tendency toward
irregularity in the floral organs of Hevea brasiliensis is indi-
cated, with the consequent production of a low germinating
power in the seed that is eventually borne. The improba-
bility of the correctness of such a suggestion is, however,
pointed out.
The final conclusions from the investigation are given as
follows: —
(1) Seeds of Hevea brasiliensis lose weight rapidly after
maturity, the loss being apparently due to desiccation.
(2) The loss of weight appears to coincide with loss of
germinating power.
(3) Desiccation apparently takes place, in some instances,
even before dehiscence of the capsule.
(4) Probably, without special precautions, Hevea seeds
will lose their germinating power within two or three weeks
after the ripening of the capsules.
The matter of practical importance that can be deduced
from these results is that no Hevea seed should be sold until
it has been selected rigorously by weight, and there is the
additional indication that no unnecessary exposure, or loss of
time in planting, should be allowed after the seeds have
been received.
2 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
Aprit, 1,°1911.°
London.—Txe Wrest Inpia
New York,—Messrs.
MARKET ‘REPORTS.
CoMMITTEE CIRCULAR,
March 14, 1911; Messrs. E. A. Dre Pass & Co.,
March. 4, 1911.
ARRowROOT—2d. to 3d.
Batata—Sheet, 3/9 ; block, 3/- per tb.
BrEeswax—£7 10s. to £7 12s. 6d.
Cacao—Trinidad, 56/6 to 65/- per cwt.; Grenada, 51/-
to 56/-; Jamaica, 49/- to 54/6.
Corrre—Jamaica, 58/- to 64/6.
Copra—West Indian, £22 per ton.
Cotron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, no quototions.
Frour1—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
GincGeER—Common to good common, 52/- to 53/6 per cwt.;
low middling to middling, no quotations; good bright
to fine, no quotations.
Honey—No quotations.
IstncLass—No quotations.
Lime Juicr—Raw, 8d. to 1/1; concentrated, £18 2s. 6d.
to £18 7s. 6d.; Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/- to 5/3,
nowinal.
Loawoov—No quotations.
Mace—Firm.
Noutmeas—Quiet.
Pimento—Common, 23d.; fair, 2td.; good, 2,%,d. per tb.
RussER—Para, fine hard, 6/8: fine soft, 6/2; tne Peru,
6/6 per Th.
Rust—Jainaica, 1/6 to 5/- per gallon.
Sucar—Crystals, 14/9 to 17/6; Muscovado, 11/6 to 14/6;
Syrup, 11/3 to 13/-; Molasses, no quotatioas.
GintEsPIE Bros. & Co., March
10, 1911.
Cacao—Caracas, 11jc. to 124c. ; Grenada, 11c. to 11fe. ;
Trinidad, 11fc. to 12c. per ib.; Jamaica, 103c. to 114c.
Cocoa-Nuts—Jamaica, select, $29°00 to $31°00; culls,
$1800; Trinidad, select, $29:00 to $31-00; culls,
$18:00 per M.
Corrre—Jamaica, 124c. to 13}c. per tb.
GincER—9c. to 1Zc. per tb.
Goat Sxins—No quotations.
Grare-Fruit—Jamaica, $1°75 to $2°25 per box.
Limes—$6°50 to $8°0U.
Mace—4lec. to 48c. per tb.
Nurmecs—110’s, 10c. to 10}c. per th.
Orances—Jamaica, $1°50 to $2:00.
Pimento—4c. per tb.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3°76c. per 1b.; Muscovados,
89°, 3°26c.; Molasses, 89°, 3:Olc. per tb., all duty
paid,
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., March 20,
1911.
Cacao—Venezuelan, $12°10 per fanega; Trinidad, $11-25
to $12-00.
Cocoa-nut O1r—91c. per Imperial gallon.
Corrre—Venezuelan, l6c. per th.
Copra—No quotations.
Durat—$3'30.
Ontons $2°75 to $4:00 per 100 ib.
Peas, Sprir—$5°90 to $6:00 per bag.
Potators—English, $2°00 to $2°25 per 100 th.
Rice—Yellow, $4°30 to $4°35; White, $5°40 to $5:30
per bag.
Sucar—Amorican crushed, $5°50 to $5°60 per 100 fb.
Barbados,—Messrs. T. S. Garraway & Co., March 27,
1911; Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., March 20,
1911.
Arrowroor—St. Vincent, $4°50 to $470 per 100 th.
Cacao—$12°00 to $12°50 per 100 tb.
Cocoa-NuTs—$20 00.
CorrrE—Jamaica and ordinary Rio, $13°50 to $14°50 per
100 th.. scarce.
Hay—$1°40 to $1°50 per 100 th.
Manures—Nitrate of soda, $6500 ; Cacao manure, $42:00
to $48-00; Sulphate of ammonia, $75:00 per ton.
Moxasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$2°50 to $4°00 per 100 th.
Peas, Sprir—$5°8u to $6°00 per bag of 210 tb.; Canada,
$4°25 per bag of 120 tb.
Porators—Nova Scotia, $2°25 to $2°80 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam,
per 100 th.
$5°30; Patna,
$3°50;
Sucar—No quotations.
$2°90
Rangoon,
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wierinc & Ricuter, March
18, 1911; Messrs. SanpBacH, Parker & Co,
March 17, 1911.
ARTICLES.
ARrRowRooT—St. Vincent
Batata— Venezuela block
Demerara sheet
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STaRCH—
Cocoa-NUTS—
CorrrE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
DHAL—
Green Dhal
Eppors—
Motassts— Yellow
Ontons—Teneriffe
Madeira
Peas—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Porators—Nova Scotia
Lisbon
Potators-Sweet, B bados
Rice—Ballam
Creole
TANNIAS—
Yams— White
Buck
Sucar—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
TimseeR —Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
», Cordwood
Messrs. WIETING
& RicHrer.
$9°25 to $9°50
per 200 tb.
No quotation
8lc. per tb.
llc. per th.
6c.
$6°50 to $7-00
$12 to $16 per M
16c. per th.
18c. per tb.
103c. to 1le. per th.
$3°50 per bag of
168 tb.
$4:00
$1°68
None
be.
$3°75 to $590 per
bag (210 tb.)
$4°50
20c. to 48e.
$3:°00 to $3°25
$1:92 per bag
No quotation
$500 to $3°50
32°88 per bag
$2°88
$1°32
$2°50 to $2:40
$2°70 to $3:00
$4:00
$2°10 to $2°30
32c. to 5dc. per
cub. foot
$375 to $6:00
per M.
$1°80 to $2:00
per ton
Messrs. SAanp-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$9-25 to $9°50
per 200 tb.
Prohibited
72c. to 80c.
10c. to 11c. per tb.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
selected
l6c. per tb.
19¢.per tb.
1le. per tb.
$350 to$3-75 per
bag of 168 tb.
7c.
$5-90 per bag
(210 tb.)
No quotation
$3°50
No quotation
$500 to $525
None
$2°65 to $2°75
$4°00 to $4°25
None
32c. to 55c. per
cub. foot
$4-00 te $6°00
per M.
No quotation
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233.
VOL. 2X UNO:
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Aprit 1, 1911.
THE BEST MANURES
FOR COLONIAL USE
eee
Ohlendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—Fer Sugar-cane and general ure
Ohlendorff’s Special Sugar-cane Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cocoa Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cotton Manure
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, high grades,
Potash Salts, Basic Slag and all other high-class Fertilizers.
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR
DIRECT TO :—
THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFE’S) GUANO WORKS.
London Agency:
Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C.
Barbados Agents : James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
COTTON SEED MEAL. |
GiTTON SEED MEAL.
Recommended by the Imperial Department of
Agriculture as a first class Feeding Stuff for Cattie,
Mules, etc, Special quotations for large quantities,
THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON)
FACTORY, LIMITED,
BRIDGETOWN.
WEST INDIAN BULLETIN.
(Vol. XI, No. 2.)
Containing papers on The Report on the Prevalence of
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IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES.
CONTENTS.
Pace, PAGE
Absorbent ‘Cotton’ from | Indian Runner Ducks... 127
Marine Plaats ... . 121 | Insect Notes :—
Bahamas, Sponge Fisher- Control of Insect Pests 122
ies of .. ... «-. «-- 127} Palm Pests /Attacking
Book Shelf Sauibeecd encoet Al Sugar-Cane a6o ban 12
sor achinerv | : x
ene ae : iste hinery 21 | International Rubber Ex-
Coad Nate, ke el einbition, MS) 1.228
Coton Growin mA sin Linseed Cake, Hydro- x
Nata, pal Cuyntan eyanic Acidin ... ... 121
A ic Ss 2 118 Market Reports ... ... 128
weaHuncantGotean) 21nng | Nowe and Céementer 120
» ce JLO oO De a co f 6
Heres tie acarccsen Soins | Paint Mang: , ona 116
acts (Concerns 119) Sorghum, Poisonous Prop-
acts (2 Boo. taf rea = Gc os
Fungus Attacks, Degrees mules o <a 9S 128
ARR aR oo nes 113 Students’ Corner ... ... 125
| Sugar Industry :—
Fungus Notes :-—
| Molasses Products in the
The Fungus Causing
Pine-Apple Disease ... 126 | Netherlands... ... 115
Gleanings ... ... ..._... 124] The Manufacture of
Hygiene in English Ele. | Sugar from Maize ... 115
mentary Schools 5 120) Water Finders, Trials Con-
Imperial Department of ducted with ... ... 121
Agricalture, Publica- | West India Committee and
tions of . 120| the Rubber Exhibition 123
The Degrees of Virulence of
Fungus Attacks.
2'N these days, when almost everyone con-
/ nected with agriculture has had a considerable»
a and often unpleasant,experience of the general
effects of fungus diseases on crops, it is hardly necessary
to point out that some fungi are much more thorough
than others in carrying out their work of destruction.
It is only requisite to consider for a moment the
damage inflicted upon the sugar-cane in the West
Indies by the rind fungus during the last decade of
the past century, and to contrast it with the com-
BARBADOS, APRIL 15, 1911.
Price ld,
paratively small annual toll exacted by the root fungus
of that crop, or by the pod diseases of cacao, in order to
realize fully how different may be the effects produced.
In the first instance, the colonies were threatened
with the complete annihilation of their staple industry;
while, with the other two, though the yield is reduced
to a greater or less extent by the parasites, some return
may always be expected from the crops.
Since the attacks of endemic fungi, such as those
causing pod diseases of cacao, are much jess immediate
in their economic effect, and consequently of a consider-
ably less alarming nature to the community in general,
ample time is afforded to the mycologist in which
to perfect his means of combating them, and to the
practical agriculturist in which to realize the impor-
tance of such means and to apply them to his crops.
Moreover, endemic fungi are frequently in their nature
more easy of control than the epidemic. The majority
of plant diseases are of an endemic nature, and this fact,
taken in conjunction with their extended scientific study,
has resulted for the greater part in the formation ef
fairly efficient means for reducing the damage they
inflict, and the recognition of the nature and importance
of these diseases has called into being a body of men
specially trained in the knowledge of this subject.
Now, since common experience has shown in many
cases that such trained men are able to give advice
which, if followed, will result in the extensive reduction
of the losses formerly incurred owing to the attacks of
parasites, a natural belief is tending to arise that
inycologists can always aftord advice of a simple kind for
controlling or eradicating all fungus diseases. In real-
ity, this is far from being the case. Much depends
on the nature of the host plant, on general external
conditions, and on the co-operation of large numbers of
persons whose crops are attacked by any given disease
BY
Va
114
Even then the position may appear almost hopeless, and
may only be saved by the intervention of some unfore-
seen external circumstance. A good illustration of what
is meant. is afforded by the outbreak of canker on the
chestnut trees of the United States,* which only
attracted attention in the year 1904. and has now
become a serious epidemic, so far impossible to control.
The disease is due to a wound fungus identified as
Diaporthe parasiticu, Murrill, which lives in the inner
bark and cambium of the stem and all woody branches
of the chestnut. On limbs with smooth bark, the para-
site produces pale brown, sunken patches on the outer
bark. These become more or less thickly covered with
the yellow orange or reddish brown pustules of the fungus,
which break through the lenticels. In a damp atmos-
phere, the sunimer form of spore is extruded in a yellow
or greenish tendril, which becomes brown as it grows
older. The fungus grows so fast that it can completely
girdle a branch or small trunk, and thus kill it, in from
one to two years. Even large trunks are girdled as
a rule in four years.
The native American chestnut (Castanea den-
tata) is the plant most subject to attack, but the
chinquapin (Castanea pumila), found native from
New Jersey to Florida, is also affected, while the
disease has been found, as well, on the Japanese chest-
nut (Castanea crenata.) Indeed, tt is suggested that
imported plants of this foreign variety growing at Long
Island may well have served as the original source of
the disease. This point has not, however, been definitely
established.
Instances of a disease which may have been this
were noted as early as 1902, but it was not until 1904
that it attracted attention; while it did not receive
At that
time it had assumed serious proportions, and by 1909
over fifty per cent. of the trees within a radius of
twenvy-five miles of New York had been completely
killed out. In addition to this, the disease had appear-
ed at various points in a number of states, and its rapid
spread throughout the whole of the chestnut and
fullginvestigation by a mycologist until 1905.
chinquapin-growing area of the United States appeared
imminent, Another very serious consideration was
that all the preventive measures tried within the area
of serious infection had failed absolutely to produce
any effect, though these had been carried out on a fair-
ly extensive scale by trained men, and though support
was given to the work by the United States Depart-
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. Aprit 15, 1911.
ment of Agriculture. There was, moreover, no lack of
co-operation on the part of individuals, and no want of
money. Kverything possible was done in many in-
stances, but absolutely no result was achieved. At the
present time, practically every tree within the infected
area 18 doomed, while the possibility of the complete
destruction of the native American chestnut and of the
chinquapin must be faced. It is needless to state that
this destruction represents a loss of economic products
aggregating in value several hundred million dollars.
Metcalf and Collins+, writing in 1909, took a less
gloomy view of the situation. They believed that the
spread of the disease could be restricted to the badly
infected area, if stringent measures were adopted with
this object. These measures included the most careful
inspection of all nursery stock, and the passing of very
thorough quarantine laws in all districts at that time
free from the disease. Furthermore, they stated that
the Department of Agriculture was prepared to give all
possible assistance, particularly in educating the public
to recognize the disease, so that trees recently infected
in a previously healthy area could be removed, and
diseased parts burned. In such an area, where the
sources of reinfection were small, very careful excision
of diseased parts might also prove effective. Even then,
they advised that constant vigilance would be neces-
sary. Spraying experiments with infected trees were
inconclusive. In the badly infected area, the complete
destruction of diseased trees was recommended as the
only course to be adopted, since the sources of reinfection
were so numerous as to preclude the possibility of sue-
cessful treatment. It was also suggested that, subse-
quently, replanting with a partially immune variety,
such as the Japanese chestnut, or with a cross between
this and the native species, might be found possible,
though the Japanese tree does not yield such good nuts,
and does not appear to be nearly as useful as lumber,
No disease as destructive as this has ever yet been
experienced in the West Indies. The sugar industry was
fortunately saved by the discovery of comparatively
immune varieties of cane, giving returns as good as,
or even better than, the variety destroyed. Neverthe-
less, the experience of the United States in the instance
quoted indicates that an outbreak of disease might
occur on any crop, which could not be checked by the
most skilful treatment or the most thorough co-opera-
tion, and that nothing would remain but to face the
consequences and to adopt the cultivation of some
different plant.
*A popular account of this disease is given in an article in
Munsey’s Magazine, for September 1910, by B. Millard.
+Bulletin No. 141, Part V, Bureau of Plant Industry,
United States Department of Agriculture.
Vor. X= No: 234 THE
AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 115
SUGAR INDUSTRY.
THE MANFACTURE OF SUGAR
FROM MAIZE.
An article originally published in the Chemiker Zeitung,
Vol. XXXIV, p. 1330, which is stated to have been widely
noted by the technical press of Europe, has been translated
by Dr. O. W. Willcox, for the American Sugar Industry and
Beet Sugar Gazette, and appears in the issue of that journal
for February 1911, from which the following particulars are
taken.
The original article is by Dr. G. Doby, who has conduct-
ed an investigation in Hungary to determine if Professor
F. L. Stewart’s method for obtaining sugar from the maize
stem is suitable for introduction into that country. It is
stated that this method depends upon the fact that if the
unripe ear is removed from maize, the sugar content of the
stem rises to a proportion which renders economically possi-
ble the manufacture of cane sugar from its juice. The increase
in sugar content is given as amounting to 12 to 14 per cent.
of the weight of the green stem. Sugar is not the only prod.
uct, however, as the molasses obtained, together with the fer-
mentable matters in the green ear and the husks may be used
for making alcohol. This is not the limit of the usefulness
of the plant, in this special connexion, as the fibrous residue
can be employed for manufacturing paper or cellulose, and
the slop from the distillation of alcohol may be converted into
food for stock.
For the experiments, the corn was planted closely, as is
done when it is raised for producing green stock food; and
while the grains were still in the milk, the heads were remoy-
ed. ‘he fact that there was no mill available for extracting
the juice made it necessary for the investigator to analyze
the plant itself, instead of juice expressed from it. A table
is given which shows that, in the case of the different kinds
of maize employed, the total sugar varied from 12-0 to 3°5
per cent., the amount of glucose in the respective cases being
4-4 and 2°0 per cent. The tests were made at different
stages of development of the corn, and it is stated that the
results show that the total sugar in the corn stem, even under
different methods of cultivation, is nearly uniform for each
stage. The factor which influences the cane-sugar content to
the greatest degree is the ratio of this sugar to the reducing
sugars—a relation which depends on the kind of corn
grown, and on the method of cultivation employed.
The results ave illustrated by means of curves which
shew plainly that, ignoring individual variations, there is
a gradual decrease in the cane sugar content after the
maximum proportion has been attained, probably because,
while the dead leaves have ceased to assimilate, there is
a certain amount of destruction of sugar through respiration
in the still living stem. When again, no notice is taken of
individual variations, it is seen that the amount of reducing
sugars present remains the same after the removal of the
ear. Returning to the cane sugar, it is evident from the
figures given above that the proportion of this is not as great
as has been stated to have been obtained in the United
States. The reasons for this circumstance are given as the
retardation of the development of the plants, on account of
unfavourable weather, and the fact that the approach of
winter stopped their growth.
Dr. Doby was able to prepare sugar crystals from the
maize easily and quickly by the employment of Schulze’s
method (described in the Zeitschrist fiir Physiologische
Chemie, Vol. XX, p. 530), and the product appeared
to possess all the typical properties of cane sugar. ‘The
opinion is given that the preparation of sugar from corn on
a large scale, by a similar method, will meet with little diffi-
culty. The conclusion is further reached that additional
experimentation is necessary before the practicability of the
method can be decided upon, and that this will have to
take account of the influence of variety, climate, cultivation,
manuring and improved seed. Attention is also drawn to the
desirability of ascertaining what variety will give the stand
from which the largest yield of sugar per acre can be obtained.
The foregoing serves to give some idea of the extent and
results of the investigation undertaken by Dr. Doby. On
another page of the issue of the American Sugar Industry
and Beet Sugar Gazette, to which reference has been made,
a quotation from the Sugar Beet with relation to the
above work is given, in which regret is expressed that time
and money are still spent in attempting to prepare sugar from
corn stalks. The opinion is brought forward that the matter
has no value in practice, and support of this idea is adduced
by comparing the yield from sugar beets with that from corn,
in the following way. The claim is made that where condi-
tions are favourable to corn-growing, the yield is 22 tons to
the acre, which gives 13 tons of stalks, from which over
1,000 tb. of sugar can be obtained; whereas with sugar beets
yielding 10 tons per acre, with an extraction of 13 per cent.
of sugar, the return would be over 2,800 1b., or nearly three
times as much sugar as that from the corn stalk. Further
evidence is given, concerning other matters in relation to the
by-products in the two cases, which appears to support the
argument that corn will never be able to compete with beet
as a sugar producer.
MOLASSES PRODUCTS IN THE
NETHERLANDS.
The Lowisiana Planter for January 7, 1911, contains
information that has been obtained from a report by the
United States Consul General at Rotterdam, which deals with
the demand for mclasses in the Netherlands. Although the
product is not employed to any extent as human food, the
importations at Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Flushing are of
no little concern; they are made in connexion with the manu-
facture of alcohol, both beet molasses and cane molasses being
employed, the former selling at 516 to $18, and the latter at
$20 to $24 per metric ton.
In the Dutch Customs, the classification of molasses
products is as ‘syrup, melado and molasses’; the imports of
this from various countries during 1909 were as follows:
Great Britain, 1,220 tons; Belgium, 2,625; Cuba, 19,981;
Germany, 23,282; Roumania, 1,711; United States, 2,507;
Sweden, 1,192 tons; forming a total of nearly 53,000 tons. The
suggestion is made that, as this molasses is mainly used for
manufacturing alcohol, and is therefore required in large
quantities, profitable importations from the United States can
only be made in tank steamers, which would discharge directly
into the tank lighters owned by the purchasing companies.
Attention is drawn to the circumstance that stock foods
containing molasses have been little used so far in the Nether-
lands, and it is suggested that trade could only be developed
in this direction, as a subsidiary industry to the provision of
molasses for aleohol-making—a provision which would pro-
bably be required to the extent of 10,000 to 15,000 tons of
molasses, annually,
116
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Arrin 15, 1911
FRUITS AND FRUIT, GEES:
THE PAIRI MANGO.
In the Bombay markets the mango most in demand is
the Alphonse. This is a fairly well known variety, and
has been distributed to most quarters of India, to the West
Indies, to America, and to Australia. Next to this famous
variety, a much Jess known variety called the Pairi has
a large production and sale. In a typical Alphonse fruit, the
left shoulder is high, the right low, and the beak is almost ab-
sent. In contrast to this, ina typical Pairi fruit, both shoulders
fall about equally, and the beak is very marked. The shapes
of both varieties are fairly constant, and it is impossible to
confound the two, once one has seen them side by side. The
Pairi fruit when fully ripe has an external colour varying
from red on the shoulder to yellow at the beak. The flesh of
this mango is of a brownish orange colour, with very little
fibre. The stone occupies perhaps one-third of the volume of
the fruit. The taste is delicious, and slightly more piquant
than that of the Alphonse.
Some judge the taste inferior to that of Alphonse, but
personaliy L prefer the slightly acid Pairi to the heavier and
more luscious Alphonse. Woodrow gives the following weight
and size of a typical fruit: weight 8 oz., size 4 x 3 x 3 inches.
One which I measured and weighed’ myself was as follows:
weight 360 grammes, size 10°5 x85 x7 em. [4:2 x3 45028
inches]. It is therefore a moderate-sized mango. There are
several varieties with bigger, and many with smaller, fruits.
The Pairi mango has one defect; it does not keep well.
Whereas Alphonse may be kept up to two months even, if
properly stored; Pairi, with the utmost precautions, will
hardly last eight days. This character and its different
flavour make if a cheaper mango than the Alphonse. The
Pairi mango tree has a most vigorous spreading habit of
growth. his character of the Pairi makes it an excellent
trunk piece for a composite grafted mango, giving a vigorous
stem.
One or two sub-varieties of the Pairi mango are known,
for example, Moti-Pairi, which is a larger kind. One specimen
of the fruit which I examined weighed 527 grammes and
measured 12 x95 x8 cm. [48 x 3°8 x 3-2 inches]. Another
sub-variety is the Kagdi-Pairi (Kagdi-papery) so called on
account of its thin and shining skin. The fruit is said to
have firmer flesh, and to be superior in flavour to the ordin-
ary Pairi.
As regards the source and history of the Pairi mango,
little is known, but it is clear that it is of Bombay origin,
and has been little cultivated in other parts of India. Maries,
in Watt's Dictionary of Economie Products, Vol. V, pp.
146-57, has one doubtful reference to Pairi, which is worded
as follows: ‘i should advise planting seedling mangoes
where grafts are difficult to obtain, taking for the seed only
such sorts as Afooz, Puary, Kishenbogh, Durbhangah, Bom-
bay, Fuzlee, and good forms.’ In the portfolio of paintings
of mangoes in the herbarium of the Calcutta Botanic Gardens,
I found no painting labelled Pairi. Firminger, in the year
1874, or the more recent edition of his Manual of Gardening
tor Bengal and Upper India, does not mention the Pairi.
Two old Indian gardening books, Speede’s The Indian Hand-
book of Gardening (Calcutta, 1842) and Pogson’s Indian
Gardening in Bengal, Upper Provinces, and the Hill Stations
of India (Calcutta, 1875) make no mention of Pairi. These
facts would seem to show that it was for long unknown in
Upper India.
On the other hand, in a Resolution of the Bombay
Government, Revenue Department, made in 1885, the follow-
ing entry is made against Thana: ‘Afus and Pyre mangoes are
largely grown in this district, especially in Salsette.’ Cooke, in
his Llora of the Bombay Presidency, 1903, Vol. 1, p. 214,
has a long note onthe Pairi mango, mentioning its botanical
and commercial characters. Gupte and Raje, in their Marathi
book, Avishi Karma, 1901, p. 680, mention the Pairi mango,
and state that its name is a corruption of the Portuguese
name Pereira. This is not impossible, seeing that the Portu-
guese Alphonse has become corrupted into Apoos, Afoos and
Hapoos. In Woodrow’s Gardening in India, 1894, pp.
255-60, Pairi is mentioned as one of the celebrated mango
trees occurring in the following districts: Poona, Kolaba
and Surat.
All this would seem to show that it is a mango evolved
probably by some Goanese horticulturist, but that it has
somehow not spread over India, or come to the knowledge of
gardeners outside the Bombay Presidency to the same extent
that Alphonse has. (From he Agricultural Journal of
India, Vol. VI, p. 27.) j
A report by the Officer Administering the Government
of the Gold Coast shows that the cacao crop of last year was
50,609,950 Ib., as against 45,277,606 Ib. in 1909, and
28,545,910 tb. in i908. The value of the crop of 1910 is
placed at £865,419.
Vat. X. No: :
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
117.
G>
uth
Si
ez)
Norman Rodger,
CANE SUGAL.
Altrincham.
By Noél Deerr,
This work, which virtually forms a new and extended
edition of the author’s well-known text-book Sugar and the
Sugar Cane, consists largely of a judicious compilation of
the views and facts put forward by various writers on the
many branches necessarily included in so wide a subject. In
carrying out the scheme, the author had regard to the older
writers, and has referred to their work in a manner that is
sufficient to give a clear account in the various sections; but
the greater, and perhaps more useful, part consists mainly of
a critical survey of the large amount of literature on sugar
matters recently issued, and scattered for the greater part
through reports and pamphlets, emanating from workers
throughout the world.
The work is divided into twenty-six chapters, the first
of which deals with the sugar-cane, its importance and
varieties; the soil suited to it; the manner of raising and har-
vesting sugar-cane; and the pests and diseases to which it is
subject. Following these, is that part of the work treating
of the extraction of the juice by mills and by diffusion, and
the manufacture of sugar; while the final chapters have for
their subjects the methods of analysis of sugar products and
allied methods, the control of the factory, and fermentation
and the production of alcohol.
It will be well to deal with some of the matters in the
book, in detail. Chapter V contains an interesting compilation
of facts from available sources concerning sugar-cane soils;
though there is little information regarding the physical
composition of these, in spite of the fact that this matter has
received considerable attention. Chapter VI commences with
a summary of the published results concerning the manuring
of cane in different countries; in regard to Barbados, however,
reference is only made to those for 1885-9, and the Leeward
Islands are not mentioued in the connexion. In relation to
the effect of manuring on the sugar-cane, the author appears
to agree with Watts and Cousins that the weight of the cane
is the only characteristic influenced to any extent; there is,
however, no reference to the work of these authorities. The
results of the experience of Watts in the Leeward Islands,
and of Rouf in Martinique in 1877, in relation to the time
for applying manures to sugar-cane, are supported by the
author’s experience. A useful but brief general summary of
the nature and use of artificial manures contains a discussion as
to whether the ash of the cane forms an index of its manurial
requirements; the idea that any such index exists is dismiss-
ed, and quotation is made of A. D. Hall’s summary of the
results of his experience in England. Pages 77 to &0 contain
a useful section on the utilization of waste products from
sugar factories as manure. ther matters in this chapter, to
which particular attention may be drawn, have reference to
bacteria in relation to soil conditions, green dressings,
rotation, pen manure and irrigation, the last of which
naturally occupies a fairly prominent position in view of the
author’s experience in Hawaii. It must be said that the
treatment of rotation and the use of pen manure is incom-
plete. In regard to the former, there is very scant reference
to its bearing on the control of insect and fungus pests, and
in the latter, little regard is had to anything beyond condi-
tions in Mauritius, the author being doubtless influenced to
deal shortly with the matter by his experience in British
Guiana.
The first part of Chapter VII gives a summary of facts
regarding the implements of husbandry—matters that are
naturally followed by an account of the preparation of land
and material for planting; in regard to the last, there is no
reference to the treatment of planting material with germi-
cides, although the subject is noted very shortly on page 155.
Trashing cane is discussed in this chapter and the results are
recorded cf the work of Boname and Eckart, who entertain
Opposite views in regard to the matter. In Chapter X, atten-
tion is given to cane-harvesting; and toward the end in regard
to the deterioration of cut cane, an interesting point is raised
with respect to the loss in crushing on account of the increase
in fibre in drying, but nothing is said as to the increase of
sucrose in the juice. Useful data are given with reference
to the loss of water and sugar in cut cane. Chapter XI
opens with a concise summary of the evolution of the modern
mill. Further on, on page 199, it may be noted, a useful
simple empirical formula in connexion with the capacity
of mills is given, and this is followed on the next two
pages by a good description of mill rollers and of problems
connected with the milling of canes. Finally, in this chapter,
questions affecting extraction and maceration are dealt with
in a most useful manner, a good deal of attention being given
to the algebraic treatment of the subject. In relation to
sugar manufacture more particularly, attention may be drawn
lastly to the accounts of the diffusion process, on page 225,
and of clarification on page 241, the latter of which forms
the subject of Chapter XIIL.
The pests and diseases of the cane are dealt with in
Chapter IX, and as regards insect pests this appears to pres-
ent a good summary of the facts, with adequate reference to
conditions in the West Indies. Among minor matters it may
be noted that the numbers of Figs. 54 and 55 in the
plate at the commencement of the book should be trans-
posed, and that Fig 49 should be lettered to correspond
with the matter on page 129; the sugar-cane frog-hopper
of Trinidad is now identified as Zomaspis varia, Fabr.;
the cane fly of the West Indies (Delphax saccharivora) is
referred to as a spittle insect, although the genus De/phax does
not contain such forms, Lastly, the shot borer of the sugar-
cane (Xyleborus perforuns) is not regarded as a serious pest,
in spite of the opinion that its tunnels form a means of
entrance for fungi. In regard to plant diseases, it should be
stated that Griffon and Maublane do not consider that
Darluca melasporum is identical with Coniothyrium melas-
porum, nor that Diplodia cacaoicola has any connexion with
either of them; the account of the fungi associated with rind
disease is somewhat confused, though the summary of the
literature relating to them is good; reference to Griffon and
Maublane’s work, and to Maublanc’s summary of Delacroix’s
notes, would have been useful. Neglecting these matters,
a good, clear and fairly complete account of the fungus pests
of the sugar-cane has been presented.
The way in which the work is produced merits nothing
but praise. The type is good; the illustrations contain ade-
quate detail without being confused; there is included a most
useful appendix of tables; and the index—a part of more than
the usual importance in a book of this nature—forms a most
trustworthy gnide to its excellent contents.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. Aprit 15, 1911,
ar a iS
INDIAN COTTON.
WEST
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date March 27, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :-—
Since our last report, about 50 bags of West Indian Sea
Islands are reported as sold at 18d. to 184d.; these represent-
ing very small lots of selected bales from various islands.
There is great pressure to sell all Sea Island growths,
and buyers having such a large selection, have only purchased
such bags as are suitable for their immediate requirements.
There is an unsold stock of between seven and eight
thousand bales in Charleston, which has been pressed for
sale throughout the season at gradually iower prices, without
finding buyers. We notice, however, that a meeting has been
held with a view to reducing the production of long stapled
cotton in the States, substituting Uplands, and to hold the
balance of the stocks for better prices.
Meanwhile, the demand for lace is still poor, with the
result that many mills are using other descriptions of cotton
and the normal consumption is very much curtailed.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending March 25, is as follows:—
There was some demand for planters’ crop lots during
the week. The owners being discouraged, lowered their
prices to meet the views of buyers and accepted the offers
made them, resulting in sales of 299 bales, prices ranging
from 32c. to 40c. The buying was for England, France, and
the North.
In the absence of any demand for the odd bags the
market remains nominally unchanged, but as Factors to effect
sales would accept some decline trom their asking prices, we
quote, viz:—
Extra Fine Islands at
Fully Fine _,,
32c.=18d. c.i.f. & 5 per cent.
30¢. = 17d. ” ” ” ”
Fine ‘A 29er=16Ad. 5, 3, Piers
Off Grades _,, 23c. to 25c.
= 13d. to 14d. sues ry,
According to the Bulletin of Agricultural Statistics of
the International Institute of Agriculture, Rome, the area of
cotton planted in Egypt, in 1909-10, is estimated at
1,725,083 acres. The area in 1908-9 was 1,677,240 acres; so
that there has been an increase of nearly 3 per cent. Simil-
arly, as far as reports have been received, the figures for
British India are 21,516,888 acres and 20,546,645 acres,
giving an increase of 4°7 percent. The estimated output of
British India is placed at 4,668,000 bales of 400 tb.—a decrease
of 5:7 per cent. on the amount for the previous year.
COTTON-GROWING IN ASIA, AFRICA
AND SOUTH AMERICA.
Under the above title, the Textile Mercury for January
7, 1911, gives excerpts taken from the reports of Consuls and
commercial agents that have been supplied to the United
States Bureau of Manufactures, dealing with cotton-growing
in certain parts of the world. The following is an abstract
of the matter presented in the journal to which reference has
been made:—
INDIA: CAMBODIA CoTroNn. The area of this cotton in the
Tinnevelley district of the Madras Presidency has quickly
increased to about 17,000 acres. The cotton itself is a variety
of acclimatized American cotton, which was introduced into
the country about four years ago, and has a greater yield than
any of the old kinds. It thrives on irrigated lands, and there
seems to be little doubt that in verv few years its cultivation
will extend to the whole of South India, if not to other
parts of the country in addition. As its fibre compares
favourably with that of American upland, the opinion is given
that in a few years India may become a serious competitor
of the United States in regard to the provision of short staple
cotton.
NORTH BORNEO. Attempts to grow Sea Island cotton
have not been successful. It appears. however, that British
Borneo possesses strains of cotton that grow well in the
country, and yield a useful fibre. Large plantings have been
made of the silk cotton (kapok) tree (#1vodendron anfractuo-
sum), but it is too early at present to determine the com-
mercial value of the fibre of this plant in British Borneo.
ALGERIA. Enquiries seem to indicate that this colony
can only produce cotton under the best market conditions,
and even then the quantity would be limited. This is
because of the scarcity of water for irrigation, which is made
necessary by the low rainfall, and the employment of such
water for the growing of other products that are of greater
value. Well cultivated land under irrigation gives 880 to
1,750 tb. of unginned cotton: this must obtain a price of at
least 78d. per lb. of lint, or it cannot be grown profitably.
The amount of cotton exported during 1909 was 40 tons,
valued at £1,700.
THE TRANSVAAL. Satisfactory progress is being made
with most of the cotton experiments in the Transvaal, and
increasing areas of the plant are being sown. The trials
that have been made show that almost the whole of the low
veldt, and many parts of the middle veldt, are suitable for
cotton-growing; but that this is not at all the case in regard
to the high veldt. A matter of further encouragement is
that the normal Transvaal climate appears to be well suited
to cotton, as the rainy season from December to April is
available for its growth, while the dry season, during which
Von. X. No. 234.
the crop can mature and be picked, commences in May. It
has been found that the most suitable districts for cotton-
growing are situated in the eastern foothills of the Drakens-
berg, the Zoutpansberg, Lydenburg, Barberton, and Piet
Retief districts, as well as in Swaziland. The improved
types of American upland cotton have so far given the best
results.
ARGENTINA. A circular issued by the Argentine Depart-
ment of Agriculture shows that investigations have demon-
strated that the extension of cotton cultivation in the State
has been retarded by special circumstances, as the plant
itself appears to be well suited to the conditions that obtain
where it is grown, and gives reasonable yields. In order to
encourage cotton-growing in the State, the Office of Agri-
cultural Competitions and Exhibitions is devising competi-
tions to be held among the cultivators of cotton plantations
and cotton producers. For this purpose, seed of different
varieties from the United States is being distributed; among
these are Russell, Culpepper, Texas Wood, Dickson, Strick-
land, King and Simkin.
SOME FACTS CONCERNING FOREST
RESOURCES.
Bulletin 83 of the United States Forest Service,
entitled The Forest Resources of the World, has been
issued recently. This gives the following information
concerning the West Indies, in the special connexion:—
Semler takes a very gloomy view of forest conditions in
the West Indies. He thinks that, on the whole, the West
Indies present a sad picture of forest destruction. The smal!
islands are robbed of their former forest wealth; and the large
ones, like Jamaica, San Domingo, and Cuba have only
remnants. What little is left is almost entirely in the hands
of private individuals, and nothing is done for the preserva-
tion of the forests.
John T. Rea, who lived for four years in the West Indies,
takes a more optimistic view of the situation, and since his
observations are more recent and many of them are original,
they are apparently more trustworthy than Semler’s. Accord-
ing to Rea’s statement, two-thirds of most of the West Indian
Islands are still in virgin bush and forest, which are capable
of yielding a plentiful supply of good material. Thus the
Layou and Sara flats, or Crown lands of Dominica, have an
area of 40 square miles, and contain a mine of wealth in tim-
ber. In Trinidad, he estimates that there are at least
300,000 acres of forest land.
The total area of the West Indies is about 100,000 square
miles, The trees, on the whole, are not very large, and yield
as a rule only small scantlings. Some of the woods are
useful for building and engineering work, but they are valu-
able principally for furniture, panelling, cabinet, and other
fancy work. The immense variety of small articles, such as
knife handles, knobs, buttons, ete., which are now manu-
factured from choice grained woods, opens a ready market
for many West Indian timbers, the beauty of which cannot
be surpassed. Gum and_ resin-yielding trees abound,
and commercially valuable fibres may be stripped from
quite a number of them. The bark, leaves and_ berries
of others furnish well-known drugs, dyes and spices. Owing
to the fact that all the best timber is in the inland forests,
with few convenient rivers for floating it down, and owing
also to the defective character of the means of communication
and the absence of sawmills and machinery for their treat-
ment, the native woods have until lately been ayailable only
in. small quantities. Circular and other rapid saws have been
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 119
added to the plant of most of the public work-yards, so that
some of the disadvantages have been overcome.
Little definite information is to be had concerning the
forest area of Cuba. It probably does not exceed 5,000,000
or 6,000,000 acres, which, with a population of 2,050,000,
makes the area per capita about 3 acres, and constitutes about
20 per cent. of the total land area. Such an area, with the
small local demand for wood, if the forests are properly man-
aged and cared for, certainly ought to furnish a sufficient
supply for home consumption. Unfortunately, however, the
forests do not contain the kinds of timber needed for most
purposes, and hence large quantities are imported annually.
The following are the general conclusions reached
in the Bulletin, in relation to the forest resources of
the world:—
The review of the timber trade of the various countries
of the world shows a steady increase in wood consumption,
and imports of nearly all the leading import countries, and
but three important countries, Russia, Finland and Sweden,
which can increase their export without lessening their forest
capital. This increase will be needed in Western Europe to
make up the growing deficit there, and will not be a source
of supply for the United States. Thus the tendency is
toward a greater over-cutting of timber on the part of the
export countries, to make up the increasing deficit of the
import countries, which policy, if continued, would lead te
a universal shortage, with no surplus to draw upon. This
picture, gloomy as it may seem, is offset by the birth of anew
economic force—the general appreciation of the value of
forests, and the movement toward the introduction of rational
forest management by all civilized peoples. There is no
doubt whatever that there is enough accessible actual and
potential forest land in civilized countries to produce, under
proper management, an abundance of timber to supply
indefinitely the world’s growing demand.
Doctor Schlich states, in his Morest Policy, that by
planting up waste lands in Great Britain much of the annual
import could be replaced by home-grown timber. If any
material results can be expected in Great Britain, this
country, with its great existing forests and large amount of
permanent forest land, can certainly supply its timber needs.
Not only of necessity, in view of the lack of any adequate
foreign source of supply, but also from national pride and
the desire to preserve a tremendous native industry, the
United States should introduce rational forest management.
At present, forest management would consist in large part of
conservative treatment of existing forests with a relatively
small amount of planting. If postponed until a timber
shortage forces the United States to action, it would face the
problem of the slow conversion of serubby woodland into
productive forest, and the costly planting of denuded wastes
on a very large scale. While the present area of wooded
land in the United States is usually estimated at 545,000,000
acres some of this is of no commercial value, and much is
inevitably destined, with the increase in the population of
the country, to be cleared for agriculture. The area of land
so situated as to be permanent forest land is about
450,000,000 acres, of which 100,600,000 will consist of farm
wood-lots. The inevitable increase in wood consumption,
following increase in population and growth of industries,
will thus have to be supplied from a diminished forest area
Therefore the only solution of the problem of a wood-supply
is to begin now to prepare for making a diminished forest
area supply an increased population. This means that the
land should be surveyed and. classified by the Government,
-and forest management applied, to the permanent: forest land,
now—before it is too late,
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Aprit 15, 1911.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados. i
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s. 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
Vor. X. SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 1911.
No.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Oontents of Present Issue.
The subject of the editorial is The Degree of
Virulence of Fungus Attacks. It shows that the damage
likely to be caused by such attacks varies greatly nm
different instances, and that the treatment will ditfer
with the circumstances of this; while in some cases, the
harm done may be so great as to lead to the abandon-
ment of the cultivation of the plants of the species
attacked.
234.
On page 119, some facts are presented in connexion
with the forest resources of the world.
Attention is drawn to a note on this page, setting
forth the contents of the West Indian Bulletin, Vol. XL,
No. 3, which is now being issued. It will be followed by
Pamphlet No. 67, entitled Seedling and Other Canes
in the Leeward Islands, 1909-10.
The Insect Notes, on page 122, contain two articles
dealing respectively with pests of palms that have been
found to attack sugar-cane, and with some general facts
concerning the control of insect pests.
Articles on the forthcoming International Rubber
and Allied Trades Exhibition appear on page 123. The
second of these shows that the list of prizes for compet-
ition has been increased by the offer of two silver cups
by the West India Committee.
An article on the same page presents the results of
work that has been done in connexion with the poisoning
properties of unripe sorghum.
The subject of the Fungus Notes (page 126) is
‘The Fungus Causing Pine-apple Disease. The article
shows that this fungus is capable of attacking a larger
variety of host plants than was suspected at first.
Publications of the Imperia] Department of
Agriculture.
The West Indian Bulletin, Vol. XI, No. 3, is now
being issued. ‘Ihe first article in it is entitled Fungus
Diseases of Ground Nuts in the West Indies, by F. W.
South, B.A., Myculogist on the Staff of the Depart-
ment. Ground nuts also receive attention in the next
article, Notes on Ground Nuts in the West Indies,
which presents the results that have been obtained
with this crop in recent years at the various experi-
ment stations. The third article consists of a report by
H. A. Ballou, M.Sec., Entomologist on the Staff of the
Department, giving particulars of a recent visit made
by this Officer to Florida, with special reference to the
methods that are employed in that State for the con-
trol of citrus pests.
Matters not directly connected with agriculture,
but which are of much interest to those whose work is
concerned with the growing of crops are dealt with in the
information which succeeds A List of the Birds of the
Island of St. Lucia, by Austin H. Clark, B.A.. F.R.G.S.
Among other matters, this includes particulars concern-
ing the introduction of birds—a subject which is
followed up in the next article, which consists of a short
note treating further of the matter.
The remaining articles are comprised of An Account
of the Working of the Land Settlement Scheme in
St. Vincent, by W. N. Sands, Agricultural Superintend-
ent of St. Vincent; The Sugar Industry of the Island
of Negros, by Austin H. Kirby, B.A., Scientific Assist-
ant on the Staff of the Department; and Observations
on Mill Control Experiments in Negros, by Dr. Francis
Watts, C.M.G., Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture.
The second of these forms a summary of a report
recently issued on the sugar industry of Negros, and
the last deals with certain work on the efficiency of
sugar mills, the results of which are presented in that
report.
The West Indian Bulletin may be obtained from
the agents for the publications of the Department,
price Gd., post free Sd.
Pamphlet No. 67 of the Department Series, deal-
ing with Seedling and Other Canes in the Leeward
Islands, is about to be issued. It will be obtainable
from the same agents, at the price of 6d., post free 74d.
hh — A
Hygiene in English Elementary Schools.
Information has been received from the Board of
Education, Whitehall, that it has been determined to
include Hygiene and Physical Training as an additional
optional subject at the Certificate Examination for
Teachers in Elementary Schools, to be held in December
1912.
In order that candidates may become eligible for
examination in the subject, they will have to satisfy the
Board that they have attended an approved course of
physical training, which commenced not earlier than
August 1, 1911; such an approved course should have
extended over a period of not less than six months, and
have included not less than forty hours of instruction.
The tests to be passed by candidates will include both
Von. X. No. 234.
a written examination and a practical trial in physical
exercises.
It may be stated that the Syllabus of the course
in Hygiene and Physical Training is issued as a Supple-
ment to Syllabus 2, 1912, which deals with the Certifi-
cate Examination of the Board of Education for
Teachers in Elementary Schools, 1912.
SS TT
Machinery for Cleaning Broom Corn.
During last year, enquiries were addressed by this
Department to the Department of Agriculture, New
South Wales, for the purpose of obtaining information
concerning a machine of simple construction for remoy-
ing the seed from broom corn, This has been obtained,
through the courtesy of the latter-mentioned Depart-
ment, and it appears that such a machine is manutac-
tured by Messrs. D. Sim & Sons, Morpeth, New South
Wales.
The Department of Agriculture of New South
Wales has communicated with this firm, which has
consequently forwarded particulars of its machines;
these are of two kinds—one for use with horse power
and one worked by hand. The former is arranged to
be driven directly from the shaft of an ordinary one-
horse or pony gear, or by steam power; the drum is 21
inches long and 14 inches in diameter, and the machine
may be driven from either side. The hand power
machine is geared at 10 to 1, and contains a drum 12
inches in length and 14 inches in diameter. The latter
should be particularly useful where broom corn is
grown on a small scale and cheap hand labour is avail-
able for cleaning the product.
A
Hydrocyanic Acid in Linseed Cake.
The Journal of the Board of Agriculture for
February 1911 contains an article dealing with the
occurrence of hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid) in linseed
cake. The subject is important, because samples of the
cake are often met with, which on being macerated
with cold water, produce free hydrocyanic acid; none of
those examined, however, were found to contain more
than 0:025 per cent. of the free acid; although cases are
on record where the proportion was as high as 0:051
per cent. or 3°57 grains per tb. It has, however, been
found impossible to make sheep eat linseed cake of the
latter kind unless they are kept without other food,
Particulars are given of various experiments with
sheep and a heifer six months old, which were fed with
linseed cake containing 0:025 per cent. of the acid, but
no definite results were forthcoming, so that further
experiments were made in which potassium cyanide
was mixed with the food of the heifer, when no result of
note was obtained until a gentian ball containing
potassium cyanide equivalent to 30 grains of hydrocy-
anic acid was forcibly administered, on the day after
a similar ball containing cyanide equivalent to 22°5
grains of the acid had been given in the same way;
when the result was fatal in two hours.
The observations lead to the conclusion that lin-
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 121
seed cake of the kind employed is harmless. Varia-
tions in the effects will of course occur with different
animals. There were no indications that hydrocyanic
acid is a cumulative poison; nor would this be expected,
on account of the fact that it is very volatile. In
a similar way, if the acid is gradually freed from the
food, it may be taken in quantities which would kill if
they were administered in one dose. Finally the investi-
gations do not indicate that animals fed on food con-
taining the free acid attain a state of tolerance, although
it cannot be said definitely that this is not the case.
TT — dj A
Trials Conducted with ‘Water Finders’.
Much interest is often aroused in the claims of
persons called ‘dowsers’ or water finders, to be able to
discover underground sources of water by the use of
divining rods of different kinds. The Jowrnal of the
Royal Society of Arts, for February 24, 1911, contains
an account of investigations that have been undertaken
for the purpose of gauging the value of such claims, by
Professor J. Wertheimer, B.Sc., B.A., F.LC., F.CS,,
Principal of the Merchants Venturers’ Technical College
and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering in the Univers-
ity of Bristol.
Considerations of space prevent the details of the
experiments from being given here; reference to the
journal mentioned already will however show them to
have been thorough in nature and conceived with
regard to fairness.
The author gives as his conclusion that the
motion of the rod carried by the water finder, and the
sensations felt by him, are not due to the action of any-
thing outside himself. He believes, on the other hand,
that when such persons state that they do not cause
the movement of the rod, they say what they believe to
be the truth, but are nevertheless misleading them-
selves unconsciously.
De
Absorbent ‘Cotton’ from Marine Plants.
According to the Journal d’ Agriculture Tropicale,
for February 1911, a patent has been taken out by
which a product is obtained from marine plants, partic-
ularly seaweed, which is capable of replacing wadding,
absorbent cotton, lint and other articles used for band-
ages, It is also claimed that it will take the place of
wool and hair, for different purposes.
In preparing the fibre, the first process is the
bleaching of the seaweed, by a method that has been
patented. It is then boiled under pressure, in an auto-
clave, in a liquid containing caustic soda or potash,
which has been mixed with resin in such proportions as
to produce a soap, and to which one-tenth of its weight
of a saturated solution of zine chloride has been added.
The boiling is maintained until the fibres of the
seaweed alone remain, and the mass is then dried.
The claim is made that the product of the opera-
tions is light in weight, and that it absorbs water
without shrinking. It also lasts well, and is easily
made up into a form in which it can be most conveni-
ently used for bandaging purposes)
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. Aprit 15, 1911,
INSECT NOTES.
PALM PESTS ATTACKING
SUGAR-CANE.
THE PALM WEEVIL. In Circular No. 9 of the Depart-
ment of Agriculture, 'I'rinidad, Dr. Lewis H. Gough gives an
account of the palm weevil, Lhynchophorus palmarum, attack-
ing sugar-cane in that island.
From Dr. Gough’s account it appears that the larva of
the palm weevil, which has long been known as the gru-gru
worm, has for many years been known to attack sugar-cane.
In 1828, the Rev. Lansdown Guilding recorded such an
attack for the first time; in 1847, Sir Robert Schomburgk
made a similar record in Barbados, and more recently this
insect has been reported as attacking sugar-cane in British
Guiana and Trinidad.
The cut ends of cane plants seem to be chosen by the
adult female weevil for egg-laying, the rind of the cane
being apparently too hard to be penetrated by the ovipositor.
Older canes are probably attacked at some point where the
cane has been injured.
The egg stage occupies only a short time. Dr. Gough
states that he has observed eggs to hatch in less than forty-
eight hours. The larval period lasts about three months,
during which time the larva grows to a length of 24 to
3 inches. The cocoon is found in the ground, and is construct-
ed out of fibres of the cane. The pupal stage is stated to
last from two to four weeks.
The remedies suggested for the control of the palm
weevil on sugar estates are (1) the cleaning up of all
pieces of cane at the places where the cane plant is chopped,
and at the loading places, and (2) the covering of the ends of
the cane plants in such a way that the weevil cannot deposit
eggs in them. In relation to the second remedy, a useful
substance for the purpose is mould or some compound which
would repel the insect. Flat planting of the canes would
accomplish the same object. The palm weevil does not seem
to be a serious pest of sugar-cane in Trinidad, although
it is widely distributed.
CASTNIA DAEDALUS. Custnia daedalus is a large day-
flying moth, known as a pest of palms in South America
which has been reported to attack sugar-cane in British
Guiana.
A letter dated March 18, 1911, from Mr. J. Rodway,
Curator of the Museum, Georgetown, appeared in the
Demerara Daily Chronicle, in which attention was called to
the fact that Castnia daedalus has, in one instance at least,
been known to attack sugar-cane; while the previously
recorded food plants of this insect are palms.
The letter states that the adult is about twice the size of
Castnia licus, which has become such a pest of sugar-cane
in British Guiana in recent years, and it suggests that effort
should be made to prevent its becoming established as a pest
of canes.
In the Agricultural News for January 22, 1910 (Vol. IX,
p- 26), Castnia daedalus is mentioned as occurring in
Surinam asa pest of cocoa-nuts, and Castnia Licus, the afore-
mentioned serious pest of sugar-cane in British Guiana, is
noted as attacking cocoa-nut and other palms in Trinidad. It
would appear that the transition from palms to sugar-cane and
from sugar-cane to palms is not difficult for these insects.
The nature of the attack’ on sugar-canes by Castnia
daedalus is not stated in Mr. Rodway’s letter; but ‘it
seems likely that the larva'of this insect would occur as
a borer, since that is the habit of the insects of the genus
Castnia.
An interesting point in connexion with the occurrence
of species of Castnia asa pest is found in Sharpe’s Znsects,
Part 2 (see Cambridge Notural History, Vol. V1), where it
is stated: ‘these insects are rare in collections; they do not
ever appear in numbers, and are generally very difficult to
capture.’ This volume appeared in 1899, a few years after
the occurrence of Castmia licus as a pest of sugar-cane, but
before this was known generally.
THE CONTROL OF INSECT PESTS.
The first of a series of addresses on economic entomo-
logy was given on March 2, 1911, at the Imperial College
of Science, by Mr. H. Maxwell-Lefroy, Entomologist to
the Government of India and sometime Entomologist on
the Staff of this Department. According to an account of
the meeting contained in the West India Committee Circular
for March 14, 1911, Lord Cromer, who acted as Chairman,
drew attention to the lack of men who had received field
training in the methods of combating insect pests. This
matter was continually made evident to members of the
Entomological Research Committee, when applications were
received from various parts of the world for experienced
economic entomologists. Lord Cromer made reference to the
offer by Mr. Andrew Carnegie, to defray the expense for
three years, of sending three or four men selected by the
Committee to the United States, for the purpose of observing
the methods that are employed in that country for dealing
with harmful insects. In the development of the plans pur-
suant to the scheme that it was intended to follow, experi-
ment stations would have to be established for the purpose
of giving experience to the workers employed in them, for
the demonstration of the practical value of economic entomol-
ogy, and lastly, for the provision of experts to be sent out to
the districts where they were required, so that they would be
able to make good use of their knowledge in the actual places
where the damage was being done.
In his lecture, Mr. Maxwell-Lefroy drew attention to the
very great loss that was suffered in various countries, particu-
larly by agriculturists, through the harm done by insect
pests. Although the devising of means for combating such
pests was an important part of the work of the economic
entomologist, such work did not end here; it extended to the
interests of industries where insects were kept for the pro-
vision of useful products, among these industries being silk
manufacture, bee-keeping and the lac industry. In relation
to these, much of the effort of the future would have to be
directed toward devising improvements, as there was plenty
of scope for the employment of better methods of
production.
The greatest amount of attention had, however, been
drawn to the work of the economic entomologist through the
recent discoveries of the part played by insects in the trans-
mission of disease. The lecturer pointed out the way in
which it was now fully recognized that the control of many
diseases, especially in the tropics, was itself a matter of the
control of the insects which had shown themselves capable of
carrying them. The subject was of the greatest importance,
for if the colonies were to be peopled by healthy races
capable of developing their immense resources, the first
consideration was to ensure the absence of disease as far as
possible, and therefore to conduct energetic campaigns against
all the lower forms of life that were proved to be capable of
carrying diseases.
Vou. X. No. 234.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 12
oo
RUBBER NOTES.
INTERNATIONAL RUBBER EXHIBITION,
1911.
A meeting of the General Purposes Committee of the
International Rubber and Allied Trades Exhibition was held
on February 13, at the London Chamber of Commerce.
The President, Sir Henry A. Blake, G.C.M.G., presided,
and a large number of persons interested in the industry were
present. The following Committees, with power to add to
same, were appointed: Awards Committee, International
Congress Committee, Reception Committee, International
Banquet Committee; and as soon as they are completed the
names will be published. ;
A recommendation was made to the Awards Committee
that a prize to the value of 50 guineas be offered for the
best suggestion for a foundation or bed best suited for the
laying of rubber blocks or sheets for road-paving.
That manufacturers be approached with a view to
arranging for a few square feet of rubber road paving, to be
laid in one of the London streets, to test if in a few years,
when the production of rubber will be much greater than it
is to-day, it will be possible to pave the London streets with
a rubber composition.
Sir Henry Blake stated that Mr. Manders had supplied
him with the information that the following countries were
exnibiting officially: Straits Settlements, British Guiana,
Ceylon, Dominica, Uganda, German New Guinea, Dutch
East and West Indies, India, Madagascar, Indo-China, the
Hawaiian Islands, French Congo, State of Para (Brazil),
Federated Malay States, Queensland, Trinidad, the Gold
Coast, British East Africa, Kameruns and other German
Colonies, Federal Government of Brazil, Occidental Africa,
Equatorial Africa, Belgium, State of Manaos (Brazil). Other
countries were negotiating; also many private planters in
different parts of the world, and several of the largest manu-
facturers of England, Germany, France, America, Holland,
etc., were exhibiting. The Exhibition would be a very
complete one, and it was the duty of everyone interested in
the industry to give the undertaking all the support they
could.
A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the busi-
ness. (From the India-Rubber Journal, February 18, 1911.)
THE WEST INDIA COMMITTEE AND
THE INTERNATIONAL RUBBER
EXHIBITION.
The following particulars of a competition for West
Indian rubber, initiated by the West India Committee,
are given in the issue of the Circular published by the
Committee, dated March 14, 1911.
In connexion with the forthcoming Rubber Exhibition,
to be held at the Royal Agricultural Hall from June 24 to
July 11, the West India Committee have decided to offer,
for competition by British West Indian exhibitors, two
silver cups, for:—
(1) The finest prepared sample of plantation rubber of
any species, and
(2) For the best specimens of balata,
The specimens must in each case be sent over with the
exhibits of one of the Permanent Exhibition Committees. The
judging will be entrusted to rubber experts to be appointed
by the Committee.
The West Indian colonies participating in the Exhibition
will be Trinidad and Tobago, for which a space of 33 feet by
16 feet has been taken; and British Guiana and Dominica,
whose exhibits will each occupy a space of 10 feet by 10 feet.
The Trinidad exhibits will include herbarium specimens,
living rubber-producing plants, tapping instruments and
sections of trunks of rubber trees for demonstrating purposes,
together with diagrams, photographs, and literature for
distribution. Mr. Edgar Tripp, Secretary of the Permanent
Exhibition Committee, is leaving no stone unturned to make
the exhibit a success. British Guiana will show about 2 ewt.
of balata, 40 or 50. tb. of plantation Para rubber and biscuit,
and 20 fb. of scrap Sapium, which will be taken charge of by
Mr. F. A. Stockdale, with a Wardian case of growing rubber
plants. A special rubber pamphlet has been prepared, giving
a concise account of the position of the local rubber industry.
Particulars regarding the Dominica exhibit have not yet been
received; but it is of interest to note that rubber-planting is
being rapidly extended in that island.
THE POISONOUS PROPERTIES OF
UNRIPE SORGHUM.
The Bulletin of the Imperial Institute, Vol. VIII, p. 384,
contains a continuation of an investigation, which was
partly described in Vol. IV, p. 333 of the same journal, in
relation to the poisonous action of immature green sorghum.
The article commences with the presentation of observations
that have been made in West Africa, where the natives give
a similar reason for the occasional acquisition of poisonous
properties by the plant to those put forward in India, namely
abnormal growth on account of drought or the attacks of
insects—a matter to which reference is made in the Diction-
ary of the Economie Products of India, Vol. VI, Part IIT.
The work carried out at the Imperial Institute has
shown conclusively that the poisoncus action of Egyptian and
Indian young green sorghum is due to the formation of
prussic acid, and this conclusion is supported by the results
obtained by other investigators. The reason for the occasion-
al occurrence of the acid in young plants, in poisonous quan-
tities, appears to arise from the fact that prussic acid is one of
the compounds formed in the process of building up more
complex substances. Therefore, if the growth of the plant
is interfered with in any way, it is likely that an excess of
the acid will be present in it, because it is unable to make
use of this in the normal manner. Such interference with
growth is most likely to occur through drought or insect
attack; thus support is given to the native opinion stated
above.
Samples of Guinea corn and of millet (Pennisetum
typhoideum) from Northern Nigeria have been examined
recently at the Imperial Institute; but as the plants were
nearly mature, it was not expected that prussic acid in any
quantity would be found, especially as the glucoside dhurrin,
which produces the prussic acid, disappears as the plant
ripens, in the case of sorghum at least. The millet was
found to contain a trace of prussie acid, but none was avail-
able from the sorghum. Further experiments are to be car-
tied out with younger material from Northern Nigeria.
According toa report by Messrs. Czarnikow, the forth-
coming sugar crop of Java is promising well. It is stated by
the same authority that during the middle of the present year
there will probably be a surplus of sugar, in the East,
amounting to about 300,000 tons.
An article in the Cuba Review, for January 1911, draws
attention to the need for agricultural and engineering
colleges in that island, for the special purpose of providing
those who will be employed later in assisting in the develop-
ment of the Republic and carrying on its agriculture.
As a coagulant for the latex of Freus elastica, Dr. O. von
Faber, Director of the Sugar Laboratory at Soerabaya, Java,
recommends the following mixture:cream of tartar, 3 per
per cent.; formaldehyde, as formalin, 0°5 per cent.; carbolic
acid, 0°5 per cent.; water, 96 per cent. (The Lndia Rubber
World, March 1, 1911.)
Attention is drawn to the issue of Analytical Notes,
1910, by Messrs, Evans, Sons, Lescher & Webb, Ltd., Drug-
gists and Manufacturing Chemists, 60, Bartholomew Close,
London, E.C. The usefulness of this number is increased by
the inclusion of an index which has reference to all the num-
bers that have been published so far.
The publication of Zimehri, the Journal of the Royal
Agricultural and Commercial Society of British Guiana, has
been resumed by the issue of a number for January 1911,
which contains several interesting articles. It is edited by
Mr. J. J. Nunan, B.A., LL.B., President, and Mr. J. Rod-
way, F.L.S., Assistant Secretary, of the Society, and publish-
ed by the Argosy Company, Ltd.
A copy of the latest prospectus relating to Avenarius
Carbolineum, made by K. Avenarius & Co., Stuttgart, has
been received. This gives particulars of some of the most
recent trials of the preserving material. These appear to show
that success has been obtained in such trials, and indicate
that the preparation is undoubtedly useful in connexion with
the purpose for which it is intended
At a meeting of the Legislative Council, Dominica,
held on January 4, 1911, the report of the Select Committee
appointed to consider the question of reciprocal trade rela-
tions with the Dominion of Canada was presented, and the
following resolution of the Committes was adopted by the
Council : ‘That this Committee is of opinion that it would
be to the interest of Dominica to enter into reciprocal trade
relations with the Dominion of Canada as recommended by
the Royal Commission.’
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. Aprin 15, 1911.
The coffee crop in Mexico for 1910-11 is stated by
H.M. Consul-General at Mexico City to be estimated at
18,496 tons. The amount in the preceding season was
20,187 tons.
An indication of the progress that is being made in
relation to the sugar industry in the Philippine Islands is con-
tained in a note in the Low/siana Planter for February 25,1911,
which states that the British steamer ‘Beachy’ has been char-
tered by the Mindoro Development Company to bring a large
sugar-cane mill, as well as lumber, to Manila from Seattle,
for use in the construction of a sugar factory. The weight
of the mill is stated to be 1,680 tons, the rollers alone weigh-
ing 18 tons each.
A publication entitled Soi! and Plant Sanitation on
Cacao and Rubber Estates, by Harold Hamel Smith, editor of
Tropical Life, is about to be issued. This contains an
introduction by Professor Wyndham Dunstan, Director of
the Imperial Institute, as well as special articles and supple-
mentary notes by several authorities. The volume is com-
prised of 730 pages and 108 illustrations, and is obtainable
at the price of 10s., from Messrs. John Bale, Sons & Daniels-
son, Ltd., 83-91, Great Titchfield St., London, W.
Reports on the cotton crop by the Economic Board of
the Government of the Sudan indicate that a good yield may
be expected, and that there will be an improvement in
quality, as all the seed sown has been that of one kind of
Egyptian, only. The particulars received from various districts
show that fair progress is being made, and a matter of impor-
tance in connexion with the cotton industry in the Sudan is
that there are indications that Egyptian cotton can be grown
successfully as a flood crop.
An account of a machine for stripping Manila hemp is
contained in the Textile Mercury for February 1911. It is
stated to wor on the principle of the hand method of hemp
stripping employed in the Philippine Islands, and that with
twelve men it will do the work of forty hand strippers. The
only question as to the success of the machine appears to
arise in connexion with the quality of the product obtained
from it, and experiments are being made for the purpose of
gaining definite information in regard to this matter.
The Journal of the Board of Agriculture for February
1911, p. 911, gives an account of experiments which were
undertaken at the Midland Agricultural and Dairy College,
for the purpose of ascertaining the effect of the administration
of large quantities of water to cows on the quality of the milk
given by them. The trials showed that common salt, even in
large doses, does not necessarily cause cows to consume an
excessive amount of water; and that the amount of water
drunk by cows has no direct bearing on the composition of
the milk yielded by them.
A note in the Board of Trade Journal for February 23,
1911, states. that H.M. Trade Commissioner for Canada
reports that a company called The Internations Contracting
Company, Ltd., has been formed at Winnipeg with an
authorized capital of about £10,270,000 for the purchase and
exploitation of a patent process for extracting oils, to be used
in preserving timber, from coal-tar without distillation. The
oil obtained in this way is said to have exceptional preserva-
tive qualities, particularly in relation to the protection of
wood from insects in'tropical countries.
Vor. X. No. 234. THE
AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 12:
ot
STUDENTS’ CORNER.
APRIL.
Seconp PErRIopD.
Seasonal Notes.
Where cotton is grown as an intervening crop with
sugar-cane—a scheme that has been adopted to a large extent
in St. Kitts—the planting of the coming cane crop is delayed
to a certain degree, and it is well to consider the advisability,
under these circumstances, of planting early maturing variet-
ies of cane, such as B.208. Discuss the effects of cutting at
the same time varieties of cane that have been planted simul-
taneously, but reach maturity at the end of different periods
of growth. What effects has such a circumstance on the work
of making muscovado sugar? Compare the results of these
effects in a muscovado works with those in a modern central
factory. If the weather is dry during the time that cane is
being planted, an excellent opportunity is afforded of making
observations for the purpose of finding the connexion between
the methods of treatment of the cuttings, before planting, and
the percentage of sprouts that is obtained; these observations
should have special reference to the treatment of sugar-cane
planting material with Bordeaux mixture.
The chief insect pest of the cane that will show itself at the
present time is the moth borer, which at this season lays its
eggs on the leaves of the young plants. Where the eggs are
found, a few should be collected, and after they have hatched,
the caterpillars should be fed on fresh cane leaves, being at the
same time kept in a jar at the bottom of which there are 2 or
3 inches of soil. Another reason for keeping the eggs of the
moth borer under careful observation will be to study, if pos-
sible, the way in which the parasites of the egg work in
attacking and destroying it. In relation to the moth borer
as a pest of sugar-cane, discuss the advisability or other-
wise of cutting out dead hearts in order to control it as
far as possible. In relation to this matter, make a consider-
ation as to the way in which the extent of the adoption of
such a means of control has relation to the possible
loss of crop that it entails, and what is more, to the degree
to which the plants are being attacked. It must be remem-
bered that in any discussion as to whether the cutting
out of dead hearts for the control of this pest is profitable,
consideration must be given to the question of the severity
of the attack, and to the cost of the Jabour entailed in the
operation.
In the cultivation of ratoon canes, regard must be
had to the circumstance that the sugar-cane possesses an
underground stem, or rhizome, and that any injury to this is
likely to have the effect of reducing the number of stalks in
the ratoon stool. In order to observe this underground stem,
the best method is to remove a stool of well-grown canes com-
pletely from the soil and to wash away any of the latter that
is] clinging to them, by means of a stream of water. The poss-
ession of such a stem by the cane explains the fact that
ratoons grown season after season tend to spread and make
the lines of cultivation irregular. Why is it advised, in the
light of the first-mentioned facts, to till ratoons as soon as
possible after the reaping of the crop; and what result is dam-
age to the underground stem likely to produce in relation to
the next year’s crop? Information in connexion with these
matters may be found in the Agricultural News, Vol. VIII,
p. 329, and in the West Indian Bulletin, Vol. X, No. 2.
The question of tillage naturally suggests that of the
different uses of the soil to the plant, and therefore to the
agriculturist. The soil is of the greatest importance in
relation to the power which it possesses of absorbing and
storing water, and of giving it up to plants when it is wanted;
this is why so much attention is paid, particularly where the
rainfall is small, to the carrying out of such methods of tillage
as will best enable the soil to hold the water which may be
otherwise lost through evaporation. Much attention has been
given in the past to the view that soil is a storehouse of food
for plants, and many of the theories of manuring have been
based alone upon this idea of its utility. These theories are
receiving considerable modification at the present time, because
it is now recognized that the soil constitutes a place where
many of the food bodies useful to plants are manufactured
from substances that are not available to them. In relation
to this manufacture, more knowledge is being gained continu-
ally as to the part taken in it by several of the minute
organisms that live in the soil, and it is expedient for the
student, as well as all others interested in agriculture, to
follow as far as may be the developments that are taking
place in this view of soil activity and usefulness to plants.
Other lines of thought will have reference to the physical
support afforded to plants by soil, and the influence of light
both on the plants and on the organisms in the soil, in relation
to the changes that take place in its constitution, and affect
its utility as a medium for the growing of plants.
Questions for Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS.
(1) Examine and describe carefully the seeds of any
three commonly cultivated plants.
(2) Give an account of the value of green dressings to
the soil.
(3) Write down the details of any simple method for
classifying manures.
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS,
(1) Give an account of the operations in connexion with
checking the growth and spread of weeds, on an estate with
which you are acquainted.
(2) State what you know about the fact of the possession
of a rhizome by the sugar-cane.
(5) What are the main features of the means that are
commonly adopted for keeping in check the fungus diseases
of plants?
FINAL QUESTIONS.
(1) Give an account of the way in which leguminous
plants assist in the addition of nitrogen to the soil.
(2) State what you know of the commercial importance
of the possession of rhizomes by certain plants.
(3) Draw up a scheme of the general methods for the
control of insect pests, and illustrate the methods mentioned
by means of matters from your own experience.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. Apnrit 15, 1911.
FUNGUS NOTES.
THE FUNGUS CAUSING PINE-APPLE
DISEASE.
The history of the fungus causing the well-known pine-
apple disease of cane cuttings is somewhat interesting,
and contains at least one curious coincidence. Moreover,
recent work has shown that it is an organism of very consider-
able economic importance, as its range of host plants
includes at least two other valuable crops besides sugar-cane,
namely pine-apples and cocoa-nuts. Another point that en-
hances its economic importance is its extensive distribution
throughout almost all tropical and some subtropical countries.
It occurs chiefly on sugar-cane in India, Java, Hawaii,
Mauritius and the West Indies, on pine-apples in Hawaii and
the West Indies, and on cocoa-nuts in Ceylon and Trinidad.
The peculiar coincidence connected with its popular
name began with its discovery on pine-apples in France by
de Seynes in 1886; the scientific name then given to it was
Sporochisma paradorum. In 1893, Went made an indepen-
dent discovery of it on sugar-cane in Java and on account of
the smell of the infected tissues, called the disease which
it occasions the pine-apple disease of sugar-cane. At the
same time he gave the fungus the name 7'hielaviopsis
ethaceticus. In 1901 Howard found this same fungus® causing
a rot of shipped pine-apples in Antigua, but the result of his
investigations was not published until 1907, when it appeared
embodied in a paper by Stockdale (West Indian Bulletin,
Vol. VIII, p. 162). In 1904 von Hohnel found de Seynes’s
fungus on a cocoa-nut in Austria, and on comparison with
Went’s description, came to the conclusion that Sporochisma
paradoxum and Thieiaviopsis ethaceticus were the same.
This opinion was confirmed by Went himself, and since
his generic name appeared the more suitable, the fungus
became Vhielaviopsis paradora. In 1907 Cobb found it on
pine-apples in Hawaii, and recent work by L. D. Larsen,
published in Bulletin 10 of the Experiment Station of the
Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Association, has resulted in a clear
understanding of its effects on that host. Thus the fungus
best known as that causing pine-apple disease of the sugar-cane
has been found to cause serious diseases of the true pine-apple.
Another recent publication dealing with the effect of this
fungus on pine-apples is Bulletin No. 171 of the Bureau of
Plant Industry of the United States Department of Agricul-
ture, by Flora W. Patterson, Vera K. Charles and Frank
J. Veihmeyer. This treats of the effect of fumigation with
formaldehyde gas in killing the spores of the fungus.
Two important papers on this fungus were published
by Petch in 1909 and 1910, which dealt with its effect on
cocoa-nuts, and with various other points, such as its life-
history, and the action of various poisonous substances in pre-
venting the germination of its spores, or in causing their death.
The first of these appears in the Cvrculars and Agricultural
Journal of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Ceylon, Vol. IV,
No. 22. The second was published in the Annals of the
Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, Vol. TV, p. 511.
Before proceeding to an acconnt of the fungus, it may be
worth noting that a general recognition by agriculturists of
the fact that this fungus could oceur on pine-apples in the
West Indies has probably been to some extent obscured by
the use of the name 7'richosphaeria sacchari for the parasite.
The reason is that Massee, in investigating the life-history of
the so-called rind fungus of the sugar-cane, found forms of
spores which appeared identical with the spores produced by
* Described by himas the endoconidial stage of Trichos-
phaeria sacchari.
the pine-apple disease fungus, and in consequence put forward
the theory that these two fungi were in reality identical. This
view was long held in the West Indies, but the balance of
recent evidence is certainly opposed to it; and it seems now
to be much more probable that the cane stem fungus, 7%7-
chosphaeria sacchari, and the pineapple disease fungus,
Thielaviopsis paradoxa, are quite independent of one another.
The pine-apple disease of sugar-cane is too well known
to require description here, and the symptoms of the stem
bleeding disease of cocoa-nut trees have been described in the
Agricultural News, Vol. IX, p. 255, and elsewhere. Three
diseases of pine-apples are known to be due to this fungus in
Hawaii, namely, frnit rot, or soft rot of the fruit, which is
the same as that reported from Antigua, base rot of cuttings
and leaf spot. The Antigua disease referred to, is not that
known as black heart.
The fungus produces two forms of spores, microconidia
and macroconidia. Different authors give somewhat varying
accounts of their appearance and method of formation;
the following is taken from that given by Petch. ‘he
microconidia are smaller than the macroconidia, they are
colourless at first and almost exactly rectangular in shape;
subsequently, they become oval and darker in colour until
they are greenish black. In some instances, especially when
removed to some distance from the mycelium, the colour
change occurs very slowly, The microcondia are produced
‘inside a long, narrow hypha which is somewhat swollen at the
base. They are formed one after another, and are extruded
from the hyphae, as they are formed, in long chains contain-
ing from twenty to eighty of the spores. The macroconidia
are larger; they are usually oval or pear-shaped, and when
mature are greenish or brownish black in colour. Like the
microconidia they are formed inside a hypha and are extrud-
ed; but in this case the hypha is shorter than that giving
rise to microconidia; the process of formation occupies more
time; and only about twelve macroconidia are produced.
Unlike the microconidia, the macroconidia will not germinate
in water. When either of these spores is sown ina nutrient
medium, it will germinate readily, and give rise to a mycelium
which produces micreconidia first and then macroconidia. In
the decaying tissues of sugar-cane or cocoa-nuts, only macro-
conidia appear to be produced.
In addition to the plants already mentioned, the fungus
can live upon ripe mangoes and bananas, while Petch has
shown that it does not survive on parts of the cocoa-nut plant
which do not contain sugar. This led him to suggest that
the growth of the fungus is dependent upon the presence of
sugar in the substance upon which it is living. Another
interesting point has been shown by Larsen, who carried
out an experiment to prove that the fungus can live
on decaying vegetable matter in the soil at a depth of at least
2 inches below the surface. This throws some light on
its power of attacking sugarcane and pine-apple cuttings.
Petch showed that the fungus will grow much more vigor-
ously in the dark than in the light. Drought and sun-
light will in some instances kill the spores in seven days;
while in others as much as seventy days is required.
Larsen, in Hawaii, found that during the summer the spores
growing in liquid media were killed by a few hours’ exposure
to direct sunlight, and that even when growing inside a cover-
ing of pine-apple tissue a quarter of an inch thick, both spores
and mycelium were killed by twenty-four hours’ exposure to
sunlight.
Some other interesting points connected with the fungus
will be dealt with further, in a subsequent article in the Ag7rv-
cultural News, and in this the diseases of pine-apples will also
be described.
Vor. X. No. 234.
THE SPONGE FISHERIES OF
THE BAHAMAS.
An article on Sponge Culture appeared recently
in the Agricultural News (Vol. X, p. QQ). In relation
to this, the following report, for 1909-f0, on the sponge
fisheries of the Bahamas, by Sir James: Young, Chair-
man of the Marine Products Board, is of interest :—
During the past nine months the Board closed the spong-
ing grounds, known as the Northern Bight, at Andros Island.
This locality for many years has yielded a good supply of
sponges.
The Commissioner, Mr. Forsythe, called the attention of
the Board to the condition of these beds, stating that there
was great need for protecting the young sponges that remain-
ed, the inarketable sponges having been overfished.
This area was closed on the first day of August, and two
watchmen appointed to guard against poaching.
Reports from the Acklin sponge beds, which were closed
to fishing on March 1, are encouraging; these beds, as well as
the beds in the Northern Bight, have been marked in several
places with buoys; specimens of the sizes of the sponges taken
from where the buoys were laid have been forwarded to the
Board. The specimens from Acklin’s Island indicate that
the reef and yellow sponges have grown faster than the grass
since the destruction by the hurricane of the previous year.
Instructions have been given to the watchmen in these
districts to forward specimens from the marked places
quarterly, so as to enable the Board to form an opinion as to
the time it requires for the various sponges to grow to
marketable sizes.
The rigid inspection of the wool and velvet sponges
from the Bight of Abaco, where the restriction as to size is
still in force, has shown good results, and fewer cases of
vielation of this rule have been detected by the Inspector.
The Board is able to report that the sponging grounds
along the Eleuthera shore are gradually recovering from the
effects of the hurricane which uprooted and destroyed these
grounds entirely in 1883.
The sales of sponge on the Exchange from January 1,
1909, to December 31, 1909, were £71,567, against £50,603
the previous year.. While this is much better than the last
year, it does not reach the average for the past five years.
Satisfactory results have followed the rules protecting
conchs from being over-fished near inhabited islands, as well
as the rules prohibiting the capture of small turtle.
Most of the tortoiseshell now exported is brought to
market from the high seas, where the captured turtle are
usually of a large size. The exports for this year amount
to £6,107.
The Board again expresses the hope that the Legislature
will soon be able to place it ina position to obtain the services
of a biologist, to assist and advise it in developing the
resources of the sea.
The Board would further suggest that an aquarium, in
connexion with a biological station, would be most interest-
ing, as an exhibition of such a beautiful variety of submarine
specimens as are found in our waters would not fail to create
greater interest in the sea products of the Colony.
The Board of Public Works has consented to the use of
Fort Montague for this purpose, the estimated cost for tanks,
pumps, repairs, ete., to the interior of the fort, being only
about £200.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 197
INDIAN RUNNER DUCKS.
Although there has been a great boom in buff Orpington
ducks—a new breed with splendid credentials—I firmly
believe thut the Indian Runner will still remain not only
popular, but absolutely the best layer amongst the increasing
family in the waterfowl world. As its name implies, the
Indian Runner is built on very slim lines, and can cover
many acres during the day in search of food, without any
sign of fatigue. In appearance it is quite different from the
heavy Aylesbury and Pekin, and somewhat resembles a soda-
water bottle, especially when standing erect. ‘The colour should
be fawn and white. The chief characteristics are the head and
bill, which should be long and slender, with the bill carried
in a perfectly straight line with the eye. The weight is only
about 4 tb.; often much less. As a table bird, it does not
rank high; but if killed when quite young, the flesh is juicy
and very palatable. I have often been surprised at the small
number of farmers who keep ducks. Whether there exists
a belief that they are unprofitable, or that they damage the
land, I cannot say, but one thing is certain, that hardly one
farmer in a hundred keepsa flock of Indian Runners. A peculiar
feature in connexion with duck-breeding, and one that has
struck me most forcibly, is the fact that right on the edge of
the moors, in desolate regions, is usually found a good number
of ducks. On several occasions I have had conversation with
these isolated duck breeders, and find they attach great im-
portance to their ducks as a source of profit.
It appears perfectly clear that if duck-keeping can be
profitable in these districts, there is no reason why even
larger profits cannot be made when the conditions are more
favourable. It is quite common for a good laying strain of
ducks to lay as many eggs daily as there are ducks, and in
one instance I know of, this record was beaten, but two eggs
a day is rather more than most people would wish from one
duck.
The small poultry keeper with limited space should not
attempt to keep Indian Runners; they are essentially a farmer’s
duck, and give best results when allowed to roam over green
fields. As arule they care little for a large swimming place,
but prefer to work away at the end of a drain or ina shallow
stream. Like all members of the duck family, Indian
Runners lay away unless kept in the house overnight. Some
persons who keep a small number allow them to sleep in the
open; this may be quite right when the weather is warm,
but dry sleeping quarters prevent disease and also make it
a certainty that no eggs are missing.
The main secret of successful hatching is plenty of
ventilation, a good supply of moisture, and not too high
a temperature. The great difficulty with all incubators
is the large number of dead in shell; these appear fully
formed, but with insufficient energy to break the shell,
which in duck eggs is very thick and the inner membrane
tough. Having had a good deal of experience in this line,
I firmly believe that a large number of both chickens and
ducklings that die in this manner are simply suffocated
through want of fresh air. Fifteen to twenty minutes cool-
ing should be allowed twice daily during the last week for all
duck eggs. When the ducklings are hatched they are certainly
. easy to rear; there should be little loss in this direction if
ordinary care is taken. J[,,feel sure that with the present
great distribution of poultry literature, and the constant
recommendations of the press, duck-breeding will increase
largely. ‘Those who take up ‘the Indian Runner will have no
cause for regret. (From the Yarmer and Stock Breeder,
January 2, 1911.)
128
London.—THe West
New York,—Messrs.
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., April 3
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS,
MARKET: REPORTS.
InpIA CoMMITTEE CIRCULAR,
March 28, 1911; Messrs. E. A De Pass & Co.,
March 18, 1911.
ARRowRoot—2d. to 39d.
Batata—Sheet, 3/10; block, 2/10 per th.
BreErswax—&47 12s. 6d
Cacao—Trinidad, 56/6 to 69/- per ewt.; Grenada, 51/-
to 56/-; Jamaica, 48/6 to 54/-.
CorrrE—Jamaica, 59/- to 69/-.
Copra—West Indian, £22 10s. per ton.
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 18d. to 184d.
Fruit—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
GincerR—Common to good common, 45/- to 52/- per ewt.;
low middling to middling, 53/- to 56/.; good bright
to tine, 58/- to 62/..
Honey—No quotations.
IstincLass—No quotations.
Lime Juice—Raw, lld. to 1/3; concentrated, £18 2s. 6d.
to £18 7s. 6d.; Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/- to 5/3,
nowinal.
Locwoop—No quotations.
Mace—Firm.
Nurmecs—Quiet.
Pimento—Common, 2)d.; fair,
Russer—Para, fine hard, 6/33:
6/1 per th.
Rum—Jainaica, 1/7 to 5/- per gallon.
Sucar—Crystals, 14/745 to 17/6; Muscovado, 11/6 to 14/6;
Syrup, 10/- to 13/9; Molasses, no quotatioas.
2td.; good, 2,%d. per tb.
fine soft, 5/9; fine Peru,
GitutEsPrE Bros. & Co., March
24, 1911
Uacao—Caracas, 11#c. to 124c. ; Grenada, 1lzc. to 113c. ;
‘Vrinidad, 11jc. to 11jc. per tb.; Jamaica, 10}c. to Iljc.
Cocoa-nurs—Jamaica, select, $28°00 to $29-°00; culls,
$17:00 to $18-00; Trinidad, select, $28°00 to $29-00;
culls, $17°00 to $18-00 per M.
Corree—Jamaica, 12$c. to 13}c. per fb.
GincuR—9c. to 12c. per Ib.
Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 505c.; Barbados and Antigua, 474e.
to 50c.; St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 44c.
to 46c. per tb
Grave-Fruir—Jamaica, $2°50 per box.
Limes—$6°00 to $6°50.
Macr—40c. to 48c. per th.
Nurmecs—110’s, 9#c. to 10c. per tb.
Orances—Jamaica, $2°00 to $2°75.
Pimenro—3£c. per th.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3°92c. per lb.; Muscovados,
89°, 3°42c.; Molasses, 89°, 3:17c. per tb., all duty
paid,
’
1911.
Cacao—Venezuelan, $12°00 per fanega; Trinidad, $11°10
to $11°75.
Cocoa-NuT O11—91e. per Imperial gallon.
Corree—Venezuelan, l6c. per th.
Corpra—No quotations,
Duyatr—$3'30.
Onions $2°75 to $4°00 per 100 lb.
Pras, Sprrr—$5°90 to $6°00 per'bag.
Porarors—English, $2°25 to $2°50 per 100 tb.
Ricr—Yellow, $4°30 to $4°35; White, $5°20 to $5°25
per bag.
Svuear—A merican crushed, $5°50 to $5°60 per 100 th.
Aprin 15, 1911.
Barbados,—Messrs. T. 8. Garraway & Co., April 10,
1911; Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., April
SE
3s
Arrowroot—St. Vincent, $4°50 to $4-70 per 100 th.
Cacao—§11°00 to $12-00 per 100 tb.
Cocoa-NuTS—$16'80.
Corrrr—Jamaica and ordinary Rio, $13°50 to $1450 per
100 th.. scarce.
Hay—$1°40 to $1°50
per 100 th.
Manvures—Nitrate of soda, $65°00 ; Cacao manure, $42-00
to $48:00; Sulphate of ammonia, $75°00 per ton.
Motasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$2°50 to $4°50 per 100 tb.
Peas, Sprit—$5'8u to $6°10 per bag of 210 tb.; Canada,
$4°00 to $4°25 pe
r bag of 120 th.
Potators—Nova Scotia, $280 to $3°50 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam,
per 100 th.
$4°80;
Patna,
Sucar—No quotations.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wirrinc
1, 1911; Messrs. SanpBacn,
March 31, 191
1:
$350;
Parker & Co,
Rangoon, $2-90
& Ricuver, April
ARTICLES.
ARRowROoOoT—St. Vincent!
Barata—Venezuelablock}
Demerara sheet)
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STARCH—
Cocoa-NuTS—
& RIcHrTer.
per 200 tb.
No quotation
8le. per tb.
lle. per ib.
$1°20
$6°50 to S7-00
|
Correre—Creole |
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
Daat—
Green Dhal
Eppors—
Motasses— Yellow
Ontons—Teneriffe
Madeira
Preas—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Potators—Nova Scotia
Lisdon
Porators-Sweet, B bados
Rice—Ballam
Creole
Tannias—
Yams— White
Buck
Suear—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
Timper—Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
l6c. per tb.
18c. per th.
168 tb.
$4:00
$156
None
8e.
bag (210 tb.)
No quotation
20c. to 60ce.
$3°00 to $3:25
$1°32 per bag
No quotation
$500 to $3°50
33°00 per bag
$228
$2°64
$2°30 to $2°40
2°70 to $3°00
$4-00
$2°10 to $2°30
32c. to 5dc. per
cub. foot
$3°75 to $600
per M.
Cordwood
”
$1'8u to $2:00
per ton
Messrs. WIETING
$12 to $16 per M
$9°25 to $9-50
103c. to lle. per tb.
$3°50 per bag of
$9°75 to $5:°90 per
Messrs. Sanp-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$9°50 to $1000
per 200 tb.
Prohibited
72c. to 80c.
|10c. to 11e. per th.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
selected
l6c. per tb.
19c.per tb.
llc. per th.
$3°50 to$3-75 per
bag of 168 tb.
8c. to 9e.
35°90 per bag
(210 tb.)
No quotation
$3°00 to $3°50
No quotation
$5°00 to $5°25
None
$2°65 to $2°75
$4°00 to $4°25
None
32c. to 5de. per
cub. foot
$400 te $6°00
per M.
No quotation
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
FOR THE WEST INDIES.
The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal.
Volume I. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.
Volumes II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIIJ, IX and X:—Price 2s, each ; Post free 2s. 8d, where complete. (III, 2; IV, 3;
and V, 2 and 8 are out of print.)
Volume XI. Nos. 1, 2, and No. 3. Containing Fungus Diseases of Ground Nuts in the West Indies; Notes on
Ground Nuts in the West Indies; Report on a Visit to Florida; A List of the Birds of the Island of
St. Lucia; A Note on the Introduction of Birds; An Account of the Working of the Land Settlement
Scheme in St. Vincent; The Sugar Industry of the Island of Negros; and Observations on Mill Contrel
Experiments in Negros.
PAMPHLET SERIES.
The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in thei is especially
adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work
on sugar-cane and manures. the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued up to the
present time is sixty-four. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print.
Sucar Inpustry. (14) Screw Worm in Cattle at St. Lucia. Price 2d.
Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (15) Plain Talk to Small Owners. Price 2d.
in 1900. No, 3, price 2d.;in 1901, No. 13, price 4d.; (16) Hints on Onion Cultivation. Price 2d.
in 1902, No. 19, price 4d.; in 1902, No. 26, price 4d.; (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d.
in 1904, No. 32, price 4d. (18) Recipes for Cooking West Indian Yams. Price 2d.
Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, (25) Ground Nuts in the West Indies. Price 2d.
in 1903-5, No. 40, price 6d.; in 1904-6, No. 44, price 6d.; (28) Barbados and Porto Rico Molasses. Price 3d.
in 1905-7, No. 49, price 6d.; in 1906-8, No. 59, price 6d.; (34) Notes on Rabbit Keeping in the West Indies. Price 2d,
in 1907-9, No. 62, price 6d.; No. 66, price 6d. (35) Information in regard to Agricultural Banks. Price 5d,
Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, (37) Cultivation of Oranges in Dominica. Price 4d.
in 1900-1, No. 12, price 2d.; in 1901-2, No. 20, price 2d.; (38) Cultivation and Curing of Tobacco. Price 4d.
in 1902-3, No. 27, price 2d.; in 1903-4, No. 33, price 4d.; (41) Tobago, Hints to Settlers. Price 6d.
in 1904-5, No. 39, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 46, price 4d.; (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta-
in 1906-7, No. 50, price 4d.; in 1907-8, No. 56, price 4d.; tions. Price 2d.
in 1908-9, No. 63, price 6d.; in 1909-10, No. 67, price 6d. (45) A BC of Cotton Planting. New and Enlarged Edition.
Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, Price 6d.
in 1902-3, No. 30 price 4d.; in 1903-4, No, 36, price 4d.; (52) Hints for School Gardens, Revised Edition. Price 4d.
in 1904-5, No. 42, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 47, price 4d.; (53) A B C of Lime Cultivation. Price 4d.
in 1906-7, No. 51, price 4d.; in 1907-8, No. 57, price 4d.; (54) Fungus Diseases of Cacao and Sanitation of Cacao Orchards,
in 1908-9, No. 64, price 4d. Price 4d.
Scare Insects. (55) Millions and Mosquitos. Price 3d.
Scale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I. No. 7, price 4d.; (58) Insect Pests of Cacao. Price 4d.
Part II., No. 22, price 4d. (60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them. Price 4d.
GENERAL. (61) The Grafting of Cacao. Price 4d.
(5) General Treatment of Insect Pests, (Revised), price 4d. (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition.
The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of 3d. for the pamphlets marked 2d., 1d. for those
marked 4d., and 1}d. for Nos. 40, 41, 44, 45, 49, 59, 62 and 63.
The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’. A Fortnightly Review.
The ‘Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and
other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony, and the progress made in
Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies.
The ‘Agricultural News ’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the
local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is
2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV, V, VI, VI, and VIII complete, with title page and index, as issued
—Price 4s. each.— Post free, 5s. Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no
longer be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents Alt
applications for copies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department.
Agents. °°
The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department :—
London: Messrs. DuLtau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. St. Vincent: Mr. L. 8S. Mosetny, Agricultural School.
Barbados ; Messrs. Bowren & Sons, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. M. A. Lawrence, Botanic Station,
Jamaica: Tue EpucationaL Suppty Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. BripGewaTER, Roseau,
Street, Kingston. Montserrat : Mr. W. Rogson, Botanic Station.
British Guiana: Tue ‘Day CHronicie’ Orrice,Georgetown, dntiqua;: Mr. S. D. Matone, St. John’s,
Trinidad : Messrs. Mu1r-MarsHawy & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: THe Bree anp Book Surrty AGEncy, Basseterro,
Tobago: Mr. C. L. PLacEmMann, Scarborough. Nevis : Messrs. Howe i, Bros., Charlestown
Grenada: ‘THE Stores” (Grenada) Limited, St. George.
VOL.) Xa Now 34 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Aprin 15, 1911.
THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE
eA MARE EEE = Ee
Ohlendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—For Sugar-cane and general use
Ohlendorff’s Special Sugar-cane Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cocoa Manure
Ohiendorff’s Special Cotton Manure
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, high grades,
Potash Salts, Basic Slag and all other high-class Fertilizers.
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO :—
THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS.
London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C.
Barbados Agents : James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
COTTON SEED MEAL.
GOTTEN SEED MEAL.
Recommended by the Imperial Department of
Agriculture as a first class Feeding Stuff for Cattle,
Mules, etc. Special quotations for large quantities.
THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON)
FACTORY, LIMITED,
BRIDGETOWN.
JUST ISSUED.
WEST IRDIAN BULLETIN.
(Vol. XI, No. 3.)
Containing Fungus Diseases of Ground Nuts in the
West Indies; Notes on Ground Nuts in the West Indies:
Report ona Visit to Florida; A List of the Birds of the
Island of St. Lucia; A Note on the Introduction of Birds;
An Account of the Working of the Land Settlement Scheme
in St. Vincent; The Sugar Industry of the Islend of Negros;
and Observations on Mill Control Experiments in Negros.
To be obtained from all agents for the
sale of the Department’s publications. Price! -
6d.; post free, Sd.
SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS.
Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter 4, High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados,
»
qt.
- Vol. X. No. 235]
SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 1911. [One penny.
THE ROYAL MAIL
STEAM PACKET COMPANY
‘ROYAL CHARTER, dated 1839)
REGULAR SERVICES
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OFFICES: OFFICES:
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JAMAICA. TOBAGO. CHICAGO. B. AYRES. RIO DE JANEIRO. MADRID
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS.
INCREASE YOUR PROFIT.
No land in the West Indies is yielding
sugar up to its full capacity.
Improved methods and machinery are
paying in the mill; Why not in the field?
Our Bulletin on Cane answers some of
the questions; it is free. Write us to-day.
GERMAN KALI WORKS,
P.0. Box 1,00/, Empedrado 30,
Havana, Cuba.
yo ees
al
Sver ur
SR F<.
yee
A FORUENIGHTILY REVIEW
OF THE
INDIES,
IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST
BARBADOS, APRIL 29, 1911.
CONTENTS.
Pace. PAGE,
Agricultural Training in
Siro WIMOEW ceo baa) “oda JSia)
Agriculture and Hygiene
in Trinidad Schools... 137 | 7
Barbados Goat Society ... 137 | A Note on
| Herbarium Specimens,
Preservation of... ... 136
Cocoa-Nut
; ests 38
iBencalebeanen mene aero , Pests ..0 2. pig aces 13%
eae MTS : Experiments with Cotton
Coffea Robusta im Tara STR 138
5 r, ‘i ote ty ele ‘
Rubber Cultivation ... 132] , :
Manure, Disinfection of ... 136
Market Reports i
Gationanice candi Cote | Manket I eports crore es
5) : o, | Mascarenhasia Rubber ,. 139
ton Planting ... ... 154\4 : a Bra
Ww ; i) 5, | Notes and Comments ... 136
est Indian Cotton ... 154) 7, . Re ee 5
D 2 Sq | Prize-Holdings Competi-
epartment News ... ... 133 na ae SACs
ps iors : . ion in| Dominica ¢
Exhibition, Canadian | Rainfall of Domanien. 1910 137
PE Watton alee Oh pee 129) tae were a
Flora of Jamaica ... ... 137 |Students’ Corner ... ... 141
Forestry in Southern Ni- Sugar Industry :-—
geria ... . 155 Experiments in Drying
Cotton Notes :—
Fungus Notes :— Megassairs) «a8 -- loll
Diseases of Pine-Apples, The Reduced Sugar Out-
Levalb asad asec eae) Siem put from Hawaii... 131
... 140'| West Indian) Products ... 143
Gleanings ...
The Canadian National
Exhibition, 1911.
HE announcement has been made that the
yr Canadian National Exhibition, 1911, will be
held in Toronto from August 26 to, Septem-
Information has also been received from the
ber 11.
Exhibition Authorities that the space reserved last
year for exhibits from the British West Indies and
British Guiana will be again at their disposal. In
making a statement to this effect, the Exhibition
Price ld,
Authorities,commenting on the West Indian and British
Guiana exhibit of last year, speak very high'y of this;
although they give the opinion that more space would
have been useful for it, in showing it to better ad vantage.
This definite announcement as to the holding of
the exhibition will enable the Exhibition Committees
in the various colonies to decide whether they will make
arrangements for representation. As little time as
possible should be lost in arriving at a decision, in order
that, if it is intended to forward exhibits to Toronto,
there may be a reasonably adequate period for making
the necessary arrangements. The experience of the
past, and the lessons learned in connexion with former
exhibitions, should enable this work to be done expedi-
tiously and efficiently.
The dates of the exhibition are such that non-
perishable articles for Toronto should be forwarded by
a steamer leaving Demerara about the middle of July,
in order that they may arrive in St. John in the first
week of August. Perishable articles should be sent by
a steamer leaving Demerara about the end of July, and
reaching St. John near the middle of August. It is
not possible, at present, to give more definite dates
than these; exact information will be published as
soon as it is available.
As on former occasions, the steamers of the firm
of Messrs. Pickfork & Black will carry goods that are
intended for the exhibition, free, as far as St. John.
Mr. C.S. Pickford, of this firm, will be present again
at the exhibition, to superintend the arrangement of
the West Indian exhibits, as well as to give attention
to West Indian interests, generally.
Information in connexion with the packing and
LIBI
NEW
BOTA
GAR
130
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Aprit 29, 1911.
forwarding of exhibits has been given from time to
time in the Agricultural News, more particularly in
Vols. VII, p. 145 and IX, p. 210. It will be well to
recapitulate this here, as well as to draw attention
to the additional information that is available since the
visit of Mr. W, N. Sands, Agricultural Superintendent of
St. Vincent, to Canada last year, in connexion with the
exhibitions at Toronto and St John.
tion is embodied in Mr. Sands’s report on his mission,
which is reproduced in the West Indian Bulletin,
Vol. XI, p. 133. Attention is drawn to this article, in
view of its particular usefulness in connexion with the
assembling and despatch of material for exhibitions in
The informia-
Canada.
In regard to the packages in which the collected
goods are sent, these should consist of cases and crates
that are strong and likely to remain rigid even when
roughly handled: for this reason, kerosene tins and
similar packages should not be used for outside pack-
ing. Great care should be exercised in the matter of
placing the different kinds of goods in the cases.
Heavy articles should not be packed with exhibits in
glass bottles, nor should bottles containing liquids be
put cases containing bottles carrying dried
products. This is especially important in regard to
syrups and molasses, which are likely to burst the
bottles and escape, doing irretrievable damage to any
such articles as sugars and starches that may have
been packed with them. As far as dried products,
more particularly, are concerned, these are best enclos-
ed in neatly made boxes provided with glazed sliding
lids.
into
Sufficient room should be provided for an adequate
space between the different articles in the packages, in
order that a proper amount of carefully selected
packing material may be employed. In this connexion,
cotton wool is often used to some extent; it is not well
suited for the purpose, however, because of the fact
that it is adherent, and its employment sometimes
necessitates the expenditure of time and labour in
removing it from the exhibits and packages that it has
been designed to protect.
Every effort should be made to facilitate the dispo-
sition and arrangement of the exhibits when they
reach their destination, and to cause them to be as use-
ful as possible to any who may be interested in them.
To this end, the descriptive labels on the jars and
bottles should be placed near the bottom of them, and
should contain as much primarily useful information as
possible; this should be concerned with the name of the
colony and of the exhibitor, as well as that of the
exhibit, and where there are no general market quota-
tions tor a product. its price should be placed on the
label (see West Indian Bulletin, Vol. XI, p. 142).
In a like connexion, the labelling of the packages
should be done ina plain and uniform manner, follow-
ing the example given on page 134 of the volume of
the West Indian Bulletin
been made.
to which reference has
Finally, much useful assistance will be
given to those responsible for the placing out of the
exhibits by the provision of a list of these, giving the
numbers and corresponding contents.
Fruits other than limes, oranges and grape-fruit
should not be sent in any quantity, as they are very
unlikely to arrive in proper condition, under present
transport arrangements. Any fruits that are forwarded
shonld be selected with care and should possess an
attractive appearance, with no sigus of blight or disease,
Fresh fruits in glass bottles should be placed in a four
per cent. solution of formalin, and these packages as
well as all others containing liquids should be examined
carefully, immediately before packing, to ensure that
there is no leakage. Crates containing vegetables such
as yams should be well ventilated in order to ensure
that the specimens will arrive in good condition.
Decorative material will be found useful at the exhibi-
tion, but no heavy packages such as plants in pots or
tubs should be sent, on account of the expense of their
transport from St. John to Toronto. In regard to the
provision of descriptive handbooks and photographs,
the advice to send them may be repeated, as these serve
to fix the interest of visitors to the exhibition, and to
place them in possession of information of the kind
that will be most useful to them.
A further edition of the illustrated booklet entitled
‘The West Indies in Canada’, which has been issued
annually by the Imperial Department of Agriculture,
since 1907, for use at the Canadian Exhibitions, is about
to be prepared, in accordance with the revision that is
entailed in the issue of such a publication from year to
year, This comprises chiefly a description of the condi-
tions in the West Indies, with their circumstances of pro-
duction, and gives as well such statistics as are of more
particular concern in this special connexion. The
purpose of its compilation is to increase the interest in
the West Indies, in Canada, and to provide easily
accessible information ofa useful nature for those in
whom this interest has been aroused.
VOT exe NO.) 230)
SUGAR INDUSTRY.
THE REDUCED SUGAR OUTPUT FROM
HAWAIL.
The output of sugar for the past year in the Hawaiian
Islands shows a decided falling off from that of recent years.
The yield was 428,000 tons against 535,000 tons for the pre-
ceding year, and 521,123 tons for the year previous. Several
causes are ascribed as accounting for this result, two of which
are the scarcity of labour and the decrease in the artesian
water-supply. Japanese labourers have almost entirely re-
placed the Chinese help on the sugar plantations, and have
become more or less independent, as a result of the abundant
prosperity in these islands. This has resulted in higher prices
for labour, and there has been one rather serious labour strike.
The Hawaiian sugar planters are now turning to the
Philippines for relief, and are taking thousands of Filipinos
to Honolulu each year, for working on the plantations of the
Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Association. This movement has
met with some opposition in the Philippines, yet it is con-
ceded that the number of labourers taken will not seriously
affect the labour supply here, and those who actually work
on the sugar plantations will be better fitted for the same
work when they return to the Philippines. The entire
population of the Hawaiian Islands is but little more than
half of the population of the city of Manila. The area planted
in sugar-cane is about 100,000 acres, or less than that
now planted in the Island of Negros in the Philippines.
However, the Hawaiian Islands derive a large income from
their sugar crop, on account of the high rate of production
and of modern milling methods, while the Philippines, with
a much larger area planted, export sugar worth only about
one-sixth of that exported from Hawaii. (From 7he Philip-
pine Agricultural Review, Vol. III, p. 783.)
EXPERIMENTS IN DRYING MEGASS.
The Agricultural News, Vol. IX, p. 355, contained
a short article, abstracted from information given in the
Modern Sugar Planter, on the work of Professor E. W. Kerr,
of the engineering Department of the Louisiana State Univers-
ity, relating to the burning of megass in sugar factories, and
the drying of this before use. In the issue of the J/odern Sugar
Planter for January 14, 1911, a letter appears from Professor
Kerr, giving further results of his work. In this he
describes the drier as consisting mainly of a sheet-iron rect-
angular box about 4 feet x 6 feet x 20 feet high, containing
six inclined shelves at equal distances apart, from top to bot-
tom on the inside, each having an area of about 4 feet.
The megass travels downward from shelf to shelf on account
of the inclination which they possess, and because of a slight
shaking motion that is imparted to them. The drying is
effected by means of the heat from the furnace gases, which
are passed through the box from bottom to top, so that when
they are hottest they come into contact with the driest
megass. The apparatus for driving the gases through the
drier takes the form of a 50-inch induced draught fan, placed
near the top of the drier.
In the experiments, the product from the drier was used
for a 100-h.p. boiler, and though it was found to be rather
small for this, a large number of tests was made for the pur-
pose of comparing the fuel values of dried and undried
megass. When relatively small amounts of megass were
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
131
passing through the drier, the moisture was reduced from 52
to 37 per cent., the tests, when sufficient megass was pass-
ing to supply the boiler, showed an average decrease of
moisture from 54 to 44 per cent., which amounts to an
evaporation of about 1& per cent. of the original moisture in
the megass. The average temperature of the gases entering
the drier was about 490° F., and of those leaving it about
230° F. Figures are given to show that the megass thus
dried had a fuel value larger by 46 per cent., when equal
weights of the two kinds of megass are considered. On
equal amounts of megass, the increased efficiency, obtained as
the average of a large number of tests, was shown to be 19-1
per cent,
From a mechanical point of view, the drier was found
to be satisfactory, although, as has been stated, it was not
quite large enough for the boiler used; and the outcome of
the experiments has been the gaining of suggestions for other
matters of improvement. As far as the burning of the fuel
is concerned, it was found that much higher furnace tempera-
tures were obtained with the dried product than with that
which had not been so treated, and there was the additional
advantage that a smaller draught was required for burning
the dried megass.
PRIZE-HOLDINGS COMPETITION IN
DOMINICA.
A report has been furnished by the Assistant Curator,
Botanic Garden, Dominica, on the Prize-holdings Competition
held in the La Plaine district during 1910-11. This is the
third competition of the kind held in the district; like the
others, it had for its object the encouragement of the adop-
tion of improvements among peasant cacao growers in the
La Plaine district. The competition comprises two classes,
including holdings of bearing cacao between | and 4 acres in
extent, and those having an area’ under 1 acre, and contain-
ing not less than 100 trees of bearing cacao at proper
distances; the entries in these classes were twenty-four and
thirteen, respectively, making a larger total than in any other
year. As formerly, much useful assistance was given by
Mr. Alexander Robinson, ex-Government Officer, and now
a planter, who acted as local instructor.
Owing chiefly to Mr. Robinson’s efforts, the competition
was a success. The holders now show a readiness to receive
and carry out instructions; most of them possess a proper
regard for planting at correct distances, pruning, the removal
of pods with a knife or with cacao pickers, and the use of
manures. In regard to the last, a tendency was shown to
bury animal manure in holes too near the trees. Suggestions
are given for the greater employment of lime, in the event
of this becoming available, and of green dressing plants.
It was found that many of the suggestions made during the
judging of the last competition, such as thinning of trees,
opening drains, reducing shade, and planting wind-breaks,
have been carried out. It is a fact of some interest that,
although the prize winners of the previous years were not
allowed to compete, the work on their holdings was being
done with care.
The prize winners in this competition were as follows:
Class I, first prize, C. Barry and A. Lawrence; second prize,
C. Didier and E. Eloir; third prize, N. Laurent and L. Cuffy;
fourth prize, B. Sorhando, D. Barry and M. Sorhando. Class
II, first prize, R. Didier and M. Laronde; second prize,
O. Oscar and D. Alfred; third prize, M. Chassot, W. Laronde,
K. Laudat and R. Attidore. The cost of the competition
was £21 5s.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Aprit 29, 1911.
PRUITS ‘AND: FRUIT BES.
COFFEA ROBUSTA IN PARA RUBBER
CULTIVATION.
The following information is taken from Dr. P. J. S.
Cramer’s paper on Coffea robusta as an interealary crop
with Para rubber, whichiappears in the Bulletin de la Société
Belge @ Etudes Coloniales, for February 1911. This com-
mences by referring to’ the origin of Coffea robusta, which
Dr. Cramer considers to be identical with Coffea Laurentic:
this species is as distinct from Coffea arabica and Coffea
liberica as these are different from one another, and requires
conditions quite other than those needed by these, for its
proper growth. In the history of the distribution of the
species, it was first obtained from Brussels in 1900 for
planting in the east and centre of Java, where it was consid-
ered as a curiosity until two years later, when its large
power of production came under observation. Since 1907,
there has been a great extension of the area of Coffea robusta
in Java; the estimated area in 1907-8 was 5,000 acres, and
1908-9 from 20,000 to 30,000 acres, and it is probable that
this estimate is below the actual extension. No other kind
of coffee is being planted at present, to any extent, in Java.
cLImMaTE. Iixperiments in Java show that this coffee
will flourish from sea-level to an altitude of 3,000 feet. The
best plantations are found in the humid districts of Kast
Java, where there is a large rainfall distributed equally
during the year. These estates are situated from 1,000 to
1,500 feet above sea-level, and the soil is deep and rich in
vegetable matter. The plant is capable of resisting drought
to a certain degree, but prefers an abundant and regular
rainfall. In the south of Java, it has survived a dry period
lasting nearly four months; the trees suffered to some extent,
but recovered very quickly after the first rain. In Java,
Robusta coffee is always planted under shade; in connexion
with this, the shade given by Para rubber trees would be
insufficient on account of its inequality, and its absence for
part of the year owing to the loss of the leaves. The p'ant
suffers severely if exposed to the wind, and where such
exposure is likely to occur, it is useless to attempt to grow it
unless measures are taken for its protection.
soit. The roots of Coffea robusta are strongly developed,
and it is noticed in the nurseries that they largely occupy the
top soil. It is on this account that the soil conditions should
be as favourable as possible for the development of the roots.
Tt has been found that the plant grows very quickly on vol-
eanic soils, aud on».those which are rich in vegetable matter,
‘The growth is much slower in compact and clayey soils.
COFFEA ROBUSTA AS AN INTERCALARY CROP. The article
summarizes the advantages that should be shown by an inter-
calary crop, in thé special connexion, as follows. \ It should
not injure the Para plants in any way; it should yield
a harvest as soon as possible; its cultivation should not entail
any specially skilled labour; the preparation of the products
from it should not require the employment of any costly
machinery. In régard to these matters, the cultivation of
coffee is very simple, and Coffva robusta possesses a special
advantage on account of its quick arrival at maturity, by
which it is enabled to give a small yield two years after
planting, and, usually, a complete crop in the third year;
under normal conditions, Robusta coffee planted between
rubber will give, at the end of the last-mentioned period,
a crop of 15 ewt: per acre. The most important matter,
however, is that the presence of the coffee does not interfere
with the development of the rubber. Observations are given
in support of this, as well as of the fact that coffee planted
with rubber grows as well as that which is being raised alone.
NURSERIES FOR COFFEA ROBUSTA. Nurseries for Coffea
robusta require much care. They should be capable of pro-
viding a deep shade, which can be diminished gradually as
the plants become older, in order to accustom them to
the sun before they are planted out. ‘he seeds should
not be planted more closely than 6 inches apart, as such
a distance will enable the plants to be kept longer in the
nurseries, so that they will not be planted out before
they are ready; that is, when they possess four or five
pairs of leaves. ‘I'he best method is to keep the plants
in the nursery for nine months, and then to place them
out as stumps. When this is done, the most useful plan is
to sow the seed very thickly in a germinating bed, and then
to put the best plants out in the nursery ata distance of
1 foot apart he chief objection to the use of stunps is that
they yield their first crop later than trees that have been put
out as seedlings. If it is necessary to have the plants in the
ground very quickly, these methods are too slow, and it is of
interest that Coffea robusta can be transplanted at almost any
age, for plantations exist that have been made from seeds
that had just germinated, as well as from plants that have
been rajsed from seed at stake. In the examples of this seen
by the author, although the plants were only six months old,
flower buds had formed in the axils of the leaves on the lower
xa
Vou. X. ezoDe
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
135
branches. It is pointed out that a similar method of plant-
ing could not be employed successfully with any other species
of coffee.
PLANTING OUT. If seedlings are to be employed, these
should be planted out, in the ordinary way, with a ball of
soil adhering to the roots; with stumps, this is not the case,
all that is required being to cut the tap root back a little,
while the lateral roots are untouched. The distance for
planting depends upon that between the Para rubber plants.
As a basis, 6 feet may be taken as the least distance between
the coffee plants, and 7 feet between the rubber and the
coffee. If the rubber trees are planted in lines well apart, it
is best not to plant coffee in the rows, because this would
prevent the rubber from being seen as a whole, and to plant
the rows of rubber from east to west, in order to ensure the
largest supply of light to the coffee between the rows.
TOPPING, PRUNING AND CARE OF A YOUNG PLANTATION.
Robusta coffee possesses a strong tendency to form solely
primary branches, during early growth, so that it is neces-
sary to top the trees in order to prevent their growing too tall;
if the top is removed, the principal branches form secondary
branches which are not inferior to the former from the point
of view of production. Another method for encouraging the
growth of secondary branches is to expose the young plant
to direct light. Very little difference in yield has been found
from topped and untopped plants. The sole disadvantage of
topping is the formation of suckers at the top of the trunk;
these should be removed regularly, and this includes all the
pruning that is required, except in the case of old trees that
have produced suckers near the base on account of injury.
The care of a plantation of Coffea robustais certainly less expen-
sive than that of one containing Liberian coffee; epiphytes
do not grow upon it, and it shades the ground completely;
in fact, the expenses of its cultivation are less than those
entailed in the clean weeding of a rubber plantation. If
weeds happen to become abundant, the coffee does not die,
but ceases to produce fruit, and is capable of recovering in
a few months. When they are one and a half years old, the
trees may be topped at a height of 8 feet, and after they have
been topped they reach their full development in three years.
TIME OF FLOWERING AND YIELD. The first flowering
takes place a year after planting, though cases are known in
Sumatra when the period has been eight months; in the lat-
ter case, sterile flowers were formed after seven months, and
the normal flowers appeared a month later. After fower-
Ing, the time for the formation of ripe fruits may be taken
as nine months; thus trees of the latter kind would yield
a harvest in two years. The plant flowers during the whole
of the year, resembling Coffea Jiherica; nevertheless, the
climate has some effect on production, and the crop is increas-
ed in amount during the dry season; the berries remain on
the branches for about a month, so that a monthly picking is
necessary.
Examples are given of the yields on plantations. In
one case where the plants were placed at the corners of
a 12-foot square with another plant in the centre, the yields
per acre at the different ages of the plants were as follows :
two years, 15 cwt.; three years, 5°5 cwt.; four years, 17 ewt.;
five years, 15 cwt.; six years, 21 to 24 ewt. In another
case, the plants were at 10x10 feet, with a nutmeg tree
in the place of every ninth coffee plant, when the yields
were, similarly, as follows: two years, 15 ewt.; three years,
1 cwt.; four years, 17 cwt.; five! years, 17 ewt. Other
examples of yields are presented, and the following course
of a plantation of Robusta coffee with rubber is given as
satisfactory under the conditions mentioned. The flowers
should appear in the first year after planting. In the next,
a small crop of about 1 to 2 ewt. should be obtained, and
this should increase to 14 cwt. per acre in the third year,
with the same production in the fourth year. In the fifth
year, the shade of the rubber trees would become too thick,
and only the trees in the middle of the rows would give
a crop; this would be about 7 cwt. per acre. In five years the
coffee plants should be removed, as the shade of the rubber
trees would by now make their yield unsatisfactory. These
figures apply only to conditions where the rubber trees are
planted at a suitable distance from the coffee, namely, at
least 7 feet, and where the conditions of soil and climate are
favourable to intercalary cultivation.
PREPARATION FOR MARKET AND QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT.
The berries are smaller than those of Liberian coffee, and are
borne in thick bunches, so that picking is facilitated and
hastened. The fruit covering is thin, and there is another
advantage in that the skin is easily removed. The seeds are
fermented for thirty-six hours, and then washed and dried;
for the last-named purpose they should be exposed immedi-
ately to a temperature of about 60°C. The quality of well
prepared Robusta coffee is about equal to that of Arabian
coffee of middling quality; the seeds are slightly different in
shape, being larger and more convex than those of Arabian
coffee. The bulk is about the same, and Robusta coffee
possesses a bluish green colour similar to that of good Arabian.
The market price is about 10 per cent. below that of Java
and Liberian coffee, but there is ample compensation for this
disadvantage in the difference of expense in production.
In relation to the cost of ‘establishment of a plantation,
it must be remembered that the driers and buildings
required for the coffee will be of use later in connexion
with rubber production. Final matters of interest in the
present relation are that Robusta coffee is ranked by brokers
with good Java coffee, and above Santos; for its proper
preparation the seeds should be well roasted—a process to
which they lend themselves well, and under which they lose
less weight than those of other kinds of coffee.
INSECTS AND DISEASES. The only insect dangerous to
Coffea robusta that has been noticed so far is Xyleborus
coffeae, Wurth, which bores holes in the branches; the
damage from this is lessened by topping the tree and
encouraging the formation of secondary branches. The most
serious disease is caused by Corticiwm javanicum (see Agri-
cultural News, Vol. IX, pp. 286, 318, 334, 383 and 414).
In the treatment for this, it is advised that the trees
be cut down, and the sucker which arises be topped
and allowed to take the place of the old plant. Frequent
and thorough examinations should be conducted for the
detection of Corticium. Lastly, Coffea robusta is only
slightly attacked by Hemeleva vastatrix, and the root disease
which is so serious in regard to Para rubber is never found
on the living roots of the coffee, so that there appears to be
no fear of an increase in the amount of this disease in Para
rubber through the intercalary cultivation of Coffea robusta.
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture left
Barbados on Tuesday, April 18, by the S.S. ‘Oruro’, for
St. Vincent, for the purpose of conferring with His
Honour the Administrator on general agricultural
matters. Dr. Watts was accompanied by Mr. F. W.
South, B.A., Mycologist on the Staff of the Department,
who will conduet investigations in connexion with
diseases of cacao and other crops, in St. Vincent.
134
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Aprit 29, 1911.
INDIAN COTTON.
WEST
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date April 10, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea [sland cotton :—
Since our last report, there has been a complete absence
of demand for Sea Island growths, and all values are purely
nominal. The fine spinning trade is in a worse condition
than it has been for some years past. Spinners would be
quite willing to purchase, if there were any demand for the
finer classes of yarn. Meanwhile, they are using up their old
stocks bought Jast season.
Holders in America are continually reducing their prices.
without effecting sales of the better sorts. Best Floridas are
offering at 144d., and Fully Fine Islands at 15$d., without
business ensuing, and factors in Charleston are very dispirited.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending April 8, is as follows:—
The sales this week consisted of several planters’ crop
lots, at prices ranging from 36c. to 45c., for export, and there
is some further inquiry. Otherwise the market is very quiet,
with apparently no demand for the odd bags classing Fully
Fine and below. The factors are becoming more concerned
over the situation, and are disposed to make some concession
to sell, especially so if they can sell quantity.
Therefore, with orders in hand, we think we can buy on
the following basis, viz.:—
Extra Fine 30c. to 32c.=16}d. to 18d. cif. & 5 per cent.
Fully Fine 28c. = Sid. 395) 199 ” ”
Fine 27c. = 15d 9b ” ”
Off Grades 23c.to 25c.=13d.tol4dd. ,, , i ‘
THE COTTON MARKET AND OOTTON-
PLANTING.
It is a matter of common knowledge that the reports on
cotton in the Liverpool market, furnished fortnightly by
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, have shown that an
indifferent demand for Sea Island cotton has existed since the
middle of January in this year; it is also known that similar
conditions have obtained for the past few months in the Sea
Island markets of the United States. At the present time,
in the West Indies, the cotton planter has had already to
decide the maximum area that he will plant in cotton during
the coming season, and he will have soon to ascertain defin-
itely, how much of this area he will actually use for cotton-
growing. In making this decision, several matters will have
to receive careful consideration, but none of these will prob-
ably have more influence in assisting him to arrive at
a conclusion than that relating to the prices which he is likely
to receive for the cotton that will come into his possession at
the end of the season.
Reports from the Sea Island cotton-producing areas of
the United States show that suggestions for taking steps to
regulate the position have already been made. According to
the Suvannah Morning News for March 14, 1911, a meeting
of Sea Island cotton was held in Savannah on
March 9, and a committee was appointed for the purpose of
considering the present circumstances of cotton production and
sale, in order that. recommendations may be made which
would enable growers to cope with the situation. This
committee, after drawing attention to the dull state of the
market for the ninety days preceding the making of its
report, compares the stock of cotton on hand, at Savannah
and Charleston, on March 10.1911, with that for the same
date in previous years; the figures, in bales, are as follows:
1$11, 26,135; 1910, 8,082; 1909, 13,035; 1908, 11,516. It is
thus seen that the amount of cotton on hand, at this period
of the present season, is far greater than any of the quanti-
ties at the same time in the three preceding years. The
committee states that the unfavourable condition is aggravat-
ed by the existence of an estimated stock of 20,000 bales in
the interior, and there is the additional untoward circum:
stance of the prevalence of a rumour to the effect that there
will be a material increase in the area planted in Sea Island
cotton, in the coming season. The recommendation is there-
fore made that a resolution that the area of Sea Island cotton
in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, shall be reduced by
50 per cent., which was passed at the general meeting of
March 9, shall be carried into effect; and the further sugges-
tion is made that the area no longer employed for cotton-
growing shall be used for the production of peas and ground
nuts, and for the raising of pigs.
Whether this resolution will be actually carried into effect
is another matter, and it behoves the West Indian cotton
grower to consider the question in relation to his own circum-
stances. He may at once dismiss the idea of effecting a drastic
reduction of area in the crop, similar to that suggested in
the United States. The great disparity of area for cotton-
growing, in the two cases, is .sufficient to show this; for,
whereas more than 100,000 bales of about 400 tb. can be
obtained from that in the United States, the area in the
West Indies has never produced Sea [sland cotton amounting
to even as much as 8,000 bales of a similar size. The matter
may be illustrated in another way by saying that if the West
Indies halved its production, it would only be equivalent to
reducing that of the United States Sea Island area by about
4 per cent.—a reduction that would have virtually no effect
growers
Vou. X. No. 235.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
135
on the market. The question of reduction having been thus
decided, it remains to consider the position in regard to any
proposed extension.
In a letter received recentiy, Mr. J. A. Hutton, Chair-
man of the British Cotton Growing Association, expresses
the opinion that it will not be wise to effect any increase of
note in the cotton-growing area of the West Indies,and show-
ing agreement at the sume time with whaithas been said above
concerning reduction. Mr. Hutton comments, further, on the
present difficulty of moving any quantities of Sea Island cotton
at high prices, and refers particularly to the similar cireum-
stances in the United States. He points out that West Indian
producers have to decide whether they will permit the cotton
to be offered at 14d. to 16d. per lb —at which rate, as he
states, every bale would be sold promptly—or if they will hold
out, for six months to a year, for higher prices, in which case
the British Cotton Growing Association will be qaite willing
to finance the cotton for them.
This is the present position, described briefly. Turning
to the conditions in the various islands, the increased yields
of the past season have in some cases led to the suggestion
that larger areas shall be put in for the coming crop. There
does not appear to be any reason why this should not be done,
as long as the increases are not extensive and of such a size
as to prevent the crop from obtaining that particular and
sustained attention that is necessary to the realization of
a reasonable yield. The ability of the planter and his staff
to give adequate care to the area in the fields that he will
find under his supervision is a far more important factor in
the case than any considerations as to market prices —
a matter that has been demonstrated to an almost tragical
extent in some of the islands, such as Antigua and Nevis.
The matters of importance, then, are these: caution in making
individual extensions, and the provision of constant care for
the purpose of increasing the yield per acre, due consideration
being given to the relation between the increased expenditure
for this yield and the added value of the probable total
product.
FORESTRY IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA.
The Anuwual Report on the Forestry and Agricultural
Departments, Southern Nigeria, 1909 (Southern Nigeria,
No. 30 of 1910), has been received recently, and it is the
purpose of the present article to draw attention to a few out of
the many points of interest contained in that report.
Much work is being done in Southern Nigeria with
reference to the artificial regeneration of forests, and in pur:
suance of this, large numbers of seeds, seedlings, ‘rooted
stumps and suckers of various plants have: been sold by the
Forestry and Agricultural Departments to individuals, distri-
buted to Executive Officers and placed out, in plantations:
The chief of the plants thus employed have been Para rubber,
the soft-shelled oil palm, bamboo, mahogany, Funtumia, /%ezs
elastica, West Indian cedar, Indian teak, as well. as some’ of
the native plants
_ An interesting note on Funtumia cleats refers. to the
fact that both the excision and the incision systems may be
employ ed for collecting rubber from this plant.-In the, former
method, the cvits are deep, and extend as far as the cambium,
while’ in the i incision system, shallow channels are opened,
which ‘are just deep enough to allow the latex to flow, and
théli incisions ale made into these with a pricker. In regard
to ‘the’ excision system, the most satisfactory yields* were
obtained with spiral cuttings, though the results have been
generally very disappointing, as the trees require a long rest
after having been tapped in this way. The best’ method
seems to be the employment of incision tapping, as compara-
tively little damage is done to the plant, and it is claimed
that a tree can be tapped three times a year in this manner
without showing a decreased yield.
It'was not found possible to coagulate cold Funtumia
latex either with acetic acid or Purub (see Ayricultural News,
Vol. IX, p. 143); though good results were given when form-
alin or absolute alcohol was used. In regard to the prepara-
tion of rubber, the statement is made that there is no reason
for the natives to employ expensive chemicals for the purpose,
as good thin biscuits can be made equally well by boiling
small quantities of the latex, and washing and pressing it.
Information is given in regard to the palm oil tree
(Llaeis guineensis), and attention is drawn to the importance
of discovering the nature of the differences between the soft-
shelled and the hard-shelled varieties. Much work has been
accomplished in regard to the question, but it appears that
the only matter of certainty at present is that seeds of the
soft shelled kind cannot be depended upon to give plants
yieldirg similar seeds. In any case, the importance of the
matter to Southern Nigeria can be gauged from the fact that
the total exports of the products of the oil palm during 1909
were over 40,000 tons of kernels, and nearly 7 million
imperial gallons of palm oil.
As has been indicated, the above report contains several
interesting matters which cannot be well dealt with here.
Attention may be also drawn to another report issued by the
same Department (Southern Nigeria, No. 25 of 1910),
entitled Report by the Conservator of Forests on His Tour
through Meko and Shaki Districts, which contains, among
other matters, important information in regard to the more
useful plants of the savannah forests of Southern Nigeria.
AGRICULTURAL TRAINING IN
ST. LUCIA.
An announcement bearing the date March 18, 1911,
has been issued by the St. Lucia Department of Agriculture,
dealing with the new organization in connexion with the
teaching of practical agriculture. This is to the effect that
the department is prepared to receive a limited number of
pupils for practical training in agriculture at the Botanic
Station, for two years. Candidates must be at least
sixteen years old; they must be physically fit, and have
shown aptitude for instruction in agriculture. They must
also have received sufticient instruction in ordinary elemen-
tary, school subjects to show that they are capable of taking
advantage of the training offered, and must possess a good
character. Ar rangements will be made for granting satisfac-
tory pupils a a small incr easing allowance; and in cases where
it is necessary, a small additional allowance toward the
carriage of pupils, living at a distance, to the Botanic Station.
The course ‘of instiuction will be essentially practical,
including nursery work, the cultivatron and care of staple
crops, and subjects conneeted with these: such-as tillage,
drainage. weeding, sowing, transplanting, manuring and
mulching; the treatment of pests and diseases, pruning,
methods: of vegetative propagation, arid the preparation for
the market of crops and.their transportation.
Proper attention willbe given to the theoretical side of
the subjects by the provision of class instruction and home
study under the direction of the Agricultural Superintendent.
Application for admission of candidates must be made
on forms supplied by the Agricultural Superintendent.
Accepted pupils will have to show satisfactory conduct and
progress, or they will not be retained under instruction,
136
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. Apri 29, 1911.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s. 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
Agricultural News
NiOn: Xs
SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 1911. No.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Oontents of Present Issue.
The editorial of the present number gives informa-
tion concerning the Canadian National Exhibition of
this year, which is to be held at Toronto.
235.
On pages 132 and 133 there appears an article
which presents the latest information in connexion with
the interealary cultivation of Coffea robusta on rubber
estates.
An article entitled The Cotton Market and Cotton-
Planting appears on p. 134. Its purpose is to give
information which will serve as a guide in arriving at
a decision in regard to cotton-planting for the coming
season.
A short note on page 135 presents facts of interest
taken from recent reports on forestry in Southern
Nigeria.
The Insect Notes, on page 138, give an account of
experiments that have been made for the purpose of
investigating the damage dene by cotton stainers.
They also contain a note on cocea-nut pests.
An article on page 139 gives information concern-
ing work that has been conducted recently in connexion
with the identity of the Bengal bean and related
plants.
The Fungus Notes will be found on page 142.
They contain the former of two articles dealing with
the diseases of pine-apples,
The Disinfection of Manure.
The Experiment Station Record of the United
States Department of Agriculture, for December 1910,
. 625, contains an abstract of a paper dealing with
methods for the destruction of the organisms, occurring
in manure, that produce some of the diseases of animals.
The means employed are thoroughly to moisten the
manure, carefully to mix it with litter in the proportion
of about 2: 3, to cover it with materials that are poor
conductors of heat, and to pack it fairly loosely. This
procedure, under the conditions of a temperate climate,
has proved successful in destroying almost all such
organisms, with a reduction in the activity of even
the more resistant forms.
Jt is evident that the adoption of such a method
of keeping manure would go far toward killing the
spores of fungi and the seeds of weeds that it is likely
to contain, and thus to lessen the chances that exist
for the continual reintroduction of these into areas
where valuable and useful plants are growing. The
matter seems to be of sufficient importance to the agri-
culturist to warrant the making of definite experiments
in connexion with it. These would of course have refer-
ence also to anether subject, namely the effect of
various methods of mixing and packing manure on the
prevention of loss of the constituents that are of value
to growing plants.
The Preservation of Herbarium Specimens.
The Report of the Department of Agriculture,
Victoria, for 1907-10, contains that of the Government
Botanist, which deals, among other things, with the
results of experience at the National Herbarium,
Melbourne, in the matter of the preservation of herb-
arium specimens from the attacks of insects.
The most successful method of preservation has
been found to be the use of camphor, in tightly fitting
cupboards; this is stated to be more effective than
periodical exposure to the vapour of carbon bisulphide.
The objection to the latter insecticide is that-it does
not penetrate large parcels of plants sufficiently
thoroughly to destroy all.the grubs in them during
the maximum time, namely three days, that they may
be exposed in the poison chamber: such parcels simply
reinfect others when they are returned to the herb-
arium. The cost of the methods is about the same as
regards material, but circumstances in favour of the
use of camphor are the smaller amount of time and
labour that are involved by its employment.
It is pointed out that specimens will last all the
longer if they are handled as little as possible. A use-
ful precaution that has been employed, whenever
reference has been made to the specimens, is to poison
any that show signs of insect infestation, with an alco-
hohe solution of mercuric chloride similar to that which
has been recommended by this Department for use in
connexion with the preservation of books in the tropics.
The importance of such a preeaution, in a hercarium
containing large numbers of type specimens, is easily
understood.
Voz, X32 No 235:
The Flora of Jamaica.
A note appeared on page 92 of the current volume
of the Agricultural News, drawing attention to Vol. I
of the work entitled Flora of Jamaica, whic has been
compiled by Mr. William Fawcett, B.Se., F.LS., late
Director of Public Gardens and Plantations, Jamaica,
and Dr. Alfred Barton Rendle, M.A.,.F.R.S., F.LS.,
Keeper of the Department of Botany, British Museum
(Natural History).
In the preface to the volume, attention is drawn
to the fact that Mr. Fawcett, during his residence in
Jamaica, gave attention to the botanical exploration of
the island, particularly in regard to the orchids, of
which, with the assistance of Mr. William Harris, Superin-
tendent of the Gardens, a very fine collection was made.
It was during one of Mr. Fawcett’s visits to England
that un agreement was made with Dr. Rendle to
repare an account of the Jamaican orchids together,
and in 1904 the genus Lepanthes was dealt with in the
Transactions of the Linnean Society. Progress was
slow, until 1908, when Mr. Fawcett went to live in
England on his retirement, but as the permission of
the trustees of the British Museum to publish the work
as a British Museum catalogue was obtained, and as
Mr. Fawcett was able to give an adequate amount of
time to the task, the present work has now been issued.
It is satisfactory to be able to announce that
Mr. Fawcett will continue his labours at the Museum,
so that a complete Flora of Jamaica will probably be
issued by him, of which the present work is to form
the first volume.
ee
Agriculture and Hygiene in Trinidad Schools.
The Annual Report of the Inspector of Schools on
Elementary Education, Trinidad, for 1909-10, shows
that,in District No.1,seven more schools were examined
in practical agriculture during the year than in 1908-9,
and that the results were better, sixteen out of forty-
four schools having obtained the highest award. The
increased success in teaching of this kind is attributed
largely to the hints and practical suggestions given to
teachers by the agricultural instructors, when making
their periodical visits to the school gardens, These
remarks apply chiefly to the schools in the country.
In District No. 2, twelve out of eighty-two schools
obtained the highest mark in practical agriculture.
The appointment of a new agricultural instructor is
expected to result in useful progress during the present
year. The number ofschools examined in District No. 3
was eighty-five, twenty-seven of which gained the
highest marks; satisfaction is expressed with the pro-
gress that has been made.
About three years ago, the Trinidad Board of
Education placed hygiene among the optional subjects in
the Teachers’ Certificate Examination. By the new
Code of 1909-10, it has been included ?n the list of
special subjects that may form a part of the primary
school curriculum. A year’s course includes instruction
in regard to the outlines of elementary physiology,
cleanliness and ventilation, proper clothing and feeding,
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
137
health and exercise, and information regarding infec-
tious diseases, malaria and vaccination. The subject
is said to be popular, and has been taken up in
a number of schools.
The Barbados Goat Society.
Notes on the formation of this society have
appeared in the Agricultural News, Vols. IX, p. 3645
X, p. 9. Since the latter was written, the society has
been regularly instituted, on January 31,1911, and the
rules are now published. Its objects are mainly con-
cerned with the circulation of information regarding
goats, the encouragement of the keeping of better kinds,
and the improvement of the various breeds of these
animals, particularly in regard to milch goats.
The members’ annual subscription is 5s., except in
the case of peasants, who pay Is. A payment ofa sum
not less than £2 confers the privileges of life-member-
ship, without any additional charge. The society is
managed by a committee of five members, who are
elected at an annual general meeting to be held in
January. Other general meetings may be convened at
any time by the committee, on its own initiative, or
on the receipt by it of a requisition for such a meeting
signed by at least six members.
The rules published by the society contain informa-
tion regarding the eligibility of goats for registration
in the herd book, nomenclature, and the keeping of
a stud goat register. They should be of use in cases
where it is desired to form similar societies in other
islands.
The Rainfa]] of Dominica, 1910.
According to the rainfall returns of Dominica for
1910, the highest precipitation was registered at Gleau
Manioc, Long Ditton, Lancashire and Saltoun, with
302°56, 259°73, 248°35, and 241:18 inches, respectively;
the only other station at which more than 200 inches
was registered was Corlet, with 219°69 inches. The
first-mentioned station has received the highest rain-
fall during the last three years, the figures for 1908 and
1909 being 236°18 inches and 258 82 inches.
Batalie retains its position of 1907 and 1908, as
the station receiving the smallest rainfall, with 59°32
inches. It is followed by Wall House with 71°81,
Macoucherie with 73°25, and Goodwill with 84:17 inches.
Reference to the results of last year will show that there
was a large increase in the rainfall, even at those
stations where it is usually low; this increase has been
maintained to some extent during 1910.
The circumstance of the increased rainfall during
the last two years is also evidenced by the fact that in
1910 the mean for thirty-four stations was 136:59, and in
1909, 137°36 inches; these figures are about 30 inches
more than those for 1908 and 1907. As was pointed out
in the last volume ofthe Agricultural News, p. 121, after
1906 the rainfall decreased by about 20 inches, and
remained steady for the next two years; in the last two
years, it has exceeded the precipitation of 1906 by
about 10 inches.
138
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Aprit 29, 1911.
INSECT NOTES.
EXPERIMENTS WITH COTTON
STAINERS.
A series of experiments to determine the effect on
the lint and seed of cotton, of the feeding of cotton
stainers (Dysdercus spp.), was outlined early in 1910 by
the Entomologist on the Staff of this Department, to be
carried out in several of the cotton-growing islands in
the West Indies.
The following notes give the results of the experi-
ments conducted by Mr. W. Robson, Curator of the
Botanic Station, Montserrat, and are taken from that
officer's report, submitted to the Imperial Commis-
sioner of Agriculture.
Tt will be seen that practically no etfect on germina-
tion was produced by the feeding of the stainers on
seed which had been protected during growth, and
exposed to the feeding only after being harvested; while
the seed which was produced in bolls attacked during
growth showed a very small relative germinating power.
It will also be seen that the lint was affected to a very
serious extent where the stainers were abundant during
the development of the cotton.
The experiments were carried out at Grove Station and
at Reid’s Hill, Montserrat.
GROVE srarron. Fifty bolls were enclosed in muslin,
and developed in the middle of the season (October to Novem-
ber). The seed-cotton was kept until the end of February
and divided into two lots, one of which was placed with cot-
ton stainers for about a week. ‘The delinting of the seeds
was inadvertently omitted. Germination tests were made on
the seed of both lots, with the following results :—
(1) Seed placed with stainers: average germination 96
per cent., on three tests.
(2) Seed kept from stainers: average germination 96
per cent., on three tests.
No examination of the lint was made in this case.
A supplementary test was made subsequently on de-
linted seeds known to show a high percentage of germina-
tion, (1) placed with stainers, (2) kept from stainers. _The
germination tests made on these seeds showed the following
results:—
(1) Seed placed with stainers: average
per cent., on six tests.
(2) Seed kept from stainers: average
per cent., on six tests.
The cotton plotsin Grove Station were not infected with
cotton stainers until the beginning of this year (1911). On
the attack becoming general, tests were made on seed devel-
oped previous to, and after, the attack, on the same strain of
cotton, with the following results:—
(1) Seed obtained before the development of stainers:
average germination 89 per cent., on six tests.
(2) Seed obtained after the attack of stainers was severe:
average germination 20 per cent., on six tests. J am not of
opinion that the great difference in the results of this last test
is accounted for in the lesser vitality, generally, of seeds devel-
oped in the latter part of the season.
REID'S HILL. Samples of seed-cotton were collected on
this estate from sections of the same field: (1) where cotton
stainers were abundant, (2) where no cotton stainers were
found, :
germination 91
germination 92
The lint from each of these samples was submitted to
to the usual tests. That from the plants attacked by
stainers was so decidedly weak, as well as discoloured, as
to render it useless for shipping as first cotton. The
length of the staple and the percentage of weak fibre were
not notably different from those of the sample in comparison,
though there was a difference in the weight of the seeds, as
is shown by the following determinations: —
(1) Seeds attacked by stainers: average weight of 100
seeds 9°52 grams, on ten tests.
(2) Seeds not attacked: average weight of 100 seeds
11:4 grams, on five tests.
One hundred of the seeds from the cotton attacked were
cut open, and forty-two were found to be decayed or shrunk-
en internally; while sixty of the seeds not attacked, which
were examined, were all found to be sound and plump.
The average germination, on ten tests, of the seeds
attacked by the stainers, was 21 per cent.; while of the seeds
not attacked by ‘the insects the average germination, on four
tests, was 94 per cent.
While the results seem to show that the stainer is
capable of doing: serious damage to cotton, I am not of opin-
ion that it can be regarded as a serious pest in Montserrat at
the present time. It seems to become prevalent in certain
localities in particular seasons, but does not assume the
nature of a pest over large areas until after the bulk of the
crop has been gathered, that is after December of each year,
A NOTE ON COCOA-NUT PESTS.
In a number of the Agricultural News issued early last
year (see Vol. IX, p. 26), a short account of the insect
pests of cocoa-nuts appeared in the Insect Notes.
The following insects were mentioned at that time as
pests of cocoa-nuts in the West Indies: —
The Bovrbon scale (Aspzdiotus destructor), the cocoa-nut
white fly (Aleyrodicus cocois), the palm weevil (Rhynco-
phorus palmarum), (see also Agricultural News, Vol. X,
p. 122), all of which are of general distribution.
The larger moth borer (Castnia licus) was stated to have
occurred on ecocoa-nut and other palms in Trinidad, and
Castnia daedalas in Surinam, while the cocoa-nut butterfly
(Brassolis sophorae) was reported as a pest in British Guiana,
Since the publication of the article mentioned above,
Castnia daedalus bas appeared in British Guiana attacking
sugar-cane (see Agricultural News, Vol X, p. 122), and as
this insect is recorded as a pest of cocoa-nuts in Surinam, it
may be expected to attack the same plants in British Guiana.
The Proceedings of the Agricultural Society of Trinidad
and Tobago, for February 1911, contained Notes on Some
Cocoa-nut Pests, by P. L. Guppy, in which it is mentioned
that the cocoa-nut butterfly (Brassolis. sophorae) occurs in
Trinidad, and that the caterpillars attack cocoa-nuts in
the same manner asin British Guiana. Another caterpillar,
the larva of a moth, Hyperchiria sp., also attacks the leaves
of the cocoa-nat in Trinidad. The caterpillars of this moth
differ from those of Srassolis sophorae in not building
‘nests’, but resemble those of that species in being gregari-
ous. The attaeks of these two species produce a very simi-
lar appearance of the leaves.
Mr. Guppy gives an account of the attack of a rhinoce-
ros beetle (Strategus anachoreta), on young cocoa-nut trees
in Trinidad, which is also additional to the pests in the list
given previously in the Agricultural News. :
Woy O85 ING Za.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 139
THE BENGAL BEAN.
Work has been undertaken recently by Messrs. C. V. Piper
and S. M. Tracey, of the United States Department of Agri-
culture, having for its object the determination of the true
botanical relationships of various plants which were considered
to belong to the genus Mucuna. The purpose of the investi-
gations was to find plants closely related te the Florida vel-
vet bean which would attain maturity earlier, and be thus
more suited to conditions in the Southern States. The
receipt of seeds of plants resembling the Florida velvet bean,
growing in Brazil and the Philippine Islands, made it seen
expedient to try to collect plants of all the other species of
the genus Mucuna, in order to find varieties that would reach
maturity more quickly, or prove more valuable, than the
Florida velvet bean. Previously, this plant had been shown
to belong to the genus Stizolobium, and not to Mucuna, and
had been named Sérzolobium deeringianum. The result of
the work of the investigators mentioned has been to show
that at least twenty distinct plants that were once regarded
as species of Mucuna are included in the genus Stizolobium.
Further, a matter of practical interest has been demonstrated;
namely, that these plants show greater possibilities of useful-
ness than have been attributed to them, so far.
The work of the investigators mentioned is published in
Bulletin No. 179 of the Bureau of Plant Industry of the
United States Department of Agriculture. The purpose of
the present article is to show how the results of this work
have reference to the Bengal or Mauritius bean, which has
been generally described as Mucuna utilis, or Mucuna
pruriens, var. utilis. Specimens of this bean were sent from
Barbados some time ago, and were identified with others as
belonging to a new species called Stezolobvwm aterrimum.
More recently, specimens of the Bengal bean, from Mont-
serrat, have been sent by this Department to Kew for identifi-
cation, in order that there may be no doubt as to the true
affinities of the plant called Bengal bean in that island.
A reply has been received to the effect that this bean, like
the one known by the same name in Barbados, belongs to the
species Stizolobium aterrimum. The description of it, as
given by Piper and Tracy is as follows:—
‘Vine very strong and vigorous, the stem striate but
scarcely furrowed, covered with a soft, sparse pubescence;
leaflets very large, plane, mostly acute, strongly mucronate,
sparsely appressed-pubescent on each side; racemes pendant,
18 to 30 inches long, many flowered; flowers purple; calyx
not saccate, densely appressed-pubescent without and within;
pods falcate, about 4 inches long, black when mature, sparsely
covered with a short, white, appressed pubescence; median
ridge on valve prominent but sometimes broken; secondary
ridge faint or wanting; seeds four or five, oblong, black, very
shiny, 10 to 12 mm. long, the prominent hilum white.’
The reason why the plant has been known as Mucuna
utilis is that Voigt gave an identification of this, under
a description of this species by Wallich. The identification
is considered by Piper and Tracey to be erroneous; though
there is some doubt in the matter until comparison can be
made with the original type. The authors mentioned state
that S. aterrimum appears to be more widely cultivated than
any of the other Stizolobiums, as they have received speci-
mens from Australia, Cochin-China, Mauritius, Java and
‘Ceylon, in addition to those already mentioned from Brazil
and Barbados. The plant is grown in Hawaii under the name
Mauritius bean; a name for it in Brazil is the horse-eye bean.
Further, evidence is given in the bulletin mentioned to show
that the habit of the plant varies to some extent in different
parts of the world. :
As a result of the investigations, the Bengal lean is to
be known as Stzzolobium aterrimum, and the Florida velvet
bean as S. deeringianum, In addition, the cowitch, or cow-
hage, will be called S. pruriens, and the Lyon bean, or
Sabual, from the Philippines, S. n/veune.
MASCARENHASIA RUBBER.
The Bulletin of the Imperial Institute, Vol. VIL,
No. 4, published recently, gives information concerning
the rubber of Mascarenhasia elastica—a plant found in
East Africa and Madagascar—as follows:—
In 1898 a new rubber-yielding tree was discovered by
Dr. Stuhlmann in the neighbourhood of Dar-es-Salaam, Ger-
man Hast Africa, and from the botanical specimens which he
collected, the plant was determined by Dr. K. Schumann as
a new species of Mascarenhasia to which the name Wascaren-
hasta elasticau was given. The plant was described as a small
tree, from 30 to 40 feet in height, with slender branches; the
trunk usually branches low down and is covered with a grey-
ish bark. The leaves are opposite, oblong obtuse or obtusely
and shortly acuminate, acute at the base, and coriaceous; they
vary from 3 to 10 inches long and from 14 to 23 inches broad.
The flowers are conspicuous and fragrant; the follicles are
purplish-black and from 3 to 34 inches long.
Like other species of the genus, Mascarenhasia elastica
furnishes rubber which is collected to some extent by the
natives, and is known as M’goa or Goa rubber in East Africa.
It is stated, however, that the latex flows so slowly that the
collection of the rubber is not profitable, and that owing to
the crude methods employed, the product is of inferior quality
and low value.
Mascarenhasia elastica is reported to be fairly common in
the neighbourhood of Dar-es-Salaam, growing principally on
the banks of streams or in moist situations. The trees have
smooth, straight trunks, which are used by the natives for
building their houses, and it is for this purpose, rather than
as a source of rubber, that they are chiefly prized.
Experiments which have been made in German East
Africa on the cultivation of the tree have shown that it grows
quickly even in dry soil, and flowers and fruits when five years
old. The yield of latex at this stage was, however, only
slight. For some years after its discovery in German East
Africa, Mascarenhasia elastica was not recorded from any
other locality, but it has since been found in the East Africa
Protectorate, the island of Pemba, and Portuguese East Africa,
and specimens of the rubber furnished by the tree in these
countries have been examined at the Imperial Institute.
After giving the results of the examination of
different samples from the East Africa Protectorate,
Pemba, and Portuguese Kast Africa, the article presents
the following conclusions:—
The results of the examination of these specimens of
Mascarenhasia elastica rubber from the East Africa Protector-
ate, Pemba, and Portuguese East Africa, show that the pro-
duct is of good quality if carefully collected. No definite
information is, however, available regarding the average yield
of rubber which the trees will furnish, so that it is not possible
at present to state the probable value of the plant as a source
of rubber. The experiments which are in progress in all
three countries will determine this point, and also the further
question of the suitability of this Hast African rubber tree
for cultivation in suitable localities.
140
GLEANINGS.
The exports of cotton from Montserrat, up to the end of
last month, amounted to 374,879 tb. This is the largest out-
put of cotton from Montserrat, since the introduction of the
industry.
The amount of cotton picked in Antigua up to the end
of March was about 245 bales. From present indications, it
is expected that there will be an increased area in this crop
during the coming season, while that planted in onions will
be probably smaller.
. An account of a simple method of electroplating, by
means of a proprietary article called Galvanit, was given in
the Agricultural News, Vol. 1X, p. 136. It may be of use
to state that this substance may now be obtained from
Messrs. Davidson & Todd, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.
According to the Government Gazette of the Federated
Malay States for December 23, 1910, the exports of cultivated
rubber during the twelve months ending December 1910 were
12,212,526 th. For 1909, they amounted to 6,087,815 tb.
The export for December 1910 was 1,234,669 Ib.
The Zextile Mercury for March 4, 1911, states that there
has been a material falling off in the demand for Manila
hemp, which is considered to be due to the inferior quality
of the fibre that is being produced. Prices for the hemp are
lower at present than they have been for ten years.
In connexion with the extension of the Land Settlement
Scheme of St. Vincent to Union Island, it is stated in the
St. Vincent Government Gazette for March 23, 1911, that
applications for the purchase of allotments in Union Island
under the scheme were to be received up to March 30, 1911.
An announcement in Zropical Life for February 1911,
states that the Kolonial Wirtschaftliches Komitee of
Berlin has decided to award, at the International Rubber and
Allied Trades Exhibition, 1911, their gold medal, for the
best method of extracting rubber from Manihot and Kickxia
(Funtumia elastica) plants.
In the Agricultural News tor October 29, of last year,
an account was given of the Bambarra ground nut ( Voandzeva
subterranea), and at about the same time seeds of this plant
were distributed for trial among the various experiment
stations. In relation to this matter, it is of interest that the
Superintendent of Agriculture, Grenada, now reports that the
plants raised there from this seed fruited heavily during last
month. This is of interest in relation to the extension of
growing of the Bambarra ground nut, in the West Indies,
from other parts of the world where it has already proved
useful.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Aprin 29, 1911.
H. M. Consul at Jerusalem reports that great damage
has been done to the Jaffa orange crop by a very violent
storm, which arose on the afternoon of February 10. It is
calculated that oranges sufticient to make 100,000 cases were
torn from the trees, while those remaining have all been more
or less damaged. (Zhe Board of Trade Journal, March 2,
1911.)
Mention was made, in the issue of the Agricultural News
for March 18, last, of three leaflets published by the Perman-
ent Exhibitions Committee of British Guiana, dealing with
the sugar industry, the balata and rubber industries, and the
rice industry. Since then, copies of three other equally
attractive and useful leaflets in the same series have been
received; these have reference to the timber industry, the
cacao and coffee industries, and the cocoa-nut and lime
industries.
Diplomatic and Consular Reports, No. 4613 Annual
Series, shows that Alexandria still remains the chief cotton
port of Egypt, the exports in 1909 being valued at
£20,941,671, as compared with those from Port Said, which
are stated to have been worth £11,828. The importance of
Port Said in this respect is likely to increase on account of
the construction of a channel between Lake Menzaleh and
the Suez Canal, the effect of which will be to reduce the cost
of the transport of cotton from the interior.
Statistics show that the output of sugar from Formosa
is rapidly increasing, while the consumption in Japan is only
rising slowly. Zhe Board of Trade Journal for December
29, 1910, gives figures with reference to this matter, and
shows that the sugar producers in Formosa will have to turn
their attention, in consequence, to the shipping abroad of
sugar in order to dispose of their surplus produce; thus it is
anticipated that Formosan sugar will enter the Chinese and
Corean markets, with centrifugal sugar, by next year.
The Lxperiment Station Record of the United States
Department of Agriculture, for October 1910, gives an
abstract, on page 429, of a paper presenting the results of an
investigation concerning the fixation of nitrogen in soil, when
cellulose is used by the bacteria as a source of energy. It is
claimed that the experiments show that the beneficial results
obtained by adding a small quantity of farmyard manure to
plant remains, ‘which are then to be buried in the soil, are
due to the fact that it provides the proper bacteria for
making available the cellulose in the plant remains as
a source of energy for the nitrogen-fixing organisms.
The Bulletin des Séances de la Société Nationale @ Agri-
culture de France, 1909, p. 890, gives a description of
experiments with a fungicide containing caustic soda and
copper sulphate, to which a certain proportion of a form of
black soap bad been added. It was found that this mixture
was very effective against fungi—probably more so than
ordinary Bordeaux mixture: the effect of the copper was to
prevent the germination of spores, and of the soap to cause
them to swell up and burst, while the presence of the latter
made the liquid more fluid and more adherent. The claim is
also made, in regard to fungi attacking leaves, that the
possession of the power to penetrate the tissues enables it to
destroy the mycelium of fungi within leaves that have been
attacked.
Vor. X.). No; 235. - THE
AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
141
STUDENTS’ CORNER,
MAY.
First PERIop.
Seasonal Notes.
In lime cultivation, the work at the present time is chief-
ly concerned with care of the soil in the matters of weeding,
draining, forking and manuring; in the last connexion, the
preparation of the land is particularly important where artifi-
cial manures are to be used. Give details of the way in
which this preparation is best carried out. The heavy rain-
fall received during the period that is just past will have been
useful in giving indications as to those parts where drainage
is required most urgently, and it may be necessary for this
work to be undertaken at an early date, in order to prevent
the loss of plants, following short periods of heavy rainfall
that may occur. ‘Trees that are dying on account of the want
of drainage of the soil in which they stand often appear as if
they are being killed by root disease; the similar appearance in
the two sets of untoward circumstances is due to the fact that,
in both cases, there is interference with the efficiency of the
roots, so that like symptoms are produced. Dry weather,
during the next few months, will prevent much new work
from being done in the nursery. The chief matters for atten-
tion will be to assist the seedlings to resist the effects of lack
of rain and to keep the nursery beds free from weeds. How are
these matters accomplished, and why is the second of them
very important! In very dry weather, the fungi parasitic on
scale insects usually become comparatively inactive; what
aid may be given in order to enable them to resist severe
drought? Compare the convenience of applying green dress-
ings and heavy mulches in lime orchards with that on cacao
estates, and state why this is less easily done in the former
instance. Where pen manure is being bedded, in lime cultiva-
tions, care must be taken to avoid injury to the roots, as this
naturally interferes with the development of the trees, and may
cause them to lean over heavily. All parasitic and epiphytic
plants should be removed from the trees, at the present time.
Returning to matters connected with the nursery, the receipt of
heavy showers may cause the loss of many seedlings through
fungus disease. What steps should be taken to prevent this
as far as possible? Toward the end of the present quarter, the
lime crop will begin to mature, so that preparations will have
to be made for collecting the fruit. What.preliminaries are
often necessary in order to facilitate this collection?
During the present season, much attention will have to
be given to the sanitation of cacao orchards. In pursuance
of this, dead branches will have to be removed, and all dead
wood cut out, the wounds that are left being dressed with
Bordeaux mixture, and after a few days, with tar. The
present time is most suitable for the application of special
manures and mulches, and as in the case of limes, the drain-
age of the soil should receive attention. May is a favourable
month for carrying out the grafting of cacao. Observations
should be made in order to ascertain where additional wind-
breaks, if any, are required, and the preliminary arrangements
for planting these should be carried out.
In very dry regions, in some parts of the world, salts
collect in the soil to such an extent as to render impossible
the growth of plants. Although these conditions do not exist
in the West Indies, the matter is of importance, as it indicates
the way in which the content of soluble salts in the soil is
influenced. The fact that certain soluble salts are necessary
to living plants does not preclude the possibility, under given
conditions, of the quantity of such salts becoming so great as
to interfere seriously with their growth, or even to prevent
this from taking place. In the latter ease, the strength of the
soil solution is so great as to cause the protoplasm to shrink
away from the walls of the absorbing cellsin the roots, and thus
to prevent those cells from performing their functions, finally
causing the death of the plants through starvation. Under
conditions of comparative drought, the tendency is for
soluble salts to be brought constantly into the upper layers,
in water which passes upward through the soil by capillarity,
and is evaporated. This shows that leaching, or the travel-
ling of water downward between the particles, is necessary
in all soils, in order to prevent an unwonted accumulation of
soluble salts in the upper layers. Where this has gone on to
such an extent that there is an excess of sodium carbonate
in the soil, a remedy is sometimes found in applications of
gypsum. Explain the action of gypsum, in this connexion.
The only effective remedy for the condition that has
Just been described is drainage. It is necessary, in fact, that
all fertile land should be properly drained, not only for the
removal of the excess of water that it may contain, but for
preventing the accumulation of soluble salts in the way
that has been described. It is evident that, as the amount
of rainfall varies throughout the year, the quantity of
soluble salts at a given level in the soil must differ with the
season of the year. his is a subject that has been worked
out to a considerable extent in temperate climates; there is
not much information, however, as to what definitely takes
place in soils in the tropics. Though the matter is not likely
to attain any large direct importance in the West Indies, it
is of interest to remember that one of the reasons for carrying
out effective drainage, as well as tillage and mulching, is to
prevent the accumulation of salts in the soil to any degree in
which they may be inimical to the growth of plants.
Questions for Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS.
(1) To what extent does the selection of cotton seed
benefit the succeeding crop. What is the use of raising new
varieties by crossing?
(2) What precautions are observed in growing plants
from cuttings, and what are the reasons for their observance?
(3) How would you show what is meant by capillary
attraction?
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS.
(1) Explain what is meant by the water table in soils.
How is the water table affected by drainage and tillage?
(2) Describe the appearance of a section made through
the woody stem of some common plant, and state the uses of
the different parts seen with the naked eye.
(3) State what you know of the relationship between the
direction and spread of the roots of a plant and the drainage
system of its leaves, illustrating your answer by means of
examples.
FINAL QUESTIONS.
(1) Discuss the relationship between the retentive power
of a soil and the kinds of manures that are most suitable
for it.
(2) Give an account of the manner in which the soluble
salt content of a soil is increased, and state how this increase
may be prevented.
(3) Present a general discussion of the ways in which
mulches are of use to the agriculturist.
14
1
FUNGUS NOTES.
DISEASES OF PINH-APPLES.
PART I.
In the last number of the Agricultural News, some
account was given of the fungus Z'hielaviopsis paradowa,
which causes diseases of the pine-apple, as well as of other
host plants. It is proposed to give, in this and a subsequent
article, an account of the pineapple diseases due to this para-
site, and of certain other diseases of different origin found on
pineapples in Hawaii. These are described in Bulletin 10 of
the Experiment Station of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters’
Association. The matter is believed to be of some interest,
as most of these diseases would appear to occur in the West
Indies also, more particularly in Antigua, where they have
been made the subject of one or two preliminary investiga-
tions; the latest of these was conducted during the pine-apple
season of last year, ‘This investigation yielded some informa-
tion as to the insects commonly found on pine-apples in
Antigna, and on their distribution throughout the parts
examined. Owing, however, to the fact that the black heart
disease, which was that especially under investigation, cannot
be detected from the outside of the fruit, and to the fact that
this was much rarer in that year than it had been for some
time, nearly all the specimens examined were found to be
remarkably healthy. The few unhealthy specimens were
attacked by soft rot, or were bruised, while not a single
instance of black heart was found.
FRUIT ROT. To return to the subject of diseases found
in Hawaii, the fruit rot or soft rot is undoubtedly the ies
important, according to the account of them given by L.
Larsen in the B ulletin referred to above. This eee
attacks ripe pine-apples in the field, and occurs at the can-
nery to some extent, but is most destructive on crated fruits
during shipment. Such fruits, as well as those in store-
houses, are often attacked when still quite green. In the
field, direct infection usually commences at the base of the
fruit. Here a moist chamber is formed between the bracts
which occur on the stem, and the base of the pine-apple; the
moisture enables the spores of the fungus Z'hzelaviopsis para-
doxa to germinate, and the existence of the chamber prevents
them from being killed by the sun. Infection in the field
may also occur on other parts of the fruit where there is
a wounded surface. On crated fruit during shipment, the
rot commences at the top or on the sides, almost as frequently
as at the base. Here again, the presence of wounds favours
the entry of the fungus, but, under the dark, moist condi-
tions that prevail in this case, the fungus is able to penetrate
the fruit directly. This it does especially at points in the
cracks between the individual fruitlets of which the pine-
apple is composed. The dry conditions and the destructive
effect of sunlight on the spores of the fungus prevent direct
penetration of the fruit in the field except, as already stated,
at the base.
The symptoms of this disease are as follows. The
affected tissue has a water-soaked appearance, is of a slightly
darker shade of yellow than the normal, and has a character-
istic odour. It is very soft, even in the early stages of decay,
and, as the disease progresses, becomes so disintegrated as to
yield to the slightest pressure. “The rot spreads very rapidly,
and is found to destroy half the fruit in four days from the
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Aprit 29, 1911.
date of inoculation, On cutting open a diseased fruit and
exposing the infected tissues to the air, an immense number
of black macroconidia of Thielaviopsis i is formed, giving all
the portion attacked a black appearance. These symptoms
agree very closely with those of the disease described by
Howard on packed pines in Antigua, which was attributed by
him to the macro- and microconidial stages of 7'richosphaeria
sacchari, which was then regarded as almost certainly iden-
tical with 7’hielaviopsis paradova. This fungus was found in
at least one instance on ripe pine-apples from the same island,
in the examination carried out during last season, and referred
to above; the symptoms of the rot produced were similar to
those observed in Hawaii.
The wounds which enable the fungus to gain an entry,
especially in the field, may be due to sun scald, or damage
by animals, or by implements during field operations. One
considerable source of injury is that inflicted by insects, of
which the most important in Hawaii are: a mealy-bug
(Pseudococcus bromeliae), a fruit beetle (Carpophilus humer-
alis), vinegar flies (Drosophila ampelophila and others), and
a grasshopper (Xyphidium varipenne). It may be of interest
to note that a similar mealy-bug (Pseudococeus sp.) is of
common occurrence in Antigua on pine-apples; more rarely
a scale insect, probably a species of Diaspis, is found, while
different species of mites are numerous; vinegar flies and
various grasshoppers are common in the islands generally.
The preventive measures suggested by Larsen are:—
‘(1) Cutting the fruit with long stems in place of the
usual short ones. ,
(2) Cutting the fruit bracts at some distance from the
stem instead of pulling them off.
(3) The use of straw for packing material, in preference
to excelsior (wood wool).
(4) Wrapping the fruit in paper.
(5) Fumigating with formaldehyde gas.’
It has not yet been determined if the use of this Jast
reagent on a commercial scale will be practicable, as recent
work by Flora W. Patterson, of the United States Depart-
ment of Agriculture, referred to in the last article, has shown
that a concentration of the gas sufficient to kill the spores of
the fungus and to prevent rot, produced a slight change in
colour, and loss of turgidity in the fruit.
BASE ROT OF CUTTINGS. This is another disease due to
the fungus 7'hielaviopsis paradoxwa. According to the informa-
tion given in the Bulletin mentioned above, it was found in
some instances that many cuttings were killed when newly
planted out in the field, and that death was due to a rot which
had spread through the heart and the underground portion.
A gentle pull would remove the diseased plants from the soil,
and would often separate the leafy top from the base. Occas-
ionally, plants were found to have recovered from a slight
attack of the rot. These showed indentations near the base,
where the tissues had been destroyed. The disease also
occurred on crowns or suckers left in bags, or in piles in the
fields, and on cuttings during shipment.
Infection appears to occur principally in two ways,
either directly from the fungus present on the surface of the
cutting at the time of planting, or by means of the mycelium or
spores present in the soil. It was found that the disease was
much more prevalent when the weather was dry after plant-
ing than when it was wet; it may be noted that the harm
done to cane cuttings by the same fungus is much more
noticeable in dry weather than in wet.
The remedies suggested by Larsen consist of drying the
cuttings by placing them butt end upwards in the sun for
a week; this should be combined with low stripping, that is
the removal of as few as possible of the leaves at the base of
Vor, X. No. 235
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 148
the cutting. The effect of sunlight in killing the spores
which is made use of in this instance has been referred to
above.
A similar disease was reported by W. V. Tower from
Porto Rico in 1906, in the Annual Report of the Experiment
Station of that island.
LEAF spoT. Spots varying considerably in size and
shape were found to occur on the leaves of the pine-apple.
In typical instances, the spots consist of a straw-coloured
central area surrounded by a dark margin A black central
portion may occur within the straw-coloured area, or
scattered black blotches may be found; both of the appear-
ances are due to the formation of the macrospores of
Thielaviopsis paradoxa. Sometimes, long white arms extend
from the black border, at others the spots are white or straw-
coloured throughout. The internal tissue is soft and decayed
at first, but soon dries and leaves the injured area dry and
sunken.
The fungus gains an entry through wounds in the sur-
face. These may be due either to grasshoppers, which feed
on the leaves, or to the effect of the spines and edges of other
leaves. The punctures made by a scale insect (Diaspis
bromeliae) do uot appear to act as sources of infection. The
disease is much more prevalent in damp, shady weather than
at other times, as in bright, sunny weather the spores of the
fungus are killed. The injury caused by this disease in
Hawaii was not sufficient to justify the expense of remedial
measures. It is clear, however, that any means tending
to reduce the general prevalence of the fungus would not be
without their effect on this disease also, A similar disease
was reported by G L. Fawcett from Porto Rico, in 1908.
WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS.
DRUGS AND SPICES ON THE LONDON
MARKET.
Mr. J. R. Jackson. A.L.S., has forwarded the fol-
lowing report on the London drug and spice market,
for the month of March :—
The anticipation mingled with hope, current in business
circles, that March would bring with it an increasing volume
of trade in drugs and chemicals, has been. dissipated -from
week to week, and finally proved to be not realized, and this
notwithstanding that the month has practically covered five
weeks’ sales, the first spice auction being held on the first of
the month and the last on the 29th. Though the volume of
goods disposed of has not been remarkable, the general tone
of the markets has been satisfactory. No West Indian
product calls for any special comment, but, as will be seen
from the following details, the prices realized, and the quanti-
ties disposed of, have been quite of a normal character,
GINGER.
At the auction on the first of the month there were
large offerings of Cochin, Japan and Liberian, but no Jamaica.
Rough washed Cochin, of which 344 bags were offered and
were bought in at 50s.; brown rough Calicut was also held
at 55s.; 265 bags of limed Japan realized 37s. 6d. to 38s. 6d.
per cwt., and 200 bags of Liberian character were sold at
from 31s. to 32s. per ewt. A fortnight later there was again
a very large supply, but no Jamaica was brought forward.
Prices were generally easier, Cochin and Calicut were repre-
sented by 800 bags, 160 of which sold without reserve, old
crops, fair washed Cochin fetching 45s. 6d. to 46s. 6d. The
reserve price on the new crop was 50s. to 55s., at which the
offerings were bought in. Brown rough Calicut fetched
52s. 6d. to 55s.; 365 bags of limed Japan were brought for-
ward and 227 sold without reserve, at 35s. 6d. to 36s. 6d.
perecwt. On the 22nd of the month some 549 bags of washed
rough Cochin were offered, and all bought in at 47s. 6d.; fine
bright was quoted at 52s 6d. and Liberian at 40s. per cwt.
At the last sale on the 29th, some 460 packages of Cochin
and Calicut were offered, but no sales were effected.
NUTMEGS, MACE AND PiMENTO.
At the spice auction onthe 8th, 58 packages of West
Indian nutmegs were offered, all of which sold at the follow-
ing rates: 76’s 5}d., 84’s 5hd., 86’s to 89’s 54d., 93’s to 99’s
43d. On the 15th, 171 packages of West Indian nutmegs
were offered and sold at an advance of from 4d. to 3d. per lb.
on the above rates. Mace has occupied a firm position
during the month. At the auction on the first, 33 bags of
Eastern were brought forward, and partly sold at 2s. 5d. to
2s, 6d. Fair palish Singapore was bought in at 2s. 6d., and
ordinary Red Penang at 2s. 3d. On the 15th, there was
a steady market; firm rates were realized for 38 packages of
West Indian, good pale fetching 2s. 8d., fair palish 2s. 4d.,
and fair red 2s, 1d. to 2s. 3d. per Ib. For Pimento there has
been but little demand; 140 bags were brought forward at
auction on the lst of the month, and all were bought in at 24d.
At the last sale on the 29th, 109 bags were offered, and 57
sold at 23d per bb.
ARROW ROOT,
This article is attracting but very little attention; nothing
has been offered at auction until quite the end of the month,
and private sales have been reported as very dull. On the
29th however, 112 barrels of St. Vincent were offered, and
all bought in at from 2d. to 22d. per tb. Twenty-three
half-barrels of Bermuda were also offered and bought in at
ls. 7d. per bb.
SARSAPARILLA,.
At the drug auction on the 9th, sarsaparilla was repre-
sented by 4 bales of grey Jamaica, 9 bales of Lima-Jamaica
and 31 bales of native Jamaica. The whole af the grey
Jamaica and Lima-Jamaica found buyers, but only 26 out of
the 31 bales of native Jamaica were disposed of, fair to good
red fetching lla. to 1s. 04d., dullish mixed red and yellow
9d. to 103d., and dull yellow 8d. per lb. The 9 bales of Lima-
Jamaica sold at 1ld. to 113d. per tb. for bright, part
roughish. The 4 bales of grey Jamaica realized from 1s. 8d.
to ls. 9d. per tb. At auction on the 24rd, 7 bales of grey
Jamaica were offered and sold at 1s. 8d. to 1s. 9d. for fair,
part slightly rough; 26 bales of native Jamaica were also
brought forward, 5 only being sold, 10d. being paid for red
and yellow mixed, and for fair red;and 8d. for common grey.
LIME JUICE, KOLA, CASSIA FISTULA,
At the beginning of the month, concentrated West
Indian lime juice was firm, small sales being effected at from
£18 2s. 6d. to £18 7s. 6d. A fair business was also done
in raw West Indian at 1s. per gallen. Later in the month,
raw West Indian was quoted at 1s. to 1s. 1d. per gallon. At
auction on the 9th, 7 barrels of fair West Indian dried kola
sold at 4d. per tb., and a fortnight later 5 bags from Jamaica
were offered, and sold at 34d. to 33d. per tb. for part dark
mouldy. Cassia’ Fistula was represented at auction on the
23rd by 21 bags West Indian, for which 20s. 6d. per ewt,
was paid,
London.—Tue
144
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Aprit 29, 1911.
MARKET REPORTS.
CoMMITTEE CIRCULAR,
A DE iPass) & Cor,
West Inpia
April 11, 1911; Messrs. E.
March 18, 1911.
ARROWROOT—2d. to 34d.
Batata—Sheet, 3/8 ; block, 2/8 per tb.
Beeswax—£7 12s. 6d
Cacao—Trinidad, 56/- to 69/- per cwt.; Grenada, 50/-
to 55/6; Jamaica, 48/6 to 54/-.
CorrEE—Jamaica, 59/- to 69/-.
Corra—West Indian, £22 to £22 10s. per ton.
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, no quotations.
Fruir—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
Gincer—Common to good common, 48/- to 52/- per ewt.;
low middling to middling, 53/- to 56/.; good bright
to fine, 58/- to 62/..
Honry—No quotations.
IsrncLtass—No quotations.
Lime Jurce—Raw, 11d. to 1/3; concentrated, £18 2s. 6d.
to £18 7s. 6d.; Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/-,
nominal.
Loc woop—No quotations.
Mace—Firm.
Nutmecs—(Quiet
Pimento—Common, 23d.; fair, 2}d.; good, 2,%.d. per tb.
Rupver—Para, fine hard, 5/11 to 6/-: fine soft, 5/5;
fine Peru, 5/9 per tb,
Rum—Jamaica, 1/7 to 5/- per gallon.
Sucar—Crystals, 14,73 to 17/6; Muscovado, 11/6 to 14/6;
Syrup, 9/5 to 14/9; Molasses, no quotations.
New York,—Messrs. Gritespiz Bros. & Co., April
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., April 17
7, 1911,
Uacao—Caracas, 11 jc. to 12fce. ; Grenada, 11}e. to 11}e. ;
Trinidad, 11{c. to 11 fc. per tb.; Jamaica, 104c. to 112.
Cocoa-Nuts—Jamaica, select, $27:00 to
$15:00 to $1600; Trinidad, select, $27-00 to $28-00:
culls, $15-00 to $1600 per M.
CorrEe—Jamaica, 12ic. to 13}c. per tb.
Gincer—9c. to 12$c. per Ih.
Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 514c.; Barbados and Antigua, 474e.
to 50c.; St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 45c.
to 474c. per Ib.
GrapE-Froirr—Jamaica, $300 to $3°75 per box.
Limes—$5°75 to $6°50.
Macre—40>. to 50c. per th.
Nurmecs—110’s, 10c. to 10}c. per th.
Orances—Jamaica, $2°25 to $3:00.
Pimento—4jc. to $43c. per th.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3°86c. per lb.; Muscovados,
89°, 3°36c.; Molasses, 89°, S-1lc. per tb., all duty
paid
,
1911.
Cacao—Venezuelan, $12-00 per fanega; Trinidad, $11:00
to $11°60.
Cocoa-Nur O1.—88e. per Imperial gallon
Corree—Venezuelan, I6c. per th.
Corra—No quotations.
Dxat—$3°30.
Ontons $3'25 to $4°25 per 100 lb.
Peas, Sprit—$5°50 to $5°60 per bag.
Porators—English, $2:00 to $2°25 per 100 th.
Rick—Yellow, $4°30 to 84°35; White, $5:20 to $5:25
per bag. :
Sucar—Amorican crushed, $5°25 to $550 per 100 tb.
Barbados,—Messrs. T. 8. Garraway & Co., April 24,
1911; Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., April 19,
1911; Leacock & Co., April 13, 1911.
ARkowRoot—St. Vincent, $4°50 to $470 per 100 th.
Cacao—$11°00 to $12°00 per 100 th.
Cocoa-nuts—-$16°80.
Correr—Jamaica and ordinary Rio, $11°50 to $14-50 per
100 tb., scarce.
Hay—$1°40 to $1°50 per 100 tb.
Manures—Nitrate of soda, $58°00 to $65-00; Cacao
manure, $42°00 to $48°00; Sulphate of ammonia,
$75:00 to $76 00 per ton.
Motasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$4°00 to $7°11 per 100 tb.
Peas, Sprir—$5°65 to $6°10 per bag of 210 th.; Canada,
Messrs
28°00; culls, .
$4°00 to $4°25 per bag of 120 th.
Porators—Nova Scotia, $2°25 to $2°30 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam, $4°60 to $465 per 100 tt.; Patna, no
quotations; Rangoon, no quotations.
Sucar—No quotations.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wierrc
15, 1911; Messrs. SanpBacn, Parker & Co.
&
April Wb LOM.
RICHTER,
ARTICLES.
ArrowRooT—St. Vincent
Messrs. WIETING
& RIicuter.
$9°25 to $9°50
Messrs. Sanp-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
per 200 th.
Batata—Venezuelablock| No quotation Prohibited
Demerara sheet} 85c. per tb. 72c. to 80c.
Cacao—Native llc per tb. 12c. per th.
$1-20 No quotation
Cassava—
Cassava STARCH—
Cocoa-NUTS—
CorrEE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
DHaLt—
$6°50 to $7-00
$12 to $16 per M |
16c. per tb.
18c. per Tb.
103c.to lle. per tb
$3°50 per bag of
No quotation
$10 to $16 perM.
peeled and
selected
15c. per fh.
18c.per tb.
10c. per tb.
April
$1000 per 200 th.
>
$3°50 toS$3-75 per
168 Ib. bag of 168 th.
Green Dhal $4-00 =
Eppors— $156 ae
Motasses— Yellow None =
Ontons—Teneriffe — LJ
Madeira 8e. 8c. to 9e.
Pras—Split
$5°75 to $5-90 per
bag (210 tb.)
$590 per bag
(210 tb.)
Marseilles No quotation No quotation
PLANTAINS— 20c. to 60c. ——
Porators—Nova Scotia $300 to $325 $3°00 to $3:25
Lisoon ~- No quotation
Porators—Sweet, B bados
Rice—Ballam
$1°32 per bag
No quotation
Creole $500 to $5-50 $5°00 to $5°25
Tannias— $300 per bag —
Yams—White $2:28 ——
Buck 32°64
Sucar—Dark crystals $2°55 to $2°40 None
Yellow $2°70 to $3-00 $2°65 to $2°75
White $4:00 $4:00 to $425
Molasses $2°10 to $2°30 None
Timber —Greenheart 32c. to 5dc. per | 32ce. to 5dc. per
cub. foot cub. foot
Wallaba shingles) $3°75 to $6.00 $4:00 to $6:00 |
per M. per M. ;
5, Cordwood! $1°'80 to $2:00 No quotation °
per ton
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
FOR THE WEST INDIES.
The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal.
Volume I. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d,
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PAMPHLET SERIES.
The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially
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The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’. A Fortnightly Review.
The ‘Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and
other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony, and the progress made in
Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies.
The ‘Agricultural News’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the
local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is
2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII complete, with title page and index, as issued
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longer be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents Add
applications for copres are to he addressed to the Agents, not to the Department.
Agents.
The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department :—
London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. St. Vincent: Mr. L. S. Mosetey, Agricultural School,
Barbados : Messrs. BowEen & Sons, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. M. A. Lawrence, Botanic Station,
Jamaica: THE EpucationaL Supply Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Bripcrwarer, Roseau,
Street, Kingston. Montserrat : Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station.
British Guiana: Tur ‘Datty CuronicLe’ OFrFrice,Georgetown. dntigua: Mr. S. D. Martone. St. John’s.
Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-MarsHati & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: THE Brete AnD Book SurrLty Agency, Basscterro,
Tobago: Mr. C. L. PLacEmann, Scarborough. Nemis : Messrs. Howent, Bros., Charlestown
Grenada: ‘Tue Storrs’ (Grenada) Limited, St. George.
Vou. X. No. 235. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Aprit 29, 1911.
THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE
& Se TAT, i
Ohlendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—*or Sugar-cane and general use
Ohlendorff’s Special Sugar-cane Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cocoa Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cotton Manure
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, high grades,
Potash Salts, Basic Slag and all other high-class Fertilizers.
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO :—
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London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.O.
Barbados Agents : James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
COTTON SEED MEAL.
GOTTCN SEED MEAL.
Recommended by the Imperial Department of
Agriculture as a first class Feeding Stuff for Cattle,
Mules, etc. Special quotations for large. quantities.
THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON
FACTORY, LIMITED,
BRIDGETOWN.
JUST ISSUED.
WEST WNDIAN BULLETIN.
(Vol. XI, No. 3.)
SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS. f
Containing Fungus Diseases of Ground Nuts in the}
West Indies; Notes on Ground Nuts in the West Indies;
Report ona Visit to Florida; A List of the Birds of the
Island of St. Lucia; A Note on the Introduction of Birds;
An Account of the Working of the Land Settlement Scheme
in St. Vincent; The Sugar Industry of the Island of Negros
and Observations on Mill Control Experiments in Negros.
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CONTENTS.
p PxOR seriously applied themselves to the task of determining
ofr: i * the effect of insects, as a class, on the affairs of men
Cacao Cultivation and | Motor Tractionin Relation
Shading in Trinidad... 148 to Agriculture ... ... 159
Cane Trucks, Device for Notes and Comments ... 152
Unloading ... .-- 147) Prize-Holdings Competi-
Cotton Notes :— tion in St. Lucia... 153
A New Egyptian Cotton 150 Publications of the Impe-
Egyptian Cotton, New rial Department of
AU oIEOHE Noda Sco Goo alan Agriculture elon
1 yeaah Abi
ue Exists Coch -q Rice in British Guiana ... 151
xrowing Association 150 Rubber: 2 lantiweiinie Vien
West Indian Cotton... 150) “* fae pt mg - 155
Cyprus Origanum Oil... 151) Vi. ge vie Tee
DepanhnentaNows 144) 5% Vincent, Interesting —_
DETe cate ba ee ee) ee | Plant. in Geese mee loo.
Keonomic Entomology and Straits SettlonentetuNon:
Heulth Administration! 1451) ys, . eaag eo é
inn Nees culture ingeeemeees oe 24S
piece as Students’ Corner 157
Diseases of l'ine-Apples, ct s ee
Part II 15g Sugar Industry :—
The Sugar-Cane inSpain 147
| West Indian Sugar-Cane
| Seedlings in (ueens-
land 5 aleve
(Gleamingsieeayees epee DO
Insect’ Notes :-—
Sugai-Cane Borers in
British Guiana... ... 154
The Frog-Hopper of the | Suggestions foran Institute
Suvar-Cane 154, of International Com-
merce:.... Weeeeerey ye Los
158) Trade and Agriculture of
Barbados, 1909-10 vise
| Wild Indigo as a Green
Manure . 149
Jippi Jappa Hat Industry
inal VTEC eae ode oo
Market Reports... ... 159
Methods of Depollinating
Flowers
Kconomiec Entomology and
Health Administration.
CONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY, as a separate
branch of applied zoology, may be termed
= 9 young science. For centuries, thelarge bright-
ly coloured, or peculiarly shaped insects, such as certain
butterflies, moths and beetles, have attracted the atten-
tion of even casual observers, and have been collected
and studied by entomologists. Few persons, however,
until within comparatively recent times, and in the
first instance, such application was almost entirely in
reference to the relations between insects and plants,
The discovery of the connexion which exists between
certain insects and the dissemination of diseases of
animals, including man, has within even more recent
years, resulted in the development of an entirely new
branch of study and investigation.
It is not difficult for mankind to realize the relation-
ship existing between a plant and an insect, when for
example, the leaves of a plant are devoured by cater-
pulars. It is not as easy, however, to understand the
connexion between the bite of a mosquito and a subse-
quent attack of malarial fever; but, as a result of careful
and patient study, the relationship in the latter instance
is as well proved as in the former.
It has long been known that the abundance of
the insects that prey upon agricultural crops has
a very direct bearing on the development of newly
settled countries, but it has only recently been under-
stood how great an influence insects of other kinds have
on the ability of men to keep their health, while open-
ing up such countries, and on the health of their
domestic animals, on which in such circumstances so
much depends.
The order Diptera, which includes those two-winged
insects known as flies, is perhaps the most important
group of insects, as far as the dissemination of disease
is concerned. Yellow fever, malaria and filaria are coms
municated to man by the biting of mosquitoes, which
146
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. May 13, 1911.
are of this order; while sleeping sickness of man, and
the related diseases of animals in which the causative
agency is a trypanosome, are communicated by the
bites of other blood-sucking flies. Typhoid fever is
transmitted by the common house fly, which merely
acts as a carrier in a mechanical way; but the insects
previously mentioned are intermediate hosts, and are
necessary to the development of the parasitic organism
causing the disease.
Ticks, which are related to the insects, infect cattle
with Texas fever, or red-water, and are known to trans-
mit other diseases, acting as intermediate hosts of the
disease-producing organism in the same manner as the
insects mentioned above.
It seems likely, also, that other relationships
between insects and diseases may be demonstrated in
the future. A very brief consideration of the effects
of the diseases mentioned will serve to illustrate the
very important bearing of insects on great develop-
mental problems.
A list of the colonies of the British Empire in
which there are employed at the present time scientific
officers trained in entomology, with the dates at which
these officers were first appointed, would show remark-
able progress within the last fifteen years, and in other
countries the progress has also been great, especially in
the United States.
Government entomologists are for the most part
connected with agricultural departments, but the
increasing knowledge of the manner of the spread of
disease is resulting in more particularized entomologi-
cal training on the pari of medical officers, and the
schools of tropical medicine are offering increased
facilities for the study of entomology relating to the
practice of medicine; in fact, at all institutions of
learning in science, entomology is receiving an increas-
ing amount of attention.
The African Entomological Research Committee,
appointed in 1909 by the Colonial Office, of which
a brief account was published in a recent number of
the Agricultural News (see Vol. X, p. 90), affords
evidence of the recognition by the Imperial Government
of the value of the study of entomology in connexion
with diseases and agriculture.
The principal object of this committee is the
investigation of tropical diseases and of the insect
agencies by means of which they are disseminated.
Insects of importance on account of their relations to
crops are also collected and studied. Under the
direction of the committee, entomologists are sent out
to tropical Africa, who make collections of, and notes
on, blood-sucking and other insects, and also endeay-
our to enlist the co-operation of medical and other
officers, whom they instruct, when necessary, in the
best methods of collecting, packing and forwarding
insects for study.
Agriculture, as an industry, is fundamental, and
agricultural products are the world’s greatest necessi-
ties. The ability to produce the greatest amounts of
these products with theleast loss from preventable causes
should be included among the aims of governmental
activities. To preserve the health of its subjects should
be also a matterof concern to a government; for whatever
may be the agricultural possibilities of any locality, these
are not likely to be fully realized while deadly diseases
play havoc with the health of the inhabitants and of
domestic animals. ‘These facts are becoming more and
more realized, and the important bearing of entomologi-
cal knowledge on the productivity of agricultural and
other districts, especially in the tropics, is inereas-
ingly apparent. The results that have been achieved
already in combating the insect pests of agricultural
crops, and the control of such diseases as vellow fever,
malaria and Texas fever, are sufficiently striking and
important to direct attention to the enormous possi-
bilities along these lines.
These matters are of first importance to govern-
ments, since the prosperity of a nation depends on the
well-being and health of the people, and it 1s only when
those who are responsible for governmental administra-
tion control, through their officers, the necessary investi-
gations and experiments, and the practical application
of the acquired knowledge, that the greatest good can be
expected to accrue.
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture, accom-
panied by Mr. F. W. South, B.A., Mycologist on the
Staff of the Department, returned from St. Vincent
by the S.S. ‘Ocamo’, on the Ist. instant.
Dr. Watts left Barbados on May 8, 1911, by the
R.ALS. ‘Orotava’, for Grenada, for the purpose, of con-
ferring wit His Excellency the Governor of the Wind-
ward Islands on general agricultural matters, and is
expected to return by the R.M.S. ‘Clyde’ on May 1%.
Vou. X. No. 236. THE
AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
147
SUGAR INDUSTRY.
WEST INDIAN SUGAR-CANE
LINGS IN QUEENSLAND.
The Annual Report of the Bureau of Sugar Bupertinent
Stations, Queensland, for 1910, contains information con-
cerning several varieties of West Indian cane seedlings that
are under trial in that State.
SEED-
Among the Barbados seedlings, at the Mackay Central
Sugar Experiment Station, B. 147 is stated to be a promising
cane, and to appear healthier and stronger than the other
seedlings under trial. ‘Tables containing details of analysis
and field observations show that this cane takes a high
place in regard to richness of juice and yield per acre.
Other canes showing promise in the sime trials are Mauritius
Malagache, Q. 2 and @. 5. In the districts south of Mackay,
B. 208 has given fair promise in a few localities, but has
been generally regarded as rather delicate in constitu-
tion; in some parts, however, it has yielded remarkably good
results.
A fair number of trials has been made with D 1135,
and south of Mackay it has been found to give good results,
both as plant cane and ratoons. It is stated, in fact, to
have a good reputation in the southern districts, quite 60 to
8O per cent. of the cane grown around Bundaberg being of
this variety, which is known there under the names D.11 and
Frost Resister. It is also mentioned specially from other
districts of the same locality. Another Demerara cane, name-
ly D.1483, is stated to be highly spoken of in the same
part of Queensland.
Results similar to the above do not appear to have been
obtained with T'.60—the only Trinidad seedling mentioned
as being under trial—as it does not seem to flourish in the
districts south of Mackay. In the north, however, this cane is
exhibiting much greater promise, and is stated to have caused
great surprise when its behaviour was compared with that
shown by it in other places. Jt appears to be particularly
suited to the drier soils that are found north of Mackay: and
under irrigation, it las been found to form a good, upright,
thick cane, which is quickly coming into greater favour
among growers. Its development is comparatively slow, but
the crop produced is healthy, and canes 12 feet long and
more than 64 inches in circumference have been obtained
It is of interest that, in some parts outside Mackay,
canes were observed to show symptoms of disease similar to
the West Indian root disease, particularly where the same
soil had supported the Rose Bamboo and Striped Singapore
for many years. Dr. Cobb, lately of the Hawaiian Sugar
Experiment Station, thinks however, that there is some con-
nexion between this disease and the fungus known as the
coral stinkhorn (Phad/us sp.), and this view is given support
by the observation that the characteristic spore-bearing stage
of the fungus has been very p’entiful in some parts where the
disease has occurred.
Information as to the distribution of sugar-eane varieties
in Queensland is given, toward the end of the report. Among
the seedlings introduced during 1910 were included
Barbados, Demerara and Trinidad varieties. The condition in
which many of these were received made it uncertain whether
they would be germinated successfully; the trials with those
that survive will be watched, however, with interest.
THE SUGAR-CANE IN SPAIN.
An article in the Jowrnal d’ Agriculture Tropicale for
December i910 shows that about 25,000 tons of cane sugar,
and 75,000 tons of beet sugar, were produced in Spain in
1909. From this article the following further information
is taken.
Cane cultivation is carried on in the south of Andalusia,
along the coast from Gibraltar to Almeria. In this belt, which
is sheltered on the north by a mountain chain, the best soil
is found near the mouths of the rivers.
The average temperature during summer is about 79°F.,
and during winter about 55°F. Although the thermometer
may fall nearly as low as freezing point, the ordinary frosts
are not sufficiently severe to kill the cane plants. The rainy
season extends from October to April. After this period, it
is necessary to provide means of irrigating the canes twice
a month during the whole of the dry season.
Cuttings are planted in the period between March and
April, and the cultivation consists of suca ploughing and
weeding as the growth of the canes will admit. Some culti-
vators do not reap a crop until after two years, but it has
been sbown that this practice is to be recommended only
when, after being in the ground twelve months, the canes
remain poor in growth. Under other conditions, it is prefer-
able to cut the crop after ten or eleven months of growth.
Where the cultivation is annual, the opportunity is
afforded for the convenient manuring of the plantation, and
for giving the soil the necessary attention.
The yield of cane varies from 8 to 16 tons per acre. It
is considered to be poor when it is below 8 tons, and very
satisfactory when it reaches 14 tons. The return of sugar
from the cane is 10 per cent., on an average.
Where the cultivation is good, the cane remains in the
land for four years, and sometimes longer, without replanting,
and under such conditions, adequate applications are made of
both natura) and artificial manures.
A DEVICE FOR UNLOADING CANE
TRUCKS.
A note on a device for removing sugar-cane from loaded
trucks and placing it on the cane carrier has been received
from Mr. H. A. Tempany, B.Sc, Superintendent of Agricul-
ture, Antigua. An arrangement of the kind has been recently
erected at the Sugar Factory at Gunthorpes in that island,
and it is to this that the following description has particular
reference.
The device consists of a series of rakes placed on an end-
less band, which is made to revolve slowly over the trucks
containing the cane. As the level of the canes becomes lower
in atruck that is being emptied, the band is depressed, so
that a continuous removal of the cane is obtained, the move-
ment of the band, up and down, being effected by means of
a windlass operated by one workman. The rakes are guided
in a slotted frame, and an arrangement for counterbalancing
them is provided in the shape of weights hung on wire cables.
Mr. Tempany states that the appliance is giving much
satisfaction. It provides a means of securing readily a con-
tinuous feed of cane of any thickness, within reasonable limits,
that may be desired, and at the same time effects a consider-
able saving of labour.
148
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. May 13, 1911.
PRUITS AND PRUIM Rees.
CACAO CULTIVATION AND SHADING IN
TRINIDAD.
It is well known that, in Trinidad as well as in other
parts of the West Indies, there is much interest in the question
of providing shade in cacao plantations. In order to gain
definite information on the subject, the Agricultural Society
of Trinidad and Tobago recently appointed a committee to
make observations on the Mont Valmont estate, and to pre-
sent the results of these to the Society. This has been done,
and the report of the committee appeared in the Port-of-
Spain Gazette for March 12, 1911.
Observations showed that the gradual removal of shade
from cacao has been completely successful, as far as this estate
is concerned; the plants have fruited heavily, and present
a very healthy appearance, with a marked absence of squirrels,
insect pests and other parasites. There are, however, special
circumstances to be considered in regard to the good effects
that have accrued from the gradual removal of the shade; the
chief among these is the circumstance that, although the trees
are fully exposed to the sun, the estate is sheltered from the
wind througn its situation, and this favourable condition is
assisted by the fact that the plants have been well manured
with pen manure and bone meal. If the cacao had been still
shaded by the immortel, it is certain that the shade plants
would have absorbed a large proportion of the manure.
Although a large measure of success has followed the
gradual removal of shade on this estate, the committee
recommends caution in the matter of adopting this policy.
Special attention must be given to the extent to which an
estate is exposed to the wind; there must be reasonable
provision of material for mulching, and of the labour
required in connexion with this; the soil must either be light
so that it already drains easily, or where it is heavy, there
must be very thorough draining for the removal of the water
which would be otherwise transpired by the immortel trees.
It is the opinion of the committee that the untoward
effects of overhead shade have arisen in the past through the
employment of excess of this; so that plant food has been
removed from the soil to an unreasonable extent, by the
immortel trees. Further, cacao plants have been mutilated
in order to admit light and air during the wet season, and in
consequence of these conditions, black pod and other diseases
have been very prevalent in all low lying localities, at certain
seasons.
The final recommendation of the committee is that the
immortel should be planted as usual on new cacao estates,
and that after a few years, before they become likely to do
damage in falling, the shade trees should be thinned out or
removed entirely. according to the situation of the estate, the
kind of soil, and the other cireamstances that are mentioned
particularly, above.
METHODS OF DEPOLLINATING
FLOWERS.
Bulletin No. 167 of the Bureau of Plant Industry of the
United States Department of Agriculture has been issued
under the title New Methods of Plant Breeding. The
publication does not, however, describe strictly any new
methods that might be employed for the breeding of plants,
but rather suggests useful practical variations in connexion
with those that are in common employment.
The chief pars of the information contained in the
Bulletin has more particular reference to methods for facili-
tating the depollinating of flowers that are to be used for
crossing. The work which is dealt with was undertaken as
a result of the difficulty that was found in depollinating the
flowers of lettuce, when it was intended to cross different
varieties. The manipulation of these flowers is particularly
difficult, on account of the smailness of the flower heads, and
the fragile nature of the florets. The work continued to
present difliculties, until it came to be suggested that a jet of
water might be used for removing the pollen. The first
application of this means was by fitting a piece of soft rubber
tubing of small diameter to the end of a garden hose, turning
the water on to such a degree that it just trickled from the
tubing, and squeezing the end of the latter so as to produce
a very small jet of water. When this jet was directed on to
the lettuce flowers, the pollen was removed completely after
a few seconds. The depollinated florets were then dried by
touching them with the edges of small pieces of blotting paper,
and then pollinated with the required pollen.
It was soon found that the method of depollinating,
using water from a hose, was somewhat clumsy, and uncertain
in its results; there was the additional objection that a hose
was not alweys available for the purpose. A fairly good sub-
stitute for the arrangement was found in a large rubber bulb,
into the mouthpiece of which a suitable piece of bamboo, or
Vior exes Noy 236:
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
149
something similar, was fitted, for the purpose of regulating the
size of the jet of water produced when the bulb is squeezed.
An arrangement of this kind is suitable for large flowers,
such as those of the Compositae and Leguminosae.
For every small and fragile flowers, however, the jet of
water formed in this way is too large; it may be obtained
of a suitable size from bulbs of the kind sold for
the use of dentists. Where many flowers are being treated,
several such bulbs are used, each being placed, compressed,
in a bowl of water, after it has been employed; so that by
the time it is required again, it has expanded and filled
itself. Other useful bulbs are similar to those used on
photographic cameras; these can be adapted for the work by
fitting them with jets made from drawn out glass tubing.
Information is given regarding the kinds of forceps that
are most suited to the needs of the plant breeder. The
suggestion is made that those in common use would be more
suited to the work required of them if they were supplied
with a flattened pin attached to the handle and pointing
away from the ends of the forceps. The special advantage of
such an attachment is that it makes it unnecessary for the
operator to lay down one tool and take up another while he is
performing a piece of work that requires his undivided
attention. An arrangement of the kind can be easily obtained
by tyinga needle to the handle of an ordinary pair of
forceps.
Detailed particulars are presented of the way in which
depollinaticn by water may be employed in the case of
alfalfa. These are followed by a description of a means by
which these flowers, as well as others, may be depollinated
by using compressed air. In this method, after the flower
has been prepared for the removal of the pollen, the stamens
are subjected to a current, of air coming from asmall cylinder
at a pressure of 20 Ib. It has been found convenient for the
nozzle of the air tube to be held about 3-inch from the
stamens, by an assistant. Satisfactory cross-pollination has
been effected with the aid of this means, but the success was
not as great as when a jet of water was used in depollination.
WILD INDIGO AS A GREEN
MANURE.
Information concerning wild indigo (Tephrosia
purpurea), used as a green manure, bas appeared in
the Agricultural News, Vols. VIII, p. 405; IX, p. 281;
and X, p. 75. The following is taken from an article
in the Agricultural Journal of India, Vol. VI,
p. 88:—
Wild indigo is an erect shrub growing up to 3 feet in
height and 3 feet in diameter at the top. ‘The plant belongs
to the family of pulses, and is recognized as one of the best
green manure crops there is in the country. It hasa long
tap root which strikes on plant food from the deeper layers
of the soil and is a means of improving the texture and the
moisture-retaining quality of the land. It possesses the
power or means of absorbing nitrogen from the air.
The plant is generally found on high level waste lands,
plains, and fallow lands which are fairly loose in texture. It
is keenly sought after for manure, during the cultivation
season, when it is spread and trodden in the land which has
been puddled for the sowing or transplanting of paddy.
The Agricultural Department [of India] is taking much
interest in spreading the practice also in other districts by
purchasing the required quantity of seed at Sivagiri. During
the present season the Department purchased 200 bags, or
more than 14 tons, of seed for the district of Tanjore alone.
The seed should be first sown on the land at a rate of
three Madras measures, or 10 tb., per acre, and then covered
with one or two ploughings, as is generally done in the case
of pulse crops.
It may also be sown along with gingelly [sesame (Sesa-
nun indicum)|as a mixture, when it thrives and forms a good
green manure after the harvest of gingelly. When sown urder
favourable conditions, a good portion of the seed germinates
within about a week, the remaining portion sprouting in batch-
es at different times later on. The chief peculiarity of this seed
is that it lies dormant in the soil for even a year without
losing its vitality. There are several instances in which the
seed did not germinate in the first season it was sown, but
yielded a satisfactory green manure crop after the succeeding
crop of paddy had been harvested, the seed lying dormant in
the soil throughout the period the paddy crop was occupy-
ing the land.
Occasional showers help the crop to come up well, but
continuous heavy rains producing water-logged conditions
even for a day would kill it, especially a young crop. The
crop should therefore be sown at the end of the rainy season.
After five or six months’ growth it can be ploughed in and
applied as green manure for the succeeding grain crop.
As goats and cattle do not relish wild indigo, there is no
fear of the crop being destroyed by stray animals.
This crop will not grow on stiffand saline soils, but
even these are known to bear a crop of wild indigo when
improved by continuous and heavy applications of tank silt,
sand and leaf manure, obtained from outside.
Wild indigo can also be sown on dry land as a mixture
with gingelly or with the final hoeing of other crops. In
this case also, it can be applied as a manure by being
ploughed in either standing, or after being cut and spread on
the land.
As has been stated already in the Agricultural
News, seeds of wild indigo have been obtained by the
Department from Java and distributed, for trial, among
the different Botanic and Experiment Stations in the
West Indies.
Agriculture in the Straits Settlements.—
According to Colonial Reports—Annual, No. 663, dealing
with the Straits Settlements in 1909, the increase of rubber-
planting in Singapore was phenomenal during that time; there
was also a slight increase in cocoa-nut planting and in that of
indigo, citronella grass, ginger and ground nuts, while pepper
and gambier showed signs of a return; pine-apple and veget-
able cultivation decreased considerably; the soy bean proved
a failure. In Penang and Province Wellesley, there was
a large increase in the area under rubber; the exports of
tapioca, cocoa-nuts, nutmegs and rice were larger than those
of the previous year, while those of copra and cloves were
smaller; the cultivation of native, or basket sugar, has almost
disappeared, on account of the sale of their lands by the
natives, to Europeans, for rubber-growing. The impulse to
rubber-planting in the above-mentioned places was shared by
Malacca, where large areas of land were applied for during
the latter part of the year, though many of the applications
could not be finally dealt with; the plants were generally
healthy. The output of tapioca and gambier has decreased,
because these plants are now grown chiefly as catch crops for
rubber. Attention was being given to cocoa-nut planting,
but the extension of this was limited by the interest in
rubber,
THE
AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. May 13, 1911.
wag
JEN
rie y
y << CE
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date April 10, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
Since our last report there has been a complete absence
of demand for Sea Island growths, and all values are purely
nominal, The fine spinning trade is in a worse condition
than it has been for some years past. Spinners would be
quite willing to purchase, if there were any demand for the
finer classes of yarn. Meanwhile, they are using up their
old stocks bought last season. Vie
Holders in America are continually reducing their prices,
without effecting sales of the better sorts. Best Ploridas are
offering at l43d., and Fully Fine Islands at 15}d , Without
business ensuing, and factors in Charleston are very dispirited.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending April 15, is as follows:—
The market has remained very quiet with only limited
demand. ‘here has been some inquiry for Planters’ crop
lots at prices below the views of Factors, resulting in the
sale of only one small crop of 17 bales at 32c. Since the
close of the Exchange report a sale has been made of 100
bales of Fully Fine at 28¢. at which the factors continue
unwilling sellers.
However, the absence of any general demand causes
much concern, as the holders of cotton are becoming each
day more anxious to dispose of some of the stock. Therefore,
with orders in hand for quantity, we could probably buy to
advantage.
We quote, viz.:—
Extra Fine 30c. to 32c.=16d. to 18d. c.i.f. & 5 per cent.
Fully Fine 28c. = 153d. mr ‘ a
Fine 27c. = ldd., ” ” ” ”
Of Grades s2oc) tomZoch—U3deito adie yes | Mas) iss
A New Egyptian Cotton.—A letter from Mr.
G. ©. Dudgeon, Director General of Agriculture in Egypt,
appears in Nature for March 30, 1911, stating that a form
of cotton has been produced, by selection in the field, from
superior growths of the Keyptian variety known as Mit Afifi.
This is said to be a pure strain, and similar to the Mit Afifi
of twenty years ago. ! d
The name given to the new form of cotton is Assil,
a word which means ‘of pure original strain’. In consequence
of this, and as there is the likelihood that, in the substitution
of Assil for the impure Mit Afifi, there may be considered to
exist the advocacy of the introduction of a new variety, it is
recommended by Mr. G. C. Dudgeon that this form of cotton
be referred to, for the present, as Assil Afifi.
THE BRITISH COTTON GROWING
ASSOCIATION.
The following is taken from an account of a recent
meeting of the British Cotton Growing Association :—
The eighty-sixth meeting of the Council of the British
Cotton Growing Association was held at the Offices of the
Association, 15, Cross Street, Manchester, on Tuesday,
April 4. In the absence of the President (the Right Hon.
the Earl of Derby, G.C.V.O.), Mr. J. Arthur Hutton
occupied the Chair,
wesr arrica, The Association’s Manager in Northern
Nigeria has recently returned from a tour along the Benue
River, and reports favourably on the prospects for cotton grow-
ing in the Muriand Bassa Provinces. As a result of his report,
it has been decided to erect a small ginnery and cotton-
buying Station at Ibi, so that the cotton produced can be
ginned and the seed selected and distributed to the planters.
The local supply of superior cotton seed is proving altogether
inadequate tor the demand this season, and a cable has just
been received asking for about 80 tons of Nyasaland seed;
there is thus every reason to believe that a considerably
increased acreage is being planted under cotton this year.
It was reported that 1,925 bales of cotton had been
purchased in Lagos during the month of March, as compared
with 1,715 bales for March last year, and 3,430 bales in
1909. The total purchases since the beginning of the year
amount to 3,207 bales against 2,425 bales for the first
quarter of last year, and 6,542 bales for the corresponding
period of 1909.
Samples of the new crop from Lagos were produced, and
satisfaction was expressed at the great improvement in the
quality of the cotton as compared with previous years.
NYASALAND. A considerable quantity of seed is now
being distributed to native planters, and the Director of
Agriculture is quite enthusiastic in regard to the prospects
for cotton in the Karonga district, where the Association
has sent a small ginning installation which will be ready
to deal with next season’s crop. Measures are being taken
to have the cotton properly graded before it is ginned, and
that only seed from white cotton shall be issued to the
natives for planting. A further letter has been received
from the Director of Agriculture, stating that the native
crop for the past season shows a large increase, and that the
prospects for the new crop are most favourable.
SUDAN. Satisfaction was expressed that the Government
have arranged for a series of experiments to be carried out in
the Gezira Province, and it is anticipated that great develop-
ments will take place in the Sudan, should these experiments
prove successful.
Vota a. NOx 230:
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
151
NEW TYPES OF EGYPTIAN COTTON.
The following summary appears
Bulletin
the United States Department of Agriculture. It pre-
sents the results of work connected with ths breeding
of new types of Egyptian cottonin the United States:—
Several distinct and promising varieties and strains
which have resulted from the acclimatization and breeding
experiments with Egyptian cotton in the south-western United
States were tested on a field scale in the Colorado Naver
region in 1909, and gave very favourable results in regard to
the quality and uniformity of the fibre produced.
The results of the season’s work showed that by planting
carefully selected types, and by ‘roguing out’ the markedly
aberrant individuals early in the summer, the degree of
uniformity can be attained which is demanded by the market
for this class of cotton.
Diversity can be still further controlled, and the fruit-
fulness of the plants maintained, by avoiding extremely light
and extremely heavy types of soil, and by managing irriga-
tion so that the plants are not exposed to alternations of severe
drought and excessive moisture.
Samples of the fibre produced in 1909 were submitted to
a number of spinners and other experts, who were unanimous
in pronouncing them equal in all respects to imported Egyp-
tian ectton of corresponding grades.
Two of the best types (the Yuma and Somerton varie-
ties) are so distinct from the Mit Afifi variety from which
they have been derived as to warrant the belief that they are
mutations and have originated in the same manner as Abbasi,
Jannovitch, and other superior types which have been devel-
oped in Egypt from the Mit Afiti variety.
A third type (strains 360, 361, 362) resembles Mit Afifi
in all characters of the plants, bolls, and fibre, but the
plants are much more productive, and produce fibre of better
quality than those grown in the same region from imported
seed. This type is to be regarded as an acclimatized and
improved Mit Afifi rather than a new variety.
The Yuma variety was tested in a field of 4 acres near
Yuma, Arizona, in 1909, and showed a very satisfactory degree
of uniformity in the productiveness and habits of the plants,
and in the quality of the fibre. It is characterized by a strong
tendency to develop a stout main stem, greatly surpassing the
limbs, and possesses long fruiting branches, long taper-pointed
bolls, and strong, silky, cream-coloured fibre, averaging about
12 inches in length.
The Somerton variety resembles the preceding in the
length of its bolls, and in most of its fibre characters, but the
bolls are more sharply pointed, the seeds generally smoother,
the percentage of lint smaller, and the plants more bushy,
with a greater development of large vegetative branches.
The group of strains, Nos. 360, 361 and 362, constitutes
a uniform type that is very different from the Yuma and
Somerton varieties. The plants are of open habit, with several
large limbs, nearly equalling the main stem; short, plump,
abruptly pointed bolls; and strong fibre of medium length
(averaging 1} to 12 2 inches). In colour the fibre is almost as
brown as that of imported Mit Afifi.
Other more or less distinct types have been developed,
but are either less satisfactory, or have not yet been sufti-
ciently tested.
Imported seed of the principal Egyptian varieties was
planted in 1909 in Arizona, in the vicinity of Yuma and at
Sacaton. The varieties differed greatly in the amount of
individual diversity manifested. None of them equalled the
acclimatized stocks in fruitfulness or in quality of the lint.
at the end of
No. 200 of the Bureau of Plant Industry of
Progenies of a number of first-generation Egyptian-
Upland hybrids were grown near Yuma. The second-genera-
tion plants showed excessive diversity of type, but none of
them could compare with the first-generation parents in yield
or in excellence of the fibre
The imports of cotton from Egypt into the United States
during the calendar year 1909 amounted to 72,617,893 b.,
valued at $12,101,000, as compared with 61,511,723 b.,
valued at $11,560,009, in 1908.
Cyprus Origanum Oil.—The Cyprus origanum oil
so far imported to this country with the assistance of the
Imperial Institute has been mainly used a3 a perfume for
soap; but in the first report on this oil published in this
Bulletin (1906, 4, 298) it was pointed out that the investiga-
tions carried out by Cadeac and Meunier in France had shown
that Cretan origanui oil possessed strongly antiseptic prop-
erties, and that since the Cyprus oil contained far more carva-
crol than the Cretan product, it seemed likely that its
antiseptic power was far greater. There isa very large demand
for thyme oil to be used in the preparation of thymol,
employed as an antiseptic in various toilet preparations. It
seemed likely that Cyprus origanum oil, the odour of which
is similar to that of thyme oil, and which contains no less
than 82 per cent. of carvacrol, an isomeride of thymol, could
be successfully used as a substitute for thyme oil if it could
be clearly established that carvacrol is as strongly antiseptic
as thymol. It is therefore of very great interest to note that
in a paper on Essential Oils in Relation to their Antiseptic
Powers, as Determined by their Carbolic Coefficients,- by
Dr. W. Harrison Martindale, published in the current number
of the Perfumery and Essential Ol Record, it seems to be
clearly established that of all the essential oils and their con-
stituents examined, origanum oil had the highest carbolic
acid coefficient, viz. 25°76, being followed by thymol 25:29,
and earvacrol 21°32, ‘This means that by the test employed,
origanuin oil is 25°76 times as strong an antiseptic as pure
earbolic acid. ‘he origin of the origanum oil used by
Dr. Martindale is not stated, but it was probably the Cyprus
variety, since it contained 82 per cent. of phenols (carva-
crol), and this exceedingly high percentage of phenols distin-
guishes the Cyprus oil from all other origanum oils at pres-
ent on the market. (Zhe Dulletin of the Imperial Institute,
Vol. VILL, p. 407.)
Rice in British Guiana.
The last fortnightly report of Messrs. Sandbach,
Parker & Co., of Georgetown, on the rice industry of
British Gniana, dated April 28, 1911, gives informa-
tion as follows: —
The weather during the first part of the fortnight under
review has been dry, but the last few days have been very
wet. Planting is general and should be finished within the
next two weeks.
The local demand for rice is good, and with a continu-
ance of wet weather we expect a smart advance. Shipments
to West Indian islands during the fortnight amounted to
100 bags.
We quote to-day, f.o.b. Demerara,
quality :—
Nominally, 21s. to 22s. per bag of 180 tb. gross,
. UO siton20ans ss) eeepLOllet ares
for good export
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Max iB, 19.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ shonld be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s, 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
_ Agricultural sews
Vor. X. SATURDAY, MAY 13, 1911. No.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
236.
Oontents of Present Issue.
The editorial in the present issue has reference
to the subject of Economic Entomology and Health
Administration.
An account of some interest, giving facts concern-
ing West Indian sugar-cane seedlings in Queensland,
is presented on page 147.
Useful methods of depollinating flowers, especially
where these are small and fragile. are described on
page 148.
Attention is drawn to a note on this page, in which
it is announced that a new and re-enlarged edition of
Nature Teaching has just been issued, and that this
will be obtainable, as usual, from the agents for the
publications of the Department.
Two articles appear under the heading Insect
Notes. These deal with the Frog-hopper of the Sugar-
cane and Sugar-cane Borers in British Guiana, and
will be found on page 154.
An interesting account of the work that is being
done in connexion with rabber-planting in Martinique
is given on page 155. he original article, from which
the abstract was made, shows that the chief attention
is being given at present to Funtwmia elastica.
The Fungus Notes, on page 158, contain an article
in completion of the description of recent work that has
been undertaken in connexion with the diseases of pine-
apples. The description was commenced in the last
number of the Agricultural News.
just been issuccl.
Pub:ications of the Imperial Department of
Agriculture.
Anew and revised edition of Nature Teaching has
Tn this, owing to the use of smaller
type, several additional features have been included
without increasing the size of the book.
In making this announcement, 1t may be weil to
indicate the nature of the chief among these additions,
On page 9, a section is given dealing with the external
characters of seeds, and the nature of the practical
work in relation to this is indicated on page 21; further
on, on page 26, additional matters receive attention
with reference to the comparison between monocotyl-
edons and dicotyledons. Additional hints in connexion
with the functions of the air in soils are given on pages
81 and 94. On page 83, the original matter that was
given in relation to tillage has been considerably
amplified, and references are included relating to the
subject of the rotation of crops. The section on
manures (page 103) has been extended to comprise
descriptions of calcium cyanamide and nitrate of lime.
Other additions of similar extent are a paragraph on
the nses of weeds (page 151): information concerning
the parasitism of insects by other kinds (pages 140 and
142); and a section on insecticides additional to those
treated in former editions of the book.
Additions of a more extensive nature are comprised
in a chapter on fungi, and indexes of the common and
botanical names of the species mentioned in the appen-
dix dealing with the habitat of plants; the latter should
be particularly useful for reference to the list in Appen-
dix 1, on pages 155 to 177. It may be mentioned that
this part of the book has been interleaved with ruled
paper, in order to provide a ready means of making
additions to the lists of plants that are given. While
drawing attention to these matters, it may be pointed
out that the paragraph at the top of page 178 has
reference to the indexes that commence on page 180.
Nature Teaching may be obtained from the agents
for the sale of the publications of the Department, at
the price of 2s., post free 2s. 53d.
OO
Suggestions for an Institute of International
Commerce.
An article in the London Times, for March 18,
1911, draws attention to the extent to which sugges-
tions have been made recently for the formation of an
institution for the purpose of doing work in connexion
with the retention of existing British markets and the
securing of new outlets for the products of the Empire.
There is also reference to a letter from Lord Furness,
containing the suggestion that a Chartered Institute
of International Commerce should be founded. The
article states that a communication has been received
by the Times from the Royal Colonial Institute, which
makes it apparent that something of this kind is under
contemplation by that body.
The information from the Royal Colonial Institute
shows that, at a recent meeting of the Council, it was
agreed to form a representative committee to carry out
Mole) AS INO. 2505 THE
AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 155
the work of the Institute in this connexion. The
statement is made that this committee will include,
among others: Sir J. Bevan Edwards, K.C.M.G.,
Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.MG. (late Imperial Commis-
sioner of Agriculture for the West Indies), the Hon.
Sir Cornthwaite Rason, Mr. Henry Birchenough, C.M.G.,
Mr. Richard Jebb, Mr. Ben H. Morgan, Colonel John
Denny, Major Archer Shee, M.P., Mr. Hugo Hirst
(Chairman, Manufacturers’ Association), Mr. Stanley
Machin (Chairman, London Chamber of Commerce),
Mr. Edward Manville (Chairman, Society of Motor
Manufacturers and Traders), and Sir Godfrey Y. Lag-
den, K.C.M.G.
The article concludes by stating: ‘ The work of the
committee at the outset will include the arranging of
industrial conferences witha view to regulating and co-
ordinating empire trade conditions and, by means of
lectures at the Institute itself and before the chambers
of commerce and other trade bodies and institutions
throughout the country, to make more widely known
the opportunities that exist in the overseas Dominions
for British trade and capital; and, on the other hand, to
place the British merchant and manufacturer in touch
with the sources that are available within the Empire
for the supply of raw materials and other products.
It is hoped in this way to find an increased market for
British goods in the Colonies, and, on the other hand, to
increase the demand in Great Britain for Empire
products. British manufacturers, merchants, shippers,
brokers, and others interested in the work of this
committee are invited to communicate with the Secre-
tary of the Institute at Northumberland Avenue, W.C.
EE
The Jippi Jappa Hat Industry in Jamaica.
In order to obtain information as to the state of
the Jippi jappa hat industry in Jamaica, letters have
been sent out by the Jamaica Agricultural Society to
the various hat-making centres. The replies to these
have been received and investigated by a committee of
the Society, the report of which appears in the Journal
of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, for February
1911, p. 46.
The report shows that the demand for the hats
fluctuates very much, and that the prices received for
them are consequently subject to large variations. In
the Above Rocks district, however, the industry has been
organized by two exporters from Kingston, so that the
prices paid there for hats are even and regular. In this
district, the hat-making industry did much to ameli-
orate the conditions after the Hood of November 1907;
the results obtained are much more satisfactory than
in other parts of the island, where the efforts have been
more spasmodic in nature. In regard to the latter,
£30 or £40 has been spent in the teaching of hat-
making to some 460 girls, with little success, except
that one or two of the learners are continuing the work,
and manage to earn a fair living. Notwithstanding the
untoward conditions in these instances, the committee
is of opinion that the work has been worth the doing,
though not to the extent that was hoped for, and that
generally, the encouragement of the hat industry by the
society has effected considerable good to the island.
An Interesting Plant in St. Vincent.
The Botanic Gardens of St. Vincent contain the
only specimen known at present of Spachea perforata,
Juss. This is in the nature of a large tree, estimated
to be at least 100 years old. The species was first
recorded by the Rev. Landsdowne Guilding, by whom
specimens were probably collected in St. Vincent, in
the early part of last century.
The description in Grisebach’s Flora of the British
West Indian Islands shows that the leaves of the plant
are lance-shaped, while the flowers are borne in
terminal racemes, each flower containing small rosy
petals, and stamens which are all fertile; the fruits are
small.
In forwarding information concerning the plant,
Mr. W. N. Sands, Agricultural Superintendent, states
that the flowers, though small, are distinct and attrac-
tive, and are produced in great profusion; the tree is
largely visited by bees and other nectar-loving insects.
Mr. Sands points out, further, that Spachea perforata,
besides being of much interest to botanists in that the
species is not known to occur elsewhere than in
St. Vincent, is of considerable value as a tree, from
a decorative point of view.
$$ rr
Prize-holdings Competition in St. Lucia.
A report received from the Agricultural Super-
intendent of St. Lucia states that a meeting, attended
by a fair number of peasant proprietors, and several of
the principal persons interested in agriculture, in the
district, was held in the Soufriere Court House on
March 25, 1911, for the purpose of the distribution of
the prizes awarded in the recent prize-holdings com-
petition. The successful competitors were: Class I—
A. Clement, First Prize, £4; R. Medouze, Third Prize,
£2. Class II—A. H. Victor, Second Prize, £2.
The prizes were distributed by Mr. A. F. Palmer,
Magistrate of the District, who presided, and several of
the principals among those interested in agriculture in
that part of the island showed their interest in the
scheme by addressing the meeting, and urging the
importance of the adoption of better methods of cultiva-
tion, at the same time drawing attention to the useful-
ness of the competitions.
Another feature of the meeting was a review of
the work done on the holdings during the past year,
by the Agricultural Superintendent, who explained the
objects of the competition, and invited entries for the
year 1911-12.
The advisability of the continuation of the com-
petition for another year was indicated in a minute by
Mr. Palmer to His Honour the Administrator, in which
the views were expressed that a very favourable im-
pression had been made on the recent occasion, and
that the next competition will be taken up keenly. It
is owing to the satisfactory nature of this report that
it has been decided that such a continuation shall be
made, and a notice to this effect appeats in the current
number of the St. Lucia Gazette.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
May 13, 1911.
INSECT NOTES.
THE FROG-HOPPER OF THE
SUGAR-CANE.
The frog-hopper of the sugar-cane has been the subject of
Insect Notes in the Agricultural News on two previous occa-
sions. On the first of these (see Agricultural News, Vol. V,
p. 330) mention was made of the occurrence of this insect in
Trinidad before it was generally recognized as a serious pest,
and on the second (see Vol. 1X, p. 346) an account of the
life-history, methods of contro], and natural enemies, was given
after a considerable amount of work had been done in investi-
gating these points in connexion with an insect which has
rapidly assumed a position of importance in consequence of
the nature and amount of the injury it is able to cause to
sugarcane. The information contained in this latter article
was based on papers and reports published by Mr. I. W.
Urich, Entomologist to the Board of Agriculture, Trinidad.
Since the appearance of the articles already mentioned, Mr.
Urich bas issued a paper on the identification of the sugar-cane
frog-hopper (Vroceedings of the Agricultural Society of Trini-
dad and Tobago, Vol. X, p. 525) in which it is stated that
this insect has been re-identified, and should be known as
Tomaspis varia, Fabr., instead of Zomaspis postica, Walk.,as it
has been known for several years. Other species of Tomaspis
are recorded on a variety of food plants.
Additional information in regard to this pest has been pre-
sented in a paper by Dr. L. H. Gough, entitled Results Obtain-
edin the Study of the Frog-hopper During the Wet Season of
1910. In this account of the Frog-hopper, the author summar-
izes the previous knowledge and the previous literature of the
subject. As an instance of the amount of injury and loss
that may be occasioned by this insect, it is stated that on one
estate 150 acres of sugar-cane attacked by frog-hoppers gave
a yield averaging 10 tons of cane per acre Jess than probably
would have been obtained if there had been no attack, and
the 1,500 tons of canes thus lost represented a value of
£1,800, which was lost to the estate.
In discussing the methods of control to be employed,
Dr. Gough gives an account of several spray mixtures and
solutions which have been tried or suggested, with directions
for preparing them and details of their cost, and the expense
of application, Several spraying machines are described, and
particular attention is given to a nozzle designed by the
author for the purpose. ‘This nozzle has for its special feat-
ures: the length (about 2 feet), which enables the operator
to apply the spray fluid to the centre of the cane plant
without cutting his hands on the cane leaves; the bend or
curve near the top, which enables the stream to be directed
downward while the nozzle is held at a convenient angle in
the hand; and the automatic cut-off, which enables the opera-
tor to control the spray, thus obviating waste and saving
labour. This nozzle delivers the spray fluid in a very fine,
solid stream, and not in a mist-like spray.
Kerosene emulsion and kerosene-lysol mixture are highly
recommended, and the directions for preparing and applying
these are very complete.
The object of spraying is to kill the adult frog-hoppers,
since the egg by its position, and the immature stages, also,
or by their covering of spittle, are protected from the success-
ful action of insécticides.
The cost of spraying with the kerosene emulsion
is given as $1°61} per acre for labour and materials,
when materials are purchased at Trinidad prices, or $1°21$
per acre when materials are procured duty free. Other
methods of control which are reported as giving good results
in 1910 are the use of trap lights, the capture of mature
insects and the burning of trash after the crop. The trap
lights are inexpensive, both in the first cost and in that
of attendance and maintenance; but it is noted that the
greater part of the frog-hoppers captured are males, the
females amounting only to about 1 to 2 per cent.
The object of burning the trash is the destruction of the
eggs, which are deposited in the dry, dead portions of the
cane.
The artificial dissemination of the frog-hopper fungus is
also discussed at length, and is apparently considered as
a method of control likely to yield very satisfactory results.
Neference to the use of the fungus was made in a previous
number of the Agricultural News (see Vol. IX, p. 350).
SUGAR-CANE BORERS IN BRITISH
GUIANA.
An interesting account of the giant moth borer (Castnia
licus) and other sugar-cane pests in British Guiana has just
been received, in the Interim Report on Insect Pests by
Mr. John J. Quelch, BSc., April 1911.
It appears from the report that the practice of flooding
the fields immediately after the crop is taken off is likely to
furnish the most practical method of dealing with serious
attacks.
The collecting of adults and grubs continues to be
carried on, and is counted a valuable aid to flooding in
severe infestation, and a fairly satisfactory means of control
where this is slight.
The protection and encouragement of birds which prey
upon the moths is strongly recommended; it is stated that
the burning of the trash in the field destroys and drives
away many beneficial insects, especially small internal
parasites.
Slight outbreaks of the giant moth borer have not
developed into serious proportions in several localities. ‘This
indicates that, in these instances at least, the natural enemies
are working fairly satisfactorily, and that this control has
been exercised even when outside sources of infestation were
not far distant.
The smaller moth borer (Diatraea saccharalis) has been
carefully studied, and it appears that three species have been
commonly associated under one naine. Mr. Queleh reports
that he has identified Diatraca canella, D. sacchuralis, and
D. lineolata, which are similar in appearance and vary
but little in size.
The cutting out of dead hearts and the removal of the
caterpillars causing the injury are recommended as remedies,
and it is stated that many young larvae of the giant
moth borer are removed by this process before they have
penetrated too deeply into the cane. It is advised that this
work be entrused to reliable labourers equipped with suitable
sharp knives, and that great care be exercised to cut low
enough to remove the caterpillar and at the same time not to
injure the remaining canes in the stool.
The eggs of the small borers are attacked by two
species of parasites, which appear to be fairly abundant at
certain times. These minute insects are probably greatly
reduced in numbers by the practice of burning the trash.
Von. X.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 155
RUBBER-PLANTING IN MARTINIQUE.
Rubber plantations, subsidized by the Government, have
been established in Martinique, on the Military Territory, at
Balata, in the Cadoret Ravine and in the forest of La Tracée.
An account of the experiments that are being made in rubber
cultivation, in these places, is given in “Agriculture Pratique
des Pays Chauds, for February 1911, and it is from this that
the following information is taken.
At Balata, the main cultivation is in /wntumia elastica,
as the other species introduced, namely //evea brasiliensis
and Castilloa elastica, have been gradually replaced by that
species—the former on account of its susceptibility to fungus
diseases, and the latter because it is not suited for growing
under the wild forest conditions that obtain. Cuastdlloa
elastica has, however, been found to make reasonable growth,
requiring practically the same cultural attention as cacao; it
is noted to be subject to attacks by scale insects, but these
have only affected the decayed lower branches, without reach-
ing the upper and younger parts of the plants. Its inferior-
ity to Funtumia, under the special conditions, has been found
to arise from its more delicate nature and its suitability to
certain soils alone. In consequence of these circumstances,
the work with rubber plants in Martinique is concerned
mainly with investigations in relation to /untumia elastica,
Planting in Martinique is effected in two ways: either in
cleared land, or in the forest where the introduced plants are
shaded by trees existing already. The plantation at Balata
has been made according to the first scheme; it presents a heal-
thy appearance, with trees free from disease placed about 12
feet apart, in clear rows, running according to the contour of
the hill. ‘The plantations contain 8,000 plants; these show
a tendency to branch from the lower part—a property that
is common to forest trees raised in the open; in the particu-
lar case, the fault has been remedied by the removal of the
lower branches.
In the Cadoret ravine, the plants are being raised under
forest conditions, and in this way the expenses in connexion
with cultivation have been reduced toa minimum. Here,
about 1,100 plants have been put in, and these have shown
little tendency to branch low down; their whole appearance
indicates that /untwmia elastica is, above all, a forest tree.
This is an important matter, for it shows that the species is
particularly adapted for increasing the forest cover, under
conditions that are most suitable to its development.
A particular incident has demonstrated the power of
Funtumia elastica to regenerate itself by putting out new
branches. In the garden of La Tracée, an area has been
planted for seven years in the three species mentioned; the
trees are 30 to 36 feet high, and 5 to 7 inches in diameter,
and are sheltered by tall borders of pois doux (Inga laurina)
and galba (Calophyllum Calaba); the species are growing
separately, and this permits comparisons between them to be
made easily. In the block reserved for Funtumia, one of
the trees was blown over; a short time after this took place,
buds began to develop near the collar. This property of
easily branching after injury suggests a method of exploita-
tion that is particularly adaptable to /wntumia elastica; that
is to say, it may be used for the production of rubber, and
felled for firewood when exhausted, with the certainty that
it will grow readily from the part left in the ground. The
other advantages, to which reference has been made, are its
adaptation to rough cultivation in forests, and the small
expense of its culture under such conditions. These make it
superior, in the special circumstances, to Hevea and Castilloa,
even though its yield of rubber is inferior to that of these
species. In regard to this matter, the plantations in Marti-
nique are too young for definite experiments to be made at
present. There exist, however, several mature trees in the
garden of La Tracée, which have enabled comparisons of the
latices of the three kinds to be made.
Attention will be given to the latex of Funtumia, more
particularly. It was collected by means of herring-bone tap-
ping, and coagulated with boiling water. The rubber was
found to be very strong and elastic, and of good quality. Its
analysis gave the following figures: —
Per cent.
Ash 1:00
Resins 8:64
Caoutchoue 71°40
Water 15°66
Organic matter 3°30
Further figures are given to show that this latex exhibits
some superiority to that of Castilloa elastica, though it is
inferior to the latex from Hevea brasiliensis. In the latter
regard, however, there is adequate compensation in the
adaptability of Muntumia elastica to the conditions, the
remarkable ease with which the plants can repair serious
damage by throwing out new branches and can recover from
the operations of tapping, and the resistance which this
species shows to pests and diseases.
Coagulation by boiling water has been found to be the
most satisfactory method under the conditions. In the same
way, herring-bone tapping appears to give the best results,
although further experiments are required in order to find
out the proper times for tapping.
With the object of extending the cultivation of
Funtumia elastica in Martinique, nurseries have been made
which contain at the present time more than 60,000 plants,
and seeds are to be distributed as soon as they are avail-
able again. The seeds are sown in sheltered beds, and the
seedlings are removed to bamboo pots when they have pro-
duced two or three leaves, being planted out about three
months later. In the forest, it is advised that the seeds be
sown at stake.
A summary of the conclusions reached, given at the end
of the article, shows that work in the field and laboratory
indicates that the conditions in Martinique are favourable to
the growing of /untumia elastica. From all accounts, it seems
that this plant will provide a useful means of re-afforesta-
tion, at the same time giving a valuable product, while
requiring little expense in connexion with cultivation.
A bonus of £20 is being offered by the Imperial Depart-
ment of Agriculture for the importation of a stallion horse
into Dominica before March 1, 1912, under certain conditions.
These include: satisfaction as to the suitability of the animal
for the purpose for which it is intended; an undertaking that
the animal shall not be exported from the island for at least
five years; and an agreement to make provision for not less
than twenty services a year, at a fee of not more than 15s.
for each service. Any person desiring to import an animal
under the grant of the bonus should communicate with His
Honour the Administrator before making arrangements for
such importation. A bonus not exceeding £50 is being offered
in Antigua, for the importation of a jack donkey, under some-
what similar conditions, a
156
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. May Lo USI
The exports of rubber from Para, Manaos, Iquitos and
Itacoatiara, via Para, during 1910 were 37,153 tons. In
1909 the export was 38,963 tons, and in 1908, 37,013 tons.
The Leeward Islands Gazette, for March 23, 1911, con-
tains a notice which shows that a patent is being applied for,
in respect of a machine for extracting cold drawn essential
oil from citrus fruits. The applicants are Messrs. W. A. D.
Allport and T. J. W. C. Davenport, of Dominica,
An up-to-date factory, equipped with British machinery,
for dealing with ramie fibre, has been completed at Kow-kong,
in Kwangtung, China. The factory will also make grass
cloth. At Shahow, on the West River, a large silk filature,
to be equipped with British machinery, is being erected. (Zhe
Textile Mercury, March 4, 1911.)
A report received from the Curator of the Botanic
Station, Dominica, shows that the lime plantations in the
island are flowering well, and that the prospects of the com-
ing crop are good. A similar report from the Agricultural
Instructor, Tortola, indicates that like favourable prospects
for the lime crop also exist in the Virgin Islands.
A communication has been received from the Superin-
tendent of Agriculture, Grenada, to the effect that enquiries
are being made in that island as to the possibility of the
disposal by sale of the seeds of the gru-gru palm (Acrocomia
lasiospatha), and that information is required as to the prices
that will be obtainable if such disposal can be made.
The Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and Federated
Malay States, for February 1911, gives approximate figures
for the area of land under rubber cultivation in the various
parts of the Colony. The total is stated to be about 100,000
acres, and it is pointed out that this is fairly large, consider-
ing the class of country in which the rubber is planted.
Information forwarded by the Agricultural Superinten-
dent of St. Vincent shows that arrowroot and cassava
starches, exported recently, have realized satisfactory prices
in the different markets. During the quarterended March 31,
1911, the exports from St. Vincent included 288,752 tb. of
cotton, valued at £22,860, and 151 head of large stock, value
It appears that cotton-growing in Turkey is undergoing
a fairly large extension. The authorities are desirous of
introducing the production of Egyptian varieties of cotton,
and in pursuance of this, application has been made by the
Minister of Agriculture at Constantinople for supplies of
seed of the best varieties of Egyptian cotton for trial in
Turkey,
It is stated, for general information, that useful wood
preservatives are made by Messrs. D. Anderson & Sons, of
Roach Road, Old Ford, London, E. The name of the
preparation sold by this firm is Sideroleum. The firm also
produces a roof felt known by the name of Stoniflex, the
special purpose of which is to ensure complete protection
from rain.
The Permanent Exhibition Committee of Dominica
announces its intention to endeavour to send a collection of
the economic products of Dominica to the Festival of
Empire Exhibition to be held at the Crystal Palace under
the patronage of His Majesty’s Government. In consequence
of this, the committee has made arrangements for obtaining
such information as will enable it to decide whether an exhibit
shall be forwarded.
According to the India-Rubher Journal, for March 18,
1911, the Belgian Committee (at Antwerp) of the Inter-
national Rubber and Allied Trades Exhibition has announced
that it will award a trophy to the value of 1,000 franes for
some special exhibit, the arrangement of the competition
being left in the hands of the manager, Mr. A. Staines
Manders. In this volume of the Agricultural News,
references to the International Rubber Exhibition are made
on pages 44 and 125.
The final forecast for the sugar-cane crop of Eastern
Bengaland Assam is 177,400 acres, as compared with 170,300
acres, which is the final estimate for last season. On the basis
of a 90-per cent. crop, for which the normal yield is 1-2 tons
per acre, the estimate reckoned on the first of these figures,
for the total outturn of ‘gur’ from sugar-cane this year, is
191,590 tons, or about 3 per cent. less than that of last year.
The quantity of gur from the juice of the date palm is esti-
mated at 537,948 tons.
Information contained in The Board of Trade Journal,
for December 29, 1910, shows that the Government of Colom-
bia has granted a fifty-year concession for the establishment
of banana plantations on an extension of about 12,500 acres
of land on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Uraba. The
receivers of the concession have to make arrangements
within two years for a coastal and river steamship service,
and within three years for a regular ocean service for the
exportation of bananas and other products.
H.M. Consul at Santiago, Chili, reports that schemes
are being made for the purchase by foreign capitalists
of various lands in the south of this State, where there
is a variety of large timber of good quality, and espe-
cially of land containing wood suitable for the manufacture
of paper pulp. The market conditions are stated to be very
advantageous for prospective buyers, owing partly to the
failure of Chilian Colonization Companies established in
1905-6. (The Board of Trade Journal, March 2, 1911.)
A note in the Journal of the Royal Society of Arts, for
March 17, 1911, draws attention to the great losses that are
suffered through the damage done to buildings and crops by
insects and fungi. After referring to the loss on the Ceylon
coffee plantations, from //emz/eia vastatrix, mention is made
of the destruction, to the extent of £100,000, of the spruce
forests of Bavaria, by a moth, and of the fact that the monet-
ary loss through insects and fungi in the United States
represents, every year, a sum greater than the cost of the
year’s upkeep of the army and navy of that country.
Vor, X. No: 236.
MAY.
Sreconp Prrtrop.
Seasonal Notes.
Where cotton is grown, it will have been decided
already as to what parts of the estate shall be planted with
this. Experiments and other manners of experience in the
West Indies appear to show, that as long as the land is kept
in a proper state by the employment of tillage and the use
of organic manures, there is little or no need for artificial
manures in cotton cultivation. In respect to the use
of pen manure and green dressings on cotton land, consi-
deration should be given to the question as to whether the
seed should be planted soon after these have been turned in,
or whether time should be allowed to elapse before the cotton
is sown. State what you know in regard to the application
of green dressings to heavy land, especially where this is
likely to be wet. In the cultivation for cotton, as well as
for other plants, the nature and texture of the soil must
be considered in relation to the kind of tillage that is
to be employed. An example of this matter is the fact that
a very loose sandy soil may be best treated by giving it only
a small amount of cultivation, in order that the particles may
be left as closely packed together as possible; on such soil,
the cotton plant is likely to become very lank, particularly
where there is plenty of rainfall. What kind of growth is
often shown by cotton plants raised in soils containing
a plentiful supply of nitrogen? Compare the effect on the
soil on a cotton estate where the seed is used for feeding the
stock, and the manure is placed on the land, with the condi-
tions where the seed is sold from the estate. How would
you demonstrate that little of the mineral content of the soil
is removed in the cotton lint. Discuss methods of returning
to the soil the material in the stems and leaves of the plant.
Where cotton has been planted at different times on an
estate or on neighbouring estates, good opportunities have
been afforded for comparing the results of early and later
planting. How are these results related to (1) the distribu-
tion of the rainfall throughout the year, (2) the incidence of
insect pests? In the latter connexion, with what pest has the
time of planting an intimate relationship? Discuss the
advantages or disadvantages of early and late planting of cot-
ton in an island, such as St. Kitts, where it is grown as an
intervening crop with sugar-cane.
The great importance of careful seed selection for the
next cotton crop should be well understood, by now. In
making preparations for this, it is well to have reference to
the publications of the Department, in order that no impor-
tant part of the matter may be omitted; hints in connexion
with cotton seed selection are to be found in the West Indian
Bulletin, Vols. 1V, p. 208; VII, p. 153. Where such selec-
tion is carried out in a thorough manner, it will have started
from observations on, and the choice of plants in the field,
according to the methods described in the references given in
the Agricultural News, Vol. IX, p. 365. It is best to limit
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
157
seed selection to the product of such plants, and not to prac«
tise it on seed from plants of unknown character. If impor-
ted seed is planted, careful note should be made of the-areas
where this, is done, and the plants watched throughout the
season, in order to ascertain whether it is advisable or not to
use such seed. Such observations will have a particular
importance when they are made on the lint in order to deter-
mine its yield and quality. It need hardly be mentioned
that, so far, facts appear to indicate that selected local seed
is superior, for cotton-growing, to that of the same kind which
has been imported,
It has been indicated already, recently, that the student
will do well where it is feasible, to compare the different
methods for the manufacture of sugar. He will thus be
enabled to obtain knowledge of the advantages and dis-
advantages of each system; he will also be provided
with the means of determining the way in which the
various kinds of sugar are produced by the different
modes of manufacture. Discuss the matter of the adoption
of any one of these modes in relation to the production
of marketable molasses, under conditions with which you
are familiar. Where central factory methods are employed,
discuss the question of the extent to which maceration may
be used, particularly in regard to the additional expenditure
on fuel that is necessitated by its adoption.
As has been mentioned before, it is probable, in some
districts, that at the present time opportunities will be avail-
able for studying the life-history and habits of the moth
borer of the sugar-cane (Diatraea saccharalis). Vvidence
should be obtained as to the nature of the damage that is
suffered by the sugar-cane from the attacks of this insect, as
well as of the way in which such damage results in interference
with the life-processes of the plant. Give an account of
methods for reducing the numbers of this pest, as well as of
the nature of the estate sanitation that should be effected
toward the same end. Information concerning the pest may
be obtained from the references given on page 109 of the
last volume of the Agricultural News, and attention is drawn
to the details that are presented there concerning a means of
investigating the way in which the moth borer of the sugar
cane is parasitized by other insects.
Questions for Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS,
(1) Why is it impossible to remove all the water in
a soil, except by heating it? z
(2) What relationships does the depth of a soil bear to
the root-systems of the plants that it sustains?
(3) What uses have you noticed for the stipules of
a plant!
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS,
(1) Describe a good method for storing cotton.
(2) How would you show that living plants alter the
composition of the air!
(3) In what chief ways may it be determined if a soil is
deficient in lime?
FINAL QUESTIONS.
(1) Give plans and details of a storehouse for seed
cotton on an estate where about 30 acres of cotton is grown
from year to year, and where there are no ginning facilities,
(2) Supply an outline of the measures for plant sanita-
tion on a lime estate.
(3) State what you know of the ways in which varia-
tions in plants are made use of for their improvement.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
May 713, 1911-
FUNGU
DISEASES OF PINE-APPLES.
PART II.
In an article which appeared in the last number of the
Agricultural News, three diseases of pine-apples were dealt
with, all of which are due to the fungus Thielaviopsis para-
doxa; in this article it is intended to deal with some other
diseases found in Hawaii, and attributable to different organ-
isms. These are described in Bulletin 10 of the Hawatian
Sugar Planters’ Association, to which reference was made in
the last article, and they should be of interest, since the same,
or, in some cases, very similar diseases are known to occur
in certain of the West Indian islands.
BROWN Ror. The symptoms as described by Larsen, are
very similar to those of the disease known in Antigua as
black heart or core rot. The symptoms of brown rot are as
follows (to quote the description in the Bulletin to which
reference has been made):—
‘Affected pines are, as a rule, quite normal in external
appearance. On cutting them open, there will be seen any-
where from one toa dozen or more dark-brown patches in
the tissue, ranging in size from a small spot to an inch and
a half or two inches in diameter. The affected tissue does not
become soft and disintegrated, as is the case with soft rot,
but remains nearly as firm as the healthy tissue. It lacks,
however, the crispness of healthy tissue, and has a somewhat
tougher texture. It often occurs just at the base of the flower
tubes, in amanner which suggests that this may have been
the point of infection. Sometimes that part of the tissue
representing one ovary may be involved, while the adjoining
tissue is perfectly healthy. The same rot may also infest the
fleshy sepais and scales which cover the surface of the fruit.
In such cases, it is apparent externally as a brown discolor-
ation over the affected area.’
Stockdale, in a paper in the West Indian Bulletin,
Vol. VIII, p. 161, reports a species of Penicillium in connexion
with the black heart disease in Antigua, and recent investi-
gations have shown that a species of this genus is a common
saprophyte on decaying pine-apple tissue. it may be found on
dead portions of the florets, such as the stamens or the remains
of the petals. The theory in connexion with black heart seems
to be that it is due to this Penicillium, which gains an entrance
through punctures made at the base of the flower tube
by mites, or by mealy-bugs, since a species of Pseudococcus
(Dactylopius) is of common occurrence inside the flowers,
This theory has not yet been definitely established; it may
however be recorded, that on one occasion during the recent
investigations referred to above, fructifications of the Penicil-
lium were found in the natural cavity between the flower stalks,
underneath an eye which had been damaged by the insects
mentioned. ‘The tissue of the floret beneath the surface was
discoloured dark-brown, and was somewhat soft; the symp-
toms were, however, not quite typical of black heart. In
Queensland, a species: of Penicillium caused a similar disease
of the Smooth Cayenne variety, while on the Prickly variety
OTES.
the damage was attributed to a species of Monilia, accom-
panied by a mite. In Hawaii, in thirteen out of fifteen
cases examined it was found that a species of Fusarium was
responsible for the damage; in the remaining two cases
a species of Penicillium was found, but in these the
affected tissue was decidedly darker in colour than in the
other instances. Inoculation experiments showed that the
Fusarium obtained from infected fruit tissue was able to
enter ripe, or nearly ripe, pine-apples and produce all the
symptoms of brown rot. It would not, however, infect
green fruit nearly as readily. Another Fusarium, obtained
from the roots, would act in the same manner. Larsen sums
up the position in general, as follows:—
‘It seems quite probable, therefore, that several different
organisms, when present in the flower tubes, can enter the
tissue as the pine ripens and produce a brown discoloration
like the one in question. In the brown rot met with in
Hawaii, however, it is evident from these cultural studies,
that Fusarium is the organism most generally present.’
ripe RoT. This is a disease which only attacks ripe
pines, and is not of a dangerous nature unless careless
methods of harvesting are employed. The symptoms are
similar to those of soft rot caused by Thielaviopsis, but ripe
rot may be distinguished from the latter by the following
characters, according to the Bulletin: —
‘1. With ripe rot the affected tissue does not become
as soft and as thoroughly disintegrated as is the case with
soft rot.
2. The colour of the affected tissue is lighter and more
like that of normal tissue.
3. The line of demarcation between the healthy and the
affected tissue is not as distinct.
4. The black spore formation does not appear when
diseased tissue is exposed to atmospheric conditions.
5. An odour of alcoholic fermentation is always
present, which is not the case in the earlier stages of soft
rot.’
The disease is believed to be due to an unidentified
yeast-like organism, but this has not been quite definitely
established.
SUN SCALD. Asis indicated by the name, this is a condition
which is due entirely to the direct effect of the sun. When
pine-apples become bent over for any reason so that one side
is exposed to the direct rays of the sun, the upturned surface
becomes pale-green at first and then gradually turns pale-
yellow. In advanced cases, the epidermis turns brown and
becomes dry in spots, while eventually the whole area
is brown, dry aud. depressed. A pale yellow border
surrounds this area, and this gradually blends into the normal
colour of the fruit. The damage often stops at the yellow
colour stage. Internally, the tissue beneath the sunburnt
surface is less juicy and crisp than the normal, and has
a decided lack of flavour; while in advanced cases it becomes
dry and spongy.
Care should be taken to prevent the growth of suckers
in positions where they may push the fruit on one side: if the
fruit stalks are bent by the wind or any other agency, the
fruits may be protected from damage by covering them with
hay.
wit, This disease often commences with the softening
and wilting of the central leaves of young plants: gradually,
all the leaves wilt and the plant dies. In some cases, it is
first visible as a change of colour of the leaves from green to
reddish or yellow. The roots of affected plants are always
dead and filled with the mycelium of a fungus. The cause
of this disease has not yet been determined definitely.
Diseased plants should be removed as soon as they
Vor. X. No. 236,
appear. It is claimed in Hawaii that affected plants can be
cured at an early stage, by pulling them up, cutting back
their leaves, retrimming their butt ends and replanting.
Stirring the soil is also claimed as an efticient remedy.
TANGLE ROOT. This disease is characterized by the fact
that the lateral roots wind themselves round the plant instead
of growing into the soil, while the basal roots appear to
be killed by fungi or unsuitable soil conditions. The leaves
of diseased plants turn yellow at the tips and gradually dry up.
It has been suggested from the Virgin Islands that tangle
root may arise through the careless planting of suckers. The
remedies usually recommended are good cultivation and strip-
ping the plants of their basal leaves.
Preliminary experiments indicated that Thielaviops/s
paradoxa could act as a wound parasite of roots, destroy-
ing the tissue in a very short time. A species of Fusarium
also produced a brown discoloration of wounded roots, and
appeared to cause injury that might be of some importance.
Another fungus, 7 ichoderma lignorum, caused a similar dis-
coloration, but spread very slowly, and appeared to be only
a saprophyte. Galls due to nematode worms (Heterodera
radicola = H. radicicola) are often met with on the roots of
pine-apples.
Finally, it may be mentioned that pine-apples grown on
certain black soils in Hawaii often show a peculiar yellow
discoloration of the leaves. This is not accompanied by
a loss of turgidity, though in some cases the leaves, and
eventually the plants, die. The trouble, known as manganese
yellows, is due to the high manganese content of the black
soil, which produces a poisoning effect on the plant
This concludes the account of the diseases of pine-apples
as found in Hawaii; while the work done undoubtedly throws
much light on similar diseases in the West Indies.
MOTOR TRACTION IN RELATION TO
AGRICULTURE.
A paper on this subject was read at a meeting of the
Antigua Agricultural and Commercial Society, on April 7,
1911, by Mr. H. A. Tempany, B.Sc., Superintendent of Agri-
culture for the Leeward Islands, who has furnished an account
from which the following note has been prepared.
Mr. Tempany commenced by drawing attention to the
extent to which motor traction for agricultural purposes has
been taken up in Canada and the United States, mainiy on
account of labour difficulties. He also pointed out that the
matter is receiving increasing consideration in relation to
intensive cultivation, particularly in Europe.
He then proceeded to give a short sketch of trials
of motor traction that he had witnessed at Bygrave in
Hertfordshire, in August last, conducted under the auspices
of the Royal Agricultural Society, England. In these trials,
machines employing both steam and gasolene engines were
included, the nature of the work being the hauling of agri-
cultural implements and of ordinary loads along a road or on
the land, and the driving of agricultural machinery, such as
a threshing machine or harvester. Six different firms made
eleven entries, and, in the result, the gold medal of the Royal
Agricultural Society of England, was awarded to: Messrs.
J. & H. McLaren, of Leeds, in respect of a 5-ton compound
engine. Other firms in competition were the Cyclone Agri-
cultural Tractor Co., Ltd., the Ivel Agricultural Motor Co.,
Mann’s Patent Steam Cart and Wagon Co., H. P. Saunder-
son & Co., and Wallis, Stevens & Co., Ltd. Catalogues
published by these firms were produced at the meeting by
Mr, Tempany, for the information of members of the society.
In regard to agricultural motor traction for the West
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 159
Indies, Mr. Tempany stated that the main difficulties, as far
as Antigua was concerned, were caused by the existence of
the open drains which form an essential feature of cultivation
in that island, and by the frequent turns that are necessitated
by the relatively small size of most of the fields. He pointed
out, however, that the subject is worthy of interested atten-
tion by planters, and likely to present important develop-
ments in the near future.
In the discussion which followed, the difficulty was
mentioned of asing motor tractors on clay soils after heavy
rains—an objection which applies, however, to a large extent
in cattle ploughing. An opinion was given to the effect that
light oil-driven stationary engines, for the cable haulage of
implements, appeared to be best suited to conditions in
Antigua, Attention was also drawn to the importance of the
consideration of the supply of pen manure when any matters
were receiving attention in regard to the substitution of cattle
by motors, for hauling implements on estates.
At the end of the discussion, a vote of thanks was
accorded to Mr. Tempany for his paper.
TRADE AND AGRICULTURE OF
BARBADOS, 1909-10.
Particulars of the trade and agriculture of Barbados
for this period are contained in Colonial Reports—Annual,
No. 660, and reference is made here to several of the matters,
for the purposes of record,
The information regarding the exports shows that the
shipments of muscovado and dry sugar in 1909 were 16,968
and 827 hogsheads, respectively, the total value being
£152,911; the similar figures for 1908 were 34,942, 870
and £288,436. These figures show that the shipments of
sugar in 1909 were smaller than those of 1908 by 18,017*
hogsheads, while the value of the crop of the former year was
less by £135,525. There was an increase, however, in the
output of molasses; in 1909 this was 69,036 puncheons, value
£345,180, against 54,428 puncheons worth £217,712 in
1908. The distribution of the sugar exported, among different
countries, is shown as follows: Canada, 12,420 hogsheads,
value £107,222; Great Britain,3,013, value £25,610; Holland,
843, value £7,165; United States, 762, value £6,477; other
countries, 757 hogsheads, value, £6,436. The molasses was
taken as follows: Canada, 48,265 puncheons, value £241,325;
Newfoundland, 14,312, value £71,560; United States, 4,934,
value £24,670; United Kingdom, 545, value £2,725; other
countries, 980 puncheons, value £4,900.
The area planted in cotton during 1909 was 4,121
acres, from which, in the season 1908-9, 838,748 Ib., of the
estimated value of £41,957, was exported; these quantities
show a decrease from those of the previous year, which were
5,768 acres, 988,443 tb., and £66,617.
The shipments of bananas to the United Kingdom in
1909 were 9,272 bunches, of which 307 bunches were export-
ed by the Local Department of Agriculture, and the rest by
a firm interested in the matter.
The following paragraph from the report is of special
concern at present: ‘In the exports from--the island it is
observed that out of a total of £576,330 in produce and
manufactures of the Colony, Canada has taken £348,707’, as
compared with £237,916 in 1908, and £318,671 in 1907.
Newfoundland coming second with £72,002, the United
Kingdom third with £70,487, and the United States fourth
with £57,218. It will be seen that exports to Canada have
increased 79°8 per cent. between the two years, and exports
to the United States have decreased.’ :
* Given as 18,037 in the Report.—Kd,, A..N.
160 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. May ¥3, 1911.
MARKET REPORTS. Barbados,—Messrs. T. 8. Garraway & Co., May 8,
1911; Messrs. James A. Lyxcu & Co., May 3,
London.—Tse Wrst Inpia Commirrer CrRcuLar, 1911; Messrs. Leacock & Co., April 28, 1911,
April 25, 1911; Messrs. E. A Dr Pass & Co., ARRowkooT—Sbt. Vincent, $4°50 to $470 per 100 ib.
April J, 1911.
ArrowRroot—2d. to 22d.
Batata—sheet, 3/7 ; block, 2/74 per tb.
BEeEswax—&7 10s. to £7 12s. 6d.
Cacao—Trinidad, 56/- to 65/- per cwt. ;
to 55/-; Jamaica, 49/- to 53/6.
CorrrE—Jamaica, 58/- to 70/6.
Corra—West Indian, £22 10s.
Grenada, +9/-
per ton.
Cacao—$11°00 to $12-0U per 100 th.
Cocoa-Nuts—$16'80.
Corree—Jamaica and ordinary Rio, $11°50 to $14°50 per
100 th.,
Scarce.
Hay—$1°40 to $1°50 per 160 Ib.
Manures—Nitrate of soda,
$42:00 to $48-00;
manure,
$75:00 to $76 00 per ton.
Motasses—No quotations.
$58:00 to
$65°00; Cacao
Sulphate of ammonia,
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota- Ontons—$3°00 to $4:00 per 100 th.
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 153d. to 174d. Peas, Srrir—$5°65 to $5°80 per bag of 210 Ib.; Canada,
Frurr—No quotations. $4°00 to $4°25 per bag of 120 ib.
Fustic—No quotations. Poratons—Nova Scotia, $2°50 to $4:25 per 160 tb.
Gixcer—Common to good common, 48/- to 52/- per ewt.; Rice—Ballam, $460 to $4°65 per 100 tt.; Patna, no
low middling to middling, 53/- to 56/.; good bright
to fine, 60/- to 70/-.
Honey—No quotations.
IstnGLass—No quotations.
Lime Jurce—Raw, 1ld. to 1/1; concentrated, £18 2s. 6u.
quotations; Rangoon, no quotations,
Sucar—No quotations.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wietinc & Ricurer, April
hea dy Weel es pang cessed) 2/3 29, 1911; Messrs. Sanpbacn, Parker & Co,,
Loc \oop—No quotations. April 28, 1911.
Mace—2s. 2d. to 2s. 6c. :
Nurmecs—Quiet ee en Messrs. Sanp-
Pimento—Common, 2hi.; fair, 2td.; good, 2,3,d. per tb. ARTICLES. Messts: Wierine BACH, PARKER
Russer—Para, fine hard, 5/3: fine soft, 5/1; tine Peru, SS CetEn. & Co.
5/1 per 1b. ———-—- - i
Roum—Jamaica, 1/7 to 5/- per gallon. ArRownkoot—St. Vincent) $9°25 to $1000 is10- 00 per 200 tb.
Sucar—Crystals, 15/- to 18/-; Muscovado, 12/- to 14/6; per 200 ib.
Syrup, no quotations; Molasses, no quotatioas. Batata—Venezuelablock, No quotation Prohibited
Demerara sheet) 85c. per ib. 72c. to 80c.
Cacao—Native lle per ib. 12c. per tb.
New York,—Messrs. Giniesriz Bros. & Co., April Cassava— as 20 No quotation
21, 1911, Cassava STARCH— $6°50 to $7-00 No quotation
Cacao—Caracas, lle. to 12c. ; Grenada, llc. to 11}ce.; Cocoa-Nuts— | $12 to $16 per M |$10 to $16 perM.,
Trinidad, 11 je. ‘to 11 fe. per ahs: Jamaica, Ife. to 10}c. | peeled and
Cocoa- Noe: vmaica, select, $25- 00; culls, $15:00 to selected
$16°00; 'rinidad, select, $27-00; culls, $15.00 to Corree—Creole 1G6e. per tb. lic. per ib.
$16:00 per M. Jamaica and Rio) 18c. per 1b. 18e.per th.
Corrre—Jamaica, 12}c. to 13$c. per tb. Liberian 105c. per 1b. | — 10e. per ib.
Griycer—%e. to 12c. per 1b. Doat— $3°75 per bag of | $3°75 per bag of
Goat Sxrxs—Jamaica, 52he.; Barbados and Antigua, 48e. 168 1b. 168 ib.
to 50c.; St. Croix, St. "Thomas and St. Kitts, 45c. Green Dhal 34:00 ——
to 48c. per lb. Eppors— Sl 44 —
Grave-IF'roir—Jamaica, $2°75 to $3°50 per box. Mctasses— Yellow Nonee —
Limes—$5°25 to $600. Oxtons—Tenerille —— ——
Mace—45c. to 50c. per tb. Madeira No quotation 9e.
Nurmecs—110's, fc. aber Ib. Peas—Split $5°70 per bag $5°80 per bag
Oxaxazs— Jamaica, $2°25 to $3:00. (210 1b.) (210 tb.)
Pinento—4jc. to Ade. per th. Marseilles No quotation No quotation
Sucgar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3°98c. per 1b.; Muscovados, PLANTAINS— 20ce. to 60c. —
89°, 3°48c.; Molasses, 89°, 3° Be. per tb., all duty Porators—Nova Scotia $3°25 to $3.50 $3°25 to $3-50
prid, Lisdon —-- No quotation
Potators-Sweet, Bbados) $216 per bag
Rice—Ballam No quotation ——
Trinidad,—Messrz, Gorpoy, Grant & Co., May 1,
Creole $300 to $5 25 $5-00 to $5°25
1911. Tannias— $240 per bag =—
Cacao—Venezuelan, $11°75 per fanega; Trinidad, $10°75 | YAMS—White $3°00 =<
to $11°40. Buck $3-24
Cocoa-Nur O1r—8l1e. per Imperial gallon. Sucar—Dark crystals | $2°55 to $240 | None
Corree—Venezuelan, 16}c. per tb Yellow | $2°90 to $3:00 | $2°65 to $2-75
Copra—No quotations. White $4:00 34°00 to $425
Dxaat—$3°30 to $3°50. Molasses $2°10 to $2°30 None
Onrons $3°75 to $4:00 per 100 Ib. Timvcer —Greenheart 32c. to ddc. per | 82. to 5de. per
Peas, Serir—$5°50 to $560 per bag. 4 f cub. foot cub. foot
Potators—English, $2°00 to $2°10 per 100 tr. Wallaba shingles) $3°75 to $600 | $4 00 te $6-00
Rick—Yellow, $4°30 to $4°35; White, $5:20 to $5-25 per M. _ per M.
per bag. », Cordwood) $1°80 to $2:00 No quotation
Sucar—Amorican crushed, $5°25 to $5°50 por 100 tb. per ton
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
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FOR THE WEST INDIES.
The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal.
Volume I. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4. in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free. 1s. 2d.
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Volume XI. Nos.1, 2. No. 3, containing Fungus Diseases of Ground Nuts in the West Indies; Notes on
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Experiments in Negros.
PAMPHLET SERIES.
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in 1900. No, 3, price 2d.;in 1901, No. 13, price 4d.; (16) Hints on Onion Cultivation. Price 2d.
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The ‘Agricultural News * contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and
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Vou. X. No. 236. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, May 13, 1911.
THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE
ee AS ey a
Ohlendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—For Sugar-cane and general use
Ohlendorff’s Special Sugar-cane Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cocoa Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cotton Manure
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, high grades,
Potash Salts, Basic Slag and all other high-class Fertilizers.
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO:—
THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS.
London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C.
Barbados Agents : James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
\SPRAYING MASHINES, |
SPRAYING MACHINES.
We have in stock some ne Spraying Machines mant-
factured specially for spraying cotton or cocoa p plants,
Fitted with improved Nozzle. |
ALSO PURE ARSENATE OF LEAD, |
THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON,
FACTORY, LIMITED, |
BRIDGETOWN.
* SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS.
JUST ISSUED.
WEST INDIAN BULLETIN.
(Vol. XI, No. 3)
Containing Fungus Diseases of Ground Nuts in the
West Indies; Notes on Ground Nuts in the West Indies
Report ona Visit to Florida; A List of the Birds of the
Island of St. Lucia; A Note on the Introduction of Birds;}
An Account of the Working of the Land Settlement Scheme
in St. Vincent; lhe Sugar Industry of the Island of Negros;
and Observations on Mill Control Experiments in Negros.
To be obtained from all agents for the
sale of the Department’s publications. Price
6d.; post free, 8d.
Se —_— —— ———————— ————— e?.;.}. ;_ OM
Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter 4, High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados,
Vol. X. No. 237]
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CONTENTS.
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TWELVE (12) FULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS.
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Vor. X. No. 237.
CONTENTS.
PAGE. PaGE,
Broom Corn in the International Rubber and
United States and Allied Trades Exhibi-
Queensland mp Wal) tion 50 . abe eceie Wg
Calera Cyenamide ands). |Market Repose. 176
Nitrate of Lime . 168 M “ ; i ates
E Nee -¢ | Molasses as Food for Stock 171
Ceylon, exports of, 1910... 169 M ayer. : 5
b ‘ Mycology in Relation to
Cocoa-nut and Ground nut A diainistuten 161
Meal for Horses ... 169 : Samael sa
Cotton Notes :— Notes and Comments 168
Annual Report of the Nitrogen, Potash and
British Cotton Grow- Phosphates and the
ing Association, 1910 166 | growth of Plants 169
West Indian Cotton . 166} Potassium in the Body,
Department News ... ... 165 Use of obo ooo wi!)
Manes Ne testes -,| Plant Propagation, Addi-
Arrowroot Diseases ... 174 é 2 r
; 5 tional Methods of 164
Gileamings es secs. fee eee AS ieee : m
3 < petal 5 | Sterilization of Tobacco
India, Dry Farming in_ ... 163) 5 a aa
a Seed Beds ... 168
Insect Notes :— sy : A. a =5
= tie ; Students’ Corner 5 1G)
Economic Entomology at
the Imperial College | Time of Flow of Latex and
of Science and Tech- Yield of Rubber ... 171
nology wee eee eee 170] Weeds, Noxious, Legisla-
Experiments with the tion against Se. LoS
Moth Borer . 170, West Indian Products 5 ales}
Mycology in Relation to
Administration.
( TS HE systematic study of the diseases of plants
a
and its application to general agriculture
has developed almost entirely within the last
sixty years. Although the existence of various fungi
has been recognized for many centuries, yet little if
anything was known of their real nature until the
middle of last century; their life-histories were almost
OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES.
BARBADOS, MAY 27,
Price ld,
entirely unstudied, and many of them were believed te
be abnormal developments of the leaves and other parts
of flowering plants. Under such circumstances, it was
only natural that nothing should be known of their
connexion with plant diseases, and that the latter were
generally attributed to bad soil conditions, the occur-
rence of excessive rains or drought, and similar factors.
In some instances, where large insects, such as the
larvae of beetles, or of moths and butterflies, were found
in considerable numbers in connexion with disease, it
was realized that these were the cause; while in others,
when the disease was of a violently epidemic nature, it
was usually said that the plants were destroyed by
a blight. Instances of this are the blights reported at
various times on cacao in Trinidad, and that said to
have destroyed the cocoa-nut palm in Antigna. The
use of the term ‘blight’, referring as 1b does only to the
general appearance of the affected plants, shows clearly
the complete lack of information that existed among
planters and farmers as to the real cause of the appear-
ance. This lack of information continued even up to very
recent times; while the confusion between insects and
fungi, which occurred among eminent scientific men as
late asthe forties of the last century, may be found among
planters at the present day. There is, however, much
excuse for this, as no means were in existence, until
comparatively very recent years, for rendering avail-
able to the practical man, to whom it was of so much
importance, the information that was being rapidly
accumulated by scientific investigators.
The real recognition of the important part played
by fungi in connexion with plant disease dates from the
publication in 1866 of De Bary’s book on the compara-
tive morphology and physiology of the fungi, in which
details of life-history and parasitism in the case of many
162
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. May 27, 1911.
forms are clearly set forth. This gave a great stimulus
to many investigators, so that during the subsequent
thirty years an immense mass of information was accumu-
lated both in connexion with the life-histories and path-
ological importance of many species and with their
systematic classification and the nature of their repro-
ductive arrangements. It should, however, be borne in
mind that practically the whole of the work was car-
ried out by private individuals, either working in their
own laboratories or in those of various universities and
academic institutions throughout the world. As acon-
sequence of this, the information obtained was only
available, through the medium of the more advanced
teaching establishments or of the universities, to those
engaged in the study of Natural Science, and its im por-
tance from a much wider agricultural point of view
was not fully recognized. Along with this develop-
ment in the knowledge of their parasites went a very
rapid increase in the understanding of the nature of
plants themselves, so that by about the year 1880 there
were accumulated large stores of knowledge available
for the right direction of a campaign against plant
diseases.
Once the information had been obtained, the next
step from the agricultural standpoint was to render
it useful to the planting community. This was done
by the recognition by Governments of the importance
of the work that could be performed. In England
such recognition consisted for a long time of the
employment of a research mycologist on the Staff
of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. One of the
first countries in which prominence was given by the
Government to the practical application of mycological
knowledge would appear to have been the United
States. For the last thirty years this country has been
employing an ever increasing number of plant path-
ologists in connexion with the Department of Agri-
culture of the Federal Government; while at the pres-
ent time almost every State Experiment Station, sup-
ported largely from the funds of that State, has one or
more mycologists on its staff.
When the Imperial Department of Agriculture
was founded in 1898, it soon became evident that
officers capable of dealing with the pests and diseases
of plants were urgently needed, and this was well
emphasized by the prevalent diseases of the sugar-
cane. About the same time it became necessary to
appoint a mycologist on the Staff of the Royal Botanic
Gardens at Peradeniya in Ceylon, and at the present time
almost every Government Department of Agriculture
in the British Empire employs one or more such
officers. In India, not only is there an Imperial Mycolo-
gist to the Government of India, aided by an assistant
mycologist and several research students, but one at
least of tne Presidencies, Madras, has its own officer.
Instances of the employment of Government Mycolo-
gists could be added from all parts of the world.
These Departments of Agriculture bring about
the dissemination of what is known in connexion with
fungi in two ways. They work directly through the
association with planters of the scientific officers on
their staffs, and indirectly by means of their publica-
tions: while at the same time, owing to their connexion
with the Government, they are able to introduce the
teaching of the requisite scientific knowledge into the
curricula of the schools. This last point serves to
emphasize the importance that attaches to the con-
nexion of scientific knowledge with so thorough an
instrument for inducing its spread as is provided in the
form of the various Governments.
Further valuable assistance in the protection of
plants from disease is rendered by Governments through
the legislation which they are empowered to enact.
Such legislation can prevent the importation, into any
given country, of diseases likely to cause serious damage
to its crops. At the same time it can enforce, if
necessary, the adoption of adequate measures for
eliminating or eradicating the more serious diseases
which do exist. In both these cases the technical
knowledge of the scientist 1s necessary, though this
alone is powerless without the aid of the Government
machinery for enforcing the necessary measures, and
without the general appreciation of the reasonableness
and wisdom of the measures on the part of the com-
munity.
The recognition of the importance of mycology on
the part of Governments has been followed by similar
recognition on that of the general public. As a con-
sequence of this, there exist to-day several associa-
tions of planters, and more than one private company
engaged in agriculture, who maintain a scientific staff,
including a plant pathologist, at their own expense.
The Hawanan Sugar Planters’ Association may be
cited as an instance of this. Moreover, the tendency on
the part of private companies to employ their own
mycologists is distinctly increasing. This tendency,
although a step in the right direction, is not to be
advocated without qualification. ‘There is consider-
able probability that the money necessary would be
much better spent in contributing to the mainten-
ance of a larger number of such ofticers on the
Vou... X. No: 237.
staffs of the various Government Departments. There
are reasons for this. In the first place, it
is far easier to work in a large and properly equipp-
ed central laboratory than in small isolated ones, At
the same time, the work receives material assistance
from the concentration of effort, the free access to liter-
ature from all parts of the world, containing informa-
tion on mycological subjects, and the sympathetic inter-
course between men engaged in similar study, all of
which are only obtainable at a central laboratory,
several
The increasing demand for plant pathologists makes
it important that some sufficient means should be found
for supplying properly trained men, and in this 1t would
be of great assistance if the Universities would provide
adequate courses of instruction, not only inthe methods
of mycology and in those of its application, but also in
general tropical agriculture. The demand for such men
will in course of time become limited, but it will always
be constant. Such a training might with advantage be
followed by a vear’s research work at the laboratory of
one of the tropical Departments of Agriculture. Facili-
ties for this exist at Pusa in India, and also in Ceylon,
and Java, for the Kast, and in the Imperial Depart-
ment of Agriculture, for the West.
Although very rapid progress has been made in
recent years, both in the actual knowledge of plant
diseases, and in the recognition by the world at large,
and by Governments in particwar, of the importance
of this, yet much must be done, and
many more men must be employed, before the full
advantage of the scientific knowledge which is even
more work
now available can be obtained by agricultural commu-
nities.
DRY FARMING IN INDIA.
In certain parts of India a good crop is obtained hy
cultivators with 15 inches of rain if it is properly distributed,
and there are many cereal and other crops which are suitable
for dry land cultivation. But a systematic knowledge of
each of the operations which go to make dry farming
possible is highly necessary to enable the Agricultural
Departments to see whether local methods of dry farming
are susceptible of improvement. In 19U8 the Department
of Agriculture, Bonibay, commenced experiments in this
connexion at Rahuri in Ahmednagar district which has an
average rainfall of about 20 inches. These experiments
have since been transferred to a plot near Ahmednagar for
more convenient supervision. They are being conducted on
the following lines: (i) to increase the capacity of the soil
to store water, (a) by deeper and more thorough preparatory
tillage, (b) by packing the soil by subsoil packer and heavy
roller; 2) to prevent evaporation by better intertillage;
(3) to allow the individual plant to get more water
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
163
by thinner seeding and wider spacing and thus admit of more
nearly perfect development; (4) to assist germination by
(a) moistening seed, (b) firming after planting; (5) to attempt
to increase the amount of stored water by bunding and im-
pounding. Deeper ploughing before the rains for a ‘rabi’
crop has been found to give an increased yield of about 60
per cent. By practising interculture every week from
sowing time till the plants are too large for passing bullocks
between them, a substantial increase in the yield was obtained.
With the use of the drill 18 inches apart the results obtained
were much better than with the 9 inches drill. The increase
in the yield by the reduction of the seed rate to half gave
striking results, the yield being increased by 75 per cent.
This might be an advantage in localities where grain has
a higher value than fodder.
In view of the importance to India of dry farming, steps
have been taken for the representation of the Government of
India on the International Dry Farming Congress of America,
and the Inspector General of Agriculture has been made
Vice-President for the Indian Section of the British Empire
with Mr. H. C, Sampson, Deputy Director of Agriculture,
Madras, as corresponding Secretary. (Heport on the Progress
of Agriculture in India for 1909-10, p. 75.)
LEGISLATION AGAINST NOXIOUS WEEDS.
The subject of legislation against noxious weeds
periodically arouses interest in parts of the West Indies,
when various suggestions are put forward in connexion
with it. In relation to proposals for such legislation,
the following passage contains information of impor-
tance; it is taken from Farmers’ Bulletin No. 54, of the
Transvaal Department of Agriculture, entitled Voxious
Weed Regulations, which has been received through
the courtesy of Mr. J. Burtt-Davy, Government Agros-
tologist and Botanist for the Department of Agriculture
of the Union of South Africa:
At congresses and meetings it is sometimes suggested
that the Government is not taking sufficiently active measures
to cope with the noxious weeds of the country, and many
additions to the list have been suggested.
I am convinced, however, that in such matters it is best to
pursue a conservative policy. It is an easy matter to proclaim
a weed as noxious, but a very different thing to enforce the law,
especially in a country as thinly populated as South Africa.
To tax the farmer heavily for the eradication of weeds, before
it is well established and his farm improved and well stocked,
might greatly hinder agricultural development. Moreover,
weeds like the Mexican marigold (Z'agetes minuta), cosmos
(Cosmos bipinnatus), and darnel (Lolium temulentwm) may
be kept in check with little difficulty by proper tillage of the
soil. Better tillage would be to the farmer's advantage, but
it would not be advisable to pass legislation to force him to
till his soil. ‘The remedy lies in the hands of the farmer
himself; for such cases he does not need protection against
his less enterprising neighbour.
With burweed, cockle-bur and dodder, and some other
weeds, however, the case stands on an entirely different toot-
ing. These weeds rnin the veldt for grazing purposes; they
damage wool and mohair, two staple products of the country;
they cannot be eradicated by ordinary farm practice, but
extra labour and extra expense, of an unremunerative charac-
ter, are required to get rid of them. Against such pests,
therefore, it is desirable for the State to legisiate.
164
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
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FRUITS AND FRUIT. TREES.
ADDITIONAL METHODS OF VEGETATIVE
PLANT PROPAGATION.
The Seedling-inarch and Nurse-plant Methods of Propa-
gation is the title of a Bulletin (No. 202) that has just been
issued by the Bureau of Plant Industry of the United States
Department of Agriculture. It describes methods that are
stated to be inexpensive, and of such simplicity that they can
be employed by persons who do not already possess a knowl-
edge of plant propagation. The claim is made that their
adoption will bring about the saving of much time in deter-
mining the value of varieties of plants about which little is
known. ‘They are also said to be useful in crossing experi-
ments; as plants propagated by their aid produce flowers much
sooner than if they were growing on their own roots alone.
It appears, however, that the most remarkable feature of the
methods described is the certainty with which satisfactory
unions of stocks and scions may be obtained, even in the case
of plants which have not so far shown themselves to be
capable of being propagated by grafting or budding.
Reference is made to the delay of the cultivation of the
mango ona large scale, that has arisen from the want of
inexpensive and neat methods of propagation, and there is
also mention of the somewhat similar experience with cacao. In
the latter connexion, the Bulletin adverts to Pamphlet No. 61
of the Departinent Series, entitled The Grafting of Cacao,
by J. Jones, Curator of the Botanic Station, Dominica, in
which a method is described by which cacao plants may be
propagated by inarching, at the comparatively low price of
3d. each, and draws attention to the fact that, where old
mango trees are in existence, there is no reason why this
plant should not be propagated almost as cheaply. he
bulletin goes on to describe new methods for the vegetative
propagation of about half a dozen plants. Of these the mango
(Mangifera indica), the mangosteen (Garcinia Mangostana),
and the litchi (Vepheliwm Litchi) will be dealt with here, as
being of more particular interest.
PROPAGATION OF THE MANGO BY INARCHING. When the
seedlings have attained a diameter of about }-inch, they are
taken from the pots, together with the ball of soil around
the roots. he part of the soil, generally near the top, where
there are no roots, is removed, and the ball is covered with
old cocoa-nut fibre, decomposed staple manure or something
similarly useful. A piece of thick cloth sacking about 10
inches square is then spread out and covered with some of the
cocoa-nut fibre or other material, the ball of earth is placed
on the sacking, which is then wrapped round it, soil being
packed in where required while this is being done; finally the
sacking is secured firmly with a piece of string. In this way
the seedling and the soil are obtained in the form of a handy
package weighing about 1 tb., which can be tied anywhere in
a tree or supported on stakes stuck in the soil; there is no
need for the erection of a staging. ‘The directions for inarch-
ing are given in the following paragraph, taken from the
Bulletin.
First select the branchlet to be inarched, taking care
that the diameter of the stem is not greater than that of the
seedling stock. It should be fairly well ripened and have
several healthy leaves. Make a cut in the stem, beginning
ata point 2 to 3 inches from the terminal bud; in taking
a slice from the stem, cut into the wood not more than one-
third of its diameter. The slice removed may be about 2
inches in length; any leaves which hinder this operation
should first be cut off. Make a cut of similar length and
depth near the base of the stem of the seedling. Bring the
stock and scion neatly together, the bark meeting on both
sides if possible, and tie firmly with a piece of soft string or
strand of raffia. After this is done it only remains to secure
the ball of the seedling to the lower part of the branch; or if
the inarched branch is a short one, the ball inay be tied to
the older wood. It will often happen that the seedling will
need no further support; but when necessary a cane stake for
further tying may be utilized, or a strong cord may be fast-
ened to a stout stake driven into the soil in a convenient
position and the inarched seedlings attached to it. Many little
devices of like nature will suggest themselves to suit the
peculiarities of each mother tree on which it is desired to
make inarches.
The subsequent attention required by the plant is very
careful watering of the seedling stocks until they have united
with the branches. When union has commenced, the stock
is cut half way through immediately above the union and on
the opposite side; the branch should then be cut one-third of
the way through, immediately below the union; the branch
and the top of the seedling are finally cut through when it
has been ascertained that complete union has taken place.
PROPAGATION OF THE MANGOSTERN BY INARCHING, For
this plant, the method just described for the mango is
reversed. Jt has been found that the most promising
species of Garcinia to be used as stocks for the mangosteen
are (7, tinctoria, G. Morella (Ceylon gamboge) and G. Living-
stonei; of related plants of different genera, Platonia insignis
VOT ke NOs 23.0.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
165
has given the best results. The propagation of seedlings for
inarching the mangosteen is similar to that for the mango,
the most important difference being that the roots of the
former plant need only be kept alive sufficiently long to give
some support to the seedling while the union is being made.
The following paragraph gives the instructions that are
detailed in the Bulletin for carrying out the inarching.
Place the stem of the seedling mangosteen close to that
part of the stem of the stock where it is desired to make the
union, then tie the root of the seedling, enclosed in a piece of
sacking, to the stem of the stock plant with a strand of raffia.
After making the tie, and before cutting the ends of the
strand of raffiia, put in the wire support, and make
secure with raftia. Cut a slice from the stem of the stock,
going into the stem about one-third of its diameter. The
length of the slice is regulated by the length of available
stem in the seedling; 2 inches is desirable, but less will
suffice. Next, remove a piece of the stem of the seedling
exactly opposite the cut in the stock, exercising extreme care
in making one side of the cut on the scion fit evenly with
one side of the cut on the stock. Pay no attention to the
other edges of stock and scion, but bind firmly together and
the operation is complete. If the inarching is performed in
summer, and this seems the best time, make a puddle of
adhesive clay, mixing it with some raw cotton which has
been cut up fine with a pair of shears, apply this around the
parts to be united and allow it to dry. ‘The clay serves two
purposes—it excludes air and it absorbs all the sap exuded
from the cut portions. The raw cotton prevents the puddled
clay from disintegrating while the union is taking place.
Tt is stated to be useful for a few leaves on the stock to
be left growing after the removal of the top of this, and of
the roots of the seedling. The removal of the top of the
stock is brought about by cutting it partly through on the
side opposite to the seedling and then by severing it com-
pletely, ten days later. Where it is intended to remove the
roots of the seedling, the soil in which this is growing
should be allowed gradually to become dry. It is a matter
of some interest that seedlings made to grow on stocks in
this way often show a tendency to form roots of their own.
PROPAGATION OF THE MANGOSTEEN BY THE NURSE-
PLANT systeM. In this method, both the seedling and the
plant to which it is attached (the nurse plant) are permitted
to grow on their own roots after union has been effected.
The instructions given for this method of propagation are
contained in the following paragraph, taken from the Bulletin.
The nurse plants of Garcinia tinctoria should be
grown in small-sized pots, not larger than 4 inches, previous
to placirg them in the 6-inch size. When getting their final
shift the ball should be manipulated so that the stem of the
seedling will be a little to one side, so as to make room for an
empty 3-inch pot to be placed in the soil beside the stock
plant. When the stock plant is established in the soil, after
perhaps three or four weeks, that is, when the new roots have
had time to develop, the empty 3-inch pot is removed and
the root of a mangosteen taken from a pot of the same dimen-
sions is placed in the empty space and the soil carefully but
firmly rammed around it. Generous treatment will result in
further development of the root action of oth mangosteen and
nurse stock. They are then inarched, and when the union is
satisfactory, which will be in about five weeks, the top part
of the stock above the inarch may be gradually removed,
The roots of both nurse plant and scion are left undisturbed
because, if the stock dies, the root system of the seedling man-
gosteen will probably have become strong enough to sustain
the plant by reason of the assistance given to it by the nurse
plant during its precarious stage; and if, on the other hand,
the roots of the seedling succumb, it probably will be due to
the fact that the stock is supplying enough root action for
the mangosteen.
It is not claimed that either of these methods for propa-
gating the mangosteen will continue to show success when the
plants are placed out in the open; further work is required to
determine this, and the present information is only published
on account of the promising nature of the results obtained
se far.
PROPAGATION OF THE LITCHI BY INARCHING. This is
very similar to that already described for the mango. The
following account of the details of the method is taken
from the Bulletin.
The method of propagation in its essential features is
like that described for the mango. The seedlings to be used
as stocks are taken from 3-inch pots, the soil on the upper
part of the ball removed, anda large handful of cocoa nut
fibre secured around the roots, by wrapping in a piece of
sacking about 8 inches square. ‘These seedling stocks are
fastened to the stout branches of the parent litchi, or to
stakes set in the soil of the pot. The branchlets are then
inarched to the seedlings and tied with raffia, and the parts
to be united are covered with clay. During the few weeks
occupied in uniting, the roots of the seedlings make rapid
headway in the cocoa-nut fibre. The unions are invariably
good when seedlings of the same species are used. If the
compound leaves on the scionare large, it is advisable to trim
them back slightly before severing the inarch from the parent
tree. After severing, the inarched plants may be potted and
placed ina close frame in the greenhouse, or they may be
put in shallow boxes and the roots covered with cocoa-nut
fibre, the atmosphere being kept moist. The sacking should
not be removed, because, when the scions have united, the
white roots of the seedlings will be found to have pierced the
covering, so that to remove this sacking would necessarily
injure the roots. The balls should be put in 5-inch or 6-inch
pots, as may be necessary; the soil should consist mainly of
decomposed leaves.
It seems, as is claimed in the Bulletin, that the adoption
of these methods is likely to result in the simplification of
methods of propagation, and the saving of time in obtaining
planting material, and it appears that extension of the methods
would be useful, both in regard to the future propagation of
plants in this way, and its application to other species.
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture return-
ed to Barbados by the R.M.S.« Clyde’ on May 17, 1911,
from Grenada, after a visit to that Colony for the pur-
pose of conferring with His Excellency the Governor of
the Windward Islands on general agricultural matters,
The Secretary of State for the Colonies has been
pleased to appoint Mr. P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S., as
Veterinary Officer on the Staff of the Imperial Depart-
ment of Agriculture for the West Indies. The duties
of this Officer will be to investigate the veterinary
conditions in the colonies whose agricultural depart-
ments are linked up with the Imperial Department of
Agriculture.
~ Mr, Saunders left England on May 24, and will
arrive in Barbados, to take up the duties of his appoint-
ment, on June 5, 1911,
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. May -27, 1911.
INDIAN COTTON.
WEST
The article entitled The Cotton Market and Cotton
Planting, which appeared in the Agricultural News
for April 29, p. 134, was subsequently submitted, with
correspondence on the subject, to the British Cotton
Growing Association and Messrs. Wolstenholme and
Holland, for criticism and suggestions.
A telegram has now (May 25) been received from
Manchester, strongly advising that there should he no
reduction in acreage in respect of cotton planting for
the coming season.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date May 8, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
At the present reduced level of prices there has been
more disposition to purchase Sea Island growths, and some
business is passing in medium qualities at about 16d., with
occasional sales of superior cotton from 17d. to 18d.
There is still, however, a considerable stock of unsold
cotton in Charleston, which acts as a drag upon the market,
particularly as spinners are afraid of too extensive a cultiva-
tion of the new growth of fine cotton which is being cultiva-
ted in Egypt, and which they are afraid may flood the market
next season.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending May 6, is generaily as follows:—
There was some demand this week, taking about 200
bales of odd bags of Fully Fine and several crop lots of
Fully Fine and extra Fine, running the sales up to about
300 bales. here is some inquiry for the remaining crop
lots, which may result in further sales, and also for the odd
bags of Fully Fine. The slightly off, and the off and stained
cotton of the crop of which the stock is now largely composed,
continue to be neglected, but Factors are refusing to further
lower their asking prices, hoping in time there will be some
demand for them.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BRITISH
COTTON GROWING ASSOCIATION,
1910.
A copy of the Sixth Annual Report of the British
Cotton Growing Association, for the twelve months ending
December 31, 1910, has just been received, and it is the
purpose of this article to draw attention to some of the
points presented that are of more general interest.
After giving an account of changes that have taken
place in connexion with the personnel of the Association, the
Council of the Association records its thanks to His Majesty’s
government and to the officials of Government Depart-
ments, both at home and in the colonies, for the great
assistance rendered in many ways, and draws attention to
the usefulness of the conferences that have been-held at
the Colonial Office. Further, acknowledgement is given of
the indebtedness of the Association for the support and assist-
ance of the President of the Association, the Right Honour-
able the Earl of Derby, G.C.V.O.
Reference is made to the promise of His Majesty’s
Government, in 1909, to effect a grant in aid of £10,000 per
annum for a period of three years to assist in the pioneering
and missionary work of the Association, on condition that
the latter should raise additional capital to the amount of
£150,000, and establish and maintain seven pioneer ginning
and buying stations in West and East Africa, at the same
time supplying, free of charge, seed for sowing. It is now
known that the attempt to raise the capital required has
failed, so that other arrangements may have to be made in
relation to the matter.
No new work was undertaken in 1909, owing to the
inadequacy of the funds at the disposal of the Council, so
that no large results were expected for 1910. Satisfactory
progress has been made, nevertheless, and particulars are
given in the report of schemes which were under considera-
tion provided that the additional capital necessary to
gain. the Government Grant was obtained. In relation
to such matters, if is pointed out that several subsidiary
companies have been formed already, with the assistance
of the Association. These arc: The British Cotton Ginning
Company, Ltd., and the British East Africa Corporation,
Ltd., each with a capital of £100,000; the East African Cot-
ton Syndicate (1911), Ltd., with a capital of £35,000; and
the Rhodesia Cotton Company, Ltd.,and Ernest Thorne, Lrd.,
Barbados, with a capital of £30,000 and £10,000, respec-
tively. The total amount of the capital of these companies
is £275,000. A large number of other cotton-growing com-
panies of a similar nature has been floated separately, and it
is proposed by the Association to assist in the formation of
additional companies as the occasion arises. Matters of this
kind have relation to a proposal that a large company should
be formed with a Government guarantee, the plan being for
the capital to be raised on a commercial basis while the
Government would provide capital for railways and other
means of transport, and the funds for experimental and scien-
tific work. ‘The opinion is given, however, that the Govern-
ment should only be approached if success was obtained in
raising the additional capital of £150,000 already mentioned,
VorEn oe eNO: 223i.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
167
The next part of the report has reference to meetings
and conferences of the Council, and to the financial state of
the Association. It is sueceeded by a more detailed report
on the work of the Association in the colonies. The chief
general matters in this part of the report may be given here
as follows.
INDIA AND CEYLON. The cultivation of Egyptian cotton
in Scind has been disappointing, and it has been suggested
that the Association might usefully establish an experi-
mental plantation and a cotton buying and ginning centre for
this district; the question is before the Secretary of State for
India, and proposals are being awaited by the Council. The
Secretary of State for India has also been approached on
behalf of the International Federation of Master Cotton
Spinners’ and Manufacturers’ Associations, with the proposal
that every endeavour should be made to carry out, in India,
the recommendations of the International Cotton Congress
at Brussels. These recommendations ave confirmatory of
the opinions expressed in a letter addressed to Lord Curzon
by the British Cotton Growing Association in 1904, a copy
of which is given is an appendix to the report. In Ceylon
arrangements have been made witha firm at Colombo to take
over and work the ginning plant of the Association, and to
act as its agents. (Theresults of this are noted on p. 172,
below. )
WEst INDIES. The statement is made that the cotton-
growing industry of this part of the world is progressing in
a satisfactory manner, and that though there has been no large
increase in the cotton-growing area, this is not without its
advantages, because of the circumstance that the demand for
the best qualities of Sea Island cotton is not unlimited. The
report states further, in regard to this demand: “lhe Council
are watching this question most carefully, and would at ouce
advise the Imperial Department of Agriculture if they thought
there was any danger of permanent over-production. As far
as can be judged at present, there seems to be no fear of not
being able to dispose of the whole of the West Indian crop
at prices which are satisfactory to the planter.’
West AFRICA, Exceptional harmattan winds during the
end of the growing season of 1905 caused severe damage to
the crop, which was, however, of satisfactory quality.
GoLD Coast. The small quantity of cotton produced
caused it to be decided to abandon the work. The existence
of better possibilities in the Northern Territories, however,
caused arrangements to be made to open up a new centre at
Tamale, assistance being given at the same time in the form
of a contribution from the Imperial Government. It is stated
that the quality of the native cotton is very satisfactory, and
reference is made to the valuable aid that has been afforded
by the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Territories.
Lagos. The crop suffered from the harmattan winds
mentioned above, so that it reached only 6,100 bales, whereas
the output in 1909 was 12,000 bales. Though the quantity
was thus inferior to that of the previous crop, there was no
decline in the quality of the cotton, most of which met with
ready disposal on arrival. Much more satisfactory prospects
exist for the coming crop, and a matter of use is that the
Council has been able to renew its buying agreement with
the Lagos merchants. In relation to this, it is given as the
conviction of the Council that the co-operation of the mer-
tantile community is necessary in other colonies, as well as
in Lagos.
SOUTHERN NIGERIA. Here again, the crop suffered on
account of:the harmattan winds; nevertheless, the quality of
the cotton is excellent. Much more promising eon ne
Leen received in relation to the next crop. i
NORTHERN NIGERIA. It was in this territory that the
greatest damage was suffered from the harmattan winds,
which adversely affected not only cotton, but all other crops,
so that there was actual starvation in many districts. After
giving information concerning ginning and transport arrange-
ments, the report states that the quality of the Northern
Nigeria cotton is similar to that of Lagos, which is father
high in colour and rough in fibre, but extremely strong, and
an excellent substitute for middling American. The product
from Northern Nigeria is, however, much whiter; it is of
excellent grade, and most suitable for Lancashire spinners.
BRITISH EAST AFRICA, The main work of ‘the’ British
East Africa Corporation, which is receiving very large finan-
cial support from the Association, las been conducted in
Uganda, so that no great progress has been made in cotton-
growing along the coast. A matter of no little interest is that
the Council of the Association has recently discussed with
Colonel Sir Perey Girouard, R.E., K.C.M.G., the possibility
of developing largely the country near the Juba River, and
a proposal has been made to form a small syndicate for the
purpose of carrying out preliminary experiments. The syndi-
cate would also investigate, under the best expert advice, the
possibilities of adopting a very large irrigation scheme, to cost
£1,000,000 or more, -
UGANDA. The statement is made that cotton-growing in
Uganda continues to progress by leaps and bounds, and it is
expected that the crop for the season ending March 31, 1911,
will be about 15,000 bales—the largest production in any
one season from any of the new areas opened up by the
Association. This remarkable progress, during the five
years, is attributed largely to the efforts of the late Governor,
Sir H. Hesketh Bell, K.C.M.G:, and-his Staff, and the
remark is made that: ‘for rapid results it is essential that
one should receive the active and hearty co-operation of the
xovernment officials.” There is the confident expectation of
the Council that the rapid progress will be continued, and
that dependence can be placed on Uganda shortly to produce
large quantities of cotton. j
NYASALAND. During 1910 the success in cotton grow-
ing has increased and the quality is excellent, with most
satisfactory prospects for the future,and thanks are expressed
to the Government Inspector of Agriculture for his assistance,
rHopEstA. Arrangements have been completed for co-
operation with the British South African Company and this
fact, together with the help that is being given by the
Administrator of Northern Rhodesia, should ensure good
progress. From other parts of Africa the exports have been
confined to samples which show that a very good cotton can
be grown.
EGYPT AND THE SUDAN. Attention is given to the problem
of the falling off of cotton production in Egypt which took
place up to the last crop. In regard to the Sudan, important
experiments are about to be commenced with a view to
finally growing cotton under irrigation.
The remaining portion of the report states that the Coun-
cil has been in communication with parts of the Empire other
than those mentioned, but that no important developments have
taken place so far. Finally, the satisfactory progress that is
being made in regard to the purely commercial work of the
Association is indicated, and attention is drawn to the large
numbers of new ventures mentioned in the report. The claim
is made that the Association has, now, ‘proved beyond
dispute that given time and money the Empire cane Dee
duce all the cotton that Lancashire requires,’
168
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
May -27,-1911.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
eee nee Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 87, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s. 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
a Te oe
SATURDAY,
Vor. X. MAY 27, 1911. No. 237.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Oontents of Present Issue.
The editorial deals with Mycology in Relation to
Administration. It shows the gradual growth of interest
that has taken place in regard to practical work in con-
nexion with the prevention of plant diseases, and indi-
cates the most expedient ways in which such work may
be undertaken.
On page 163 there is presented a short article on
dry farming in India.
The same page contains an interesting note on
legislation in South Africa against noxious weeds,
the Annual
Association,
Attention is drawn to a review of
Report of the British Cotton Growing
1910, on pages 166 and 167.
The Insect Notes appear on page 170. They
contain two articles, dealing respectively with Econo-
mic Entomology at the Imperial College of Science
and Technology, and with experiments that have been
made recently in the United States with the moth
borer of the sugar-cane.
Two short articles, containing information of
present interest, are given under the heading Rubber
Notes, on page 171.
The Fungus Notes, on page 174, deal with arrow-
root diseases, as considered in a memorandum to the
Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture from the My-
cologist, after a recent visit of the latter officer to
St. Vincent.
Calcium Cyanamide and Nitrate of Lime.
In the last volume of the Agricultural News, and
on page 57 of the current one, notes have been given
on trials with calcium cyanamide and nitrate of lime,
undertaken for the purpose of comparing their respec-
tive manurial values, and of finding the relation between
these and the similar values of nitrate of soda and sul-
phate of ammonia. Notes on further work of the same
kind are given in the Experiment Station Record
of the United States Department of Agriculture,
Vol. XXII, No. 8. The first investigations mentioned
showed that there was little to choose between nitrate
of lime and sodiuin nitrate, in quantities containing
equal amounts of nitrogen, for beets, Irish potatoes,
rye, oats and barley; if any difference was found, it was
sligktly in favour of the sodium nitrate.
The second paper deals, among other matters, with
the use of caleium cyanamide, nitrate of lime and nitrate
of soda as manures fur sugar beet. 1t was shown that,
when these were applied so as to vive about 27 tb. of
nitrogen per acre, the first and the last manures yielded
very nearly the same results, while the returns with
nitrate of lime were slightly better.
———————En ee
Sterilizat‘on of Tobacco Seed Beds.
Investigations into the sterilizing of the soil in
beds for raising tobacco from seed have been conducted
recently, at the experiment stations of the Tobacco and
Cotton Division of the Transvaal Department of Agri-
culture. An account cf the work in the Agricultural
Journal of the Union of South Africa, Vol. 1, p: tie
shows that the observations were made on plots con-
taining soil treated in four different ways, a con-
trol plot being provided in each case. The meth-
ods of sterilization employed were by burning wood
or other waste material on the top of the soil, heating
the soil in suitable receptacles, passing steam through
the seed bed, or by pouring boiling water on the soil in
the bed: in the last case two applications were made at
an interval of three or four days.
The account of the experiment indicates that the
first method of sterilization gave the best results, while
this was followedimmediately by the second, which was
almost as effective. The steaming process came third;
that in which hot water was used proved to be
virtually useless. The particular forms of sterilization
to which the trials had reference were the destruction
of weed seeds, and of eel worms.
A general review of the results shows that the
plants in the soil treated according to the first method
usually made the best growth; this method and the
second, namely, heating the soil in a suitable vessel,
seemed to be most effective in regard to the destruction
of eel worms.
In the interpretation of the results, however, no
attention is given to the possible effects arising from
the partial sterilization of the soil in relation to its
microbial contents (see Agricultural News, Vol. IX,
pp. 17, 33 and 369); the superiority of the growth in
the plots sterilized by heating in the first way described
’
Viotaekey NOs 2ole
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 169
would seem to indicate that the destruction of the
protozoal organisms in the soil had led to increased
fertility, arising from the added activity of the nitrogen-
fixing organisms, in accordance with the indications of
the work of Russell and Hutchinson, described in the
second of the references that have just been given.
Dr
Exports of Ceylon, 1910.
The last report of the Ceylon Chamber of Com-
merce shows that the amount of tea exported in 1910
was 181,682,817 tb.; the quantity for the previous year
was 191,860,059 tb. The exports of rubber were
similarly, 1,512 and 666 tons, and of cacao 70,278 ewt.
and 80,107 ewt.
In regard to cocoa-nut products, the exports for
1910 and 1909 were as follows in order: cocoa-nut oil
616,377 and 581,478 ewt.; copra 766,906 and 772,032
ewt.; desiccated cocoa-nuts 27,201,074 and 25,978,844;
cocoa-nut poonac (cake) 309,589 and 253,709 ewt.;cocoa-
nuts 16,114,088 and 18,135,658. The quantities of
citronella oil were 1,762,919 and 1,573,932 tb.
The Board of Trade Journal for March 23, 1911,
from which the above figures are quoted, states also
that, according to the Annual Report of the Planters’
Association of Ceylon for 1910, the exports of tea for
the present year are estimated at 183 million pounds,
while those of rubber are expected to be about 2,232
tons.
ene
Effects of Nitrogen, Potash and Phosphates
on the Growth of Plants.
An investigation has been undertaken recently in
connexion with this subject, the experiments being per-
formed in culture solutions which contained nitrogen,
potash and phosphate in different proportions; the
results of these are given in the botanical Gazette,
1910, p. 1.
The plants grew best, as may be expected, when
all three nutrient elements were present; the best
development was in solutions containing between 10
and 30 per cent. of phosphates, between 30 and 60 per
cent. of nitrate, and between 30 and 60 per cent. of
potash. Where the best growth was made, the least
difference took place in the proportions of the above
food elements, while, at the same time, the whole
strength of the solution suffered much more alteration
than when the growth was poorer.
In a general way, the tendency seems to be for the
plant to remove the material from the solutions in those
proportions which would lead to its most favourable
development. Other indications of interest were, that
the greater the amount of any one constituent in the
solution, the larger is the extent to which it is taken
up by the plant, and that while the absorption of phos-
phate is low and that of potash high at first, the greatest
response toward the end of development arises from the
presence of nitrates. It is easily seen that the last of
these matters indicates that very young plants require
phosphates to a comparatively small extent, while their
need for potash is correspondingly great.
En + ee ——_—__
The Use of Potassium in the Body.
An abstract of a paper given in the Hxperiment
Station Record, Vol. XXIV, p. 172 (February 1911),
gives a note on work which was undertaken for the
purpose of investigating the changes undergone by
potassium compounds in the human body. It was
shown that, if the amount of common salt in the diet is
increased, there is also an increase in the quantity of
potassium lost from the body; it is therefore concluded
that the taking of large doses of common salt may enable
the body to lose correspondingly large amounts of
potassium. It seems to be certain that, when the weight
of the body increases, the excretion of potassium is
likely to increase also; this is of interest, in relation to
a theory that the larger the amount of potassium in
the body, the larger is the breaking up of sugars and
starches, so that in this case there is a decrease in the
tendency to form fat, and therefore to gain in weight.
The experiments show that the behaviour of sodium
was quite different in this connexion: there was never
an increased loss of sodium when gains in weight were
being made. Finally, in contradistinction to sodium
and calcium, potassium seems to be an element which
tends rather rapidly to leave the body than to remain
in it.
+
Cocoa-nut and Ground Nut Meals for Horses.
Circular No. 168 of the Bureau of Animal Industry
of the United States Department of Agriculture gives
an account of a short test that was conducted by this
Bureau, early last year, for the purpose of finding the
effect of substituting a mixture of 2 parts cocoa-nut
meal and 1 part ground nut meal for oats, in feeding
horses. ‘The animals employed in the trials were ten
Morgan yearlings and four heavy work horses. The test
was of some interest financially as whole oats cost
$43°75 per ton delivered, and cocoa-nut and ground
nut meal $28 per ton at the railway station, which is
distant 2 miles.
None of the horses took eagerly to rations contain-
ing the meals, and the team of working horses was off
its feed for the first three weeks. There was no dift-
culty otherwise, and the animals remained in good
condition.
In the case of the yearlings the gains were larger
and cheaper with cocoa-nut meal and ground nut meal,
and the best returns were obtained where all the oats in
the ration was replaced. Fairly satisfactory returns were
obtained with the work horses; this was in regard to
a saving in cost of feed rather than to increases in
weight.
It is considered that the test indicates that, at the
prices paid for the food stuffs at the time, cocoa-nut and
ground nut meal, in the proportion of 2 to 1 by weight,
are capable of replacing oats,in feeding young horses, and
may be found advantageous for work horses when they
have become accustomed to the new ration.
170
INSECT NOTES.
ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY AT THE
IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY.
Ina recent number of the Agricultural News (see Vol. X,
p. 122), an article entitled The Control of Insect Pests
gave an account of an address delivered by Mr. H. Maxwell-
Lefroy, Entomologist to the Government of India.
Mr. Lefroy, who is on leave in England, is offering a series of
lectures with laboratory work, on entomology, extending
over a period of fifteen months; the first lecture was given on
March 2 last.
Circulars which have recently been received at the Head
Office of the Imperial Department of Agriculture present an
outline of the courses offered, which are five in number.
These afford instruction as follows:—
Course 1, which provides a general introductory course
of lectures, and practical work of an elementary nature
dealing with the whole subject, was planned to consist of
about twenty-five lectures, given on two days in cach week
from March 2 to March 30, and from April 25 to June 18.
This course, repeated in the Michaelmas term beginning
October 3, forms Course 2.
Course 3. A special course for those intending to take
up economic entomology abroad or at home. This course is
especially arranged for those desiring to qualify for posts in
agricultural and other departments. It will deal with
practical matters which come within the scope of entomologi-
cal administration, and will include (a). pests of the world’s
crops; (b) pests of domestic animals, etc ; (c) use and value
of natural checks; (d) legislation—preventive and repressive;
(e) the work of the Government Entomologist; (f) technique
and office methods; (g) illustrations, how prepared and
printed; (h) entomological literature.
The course will be held three times a week during July
and August 1911, at times arranged to suit intending
students.
Course 4. Special course of lectures and practical work
on Diptera on Mondays, Wednesdays and Iridays, at 10 a.m.
to 1 p.m., during July 1911.
Course 5. Advanced course of general entomology in
continuation of 1 and 2, consisting of about fifty lectures, with
practical work, to be given on Tuesdays and Thursdays,
from 5 to 6 p.m., during January to June, 1912, beginning
about January 15, 1912. The time for the practical work
will be arranged later.
Tt will be seen that there is thus provided an excellent
opportunity for any who desire to obtain instruction in ento-
mology from an experienced and successful entomologist, and
it is hoped that advantage will be taken of it.
BXPERIMENTS WITH THE MOTH BORER.
The United States Department of Agriculture has
established a special experiment station at Audubon Park,
Louisiana, for the purpose of investigating the insect pests
of sugar-cane. According to the Lowisiana Planter and
Suyar Manufacturer for April 8, 1911, this special experi-
ment station will co-operate in carrying out experiments to
devise cultural methods which shall reduce the numbers of
the moth borer and the amount of loss from its attacks.
It is planned to establish demonstration areas,‘ with the
aid of planters, on private estates where-certain recommenda-
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
May 27, I911,
tions can be carried out.
In noting the recommendations, readers of the Agi7-
cultural News should remember that in the Southern States,
during the winter season when no cane is growing, the moth
borer hibernates in the trash in the field, and burning the
trash thus destroys many of the insects. :
The experiments are likely to be of interest to planters
in the West Indies, as they show how such an investigation
may be carried out; but they do not seem likely to be useful
in the control of the moth borer in these islands, since this
insect is always to be found in the growing cane, for here
cane is available for its food during the entire year.
In general, the owners of the land loaned for the demon-
strations in Louisiana will be requested to carry out the
following recommendations :—
(1) In harvesting, to cut the cane so that the tops will
fall on the rows and not in the middles. After cutting, the
trash will be raked out of the middles upon the rows, and
after the tops are thoroughly dry, burned off:clean. This
will destroy all borers in the trash, and will also check the
sprouting of the stubble.
(2) After burning, the ground must be gone over care-
fully; all pieces of cane left Jying on the ground must be
picked up or buried; all further trash that may act as a favour-
able wintering place for borers must also be removed.
(3) All planting in the demonstration area must be done
in the autumn. This is to do away with windrowed cane,
which gives the borers the best possible opportunity to pass
the winter successfully. Also, adult cane borers cannot
escape from fall plant cane, as they are not strong enough to
make their way to the surface, and they thus perish in the
ground.
(4) No cane is to be windrowed within 100 yards of the
limits of the demonstration area. This is to prevent moths
from coming from the windrowed cane and infesting the
demonstration area.
(5) All ditches and turnrows in the demonstration area
must be thoroughly cleaned up.
BROOM CORN IN THE UNITED STATES
AND QUEENSLAND.
The April number of the trade publication Brooms,
Brushes and Handles states that the results of the 1910 crop
of broom corn in the United States, have caused discourage-
ment to planters, so that there will probably be a decrease in
the area of this plant grown during the present year. It is
considered, however, that the policy to be followed should be
to keep a good average area in the crop year by year, to
make additional efforts to produce good plants, and to take
special care of the product when it has been obtained.
In regard to Queensland, it is stated in the Wueensland
Agricultural Journal for March 1911 that the supply of broom
millet, as it is more correctly called in that State, has veen quite
unequal to the demand, so that prices have risen to £40
per ton, or more, for fibre of good quality. The average
yield of fibre in Queensland is 600 Ib. of broom and 1,500 Ib.
of seed, per acre, within four months after sowing, while a sec-
ond crop can he obtained three months later, giving an addi-
tional 500 lb. of broom.
Tn order to meet the demand for broom in Queensland,
amounts to the value of £8,000 have to be imported every
year, ‘The average annual demand in this State amounts to
nearly 300,000 lb., and the supply from 200 acres planted
ainounted to 139,772 Ib., of a value, at rates ruling at the
end of the financial year of 1910, of £1,455. j
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 171
INTERNATIONAL RUBBER AND ALLIED
TRADES EXHIBITION.
The last number but one of the Agricultural News con-
tained an announcement that the Kolonial Wirtschaftliches
Komitee of Berlin is offering its gold medal, for services ren-
dered to colonial economic development, at the above exhibi-
tion, for the best process of obtaining and preparing rubber
from Manihot and Funtumia. It is learned that Ficus rubber
has been added, and the following rules for the competition
are now issued :—
1. The competitors shall show their methods at the
Exhibition by samples of prepared rubber, which shall weigh
not less than 10 tb., also samples of the tools and appliances,
together with full and detailed descriptions and drawings or
photographs showing the processes by which the rubber is
extracted, coagulated and prepared.
2. The competing exhibits will be brought together in
one collection, and located in any part of the Exhibition that
the management may deem suitable.
3. Not only private persons, but also companies and
institutions may compete, provided they or the Government
of the country in which they are domiciled are exhibiting in
the ordinary way. Such Governments are also eligible to
compete.
4. The medal will be the absolute property of the
successful exhibitor, and will be presented to him at the
International Rubber Exhibition Dinner, which will be held
in London during the course of the Exhibition.
5. Judges have the right of testing every sample, tool
or appliance; their decision shall be final and without appeal.
6. The management of the Exhibition will take care to
protect the exhibits, but will not be responsible for loss or
damage
All entries must be made to the Award Committee,
International Rubber and Allied Trades Exhibition, Ltd.,
75, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,by Thursday night, June 1,
1911. Entries should be sent by registered post, or be
delivered by hand, so that a receipt may be given for them.
Exhibits for competition must be sent direct to the Award
Committee, Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington, London, N.,
but should not reach that building before June 15, and not
later than June 20. Carriage must be paid on all exhibits.
TIME OF FLOW OF LATEX AND YIELD
OF RUBBER.
The length of time which latex flows froma freshly made
cut has a direct connexion with the yields on estates. It is
unfortunate that the latex flows only for minutes, instead of
hours. The length of time which latex flows is dependent
upon many factors; some—the anatomy of the plant, the tissue
tension and atmospheric pressure—are beyond our control,
whilst others, such as water content of the latex, can be
modified during collecting operations. The time is shortened
by the dryness of the air, by heat and by sunlight. The
former often necessitates the stopping of tapping operations
in dry seasons, but can be partially controlled by the use of
water from drip tins, to retard the coagulation of latex at the
cut ends of the latex tubes. The bad effects of heat and sun-
light can to some extent be minimized by choosing certain
times of the day for tapping, and by combining this with
compass tapping, while some intercrop can shade the trunks
of the trees. Atmospheric humidity depends almost entirely
upon the location of the estate, but something might be done
to influence this in normally dry districts, by the retention of
a definite proportion of the original forest to serve as a wind-
break, or planting wind-belts or bushy intercrops that will
have a similar effect. By thus impeding the circulation of
air, there will be a partial retention of moisture that has come
from the soil and from the leaves.
In some reports of tapping on the Amazon, reference is
made to the renewal of the flow by picking off the scrap before
it has become too thick; a second, and even a third flow, can
sometimes be obtained by this means. Hart reported this in
some of his Trinidad experiments, and Vernet also appears
to have ‘refreshed’ the cuts twice on a certain day, with
a gradually decreasing yield. In these experiments time
enters as a factor, the interval being sufficiently long to permit
of an accumulation of latex, of varying richness in caoutchone,
towards the cut ends of the latex tubes.
The subject is not so. trivial as it may on first consider-
ation appear. The larger the quantity of latex obtained per
incision, the greater is the bark economy effected. So far,
the only feasible operation appears to be to maintain open
latex tubes by the passage of water alone, or water containing
ammonia, along the tapped surfaces as soonas the flow begins
to lessen. (Vhe India-Rubber Journal, April 1, 1911, p. 24.)
MOLASSES AS FOOD FOR STOCK.
The Bulletin of the Bureau of Agricultural Intelligence
and of Plant Diseases, International Institute of Agriculture,
No. 2, pp. 307 and 308, contains reviews of three papers that
have appeared recently in connexion with the use of molasses
as food for stock. In the first of these, there is reference to
a proposal that has been made for the protection of the trade
in molasses for cattle-feeding in Germany. It appears that
the doubtful value of many of the molasses feeding stuffs in
that country has led farmers to distrust such foods to a very
large extent. To correct this tendency, it is proposed that
pure products containing molasses should be protected by
adding the patented name Molassin to the names of the other
substances in the mixture. The suggestion has also been
made that a special commission should be appointed for the
purpose of determining the guaranteed content of molasses
and sugar in the products protected in this way.
The second paper has relation to feeding experiments
with draft horses in Sweden, using molasses and Molassin,
which in this case is a mixture containing four-fifths molasses
and one-fifth pulverized peat. It was found that there was
no advantage in the employment of the Molassin in the place
of the molasses, as regards nutrition. An interesting indica-
tion was received to the effect that molasses, at any rate in
limited quantities, gives in draft horses a greater amount
of energy than was hitherto believed to be obtainable. The
third paper describes experiments, with tank steamer molasses
from Porto Rico, in regard to the digestibility of hay and of
hay and concentrated foods. In the result, it was found that
small amounts of molasses usually caused as much depression
of the digestibility of the hay as large amounts, the loss hav-
ing an average value of 8 per cent,
Ie
b
h
GLEANINGS,
From a communication received from the Superintendent
of Agriculture, Barbados, it appears that the total area of
cotton grown in that island during 1910 was 4,740 acres.
Of this, 4,416 acres was planted in new cotton.
During last month, a meeting of peasant proprietors was
held at Soufriére in St. Lucia, in connexion with the Prize-
holdings Scheme, when fourteen entries for the next Prize-
holdings Competition were received by the Agricultural
Superintendent.
The report of the Government Veterinary Surgeon,
St. Vincent, tor last month shows that, of seventy-four animals
which died in the island during that time, only one was found
to have succumbed to anthrax. The deaths of cattle were
twenty-three, andit was among these that the case of anthrax
occurred.
The extent to which the planting of limes is being taken
up in Dominica is indicated by a statement, on the part of
the Curator of the Botanic Station in that island, that in
response to an offer of 20,000 lime plants by the Agricultural
Department, applications have been received from planters
for no less than 50,000.
The distribution from the Antigua Botanic Station
during April last included cane cuttings 1,200, lime plants
500, miscellaneous 79, different seeds 4 packages. Work for
future distribution included the sowing of 2,500 seeds of
Jéquie Manicoba rubber (JJanihot dichotoma), received
through the Imperial Department of Agriculture, and of
about 5,000 lime seedlings in bamboo pots,
Information received from the Curator cf the Botanic
Station, Montserrat, shows that a considerable area of cotton
has been planted between canes, in the Gages and Lees
district of that island. This planting is, however, simply
experimental at present, but should eventually afford interest-
ing results in connexion with the consideration of the feasi-
bility of its adoption.
In reply to an enquiry, the Curator of the Botanic
Gardens, Dominica, states that, after making a very close
examination of the cocoa-nut trees growing at the Botanic
Station and Agricultural School in that island, and after
obtaining information from several planters from different
districts, it appears that Dominica is at present remarkably
free from insect pests and fungus diseases of the cocoa-nut
palm. It is further stated that no case has been recorded
of trees dying from disease.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
May 27, 1911.
The late Mr. J. H. Hart’s recently completed treatise ;
Cacao: A Manual on its Culture and Preparation, is to be
published during this month by Messrs. Duckworth & Co,
The price is 7s. 6d. net, and the book may be obtained
through the West India Committee, 15, Seething Lane,
London, E.C. A preliminary notice as to the publication of
this work was contained in the Agricultural News, Vol. IX,
p. 220.
A matter of some interest to producers and shippers of
muscovado sugar has relation to the marking of bags, where
these are used in the export trade. It is commonly recognized
that by the time the bags reach their destination, whether
in Canada or Great Britain, they are almost black in colour,
on account of the separation of molasses from the sugar in
them. The interesting suggestion has therefore been made
that such bags should be marked with white paint instead of
black ink, in order that the designations on them may be
legible when they are required for reference at the port of
entry. ——_
The American Sugar Industry and Beet Sugar Gazette
for April 1911 draws attention to an article in the Réforme
Economique tor February 10, 1911, which shows that beet
sugar manufacturers in France are faced by a totally unex-
pected crisis on accoynt of the difficulty of buying beets at
a profitable price. This has arisen from the fact that sugar
beets are largely used in the production of alcohol, and owing
to the present high prices of this product the distillers can
afford to pay sums for beets which are above these that can
be given when the roots are employed in sugar manufacture.
It is stated in the 7vropical Agriculturist for December
1910, that a large increase of interest in cotton-growing in
Ceylon has taken place since the appointment of local agents
of the British Cotton Growing Association. Toward the end
of last year, the agents imported 5 tons of seed of Sea Island,
Egyptian and Upland varieties; the demand for this was
exhausted in a few weeks, and many further applications for
seed were received subsequently. The increased interest in
connexion with cotton cultivation is being shown both by
Europeans and natives in the island, and there are enquiries,
as well, from outside sources
The Hxperiment Station Record of the United States
Department of Agriculture, Vol. XXIII, p. 231, gives an
abstract of a paper describing experiments on the influence
of lime on soil bacteria. The work showed that the nitrogen,
both in ammonia and nitrates, could be used by the bacteria
for producing the more complex nitrogenous bodies, that in
ammonia being more effective than the nitrogen in nitrates.
The formation of such bodies, using the nitrogen in sulphate
of ammonia, was aided by the presence of calcium carbonate,
but not to any great extent. The influence of quicklime on
soil bacteria was shown to be much greater than that of cal-
cium carbonate.
Particulars have been received from Messrs. William
Douglas & Sons, Ltd., Putney, London, S.W., of a cooling
plant, which has been devised for the purpose of supplying
the needs of those who require cold storage on a compara-
tively small scale. The plant, including the cold room and
other appertainances, is stated to cost less than £100, and
gives a space which can hold more than a ton of solid perish-
able food. The further claim is made that the compressor
can be run directly, coupled to any ordinary form of power-
producing machinery, and that it practically represents the
limit of simplicity in refrigerating machines, as regards the
number of parts that require attention.
Von. X.. No. 237. THE
STUDENTS’ CORNER,
JUNE.
First Perron.
Seasonal Notes.
Make a consideration of the preliminary measures that
are required for preparing bush land that is eventually to
form a lime, orange, cacao, or rubber plantation. Discuss the
best methods of clearing such land from bush or forest.
How would you arrange for the land to be lined, holed and
planted? At what time of the year is it best for this to be
done, and why?) When land is being opened up in this way,
it is necessary to realize the importance of the provision of
a good system of drainage.
Give an account of any simple
way of surveying land with the
intention of obtaining sach in-
formation as will enable the
drains to be dug where they
will best fulfil their purpose.
Would you be likely to obtain
suggestions as to the varying
need for drainage, over the area
dealt with, from the kind and
state of the plants found grow-
ing there? If so, what will prob-
ably be the nature of these indi-
cations? It is important that
the work of road-making needed
AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
173
formed, and therefore of crystallizable sugar lost, is greatest
in the first-mentioned method and decreases in the order
given. As the formation of glucose is related to the tempera-
ture to which the juice has been subjected, it is easily under-
stood that the extent of this may be reduced by making the
juice boil at as low a temperature as possible. This leads to
the consideration of the use of the triple effect and the
vacuum pan, in which the juice is boiled under continually
decreasing pressures so that its temperature is kept from
rising, as far as is possible. Reference to Figs. 6 and 7 will
easily explain the principle of the triple effect and the vacuum
pan.
In the former, the diagram shows how the juice in the
second and third vessels is heated by the steam from the
evaporating juice in the preceding one—a matter that is
rendered feasible by reducing the pressure in the succes-
sive parts of the apparatus. As the liquid boils when the
pressure of its vapour reaches that of the pressure on
its surface, the temperature of
the juice is always kept below
about 120° F. by decreasing the
air pressure until this is least
in the vacuum pan. Fig. 7
presents an explanation of the
working of the last-mentioned
piece of apparatus, where the
pressure is decreased by means
of the pump D, and the vapour
which arises in the pan A _ is
condensed in the pipe C and
the condenser E. By keeping
these simple diagrams in mind
when examining the actual appa-
ratus, an understanding of the
in the first season should be working of the latter will be more
completed before the crop is 20 40 60 80 100 readily obtained.
harvested, in order that the Suerose Questions for Candidates.
latter may be removed easily and Fie. 5. Formation or Giucosk IN MAKING SuGar. PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS.
quickly from the plantation.
In relation to sugar production, it will not be out of
place at the present time to give a few suggestions in connex-
ion with the principles of sugar-boiling and the way in which
the method of boiling that is employed effects the product ob-
tained and the proportion of sugarrecovered. Inordertosimplify
the matter, Figs. 5, 6 and 7, taken from Watts’s Introductory
Wien } Ni y No
i Se P 4 \\#
STEAM FROM LL) \STEAM FROM
‘ = STEAM JUICE INVESSEL.1 JUICE IN VESSEL2| 5
2s ——=-
SYRUP
Fic. 6. DIAGRAM oF TRIPLE EFFECT.
Manual for Sugar-Growers, are reproduced here. In the first
of these, the curves show the relation between the percent-
ages of glucose and sucrose in the syrup, in the case of
muscovado manufacture, the steam pan or St. Croix method,
the making of concrete sugar, andin the vacuum pan method.
The slope of the curve shows that the proportion of glucose
(1) State the precautions to be
taken in mixing manures,
(2) What is the use of chlorophyll to plants ?
(3) Explain what is meant by ‘ plant food ’.
STEAM Coul.S
STEAM PIPE
Fie. 7. DIAGRAM oF Vacuum Pan.
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS.
(1) Give a classification of manures.
(2) What are the advantages of the rotation of crops?
(3) Describe methods for preparing starches.
FINAL QUESTIONS.
(1) Give an account of what is meant by ‘dry farming’.
(2) Discuss the conditions of an agricultural industry
well known to you, in relation to the existence of the vege-
tative propagation of plants.
(3) Indicate the actual effects of continuous seed selec-
tion, in the case of a crop with which you are familiar.
“FUNGUS NOTES.
ARROWROOT DISEASES.
The following information on the subject of a disease
of arrowroot in St. Vincent is taken from a report by
Mr. F. W. South, B.A., Mycologist to this Department, sub-
mitted as a result of a recent visit to the island mentioned.
This visit was undertaken partly with the object of investi-
gating the disease under consideration.
1. The fungoid disease known as the ‘burning’ of arrowroot
has been recognized in St. Vincent for many years, and appears
to be of fairly wide distribution. In patches here and there
in the field, the plants appear to have fewer leaves than the
healthy ones growing in their vicinity, while these leaves are
often rolled up and somewhat wilted. When such plants are
dug up, it is seen that the scale leaves of the rhizome are
blackened almost throughout. The disease penetrates to the
rhizome, and there forms small black spots, which become
wider in extent, and eventually cover most of its surface. On
cutting across such a diseased rhizome, it is seen that narrow,
dark-brown streaks, 4-mm. wide, run inward from the surface
in a radial direction for varying distances, which may be as
great as the complete radius of the section. These dark
lines originate from the black spots on the epidermis
of the plant stem. On examining carefully the outside of
the scale leaves, it is found in some instances that a brown
mycelium is present, running in narrow strands along their
surfaces, while, under damp conditions, a white mycelium
may often be found between the surface of the creeping stems
and the inner surface of the scale leaves. The component
hyphae often occur in a small tuft springing from the black
spot on the surface of the rhizome, which marks the extremity
of one of the black lines mentioned above. ‘These observa-
tions, and the fact that a white mycelium starting from
diseased plants was to be found in the soil itself, leave little
doubt that the disease is of a fungoid origin,
2. The infected spots in the fields appear to extend but
slowly in the majority of cases—a fact which would seem to
be due to the comparatively slow growth of the fungus.
They vary in area from a few to several hundred square feet,
and appear to be fairly constant in position from year to year.
I was informed that the symptoms of the disease did not
make themselves apparent in affected spots until the rhizomes
were nearly ripe for digging. Even were arrowroot the only
crop affected by this disease, the matter would be of con-
siderable importance, as in some cases the number and extent
of the infected spots in a field are fairly large, so that a con-
siderable proportion of the crop obtained is diseased, and since
the fungus appears to affect the starch content, is rendered
practically useless. But there is another important feature
to be considered, which is that the host plants of this fungus
appear to be extremely numerous. Specimens were shown
me of cassava, tannia and yam which were all diseased in
a similar manner and had been growing on ground known to
be infected. Indian corn, pigeon peas, plantains and coffee
are also said to be attacked, while I myself saw a similar
disease on bananas growing in a field in which the arrowroot
in the neighbourhood was attacked by this disease,
and on cacao seedlings and bush plants growing on the
borders of the same field, I am of the opinion that there
THE. AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. May 27, 1911.
can be very little doubt that all these host plants,
with the possible exception of coffee, were attacked by
the same disease. With regard to coffee, I am not as
certain, as I was unable to examine any specimens.
I was, however, informed that the disease would attack this
plant, and avocado pear trees ;while it is worthy of record
that it has certain symptoms in common with the well known
West Indian root disease of cacao, which also attacks avocado
pear trees. No definite statement, however, can be made as
to the connexion between the arrowroot fungus and the root
disease of cacao until much further investigation has been
carried out. An illustration of the importance of the fact
that the arrowroot fungus can attack several host plants was
afforded me in the following information. A certain field of
arrowroot in which the attack of the fungus had become very
extensive was thrown out of cultivation and allowed to
remain in bush fallow for twenty-five years. At the end of
that time it was replanted in arrowroot. The resuiting crop
contained, during the first year, a certain number of ‘ burnt’
rhizomes occurring in patches; at the end of the second year
it had again become badly diseased. In this case, if the
fungus was continually present in the soil during the twenty-
five years, it probably continued its existence at the expense
of certain of the bush plants growing there. The only
alternative hypothesis is that the arrowroot used for replant-
ing was infected with the disease. The number of host plants
of, and the considerable extent of the damage caused by,
this fungus render it important that adequate measures for
its control should be undertaken on all estates where it is
known to cause damage. At the same time, the multiplica-
tion of host plants renders the determination of such measures
a matter of considerable difficulty, which is increased by the
fact that the complete removal of arrowroot rhizomes from
infected soil is not easily accomplished.
3. The fungus causing the disease has, so far, not been
found to prodtce any definite fructifications. It is, however,
at present under cultivation at this laboratory, and it is hoped
that further information with regard to its life-history and
classification will be obtained in the course of a few months.
In the Aew Bulletin of August 1893, No. 80, there is a short
report by the late Professor Marshall Ward on some speci-
mens of this disease of arrowroot from St. Vincent which
were submitted to him by the Director of the Royal Botanie
Gardens, Kew. In this report the fungus is referred to the
form genus Spicaria, but no other fructifications were obtained
from which its systematic position could be more definitely
determined,
4. As regards remedial measures, the following course
might be undertaken experimentally. Where the disease is
of a wide-spread nature, that is in fields where the infected
spots are both large and numerous, the whole field wight be
isolated by a trench 3 feet deep and 2 feet wide. ‘This trench
should be kept open during all the operations to be described
below, in fact, until arrowroot is replanted. All the arrow-
root in the field should be dug up as thoroughly as possible,
and the diseased plants heaped up together; the field might
then be covered with bush, the trench mentioned above filled
with it, and the whole, including the diseased arrowroot, set on
fire, so as to produce, if possible, sufficient heat to sterilize the
surface soil to the depth of a few inches. The field should
then be thoroughly ploughed or forked; the soil stirred thor-
oughly once a fortnight with a cultivator or with hoes; and
a crop of cotton planted. When the cotton has been harvested,
the plants, mixed with a large amount of additional bush,
should again be burnt, and the soil again ploughed or forked
and cultivated or hoed. A green dressing such as Bengal
Vor. Xo) Noy 237,
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 17
ou
beans might follow these operations, and then a second crop
of cotton should be planted. After this has been harvested,
the burning, ploughing and cultural operations should be
repeated for the third time; after this the field might be
replanted with arrowroot. The arrowroot plants for this
purpose should be carefully selected, as being free from
disease, and might with advantage be obtained from
a specially formed nursery placed on soil in which arrowroot
had not been grown for many years. On sugar estates, sugar-
cane might be used as a rotation for the eradication of the
arrowroot disease, and in this case, when the cane crops have
been removed, the cane stumps should be dug up and burnt,
together with the trash lying on the field. Tt is probable that,
if this burning is done thoroughly, and is followed, as in the
case of cotton, by adequate cultural operations, it will not
be necessary to grow more than one crop of canes before re-
planting the field in arrowroot. In fields where the infected
areas are few in number and not of large extent, it might be
found advisable to surround each with a trench as before, to
cover it with bush obtained from elsewhere, and to sterilize
its surface soil by burning the bush as above; while in small
areas of this kind, it should be possible to remove completely
all portions of the infected arrowroot. An alternative course,
after removing the arrowroot and surrounding the spots with
trenches, would be to try the effect of some soil fungicide,
such as Fungal, scattered broadcast over the infected soil,
and hoed in. I was informed that lime was useless as a fungi-
cide in connexion with this disease, though I cannot but
think that, if used in as large quantities as the nature of the
soil will permit, it might be found to produce more effect
than has been the case up to the present; while it is possible
that such a dressing applied to a large field, immediately
after the removal of the arrowroot, and immediately prior to
the rest of the treatment suggested above, might be of mate-
rial assistance in destroying the fungus present in the soil.
WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS,
DRUGS AND SPICES ON THE LONDON
MARKET.
Mr. J. R. Jackson, A.L.S., has forwarded the fol-
lowing report on the London drug and spice market,
for the month of April :—
The general tone of the markets during April has been
dull and uninteresting, and deducting the occurrence of the
Easter holidays from the period under review the month may
be said to have had but little to record, either in the matter
of drugs or spices. In direct West Indian products nothing
calls for comment. In fact, the only drug that has excited
interest in the market has been Buchu leaves, which at the
close of the month were commanding 4s. per tb. for short
broad green. Considering the demand for the leaves, and
the continued diminution in the supplies from the Cape, and
further considering that they are the produce of a small
evergreen shrub, it seems remarkable that one of the species,
if not all three that furnish the commercial leaves namely,
Barosma betulina, B. crenulata and 2. serratifolia should
not have been introduced and established in other suitable
climates besides that of its native habitat. It is stated that
though the shipments from Cape Colony during January and
February of this year, amnounted to only 55,213 Ib. against
86,945 tb. during the same period of last year, the values
have been £7,947 this year against £6,578 in 1910 owing
to the advance in price.
The following are the details regarding West Indian
products: —
GINGER.
There have been large offerings of ginger during the
month but it has been met with very little demand. At the
first spice auction on the 5th, out of 879 bags of Cochin
offered, only 165 sold; hard brown Liberian characters
realizing 40s. to 40s, 6d., and lean 31s. 6d. to 32s.; 55s. was
the price at which bold and medium brown rough was bought
in, and 51s. for small to bold washed. A week later 2il
bags of washed roughed Cochin were partly sold at 41s. per
ewt. On the 26th the offerings amounted to 816 bags of
Cochin, 352 bags of China, Liberian character, 102 bags of
Japanese and 30 bags of Sierra Leone. Smallish washed
Cochin soldat 41s. 6d. to 42s., and 10 bags of the China
fetched 30s. per ewt.; 12 cases of selected bold scraped Calicut
were bought in at 90s. per cwt., all the Japanese at 48s., and
the Sierra Leone at 38s.; no Jamaica has been offered.
NUTMEGS AND PIMENTO.
At auction on the 12th, nutmegs were represented by
233 bags of West Indian and 42 packages of Eastern. The
former sold at the following rates: 56’s, 1s. 3d.;59’s, Is. 2d.;
62's, 1s. 1d.; 70's, 5d.; 78's, 6d.; 89’s to 90's, 54d. to 51d.;
105’s to 108’s, 5d. to 54d. The latter were only partly sold
at: 74’s, 7d. to &d.; 84’s, 84d.; 90's, 54d. to 54d.; and 136’s,
4}d. to 43d. At the sale on the 26th, these prices for West
Indian had slightly advanced. There has been very little
doing in pimento, at the last auction in the month 86 bags
were offered, and all bought in at 22d. per hb,
ARROW ROOT,
There has been but very little business in this article
throughout the month. At the last auction on the 26th,
some 13 cases of Madagascar were offered, and bought in at
10d. per bh. Of St. Vincent, private sales have been effected
at from 2d. to 23d. per tb.
SARSAPARILLA,
Genuine grey Jamaica continues scarce, and much in
demand. Several bales, it has been reported, have arrived,
but will not be offered for sale till the first auction in May.
The offerings of other kinds during the month have been: on
on the 6th, native Jamaica 38 bales, Honduras 4 and Guate-
mala 8 bales. Of the native Jamaica, 13 bales were disposed
of, fair red fetching 1ld., dull red 8d., and common grey
6d. to 7d. per ib, All the Guatemala was bought in at Sd.
per tb., and the Honduras at 1s. 3d. At the end of the month
it was reported that 22 bales of grey Jamaica and 36 of
Lima Jamica had arrived.
OIL OF LIME, LIME JUICE AND TAMARINDS,
At auction on the 5th, oil of lime was represented by
a single case of West Indian distilled, which sold at ls. 3d.
per lb., while good hand-pressed was quoted at 5s. 3d. A week
later the former had advanced to 1s. 4d. for good, while hand-
pressed, for which it was stated there was no demand, had
dropped to 5s. Both these prices held good at the close of
the month. There has been a firm market in, and a fair
demand for, West Indian Jime juice, raw being quoted at
from Is. to 1s. 2d. per gallon, and concentrated at £18 2s.6d.
to £18 7s. 6d. Tamarinds have not been abundant during
the month, having been represented only at the first auction
by 81 casks of East Indian, all of which were bought in at
12s. 6d. per cwt.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
London.—TuHeE
MARKET REPORTS.
West Inpia COMMITTEE CIRCULAR,
May 9, 1911.
ArRrowrRoot—27/. to did.
Batata—Sheet, 3/8; block, 2/9 per tb.
Brrswax—No quotations.
Cacao—tTrinidad, 54/- to 62/- per ewt.; Grenada, 47/6
to 53/6; Jamaica, no quotations.
Corrre—Jamaica, 60,6 to 67/-.
Copra—West Indian, £23 10s. per ton.
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 16d. to 18d.
Fruir—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
Gincer—No quotations.
Honey—No quotations.
Istnciuass—No quotations.
Lime Juice—Kaw, 1/-. to 1/2; concentrated, £18 2s. 6d.
to £18 7s. 6d.; Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/3,
nominal.
Loewoop—No quotations.
Mace—2s. 2d. to 2s. 8d.
Nurmecs—Quiet.
Pinento—(uiet
Russer—Para, fine hard, 4/11; fine soft, 4/9; ine Peru,
4/9 per ib.
Rum—Jainaica, no quotations.
Suear—Crystals, no quotations; Muscoyado, no quotations;
Syrup, no quotations; Molasses, no quotatioas.
New York,—Messrs. Gmutespre Bros. & Co., May 5,
1911.
Cacao—Caracas, Ile. to 12c. ; Grenada, 10%c. to I1}e. ;
Trinidad, 11}c. to 118c. per Ib.; Jamaica, 10c. to 10c.
Cocoa-Nuts—Jamaica, select, $25°00 to $26-00; culls,
$12°50 to $1300; Trinidad, select, $27-00 to $28-00;
culls, $15°00 to $16°00 per M.
CorrEe—Jamaica, 12}c. to 134c. per Tb.
Gincer—%e. to 12c. per lb.
Goat Sxryss—No quotations.
Grare-Froir—Jamaica, $2°00 to $400 per box.
Lines—$5'‘00 to $5°50.
Macre—42c. to 50c. per th.
Nurmecs—110’s, 10c. to LOjc. per th.
Orances—Jamaica, $2°00 to $2°25.
Pimentro—4se. per th.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3°79.
89°, 3°29c.; Molasses,
paid,
per lb.; Muscoyados,
87°, 3°09c. per tb., all duty
Trinidad,—Messrs, Gorpoy, Grant & Co., May 15,
1911.
Cacao—Venezuelan, $11°65 per fanega; Trinidad, $10°75
to $11°25.
Cocoa-Nut Om—78e. per Imperial gallon.
CorrEE—Venezuelan, 15c. per th.
Corra—$3°10 per 100 th,
Duat—$3'60 to $4:00.
Onions $5°75 to $6:00 per 100 lb.
Pras, Se~rr—$5°d0 to $5°60 per bag.
Porators—Hnglish, $2°75 to $3-v0 per 100 th.
Rior—Yellow, $4°35 to $4°40; White, $5°20 to $5:2d
per bag.
Suear—Amerigan crushed, no quotations,
May 27, 1911.
Barbados,—Messrs. T. 8. Garraway & Co., May 22,
1911; Messrs. James A. Lyncn & Co., May 17,
1911; Messrs. Leacock .& Co., May 12, 1911,
ARROWROOT—St. Vincent, $4°50 to $4°70 per 100 th.
Cacao—$11:00 to $12°00 per 100 tb.
Cocoa-NuTS—$16°80.
CorreE—Jamaica and ordinary Rio, $11°50 to $14°50 per
100 tb., scarce.
Hay—$1°30 to $1°50
Manvures—Nitrate of soda,
per 100 tb.
$60-00 to
$65°00; Cacao
manure, $42°00 to $4800; Sulphate of ammonia,
$7500 to $7600
per ton.
Motasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$2°20 to $3°50 per 100 th.
Peas, Sprit—$5'65 to $5°80 per bag of 210 th; Canada,
$4°00 to $4°25 per bag of 120 th.
Potators—Nova Scotia, $3:00 to $4:00 per 160 th.
Ric—E—Ballam, $4°60 to $5°00 per 100 it.; Patna, no
quotations; Rangoon, no quotations.
Sucar—No quotations.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wierinc & Ricurer, May
13, 1911; Messrs. SanpBacn, Parker & Co.,
May 12,
1911.
ARTICLES.
Arrowrkoot—St. Vincent
Batata— Venezuelablock
Demerara sheet
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STarcu—
Cocoa-NUTS—
CorrEE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
DHaL—
Green Dhal
Eppors—
Morasses— Yellow
Ontons—Teneriffe
Madeira
Peas—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Potrators—Nova Scotia
Lisbon
Potators—Sweet, B bados)
Rice—Ballam
Creole
TANNIAS—
Yams— White
Buck
SuGcar—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
Timber —Greenheart
Wallaba shingles|
», Cordwood
Messrs. WIETING
& Ricurer.
$10°00 per 200 tb.
No quotation
85c. per th.
lle. per lb.
$1:20
$6°50 to $7°-00
$12 to $16 per M
16c. per tb.
18c. per tb.
103c. per ib.
$3°75 per bag of
168 Ib.
$4-00
$132
None
No quotation
$5°70 per bag
(210 tb.)
No quotation
20c. to 40c.
$3°50
$2°16 per bag
No quotation
$5°00 to $5:25
$2°40 per bag
$300
$3°50
$2°50
$2-90 to $3-00
$35°80 to $4°00
$2710 to $2°30
32c. to 5dc. per
cub. foot
$3°75 to $6 00
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THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
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CONTENTS.
Introduction. Soil. |
Varieties, Climate. |
Propagation: — Shade.
Selection. Preparing the Land,
Stock for Inarching Planting.
and Budding
Tharching Cultivation.
Budding, Fertilization or Manuring.
Pruning and Sanitation
TWELVE (12) PULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS.
GERMAN KALI WORKS,
P.0. Box 1,007, Empedrado 30,
Havana, Cuba.
JUN 2 4 1911
A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW
OF THE
Vor. X.. No. 238:
CONTENTS.
PAGE. Pace.
Agriculture in) Trinidad, Machines for Extracting
T90SS0 eee cee 7 e-- LSIL Citrus Essential Oils 154
Avocado Pear ... ... ... 180]Mangoes for the West
Camphor, Artificial and Indies, New ... ... 180
Natur: Atel Moscnenecae toX
Py, Nevur ul s 1 Market Reports eve ee 192
Ceara Rubber from os 5 ‘
Weneda Notes and Comments sen Ot
= ae Oxidation in Soils ... ... 185
Cotton Goods in Great: : Sit, allele oS rs
. Balan ‘ iaoduchion of 191 Rice Cultivation in Ceylon 185
ae ; “Rubber and Balata in Brit-
. 187
Cotton Notes :— REE —
Cotton-Growing in Brazil 182} . ish Guiana ... seas Mace 185
The World’s Cotton St. Lucia and the Corona- "
Sake Pie oer 1180) (be tion Exhibition ... ... 185
Wastiindian Cottam 2 189 Selection of Soluble Plant
Department News ... ... 179) Hood by Rieots eer: bets
Experiments on the Stor- Students vole vez cee 18
age of Onions .. 191 | Sugar-Cane, Period of
= 5 Matin | Maturitymoteees) aes. Lti7
Fungus Notes :—
Miscellaneous Fungi
Found Recently — ... 190
Gleanings .... 188
Sugar Industry :—
The Intluencs of Molas-
ses on Soil Fertility 179
Influence of Radioactive | Weed Destruction in the
Substances on Plants 183 Philippines eee es 39
Insect Notes :— | Wind, Resistance of Plants
eripabus) ee.) wee) seee) L8G) to ws BEeomtas sc. LSD
my 1 >]
Yhe Period of Maturity of the
el)
Sugar-Cane.
>'T has been recognized fairly generally for
y some time that all sugar-canes do not mnez
OE ome ;
$9 within the same number of weeks aft+r piant-
ing, and that some come to maturity slowly, while
others do so very rapidly; in other words, that the rate of
ripening varies considerably in different varieties of
canes, and would appear to be approximately constant
for any given variety. The actual rate in each case
must, of course, be dependent on external conditions
to some extent,and will change slightly from yearto year,
IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES.
BARBADOS, JUNE 10, 1911.
Price ld,
under their influence; but it may well be a character of
sufficient constancy to have an important bearing on
several points of interest, both practical and theoretical,
in connexion with the sugar-cane.
Some interesting work on the subject, by C.S.
Taylor, B.A., Agricultural Chemist to the Government
of Bengal, has recently appeared in No. 3 of the Depart-
mental Records of that Presidency, entitled Notes on
Classification and Examination of the Canes at Present
In this, the author describes
experiments conducted to determine the period of
Indigenous to Bengal.
ripening of several indigenous varieties of cane, as
judged by three factors: comparative rates of change of
J] ia) ~ to)
sucrose in juice, comparative rates of change of reducing
sugar content, and comparative juice extraction. He
claims to have found that some varieties can be grouped
as early ripeners, others as ripening at a medium period
This factor in itself
is important from a practical point of view, but its signifi-
and others again as late ripeners.
cance is considerably enhanced by a second, namely,
the actual time taken by the cane to attain its maxi-
mum maturity, once it has commenced to ripen. The
bearing of this fact is easily recognized, as is pointed
out by Taylor, if such a point as the increase of sucrose
in the juice due to ripening is considered. In a slow
ripening cane this increase will be slow, so that there
will be but little difference in the percentage of sucrose
in the juice, whether the cane is cut at an early date or
not until two months later. On the other hand, in the
case of a cane that attains maturity rapidly and some-
what later, the difference will be very considerable, as
much of the increase will take place ina very short space
of time, at the end of the total life period. Lastly, in
the case of rapid and early ripening cane, the value
would be high when the cane was cut at an early date,
but would have fallen off, owing to over-ripeness, two
months later.
178
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
June 10, 1911.
In order to determine the period of ripening for
the Bengal varieties, Taylor planted them in long
rows and cut, as samples, every tenth stool of each, at
intervals, from the time the canes were nine months
old until they were fully ripe. No concentrated manure
was used on the experiment plots, as such manures
Produce considerable differences in the date of maxi-
mum maturity. The importance of the work attaches,
however, more to the period of maturity than to the
exact date.
This question of the period of maturity has several
important applications, and may prove to be of con-
siderable significance, should it be found to be a fairly
constant character for each variety. If the value of
the percentage of sucrose in the juice is considered, it
means that this would not attain a maximum until
a certain time after the cane had commenced to ripen,
and that this time would vary in length according to the
variety examined. In like manner, different varieties
of canes in the same year and under similar external
conditions would have definite maximum values for
this percentage. Consequently, in making a compari-
son of different varieties in regard to the percentage of
sucrose in the juice, correct results would only be
arrived at by comparing these maximum values.
From a practical or estate point of view, it should
now be evident that losses are bound to result if a late
and rapidly ripening cane is cut at an early date, or if ar
early and rapidly ripening cane is cut too late. This
point is recognized in Bengal where, in one district
according to ‘Taylor, the more intelligent cultivators
have definite seasons for reaping different kinds of cane.
Thus in considering the order in which the fields shall
be cut on an estate on which several varieties are grown,
it is clear that the early ripening varieties must be cut
first, the slow ripening varieties next, and the late and
rapidly maturing canes last.
somewhat difficult of application under estate condi-
tions; it would depend to some extent on the quantity
of each variety grown, whether it was possible or
not to get each reaped within the period during which
Such a proceeding is
the percentage of sucrose in its juice was at or near
a maximum. On estates where one variety alone is
grown, the reaping must extend over some time, so that
a cane ripening slowly is probably the most suitable
for such conditions, as in this case there is but little
difference in the richness of its juice during a long
period.
As has been pointed out already, the question of
early or late ripening is one which would seem to affect
comparative experiments on seedling and other canes,
and experiments with manures. In the first case, it
would appear to be necessary to compare varieties of
canes only when each has arrived at the condition of
maturity which accords with the most favourable values
of the percentage of sucrose in the juice, glucose ratio,
and such other points as may be under consideration.
If this condition is attained by different canes at
different dates, the results will not be immediately
reliable if all the varieties are reaped and tested at
about the same time. The question of comparing the
results obtained with the use of different manures
would appear to become even more complicated, as not
only is there the probability that the period of matur-
ity of the various canes used must be taken into con-
sideration, but if this is an important point, it is influen-
ced in turn, by the several manures, each of which
would probably alter it to a different extent.
Lastly, there is the question of the importange
of this point in relation to the possible segregation of
different characters of the sugar-cane as a result of
hybridization on Medelian lines. Definite evidence of
such segregration is not at present forthcoming, mainly
because insufficient experiments have as yet been con-
ducted to determine if it does or does not occur. But
in the future, in dealing with a high percentage of
sucrose in the juice as one possible character of a Men-
delian pair, it is clear that, if the maximum value of
this percentage is definitely dependent on the period
of maturity, this factor will have to be taken into con-
sideration, as only the maximum value can be expected
to be a proper measure of the character.
The various points indicated above must be
regarded as put forward from a theoretical point of
view, and as merely suggestive rather than actually
definite. The subject is very complicated, and
only one aspect of it has been considered here. It
would appear, however, that some weight may have to
be attached to the period of maturity in dealing
with the sugar-cane in
investigation and estate practice.
relation to experimental
THE CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBI-
TION; 911:
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Pickford and Black to the effect that non-perishable
exhibits for the forthcoming Canadian National Exhi-
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leaving Demerara on July 16, and Barbados on July 21.
Exhibits of a perishable nature must be forwarded by
the steamer which follows.
VoL. X. No. 238. THE
AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SUGAR INDUSTRY.
THE INFLUENCE OF MOLASSES ON
SOIL FERTILITY.
In the last volume of the Agricultural News, p. 339, an
article appeared, describing results that have been obtained
in Mauritius from the application of molasses to soils in
which sugar-cane is grown, and in this article it was stated
that attention would be giver, in a future number of the
Agricultural News, to the work which is being carried out in
connexion with this subject at the Station Agronomique
Mauritius.
In accordance with this, the following facts are taken
from the Annual Report of that Station, for 1908, to which
reference is made in the article quoted. It is pointed out
that the amount of potash contained in molasses and scums,
as well as the fact that such a mixture is already a good
manure in itself, makes it inexpedient that it should be
applied in quantities greater than 1 litre (about 1} pints) to
each hole. It would even seem better, where there is a short-
age in the supply for manurial purposes, to use less than this
quantity, in order that the opportunity may be given for the
treatment of a larger area of land. Where molasses is used
with mixed manure, its relatively high potash content should
be allowed for in making the mixtures. Where molasses and
scuims are used together as a manure, their composition easily
explains the way in which a largely improved growth of the
plants follows their application. It is considered that their
employment provides an excellent means of stimulating the
growth of backward plants.
The report goes on to state that, as has been pointed out
before, the use of molasses results in an increased growth of
the crop which cannot be explained from considerations alone
of the plant food which is added to the soil in the molasses.
The experiments described show that the influence of the
molasses is not exhausted during the first crop, but continues
to exhibit itself for some time. ‘This influence is seen best
in the case of plant canes, and is well shown with ratoons.
Where molasses and other manures were used together,
the action of the former was found to be strongest in plots
which had not received potash, and in those to which no
nitrogen had been given; these results are to be expected from
the fact of the comparatively high potash content of the
molasses and its influence in stimulating the fixation of
nitrogen,
In Mauritius, the molasses is generally applied in the
cane holes before planting; but when it is not found possible
to do this, it is placed between the rows, either after planting
or when the cane has attained a certain amount of growth.
The adoption of this scheme is possible because molasses has
not been found to possess any caustic action such as was
attributed formerly to it; nor does it damage the plants in
any way, provided that it is used carefully and in reasonable
quantities.
The suggestion is made that, on account of the action of
molasses in stimulating the nitrogen-fixing organisms in the
soil, there would be some advantage in using it after dilution
and in small doses at frequent intervals. In relation to this,
however, there has to be considered the increased cost of
)
the method, and the fact that definite experimentation is
necessary in order to decide if there is likely to be any gain
from its adoption.
It will be remembered that experiments are being car-
ried out in Antigua for the purpose of investigating the
influence of molasses on soil fertility, The results in these
obtained during the second season (1909-10) are now avail-
able; they will appear in Pamphlet No. 68 of the Department
Series, entitled Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane tm
the Leeward Islands, 1909-10, which is about to be issued.
The experiments continue to show, as a mean of the two
seasons’ results, that there is some increase in weight of cane
on the plots receiving the molasses. In the second season,
however, the effects of the application are not as well marked
as in the first: the employment of 200 gallons of molasses to
the acre did not increase the yield, while that of 400 gallons
gave an additional 1*2 tons of cane per acre.
In regard to the suggestion of residual action of the
molasses, mentioned above, a definite experiment was made
in Antigua in the latter of the two seasons, in order
to decide if this exists. For this purpose, on one of the
experiment stations, second ratoons were reaped from plots
on which the canes had received molasses as first ratoons
only. The results show that there was a decided increase in
the yields of the plots receiving molasses, although as is
pointed out, no detinite conclusions can be drawn from one
experiment.
In the description of the experiments in Antigua, atten-
tion is drawn to a Bulletin entitled Some Biochemical
Investigations of Hawarian Sorls, issued recently from the
Experiment Station of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters’ Associa-
tion. A summary of the conclusions reached as a result of
the work, given at the end of the bulletin, shows that
molasses applied at intervals to growing canes which have
received artificial manure is likely to do harm, either by
destroying nitrates that lave been already applied or by
preventing nitrates from being formed from cther compounds
containing nitrogen, in the manure. Turther, it is considered
that the applicaticn of molasses to fallow land, or to land in
which sugar-cane is to be planted after several weeks have
elapsed, may have a beneficial effect in stimulating the action
of the nitrogen-fixing organisms and thus adding to the
store of nitrogen for the crop that will be growing after such
a time has elapsed as will have allowed this stimulus to have
had its proper effect.
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture left
Barbados on Saturday, June 3, 1911, by the S.S.‘Guiana,
for Dominica, on official business having relation to
general agricultural matters, and connected with the
re-organization of the instruction of agricultural pupils.
Dr. Watts is expected to return to Barbados, by the
SS. ‘Korona’, on the 10th instant
Mr. H. A. Ballou, M.Se., Entomologist on the Statf
of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, left Barba-
dos on May 27 by the S.S. ‘Sobo’, for Antigua, for the
purpose of making investigations in connexion with the
lusect pests of sugar-cane in that island. Mr. Ballou
will probably retura to Barbadus, by the S.S. ‘Korona’,
on June 10.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. JUNE 10, 1911.
FRUITS AND FRUIT GREES:
NEW MANGOES FOR THE WEST INDIES.
During last year, efforts were resumed on the part of
this Department for the purpose of obtaining the best
varieties of mangoes from India for propagation in the West
Indies. With this object, the Inspector General of Agricul-
ture in India was approached, and this officer subsequently
communicated with Mr. A. Howard, M.A., F.C.S., F.LS,,
then Imperial Economie Botanist at Pusa, who was in charge
of the fruit experiments at that place, with the request
that he would select good varieties. Mr. Howard was not,
however, in possession of the required number of mango
plants, so that it was suggested by the former officer that
communication should be made with the Superintendent of
the Royal Botanic Garden, Calcutta, with a view to the pro-
vision of the mangoes from this source. Subsequently,
arrangements have been made at this Garden for the ship-
ment of twelve grafted mango plants for propagation in
Dominica. the following kinds being included: Alphonse,
Langra, Kheershapottee and Bhadoorea.
In the meantime, Dr. H. A. A. Nicholls, C.M.G., of
Dominica, has obtained several grafted mango plants from
Bombay, through Sir Evan James, K.C.I.E. Most of these
were dead when they reached Dominica; the others were
placed in the care of Mr. J. Jones, Curator of the Botanic
Station, Dominica, through whose efforts they were saved and
brought into a state of vigorous growth. The plants include
two of the Alphonse, one of the Damaria and one of the Pairi
variety. The two first-mentioned were retained, to be grown
at St. Aroment, by Dr. Nicholls. The others have, however,
been very kindly presented by him to the Botanic Gardens,
with the condition that he should be supplied with plants
from the first grafts taken from them. ‘Thus, through the
public-spirited action of Dr. Nicholls, Dominica is now in
possession of propagating material of three of the finest
Indian mangoes.
In connexion with this presentation, it is of interest to
mention that an article on the last of the three varieties just
enumerated, namely the Pairi, appeared in the Agricultwral
News on April 15 of this year (Vol. X, p. 116). In this
article, which was taken from the Agricultural Journal of
India, Vol. VI, p. 27, the Pairi fruit is indicated to have
a more regular shape than that of the Alphonse, and to
possess a well marked beak. ‘The colour of the fully ripe
Pairi fruit varies from red on the shoulder to yellow at
the beak.
THE AVOCADO PEAR.
Under the title of The Avocado in Southern California,
an interesting article appears in the Pomona Journal of
Eeonomie Botany, Vol. 1, No. 1. This deals more particu~
larly with the plant in relation to its propagation and culture
in Southern California, and commences by pointing out
that the results obtained with seedlings planted fifteen to
twenty-five years ago, and in recent trials with budded plants,
indicate that the prospects for the establishment of an
avocado industry in this parc of North America are good.
The article draws attention to the fact that the avocado
has always been grown in Mexico and other tropical countries
from seed alone, and this has caused the existence of a large
number of varieties. The types grown in California, so far,
may be divided into two classes: the Mexican, or smooth and
thin-skinned varieties, and the Guatemalan, with a very thick
skin and a rough exterior. This classification merely relates,
of course, to the well established plants that exist in
California. It is of interest that the fruits of most of the
Mexican varieties are of small size, with a dark purple colour,
but of good quality; they are considered by some to exhibit
a richer and better flavour than the larger varieties; they are
also somewhat hardier than these, but possess a serious com-
mercial drawback in that they are thin-skinned, and do not
stand shipment. The avocados of Guatemala are very different
from all other kinds, mainly in the possession of an unusually
thick and tough skin —a feature that is likely to make them
particularly valuable from a commercial standpoint. The
finest variety in this group, yet grown in California is known
as the Lyon; this produces fruit of good size and excellent
qualities. The characteristic differences between Mexican
and Guatemalan avocados extend to the plant itself, for the
trees of the latter type possess a more spreading habit, par-
ticularly when young, and their leaves are more narrowly
lance-shaped. Information is given to show that seedlings
of West Indian and Hawaiian varieties have been grown in
California, but the plants are not sufficiently old to afford
definite indications as to their value.
Up to the present, avocados in California have been
most usually propagated by seed. [or this purpose, the
seeds should be planted as soon as possible after they have
been removed from the fruit. A useful means of hastening
germination is to bury the seeds in moistened sand or saw-
dust for two to four weeks, before planting them in pots. An
added advantage of this method is that no labour is wasted
Vou. X. No. 238.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS
181
in giving sustained attention to seeds that will not germinate,
as it is not until those in the sand or sawdust show signs of
sprouting that they are removed to the pots. In this removal,
the seeds should be placed in the pot with the pointed end
upward; in the case of round seeds, the end that was nearest
to the stem of the fruit should be uppermost In any case,
about one-quarter of the length of the seed should be left to
project above the surface of the soil, which should be rich
and thoroughly moist, but never allowed to hold standing
water.
Directions for the propagation of the avocado by budding
are given in the article, where it is stated that results have
shown that the raising of the plant in this way is no more
difficult than that for citrus plants. (It may be mentioned
that information concerning the budding of the avocado has
been given recently in the Agricultural News, Vol. IX,
p. 116.) Ona commercial scale, in California, the plants are
grown from seed in pots, as has been explained, until they
are about 12 inches high, at which stage they are set out in
nursery rows 34 to 4 feet apart, and 14 inches in the row.
They are grown in this way and budded, and allowed to
remain until they are large enough to be sold. When this is
the case, they are balled, or transplanted into pots, and not
sold until they have become established.
Among other methods of propagation that have been
tried in California are inarching, grafting, and by cuttings
but no great success has been attained from any of these,
while it is very likely that the last mentioned produces plants
that are weaker than those obtained from seed, or by budding.
In plantations, experience has demonstrated so far that
the trees should be placed about the same distance apart as
orange trees, or if there is plenty of space, at a somewhat
greater distance. Budded plants require much less room
than those raised from seed, and may therefore be planted
more closely. In any case, the tree should be kept to a con-
venient size by pruning; only the strongest branches should
be allowed to develop, those which are weak being cut out
every year. The top should also be cut back regularly, in
order to facilitate the picking of the fruit. All transplanting
should be done at a time when the plant is quiescent, and no
new growth is being formed.
Among the points which should be considered in select-
ing varieties for planting on a commercial scale, a matter of
importance is that those which yield ripe fruit at the time
corresponding to mid-winter will obtain the best prices, on
account of the greater demand for avocados in North America
at that time of the year. The best size of fruit for practical
purposes appears to be that giving a weight of about 1 tb.
The quality of the product is naturally one of the most
important matters in making the choice; the variety should
also be prolific, and should possess fruit with good keeping
properties, having a smooth, thick, leathery skin, and a small
seed which completely fills the space in the centre of the fruit.
There will be, in addition to varieties of this kind, those for
the cheaper markets, as well as for local consumption.
The article from which the above information is obtained
is well illustrated, and concludes with a list of varieties, which
receive attention in the shape of a detailed description in
each case.
The S.S. ‘ Korona’ has taken an expedition from the
American Museum of Natural History. It will stop at
Dominica for several weeks, spend seven weeks in the interior
of British Guiana, and attempt the ascent of Mount Roraima.
Tt will make collections of flora and fauna. (Public Telegram,
May 30, 1911.) agra:
AGRICULTURE 1909-10.
cacao. The exports of cacao continue to increase in
quantity, 51,575,000 tb. having been exported during the
year ending December 31, 1909.
A large number of manurial experiments was started at
River Estate by the Department of Agriculture and the
results are looked forward to with considerable interest.
Spraying experiments have been carried out by the
Board of Agriculture and the results are reported to be satis-
factory. The Mycologist and the Entomologist have also
been engaged in studying the diseases of cacao, and recom-
mending remedies.
suGAr. The exports during 1909 amounted to 45,330
tons; 11,401 cane farmers produced 154,000 tons of canes,
which were sold to the estate factories for the sum of
$337,000, at the average rate of 52°19 per ton.
Special attention has been given during the year to the
study of the ‘frog-hopper’ insect, which is most destructive
to the cane crops, with a view to discovering the most
effective means of minimising the attacks of this pest.
cocos-NuTS. The demand for these continues to
increase, and the prices obtained are remunerative. Exports
during 1909 were over 20,500,000 nuts.
rupbER. The following statistics of rubber cultivation
have been supplied by planters. The trees vary in age from
one to fifteen years:—
IN TRINIDAD,
Hevea 80,000 trees
Castilloa 600,000 ,,
Funtumia 25,000 ,,
Hevea having been found to grow well, a large consign-
ment of seeds was imported from the Malay States, but only
a small number (about 5,000) germinated. As it is intended
to grow Hevea ona larger scale, a further supply of seeds
will be obtained.
Castilloa trees grow well, and rubber has been exported
in small quantities for the past few years. Tapping on
a larger scale is about to be undertaken.
rick. This cultivation is entirely in the hands of small
growers, who grow mostly for their own use.
BANANAS. Experiments in manuring bananas have
been carried out by the Government on its lands known as
St. Augustine, and it has been shown that a profitable return
can be obtained from heavy applications of pen manure.
The variety of banana known as ‘Governor’ has been shown
to possess several advantages over the ‘Gros Michel’ variety,
About 110,000 bunches have been exported during the
year, showing a large increase over any previous year.
AGRICULTURAL SHOWS. Five shows were held during the
year in different districts and a remarkable improvement in
the quality of the exhibits was shown.
GOVERNMENT FARM, Additions have been made to the
breeds of stock at the farm by the importation of Holstein,
Guernsey and Jersey bulls and cows. A second sire jack has
also been imported. The hackney and thoroughbred stallions
continue to be highly appreciated. (Colonial Reports—
Annual, No, 664, p. 9.)
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS
JUNE 10, 1911.
WEST
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date May 18, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
INDIAN COTTON.
Since our last report, there has been a fair enquiry for
West Indian Sea Island cotton. The sales chiefly comprise
Barbados and St. Kitts, prices ranging from 16d. to 18d.,
the latter only for very superior cotton. A fair quantity of
stains has been sold at 9d.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending May 20, is as follows:—
There was a good demand this week, resulting in sales
of 2,800 bales, being composed chiefly of various grades of off
cotton ranging in prices from 224. to 254c., and several crop
lots at 30c. The market closes firm with Factors refusing to
go on to make further sales except at an advance, which has
not yet been paid, and therefore we renew our last
quotations, Viz :—
Extra Fine odd bags = No Stock.
Extra Fine crop lots 32c. to 54e. and upwards = 18d. to 19d.
ef. & 5 per cent. Tian
Fully Fine odd bags 28¢. = 153d. c.f. & 5 per cent. :
Selected odd bags Fine 27c. to 28c.=154d. to 15d. cif. &
5 per cent. te
Off grades 25c. to 25kc.=13d. to 144d. cif. & 5 per cent.
THE WORLD'S COTTON STOCKS.
Mr. Arno Schmidt, the Secretary of the International
Federation of Master Cotton Spinners’ and Manufacturers’
Associations, published on April 4 the statistics of the
stocks of cotton in spinners’ hands throughout the world
on March 1, 1911. ‘he figures show that, compared with
those of twelve months ago, the stocks are smaller in practi-
cally every country. In Great Britain the total supplies
amount to 399,021 bales, as compared with 415,182
at the same time last year. The figures for the
United States are 1,525,000 bales, against 1,674,000
bales twelve months ago. The figures for all countries
are 4,060,740 bales, as compared with 4,166,688 bales
in 1910. The analysis of the statistics on the basis
of stocks in each country calculated per 1,000 spindles,
gives Great Britain as 8:20 bales, against 8°50 last year, and
bales
972 in 19U9. The figures for Germany are 30°62 bales as
compared with 34°51 bales last year and 40°86 in the year
before. For the United States the figures are 53°51 bales,
against 59°79 twelve months ago and 65°78 in the year before.
The country which holds the largest stocks is Japan, the
figures being 166°79 bales, as compared with 12u*85 last year
and 151°77 bales in 1909.
It says a great deal for the efficient working of the
Federation, and for the pitch of perfection to which the
system has been brought, that out of the estimated spinning
spindles of the world in work of 135,596,724, returns have
been secured from firms owning 122,226,091 spindles. In
Great Britain, returns have been sent in from the owners of
48,688,061 spindles, out of a total of 53,859,247 spindles.
There are 35,565,127 spindles engaged on American, East
Indian, aud sundry cottons, whilst the spindles engaged on
Egyptian cotton number 15,122,934. It may be said that
the Federation has a membership of twenty countries, which
practically comprise the whole cotton-spinning industry of
the world. (From Vhe India-Rubber Journal, April 1, 1911.)
COTTON-GROWING IN BRAZIL.
Cotton can be grown in the nine states of Brazil, from
Bahia to Maranham, in the north, where perhaps the finest
cotton is grown. Cotton is also grown in the States of
Minas Geraes and Sao Paulo: in the latter State the crop
this year will be larger than it has ever been. Sao Paulo
cotton is of shorter staple than than that grown in the north
of Brazil, but that of Minas Geraes is as good as that of
Pernambuco. The cotton produced in Sao Paulo and Minas
Geraes is all consumed by the local mills. Cotton has also
been grown as far south as Santa Catharina, but only in very
small quantities.
In the ‘sertaos’ (the open country right in the inter-
ior) of Parahyba and Rio Grande do Norte, a certain
quality of wild cotton is grown, of particularly long staple,
which fetches a much higher price than the cotton grown in
the ‘matto’ (the open country nearer the ports).
The zone in Brazil where cotton can be grown is far
larger than the cotton zone in the United States. With the
increased demands made on American cotton by American
manufacturers and the consequent limitation of the amount
for export from the United States, more attention is being
paid to cotton-growing in Brazil (see Board of Trade Journal
of April 28, p. 194), and from the President’s Message to
Congress, in which he refers to the subject, the Brazilian
Vota Xen y NON 238:
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 183
fovernment would seem likely to take steps to hasten its
development. It is stated that the Government will grant
subventions annually to Ue aaa undertaking cotton-grow-
ing; at the same time the North Eastern States are being
opened up by an extensive network of railways, and irriga-
tion works are in progress. In Alagoas and Pernambuco
especially, the Great Western of Brazil Railway Company
is opening up important cotton-growing districts. ‘The
Government has founded an experimental station in
Maranham.
Cotton fields as known in the United States and other
countries are not to be found in Brazil, where cotton is, as
a rule, grown by small farmers in conjunction with other
crops, such as maize, beans and mandioca, the cultivation
being of a primitive kind. Progress is retarded chiefly by
lack of capital and also by the absence of skilled labour; the
Government have recently contracted with some United
States experts to visit the plantations and give practical
instruction. Progress is retarded also by the want of improved
machinery for the cleaning of the cotton; most of the ginning
machinery in the north of Brazil is antiquated, and the fibre
suffers in consequence.
as Ceara, which
In states such are devastated by
drought, cotton is being grown on fields watered almost
g S ro) x
entirely by irrigation, and seed imported trom Egypt pro-
duces cotton which sells in Liverpool for almost the same
prices as that from Egypt. (The Board of Trade Journal,
Vol. LXX, p. 600.)
OXIDATION IN SOILS.
One of the most recent publications of the Bureau of
Soils of the United States Department of Agriculture, namely
Bulletin No. 3 entitled Studies in Soil Oxidation, contains
the results of work that has been undertaken for the purpose
of determining the ways in which the addition of oxygen
to substances in s~*'s takes place. A summary of the con-
clusions shows thav different kinds of oxidation have an
important share in both the mineral and organie changes
that take place in soils. It is the purpose of the following
abstract to draw attention to the chief matters in this
summary.
Roots in soils were shown to have the power of produc-
ing either oxidation or its opposite, reduction, these kinds of
action being capable of taking place together and being
dependent on the state of the soil. Demonstration was also
made of oxidation within the soil itself, and it is stated that
this appears to take place mainly withont the interference of
living organisms, as the result of actions between inorganic
bodies in the soil and certain types of organic matter, as well
as by those of inorganic or organic substances alone. This
kind of oxidation was found to be increased by the addition
of salts of manganese, iron, aluminium, calcium and mag-
nesium, especially in the presence of such acids as citric,
tartaric, malic, glycollic, or their salts. Manganese salts gave
the best oxidation, and this is stated to provide an explana-
tion of the stimulating action of such salts used as manures,
where the manganese acts by improving the conditions in the
soil, rather than by possessing a nutritive value itself, Salts
used as manures may increase or decrease the power to
oxidize of the soil; and some kinds of organic matter reduce
this power, although the presence of such matter in plentiful
amounts generally increases it. In regard to the plants in the
soil, excessive oxidation is harmful. Another matter that
was found with respect to salts used as manure was that they
increase the oxidizing power of roots, and the soil that has
been treated with them has a greater oxidizing power after
the crops have been removed than it possessed before they
were grown.
Evidence is adduced to show that soils oxidize substances
in much the same manner as this is done by the oxidases, and
as these substances play an important part in the life-processes
of plants, it is easily seen, from analogy, that the power of
the soil to oxidize forms a measure of its ability to support
plants. This leads to the final conclusion in the bulletin,
namely: ‘Whatever decreases the oxidation in soils tends
also to bring about the conditions which decrease growth,
and the factors which favour oxidation are the factors which
favour soil productivity.’
THE INFLUENCE OF RADIOACTIVE
SUBSTANCES ON PLANTS.
A paper giving information relating to this subject is
contained in the Journal of the Department of Agriculture,
Victoria, for March 1911, p. 155. It points out that the
large amount of work that has been done already in connexion
with the matter has not taken cognizance, for the greater
part, of the kinds of radiation, or of the possible difference
between the action of direct contact of the radium emanation
from radium itself and from radioactive minerals. This pro-
bably accounts for some of the variations in results obtained
by different investigators.
The award of a Government research scholarship under
the Department of Agriculture of Victoria has enabled definite
work to be done on the subject during the past year. Refore
the results of this are given, attention is drawn to the fact
that investigators have generally found that intense radia-
tions of the kind cause the death of plants, while, when they
are less intense, they bring about a stimulation of the growth,
thus possessivg much the same effect as plant poisons. The
latter fact suggested that it would be of interest to deter-
mine: ‘whether the addition of small quantities of radioactive
minerals to the soil would sufticiently stimulate the growth
of such plants as wheat, for example, to make their use prefit-
able on an agricultural scale.’ For the purpose, finely ground
and strongly radioactive rock was applied to different plots
of wheat singly, as well as in conjunction with superphos-
phate, and firely ground phosphate rock.
In the result, the plants on all the plots were slightly
attacked by corn mildew (Liisyphe yraminis), showing that
the presence of a radioactive mineral in the soil does not
afford protection to plantsagainst parasitic fungi. In regard
to the effect on the yield of wheat, the results are not concord-
ant, and the experiments require repetition, but they seem
to indicate that the presence of the radioactive mineral in
fairly large quantities tends to increase the weight of the crop;
the composition of the mineral shows that this effect could
not be due to any manurial value that it may have possessed.
The suggestive matter is that the greatest increase occurred
where the seed was placed immediately upon the radioactive
mineral. It is not possible, however, as has been mentioned,
to draw definite conclusions from the results of the experi-
ments, so far. Enough has been indicated to show, neverthe-
less, that economically useful results may ultimately be
obtained from experimentation of the kind.
184
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. June 10, 1911.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s. 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
_— agricultural Mews
Vou. Xx.
SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 1911. No. 238.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Contents of Present Issue.
The editorial in this issue treats of The Period of
Maturity of the Sugar-Cane. The matter that is pre-
sented is important, both in regard to work on sugar
estates, and investigations in connexion with manures
for sugar-cane and the comparative value of seedlings.
On page 179, interesting facts are given in relation
to the influence of molasses on soil fertility.
A note on new mangoes that have been, and are
being, obtained for growing in the West Indies, is con-
tained on page 180.
The Insect Notes, on page 186, consist of an illus-
trated article on Peripatus—a curious animal that has
been found in several parts of the West Indies. As is
stated in the article, specimens of this animal are
required for scientific work in connexion with it.
Page 187 contains some of the latest information
concerning artificial and natural camphor.
Special attention is drawn to the article appearing
under Fungus Notes with the title Miscellaneous Fungi
Found Recently. This presents the results of very
interesting observations concerning fungi that have
been made principally in recent months in the Mycolog-
ical Laboratory at the Head Office of the Department.
Page 191 contains an account of experiments that
have been conducted in Antigua, in relation to methods
for storing onions.
Selection of Soluble Plant Food by Roots.
A paper recently presented before the Académie
des Sciences, Paris, contains details of an investigation
of the absorption of different substances by the roots
and cut stems of the haricot bean. The solutions
employed were sodium, potassium and calcium chlorides
at one-tenth of the normal strength.
It was found that the cut stems absorbed all the
salts equally, in remarkably large quantities. In the
case of roots, the amounts varied with the salt used,
being 06 for calcium chloride and 0°55 for sodium
chloride, reckoning the extent of absorption of potassium
chloride as unity.
Machines for Extracting Citrus Essential Oils.
In the Agricultural News for May 13, 1911,
p- 156, 10 was announced that Messrs. W. A. D. Allport
and 'T. J. W. C. Davenport had invented machinery for
extracting the essential oils from the rinds of limes and
oranges. The patent rights for the machines having
now been obtained, a circular has been prepared which
gives information concerning them. ‘This shows that
these machines are made in three kinds, referred to as
Model 1, Model II, and Model IV; of these, the first is
for limes or oranges, the second for limes only, and
the third for oranges only. Models I and IV are
worked by hand or power and possess a gravity feed;
while Model II is operated by power only, under a force
feed.
It is claimed that the capacity in each case
amounts to 20 barrels, 60 barrels and 60 barrels per
hour, respectively. ‘lhe yield of oil to be expected from
Model IT is as follows: with limes, 24 to 4 oz. per barrel
according to the state of the fruit, 75 per cent. of the
oil being free, and the rest in the mucilage for
subsequent extraction; with oranges, treated twice, 7 to
12 oz. of oil per barrel,according to the state of the fruit.
The yield in the case of Model II is the same as that
for Model I, but as has been stated, this can be used for
limes only. Model IV. for oranges, gives the same yield
as Model I for these fruits, but the material receives
only one treatment.
Among the conditions that are necessary to ensure
maximum yields with limes are the provision of good
fruit which has been handled as little as possible and
the climination of rotten and badly damaged fruit and
foreign matter; in addition, the fruit should be clean,
and 1 is most important that 1t should be dry, as well.
The conditions for maximum yields with oranges are
similar to those just stated for limes.
Good reports on samples of oil obtained with the
aid of the machine have been received from Messrs.
Schimmel & Co. The prices are as follows: Model I
for limes £125, for oranges £137; Model II for limes
only, £240; Model IV for oranges only, £185. These prices
do not include the cost of gearing for the machines. For
the arranging and setting up of the machines, in
Dominica, the inventors are willing to give their
services and advice to purchasers, free of charge.
Vor. X. No. 238.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 185
Rice Cultivation in Ceylon.
According to Progress Report, No, LIII, of the
Ceylon Agricultural Society, the popularity of improved
iron ploughs in Ceylon is increasing, and this arises
from the demonstraticns with such implements that
have been made in different parts of the island. It
was shown, in regard to one district, that two such
demonstrations resulted in the ordering of at least
twenty-three additional ploughs.
In a report by Dr. R. H. Lock on a tour in one of
the districts, the Meston plough is mentioned as being
an excellent implement on paddy fields when used at
the right time. A recommendation is made that cross
ploughing might well be tried, to be followed by the
breaking of the clods by means of a fairly large log
dragged over the surface, as this operation prepares
the ground well for sowing.
It may be mentioned, by the way, that success is
reported in relation to the use of carbon bisulphide for
the destruction of rats in paddy fields.
rr
Rubber and Balata in British Guiana.
A copy of an attractive publication with the above
title has been received; this has been prepared, by
direction of His Excellency the Governor of British
Guiana, by Professor J. B. Harrison, C.M.G., ete., Direc-
tor, Department of Science and Agriculture, British
Guiana, and F. A. Stockdale, B,A., F.L.S., Assistant
Director,
The publication is issued by the Department of
Science and Agriculture of British Guiana. It sets forth,
in a cautious but thorough manner, information con-
cerning the rubber and balata industries of the Colony.
This information is contained in forty-six pages of
matter, well illustrated by half-tone reproductions, on
art paper. After an introduction is given, dealing with
general matters, details are afforded concerning the
state and prospects of the Para rubber industry in the
Colony. 'These include references to the plant producing
the rubber (Hevea brasiliensis), the provision of seeds,
the condition of the plantations in different parts of the
Colony and at the Government Aericultural Experi-
ment Stations, yields of plantation Para, Crown lands
available and terms of leases, and particulars as to cost
of cultivation and labour.
The succeeding part of the publication gives very
similar details in connexion with Sapium rubber (from
Sapium Jenmanz), both wild and cultivated in experi-
ment stations. Further, regard is had to Central
American rubber (Castillow elastica), African rubber
(Funtumia elastica), and Ceara rubber (Manihot
Glaziovii), none of which have given satisfactory results,
so far, in British Guiana. The last portion of the infor-
mation relates to balata, particularly in reference to
the methods of its collection, the labour required for
the purpose, the exports from the Colony, and the com-
position of the product. Finally, four appendixes are
included, relating to the meteorological conditions of
the Colony, the terms for obtaining Crown lands for
rubber cultivation, conditions for the issue of licences for
fulica.
balata, rubber and similar substances, and giving a list of
recent publications in British Guiana. The inclusion
of two useful maps completes a pamphlet which should
prove of much effect in arousing and sustaining interest
in that Colony.
St. Lucia and the Coronation Exhibition.
At a special general meeting of the St. Lucia Agri-
cultural Society, held on May 9, 1911, the secretary
read a report on the general exhibits forwarded to the
Coronation Exhibition per R.M.S ‘ Berbice’ on April 30.
This shows that the number of separate exhibits was
154, and that they represent thoroughly the products of
St. Lucia, both major and minor. The material was
carefully put up in attractive receptacles, which were
fully labelled with details including the market prices
of the produce and the addresses of exhibitors. Ten
strong, white pine cases were used for forwarding the
packages, and the greatest care was taken to prevent
the breakage of bottles and damage to the labels.
An interesting feature in connexion with St. Lucia
and the exhibition is that it is intended to forward
about 4 barrels of green limes every month, until its
close in October, provided that the Agricultural Society
consents to this course.
Mr. Algernon K. Aspinall, Secretary to the West
India Committee, has undertaken the arrangement of
the material at the exhibition. The exhibits were
conveyed by the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company,
free of charge as far as Southampton.
The Resistance of Plants to Wind.
The Bulletin Agricole, of Mauritius, for February
1911, has an interesting note on the effects, on various
plants, of the hurricane that visited the island at the
beginning of that month. It states that cocoa-nut
palms showed a useful power of resistance to the wind,
while the tamarind trees, although they had attained
their full leafage, merely suffered a scorching of the
leaves and soon sprouted again. In an area where
much harm was done to plants of every kind, several
acres of cotton were completely destroyed, though
generally this plant exhibited reasonable behaviour
under the trying conditions: the wind scorched the
leaves, but new buds quickly opened; the position in
regard to cotton is summarized by saying that this
plant has proved its possession of a power of resistance
to high winds.
The note, it may be stated also, has reference to
a large snail which is a pest of cotton in Mauritius.
This, according to information contained in a letter
from Mr. J. H. Lee, who is in Mauritius on behalf of
the British Cotton Growing Association, is Achatina
In regard to this animal, it is of interest that
an outbreak of the pest took place in Ceylon, in 1910;
this is described in Circulars and Agricultural Jowr-
nal of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Ceylon, Vol. V,
No. 7, where however, it has shown itself a scavenger
rather than an enemy of plant life.
186
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. June 10, 1911.
INSECT NOTES.
PERIPATUS.
The name at the head of this article is used to designate
a genus of animals closely related to the insects. They belong,
in fact, to the group Arthropoda, or animals with jointed
limbs—the group which, as has been explained already in
the Agricultural News (see Vol. VIII, p. 346), includes the
insects. Peripatus, however, cannot be classed as an insect,
on account of the great differences from the structure of this
group which are exhibited by its body. It forms, as a matter
of fact, a group entirely by itself, which is between the
Arthropoda and the worms (Annelida).
Although this animal is not classed as an insect, and is
not known to be of any economic importance, even from harm
that it may do, it is nevertheless of interest from its peculiar
characteristics, and from the fact that it was originally des-
cribed (by Guilding in 1826) from the West Indies, the first
specimen haying been obtained from the island of St. Vincent.
Guilding was deceived as to its proper affinities, for he
regarded it as a mollusc, probably because its antennae give
it a slug-like appearance. In any case, the concern of Peri-
patus to scientists, on account of its peculiar nature, and its
interesting historical connexion with the West Indies, form
sufficient excuse for information to be given concerning it on
this page of the Agricultural News.
Figure 8, which is re-
produced after Sedgwick,
represents a South African
species (P. capensis) in
a life-sized illustration.
In a description given in
the Cambridge Natural
tree stumps, in rock crevices or beneath stones. It cannot
exist under dry conditions, and always keeps away from light.
The animais move slowly, using their very sensitive an-
tennae for finding out the nature of the surface over which
they are passing, and their eyes to enable them to avoid the
light. They possess ‘slime reservoirs’, the contents of which
they eject with considerable force, when disturbed, from the
papillae of the mouth, mentioned above. The distance to
which the slime can be squirted is as muchas 1 foot, the
method of ejection being by means of a muscular contraction
of the body. Observations show that the slime is employed
as a defensive weapon, although some authorities are inclined
to hold the opinion that it is used for catching flies in order
that the animals may suck the juices from these insects;
some support is given to the latter supposition by the fact
that the slime, though apparently harmless, is very sticky,
A picture of the animal is well presented in the following
paragraph, which is taken from page 5 of the work to which’
reference is made above.
Peripatus, though a lowly organized animal, and of
remarkable sluggishness, with but slight development of the
higher organs of sense, with eyes the only function of which
is to enable it to avoid the light—though related to those
animals most repulsive to the aesthetic sense of man, animals
which crawl upon their bellies and spit at, or poison, their
prey—is yet, strange to say, an animal of striking beauty.
The exquisite sensitiveness and constantly changing form of
the antennae, the well-
rounded plump body, the
eyes set like small diam-
onds on the side of the
head, the delicate feet, and
above all, the rich colour-
ing and velvety texture of
Iistory, Vol. V, p. 6, from
which much of the infor-
the skin, all combine togive
these animals an aspect
mation in this article is
taken, it is stated that the
head, which is not sharply
marked off from the rest
of the body, bears three
pairs of appendages, a pair of simple eyes, and a mouth
placed underneath. The body is worm-shaped, and is
borne on a number of paired appendages, each ending in
a pair of claws, and all exactly alike; the number of
these varies in the different species. The colour
of the animal also differs considerably among the species,
and even in the different individuals of the same species.
The under surface is nearly always flesh-coloured, while the
colour of the upper one is darker. ‘The variations in colour
are greatest in the South African and Australasian species,
being less in those from the West Indies and South America.
There are ridges in the skin of the animal running from side
to side, and the body bears wart-like papillae everywhere, but
most thickly on the back; a well marked spine projects from
each papilla. The appendages of the head include the
antennae, the jaws and the papillae of the mouth; of these
the last are particularly interesting, as will be shown later.
As a general rule, the males are smaller and fewer in number
than the females, and it is a noticeable fact that where the
number of legs (appendages) varies in the species, these are
fewer in the male than in the female.
ATES eSs
The above description should serve as a means of identi-
fying Peripatus wherever found. It is, however, more plainly
characterized hy its habits. Peripatus, where it exists, is invari-
ably found in damp places—usnally beneath the bark of rotten
PrrRIPatus,
of quite exceptional beau-
ty. Of all the species which
I have seen alive, the most
beautiful arethedark green
ndividuals of capensis and
the species which I have called Salfouri. These animals,
so far as the skin is concerned, are not surpassed in the
animal kingdom. I shall never forget my astonishment and
delight when on bearing away the bark of a rotten tree
stump in the forest on Table Mountain, I first came upon
one of these animals in its natural haunts; or when
Mr. Trimen showed me in confinement at the South African
Museum a fine fat, full-grown female, accompanied by her
large family of thirty or more just-born but pretty young,
some of which were luxuriously creeping about on the beauti-
ful skin of their mother’s back.
It will be of interest to readers of the Agricultural
News to learn that it is desired to obtain West Indian speci-
mens of Peripatus for scientific purposes. With this object,
they are requested to send any specimens found by them to
the Officers of the Department, in order that they may be
forwarded to the Head Office. When they are only required
to travel a short distance, the specimens may be placed, with
a few pieces of damp bark, in a box having a tightly fitting
lid (see Agricultural News, Vol. II, p. 168); for long
distances they must be put in bottles, preferably with wide
mouths, containing alcohol or a 4-per cent. solution of
formalin, the bottles being packed carefully in order to
prevent breakage.
The receipt of good specimens of Peripatus, packed in
this way, will be welcomed by the Department.
(After Sedgwick.)
Vou. X. No. 238
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 187
ARTIFICIAL AND NATURAL CAMPHOR.
The Journal PAgriculture Tropicale, for January 1910,
contains an article by V. Cayla, in which the position is con-
sidered regarding the likelihood of the entry of artificial
camphor into serious competition with natural camphor.
After giving evidence from various authorities to the effect
that such competition is not likely to exist, it draws atten-
tion to one of the chief reasons for this, namely the high
price of turpentine, which is the raw material required for
the production of synthetic camphor. Although this price
has recently become 60 per cent. less than that in 1907, even
under such favourable conditions, the artificial product has
not been able to be made profitably. Another factor has
also made itself felt: that is the lowering in the price of the
natural product. It was certain that this, which had reached
the level of 4s. 10d. per 1). in March 1907, could not remain
as high for long. It was partly due to an attempt to make
a monopoly of the production, with the result that the manu-
facturers of celluloid, and other consumers of camphor,
renewed their efforts for the cheap production of synthetic
camphor. This led the Japanese Monopoly (see Agracul-
tural News, Vol. IX, p. 280) to lower its price, and it was
also caused to do this in order to get rid of the large
stocks on hand.
There are other considerations besides those mentioned
that have helped to discourage the production of artificial
camphor. Among these is the fact that its quality is not as
good as that of natural camphor, so that it is usually quoted
at ld. to 23d. per Tb. below natural camphor, because it can
only be used in a limited way for the production of articles
of inferior quality. On the other hand, there is evidence
that means have been found for purifying artificial camphor
from the free chlorine that it used to contain; though the
fact that this has to be done must increase the cost cf
manufacture.
Attention is drawn to the circumstance that those who
encourage artificial production draw a parallel between the
conditions that are likely to exist in the camphor industry
and those which have obtained in the indigo industry, whereby
the growers were forced to give up cultivation on account of
the appearance of the cheap manufactured article. It is
held that the circumstances are not parallel, on account of
the difference in the conditions of production: the Japanese
possess special knowledge in regard to the distillation of
camphor, as well as information that is not generally avail-
able as to the cultivation, exploitation and refining of
the product.
The only recent certain facts are that increased areas
are being planted, which are controlled by the Japanese, net
only with the true camphor plant but with Borneo camphor
(Dryobalanops Camphora), and species of Blumea; that new
camphor forests have been discovered in the Japanese
archipelago; that Japan gained a complete victory in its
struggle against Chinese camphor; and finally, that the desire
ou the part of the Government to continue to rule the
market is making it show a disposition to forbid the sale and
exportation of camphor seed.
As the question is therefore only concerned with the
natural product, it becomes solely a matter for considering
how long the forests that are now being exploited in the
Japanese Empire will last, and when the young plants will
be ready for employment in production. If the old method
of cutting down the trees continues to be adopted, the
younger cultivation cannot be useful before a period of thirty
years has passed; and the further question is suggested as to
whether the supply from the existing forests can continue
for such a time. This leads to the consideration of work that
is being done, particularly by the English in several parts of
their Asiatic possessions, as well as in the West Indies, for
the purpose of discovering if camphor can be produced
remuneratively by the distillation of the leaves only. In
connexion with this, the article from which these
facts are being taken refers to investigations made at
Batu-Tiga, Selangor, to which attention has been called
already in the Agricultural News, Vol. IX, p. 233.
The experiments show that trees five years old, and prob-
ably those which are younger, yield leaves in regard to
which at least 1 per cent. of camphor, as well as a certain
quantity of oil, can be obtained from the fresh material.
Information is given, further, in the article in the Journal
PAgriculture Tropicale, with respect to another experiment
which was undertaken by the same investigators, in order to
find the yield of camphor from the different parts of a whole
plant five years of age. The results were to show that the fol-
lowing percentages of camphor were obtainable: leaves 1:00,
twigs 0°22, large branches and wood 0°66, roots 1°20. It is
pointed out that these results show completely that, other
than the roots, which cannot be considered as being exploit-
able, the leaves have the chief interest in regard to the pro-
duction of camphor, and there is the further result of the work,
namely, that distillation is only required, for these, for three
hours, Attention is also drawn to Bamber’s suggestion to
bruise the leaves and twigs thoroughly, before distillation.
Reference is made to similar experiments that have given
comparable results, in Jamaica and Antigua (see Agricultural
News, Vol. VIII, p. 328); West Indian Bulletin, Vol. IX,
p. 275, and in Ceylon (Circulars and Agricultural Journal
of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Ceylon, I [1901], No. 4).
Experiments on a larger scale, conducted at Kuala Lampur,
in which a plantation of camphor trees about eighteen months
old and 5 feet in height was thinned in order to make room
for the remaining plants, gave 1,226 hb. of material for distilla-
tion per acre, which furnished 0°6 per cent. of camphor.
In concluding, the article refers to the fact that all these
investigations show the possibility of obtaining camphor from
the leaves, and suggests that in the future the circumstance
that such a long time wust elapse, before camphor can be
obtained from trees that are cut down, will cause the
abandonment of this method for that in which the leaves
alone are employed.
Ceara Rubber from Uganda.—In October 1910,
a sample of Ceara rubber was forwarded from Uganda to the
Imperial Institute, in order that it may be analysed and
compared with a previous sample. The report on the former
is contained in the Uganda Official Gazette for March 15,
1911, and shows that the sample consisted of sheet rubber,
prepared with water only, and weighing 14 tb. The physicai
properties of the rubber, which contained 86:1 per cent. of
caoutchoue when received, were satisfactory. The sample,
however, had not completely dried on its arrival, so that the
composition of the dry rubber showed a percentage of 89°3 of
caoutchoue; the percentages of resin, proteids and ash in this
dry rubber were, respectively, 5°9, 5°7 and 1-1. The rubber
was valued at 4s, 3d. to 4s. 6d. per Ib. in London, with fine
hard Para at 5s. 2d. per tb. It was much superior in com-
position to the previous sample which contained higher
proportions of resin, proteids and ash, and therefore a lower
percentage of caoutchouc. A useful result of the investiga-
tion is to show that the coagulation of the latex of Ceara by
means of water is a suitable method for adoption in Uganda.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
June 10, 1911.
=>
Be an ee
GLEANINGS.
Ata meeting of the Legislative Council of Grenada, on
March 3, 1911, the following resolution was passed unani-
mously: ‘That this Council is of opimion that a systematic
effort should be mace to stamp out inalaria in this Colony,
and that a committee should be appointed to report upon the
organization necessary for the purpose.’
A paper in the Comptes Rendus dela Socicté de Bio-
logie, Paris, for 1909, p. 367, gives the results of investiga-
tions with grains heated to certain temperatures, in order to
find out the effect on their malting power. It was discovered
that grains still possessed this power, even when they had
been heated in water to a temperature of about 150° F.
A copy of a catalogue issued by Messrs. T. A. W. Clarke,
Ltd., Engineers and Rubber Plantation Machinery Makers,
Havelock Iron Works, Leicester, has been received. This
contains particulars of six kinds of washing, eréping and
sheeting machines, as well as of a macerator, for use on rubber
plantations. The firm also manufactures powerful hand-
power blocking presses, for employment in connexion with
rubber.
The Harperiment Station Record, Vol. XXIII, p. 724,
presents an abstract giving the results of work that has been
performed in connexion with the direct absorption of nitrites
by plants. Different nutritive media were used in the
experiments, and it was found that rice and maize seedlings,
grown in a sterilized, nutrient medium, containing dilute
sodium nitrite, were able to absorb this compound directly,
without suffering any injury.
The publication has been made recently of an Ordin-
ance, No. 7 of 1911, Grenada, which has been drawn for the
purpose of amending the Cacao and Nutmegs Ordinances,
1896-1909, mainly in order to provide for the inclusion of
cotton under the provisions of the former Ordinances. ‘The
new Ordinance may be cited as ‘The Cocoa, Nutmegs and
Cotton Ordinance, 1911’, and is to be construed as one with
the older Ordinances just mentioned.
Ordinance No. 1 of 1911, St. Vincent, has been made
in order to provide for the collection of export duties, and has
received the short title The Export Duties Ordinance, 1911.
It provides for the levying of the following amounts on the
products mentioned, for payment for the public use of the
Colony: arrowroot, 3d. per ewt.; Sea Island cotton, 2s. per ewt.;
Marie Galante cotton, ls. per ewt.; cotton seed, 3d. per ewt.;
cacao, 6d. per ewt. This Ordinance repeals the Export Duties
Ordinance, 1900, and will come into force on October 1 of
the present year.
According to The Board of Trade Journal for April 13,
1911, it is stated in a publication issued by the German
Colonial Office that increasing efforts are being made to culti-
vate American varieties of cotton in the Russian provinces in
Central Asia, but that the product is inferior to the best
American lint as regards length, lustre and strength. The
rapid development of cotton-growing in Russian territory is
shown by the circumstance that the area devoted to this
increased from 2,700 acres in 1885 to 158,919 acres in 1890,
and 738,846 acres in 1900.
In a communication received from Mr. J. H. Lee, who
was recently engaged in cotton-planting in Antigua, and is
now stationed in Mauritius on behalf of the British Cotton
Growing Association, an interesting statement is made in
regard to a use for vetivert or khus-khus grass (Andropogon
muricatus) in that island. It appears that this grass is
usually planted all round the cane fields in Mauritius, in order
to prevent the spread of devil’s grass (Cynodon Dactylon)
from the estate roads on to the cultivated land. It is also
used in the colony for thatching coolie huts.
A report of H.M. Consul at Ciudad Bolivar, shows that the
amount of block balata shipped from Venezuela in 1910 was
1,880 metric tons, of the value of £451,275. This isa Jarger
quantity than the record amount for 1909, which was 1,624
tons. Ina few years, there is likely to be a large decrease
in the amount produced, as the chief districts from which
balata is obtained in Venezuela are now situated far from the
coast, and the supply is rapidly becoming exhausted. At the
present time, even, it would not pay to collect the product,
if the prices happened to fall below 1s. 9d. or 2s. per Ib.
Gardening is now taught in forty-six of the forty-nine
county areas in England, and in eleven of the thirteen in
Wales. The number of schools where this subject is taught,
and the number of scholars instructed, show a considerable
increase. The complete returns for 1907-8 show that grant
was paid for 18,134 scholars. During 1908-9 instruction
was given in 1,587 school courses, and grant was paid for
24,925 boys and 485 girls. During 1909-10 instruction was
given in three centres and 1,928 school courses. (Report of
the Board of Education, England, for the year 1909-10.)
The Bengal Chamber of Commerce has published the
final official forecast of the rice crop in Burma for 1910-11,
dated Februwy 15. The area under rice cultivation in the
fifteen principal rice-producing districts is reported as
7,485,853 acres—an increase of 19,274 acres as compared
with the actual area last season, and the produce per acre is
estimated af 90 per cent. of the normal. 1t is estimated that
2,580,000 tons of cargo rice, equivalent to 43,750,000 ewt.
of cleaned rice, will be available for export. (Zhe Board
of Trade Journal, March 23, 1911.)
The Leeward Islands Gazette for May 4, 1911, contains
a notification, for general information, that by an Order made
by the Governor-in-Council on March 14, 1911, under the
provision of section 4 of Ordinance, No. 10 of 1899 of the
Legislature of Antigua, the disease known as Yaws has been
included in the expression ‘infectious disease’ within the
meaning of that Ordinance. It is therefore now necessary
for the head of the family to which any person suffering frona
the disease belongs, or the nearest relative available of such
persons, to notify the case to the medical officer of the
district in which that person is situated,
Vou. X.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 189
\
STUDE
EN
NTS’ CORNER.
JUNE.
Seconp PeErrop.
Seasonal Notes.
Discuss the differences between the cultivation of a tem-
porary crop like sugar or cotton and that of a permanent crop
such as cacao, limes or nutmegs. In the former kind of
cultivation, how can the growing of ground provisions aid in
the cultural operations on the estate as well as in keeping the
soil in a good state of tilth? Discuss the advisability, or
otherwise of forking cacao orchards. Is forking necessary
for opening up heavy soils in cacao cultivation? Suggest any
means that you know by which soil may he turned over with-
out disturbing it mechanically.
Give an account of the different ways of conserving soil
moisture. Under what conditions may plants be actually
raised for this purpose’ What kind of tillage possesses an
intimate connexion with the work of preventing the soil from
losing water, as far as possible? In what ways may the quan-
tity of water ina soil be reduced, and under what circum
stances may such a reduction be advisable? A soil will lose
water either if it is opened up too frequently, or if on the
other hand it is made too firm. In connexion with this mat-
ter, state how the water-holding capacity of a soil may be
diminished. Givea description of the circumstances that are
likely to arise in a soil which is kept too wet, and mention
any useful plants with which you are acquainted that thrive
well in situations where the soil is likely to remain wet. At
what periods of the life of a plant do the moisture conditions
of the soil possess their greatest effect in relation to its devel-
opment? Describe methods by which you could compare in
a simple way the capacity of soils of various kinds to hold
water.
One of the most important problems for the agricul-
turist is often that of finding a means of increasing the
amount of water in the soil. In what way may this be done ?
What would be the effect, in relation to this matter, of increas-
ing the water-holding capacity of the soil, and how may such
an increase be brought about? What measures may be taken
to enhance the flow of water in a soil from the lower to the
upper layers? In what ways does this matter refer to the
kinds of cultivation that are practised on estates? With refer-
ence to these subjects, although irrigation has not attained
importance as yet in the West Indies, the affair is of sufficient
interest from a general point of view to make it worth while
to obtain an elementary knowledge of it, and to take notice
of any matters having reference to it that may occur from
time to time. Discuss the relationship between the organic
content of the soil where irrigation is used, and that under
conditions with which it is not employed.
Much of what has been said above will show that the too
frequent cultivation of soils is undesirable, especially after the
protective mulch has become quite dry. In this matter, there
has to be considered not only the effect on the soil, but the
economic condition that arises from doing work (of cultivation)
for which there cannot be any return. Another circumstance
which requires consideration in the same connexion is the
state of development of the plants on the land which is being
cultivated. Many plants, as they attain maturity, produce
large numbers of fine roots close to the surface of the soil, so
that it is easily understood that any cultivation which injures
these merely has the effect of reducing the ability of the
plants to take up water, and therefore of minimizing their
effective supply.
Questions for Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS.
(1) State what you know of the different kinds of seeds.
(2) How does water travel through the soil ?
(3) How would you show that plants breathe? What
necessary condition would have to be fulfilled in the experi-
ment ?
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS.
(1) What are the chief elements (a) taken in, (b) given
off, by plants during life ?
(2) Describe any way in which the mode of germination
of the seed of a plant may influence the treatment of the soil
after it is sown.
(3) Give an account of the ways in which mulching is
performed. What is the use of mulching ?
FINAL QUESTIONS.
(1) Discuss the requirements of any cultivated plant
with which you are familiar, in regard to the supply of water
at different periods of its growth.
(2) Write an account of the best methods of storing the
seed of any crop with which you have worked.
(3) State, as far as you can, the significance of the fact
that plants give off carbon dioxide.
WEED DESTRUCTION IN THE
PHILIPPINES.
From an article in the Philippine Agricultural Review,
for February 1911,it appears that the plant Lantana Camara,
which is one of those known as ‘wild sage’ in the West
Indies, has been introduced, together with other tropical
American weeds and ornamental plants, into the island of
Negres, in the Philippines. This plant, by its rapid spread
and Juxuriant growth, has already caused trouble to agricul-
turists in Hawaii, where insect pests have been introduced
for the purpose of diminishing its spread.
The measures that are proposed for the. eradication of
the weed before it becomes disseminated beyond control con-
sists in the process of loosening the root system, which is very
weak, by means of a pick or a strong wooden stake, and then
cutting through the roots just below the collar; the plants
treated in this way are allowed to become dry in the sun, and
are then burned as soon as they are fit for this to be done.
The article draws attention to the characteristic inflor-
escence of the plant, which consists of a small bunch of
reddish or yellowish flowers, borne near the tips of the
branches; the flowers in the centre of the bunch open first,
when their colour is pinkish or yellowish, but reddish or
purplish after a few days. The most potent circumstance in
the spread of the plant is the fact that the fraits are eagerly
eaten by birds, which do not however digest the seeds.
As is well known, the plant is a perennial and attains in
the West Indies a height of 5 to 7 feet. In Hawaii, it has
been known to grow as tall as 15 feet, but the specimens in
Negros were only 6 to 9 feet high, at the time of publication.
190
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
FUNGUS NOTES.
MISCELLANEOUS FUNGI
RECENTLY.
; It is proposed in the following article to deal with certain
miscellaneous fungi which have been found in some of the
West Indian Islands mainly during the last few months. OF
such miscellaneous fungi, those parasitic on-plants are not at
present of any serious importance but are recorded as being
of local interest and possibly worth watching in case they
should show a tendency to spread at a later date.
' * eRUIT SPOT OF MANGO. The fruits of a large mango
tree growing in the Botanic Garden, St. Vincérit, were observ-
ed to be affected by a disease which took the form of small
dark-brown or nearly black circular spots about {inch in
diameter. They occurred on fruit of all ages, from that
just formed to that which was half-grown or nearly fully
grown. When the diseased fruits were kept, the spots extend-
ed largely and ran into one another, forming discoloured
areas nearly 5-inch across. At the same time, the tissues
became sunken, over the infected portion, and numerous very
small pink or yellowish pustules appeared all over the surface.
‘These burst through the epidermis of the fruit, and consisted
of the spores of a species of Gloeosporium, which was most
probably G. mangiferae, and may be regarded as the cause of
the disease. The members of this genus, and of the closely
allied Colletotrichum, cause anthracnose and spotting of many
fruits, and are responsible for diseases of several kinds. In
addition to the spots on the fruits, a dying back of the fruit
stalk was often observed, which is probably attributable to the
same fungus.
LEAF SPOT OF BUNGAL BEANS. A short time ago speci-
mens of the leaves of the Bengal bean (Stizolobium aterrimum)
were forwarded from Grenada for examination at the Head
Office. These showed the presence of fairly numerous spots,
approximately circular in shape and 2-4 mm. in diam-
eter. The centre of each spot was occupied by colourless
semi-transparent tissue, and was surrounded by a broad band
of dry tissue of a light-brown colour; the whcle spot was
enclosed by a dark-brown ring dividing it from the healthy
green portion of the leaf. ‘lhe spots were mostly separate,
but occasionally two or three, or even more, would run into
one another. The disease was caused by a species of Cercos-
pora, the conidiophores of which appeared in tufts in the
central white portion of the spots. ‘They were to be found
on both sides of the leaf, but were commonest on the under
surface. Leaf spots of this nature are common on many
weeds in the West Indies, and there is always a reasonable
possibility that the same fungus as attacks the Bengal bean
may have other host plants.
GUINEA CoRN rust, A short time ago, specimens of the
well-known rust on Guinea corn leaves were forwarded to
Kew and identified as Puccinea purpurea, Cke.—a rust
common on Sorghums in North America and the
West Indies, and also found on Indian corn. Only
the uredospores and teleutospores are known, though it is
possible that an aecidial stage occurs on seme other host
plant. The affected spots on the Guinea corn leaves showed
the presence of small black pyenidia, in addition to the rust
fungus. These pycnidia contained hyaline bicellular spores,
FOUND
JuNE 10, 1911.
spindle-shaped and having small appendages at their ends.
They belong to a fungus identified at Kew as Darluca filum,
(Bivon), Cast., which is a well-known parasite on several of
the rust fungi. Another species of rust fungus, also reported
as occurring on Guinea corn in the West Indies, is
Puccima sorghi, Schw., which is supposed to be a native of
America and an original parasite on Indian corn. The com-
plete life-cycle of this fungus is known, as its aecidial stage
has been found to occur on Oxalis and to be identical with
Aecidium oxalidis, Thiim.
ENTOMOGENOUS FUNGI. An intersting fungus has recent-
ly been found on the leaves of trees of mango and star
apple (Chrysophyllum Cainito) in Dominica, and on those
of Java plum (Hugenia Jambolana) in St. Lucia. It
forms small, light pink masses or stromata from which
several small spherical bodies project. These are closed
at first, but later on extrude short cone-shaped, ’rose-
coloured masses of spores. Later still, the spheres open out
into shallow cups, lined with the rose-coloured masses of
spores. The spores themselves are borne on short conidio-
phores, lining the cavities of simple or branching pyenidia
sunk in the bottom of the cups. Each spore is hyaline when
seen by itself, and colourless, and is pointed at either
end. This fungus was identified at Kew as the conidial
(Aschersonia) stage of Hypochrella oryspora, Massee. Its
method of occurrence on the leaves in St. Lucia, which were
examined in the fresh state, as well as the fact that the leaves
did not appear to be much diseased, suggested that it was
a parasite on some scale insect, possibly the mango shield
seale (Coccus mangiferae), which was found on the leaves.
This hypothesis is borne out by its systematic position. Two
species of Aschersonia, to which genus its conidial form
belongs, are well-known parasites of scale insects and white
fly in Florida, while several species of Hypochrella occur on
scale insects in Ceylon and Java. It is probable, therefore,
that another useful parasite of scale insects has been added
to the list of those already known (see Agricultural News,
Vol. VIII, pp. 299 and 411).
An unidentified mycelium, of cottony consistency and
a very pale-yellow or almost white colour, was found to oceur
on the larvae of a beetle—a species of Cryptorhynchus, which
tunnels into the stems of crotons, in St. Vincent. As many
as 50 per cent. of the insects are said to be attacked normally,
so that the fungus must contribute considerably to keeping
them in check. No fructifications of any kind were found
in connexion with the mycelium, though there is reasonable
ground for expecting that it belongs to a species of the genus
Cordyceps.
TWO FUNGI ON LIME TREES. Two bracket fungi found
on dead or dying lime trees in Dominica are recorded in that
portion of the ‘A B C of Lime Cultivation’, Pamphlet Series
No. 53, devoted to the consideration of pests and diseases.
These are Polystictus hirsutus and Fomes luctdus. The former
is recorded as causing hairy sap rot of red gum timber
in the United States (Bulletin No. 114, Bureau of Plant
Industry, United States Department of Agriculture) and is
usually saprophytic. In identifying the specimens from
Dominica at Kew, Massee remarked, however, that this fungus
might very possibly be parasitic in habit, and recently it has
been found as a wound parasite on the mountain ash in the
United States, which it kills by slowly destroying the eam-
bium. It is possible, therefore, that this fungus may attack
lime trees in a similar manner. The second fungus, Momes
lucidus, found in Trinidad and Dominica, was not thought to
be a parasite when identified at Kew, but Petch has since
shown that it is responsible for root disease of cocoa-nets and
of flamboyant trees in Ceylon.
Vou. X. No, 238.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 191
EXPERIMENTS ON THE STORAGE OF
ONIONS.
The following article, describing experiments in
storing onions, has been received from the Superintend-
ent of Agriculture for the Leeward Islands. It deals
with work that has been performed by Mr. T. Jackson,
Curator of the Botanic Station, Antigua:—
During the year 1910, certain experiments were carried
out at the Experiment Station, Antigua, on the storage of
onions.
The onion industry oecupies a position of some impor-
tance in Antigua, and, to a less extent, throughout the whole
of the Leeward Islands, at the present time, and one of the
éhief difficulties with which cultivators have to contend is
that the product rapidly deteriorates in storage; in conse-
quence of this, it is impossible to store onions so that they
may be available for disposal locally at periods of the year
during which the crop is not in season, and, moreover, it also
seriously handicaps producers, inasmuch as it renders it im-
possible to raise the crop from sets (i.e., small onion bulbs)—
a form of cultivation which has been productive of excellent
results in other parts of the world where onions are grown.
Accordingly, a series of experiments was undertaken, at
the suggestion of the Imperial Commissioner of Agricul-
ture, with a view to ascertaining if it might be possible
to retard the processes of bacterial decomposition, which
usually ensue when onions are stored for any length of time
under the conditions obtaining in tropical climates.
As usually imported into the West Indies from other
parts of the world, onions are attached together in the form
of long strings, and it was thought that when the onions are
connected in this way and suspended from the roof, the freer
circulation of air thus caused might materially assist in
preserving the bulbs. It was first thought that it might be
the case that treatment with various forms of preservative
agencies would assist to maintain them in a sound condition.
Accordingly, experiments were undertaken with two sets of
onions, A and B: in the A series of experiments, the bulbs
were stored in thin layers on shelves; in the B series, they
were strung together after the fashion of the Madeira produce,
and suspended from the roof. in both the A and B series
bulbs free from disease were subjected to six different
forms of treatment;in each case 12 onions were utilized.
The various forms of treatment received by the bulbs are
given below:—
Control, 12 onions. No treatment.
12 onions dusted with slaked lime.
12 onions dusted with flowers of sulphur
i2 onions treated with carbon dioxide gas.
12 onions treated with Bordeaux mixture,
12 onions treated with 1 in 1,000 corrosive sublimate.
12 onions treated with sniphur dioxide gas.
IDO eo wr
The room in which the onions were stored was a wooden
building with a boarded floor and galvanized roof; three sides
of the room were secured with slats of wood arranged in
the manner of jalousies, the room itself measured about
15 feet x 12 feet; the doors and partitions did not fit very
closely, and there was an open space of about 1 inch under
one edge of the roof. It will thus be seen that the condi-
tions of storage were calculated to secure good ventilation.
A record was made each month of the number of bulbs that
decayed in each experiment; in all cases the decay took place
from the outside. The following table summarizes the record,
by giving the number of decayed bulbs on the dates of exam-
ination, in the case of both the series A (onions on shelves)
and B (onions strung and hung):—
April 27. June 21. July 23. Aug. 20, Sept. 18. Oct. 27.
AUB ASR. AL Ri A, QR CAGE AboB
Control On Ome 2a 3 Ae Se) kG Se See Ono)
Lime Oy) 10 al 83 i) 5 9) i "9 105-9
Sulphur (0) (0) 83 2) b5) 5) 6 5m6 We}
Carbon) 6 0 19 10 1210 °12 10 12 10 12 12
dioxide J
Bordeaux) 9 7 9g g 1212 1212 1212 1212
mixture f
Corrosive | Gy. a A
mbites OF 9. 9h 3) Be 10 aeOM eee 12) 12
Sulphur! 9 9 4 6 2 2 1211 1212 12°12
dioxide J
Examination of the results shows that none of the
methods of treatment have materially affected the rate of
decay of the bulbs, with the possible exception of the second,
in which the bulbs were dusted with flowers of sulphur; here,
some slight beneficial action appears to have resultéd. No
advantage seems to have been gained hy stringing the onions
together. No observations were made after the month of
October, when all the onions were bad, with the exception of
two treated with lime, ene from the control, and one from
those treated with sulphur; the four good onions were planted
in November 1910 and grew.
To sum up the results of this investigation, it would
appear that none of the methods of treatment tried in the
course of the experiments possesses any marked power of
retarding the decay of the bulbs under ordinary conditions
of storage. It would seem likely that the agencies respon-
sible for their deterioration are normally present in the
atmosphere; sterilization of the bulbs and preservation of
them from access of air would probably assist them to retain
their condition unchanged, but a method yet remains to be
devised for carrying this into effect on a commercially practi-
cable scale.
The Production of Cotton Goods in Great
Britain.—The statistical tables recently published relating
to British self-governing Dominions, Crown Colonies,
Possessions, and Protectorates, give some interesting figures
relating to the trade in cotton goods between the United
Kingdom and Great Britain. Out of a total trade valued at
£36,671,000, foreign countries supplied only £4,241,000.
Last year the increase in the value of Lancashire exports was
£12,471,000, and as regards quantity alone £2,981,000, the
average increase in the ten years up to 1909 being £2,400,000.
Of cotton waste we send to the colonies. nine times as much.
as foreign countries; of yarn, twist, and thread nearly eight
times; of piece goods over twelve times; of miscellaneous
goods two and a half times; and of unclassified goods nearly
two anda half times. Britain sends to the colonies nearly
thirty-nine times as much plain piece goods as foreign coun-
tries do, but only seven times as much dyed and printed
piece goods. British predominance is greatest in the East
Indies, the African possessions (outside South Africa), Aus-
tralia, New Zealand, and Newfoundland, It is less in South
Africa and the West Indies, where the total trade is small,
and least of all in Canada, where the United States are such
formidable competitors. (Journal of the Royal Society of Arts,
April 7, 1911, p. 535.)
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
JUNE 10, 1911.
London.—TxHE
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpon,
MARKET REPORTS.
West Inpria ComMITTEE CIRCULAR,
May 9, 1911.
ArRownkoot—2d. to did.
Batara—Sheet, 3/8; block, 2/9 per tb.
BrEswax—No quotations.
Cacao—tTrinidad, 54/- to 62/- per cwt.; Grenada, 47/6
to 53/6; Jamaica, no quotations.
CorreE—Jamaica, 60/6 to 67/-.
Copra—West Indian, £25 10s. per ton.
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 16d. to 18d.
Froir—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
Gincer—No quotations.
Honety—No quotations.
IsincLass—No quotations.
Lote Jurce—Raw, 1/-. to 1/2; concentrated, £18 2s. 6d.
to £18 7s. 6d.; Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/3,
nominal.
Loc woop—No quotations.
Macre—2s. 2d. to 2s. 8d.
Nurmrcs—Quiet.
Pimento—()uiet
Russen—Para, fine hard, 4/11; fine soft, 4/9; fine Peru,
4/9 per tb,
Rust—Jamaica, no quotations.
Sucar—Crystals, no quotations; Muscovado, no quotations;
Syrup, no quotations; Molasses, no quotations.
New York.—Messrs. Gintespige Bros. & Co., May 19,
VOI,
Cacao—Caracas, lle. to 12c. ; Grenada, 10jc. to Ile. ;
Trinidad, 114c. to 11fc. per th.; Jamaica, 10c. to 104c.
Cocoa-Nuts—Jamaica, select, $25°00 to $26°00; culls,
$14-00 to $15°00; Trinidad, select, $26°00 to $27°50;
culls, $15°00 to $16:00 per M.
CorrrE—Jamaica, 12c. to 135c. per tb.
Gincer—9c. to 12c. per Ib.
Goat Sxins—No quotations.
Grare-Fruit—Jamaica, $3°00 to $3°50 per box.
Limes—$6'00 to $6°50.
Mace—44c. to 50c. per tb.
Nurmecs—110’s, 10c. to LO}c. per Th.
OrancEes—Jamaica, $2°25 to $2°75.
Pimento—4{c. per th.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3°S6c. per Ib.; Muscovados,
89°, 3°36c.; Molasses, 89°, 3'llc. per tb., all duty
paid.
Grant & Co., May 29,
1911.
Cacao—Venezuelan, $11°50 per fanega; Trinidad, $10°90
to $1125.
Cocoa-Nut O1m—86e. per Imperial gallon,
Corrrr—Venezuelan, 15c. per tb.
Corpra—S3°2d per 100 th.
Duat—$3'60 to $4:00.
Onions $4:00 to $4°75 per 100 Ib.
Pras, Sprir—$5°50 to $5°60 per bag.
Potators—English, $2°40 to $2°75 per 100 th.
Ricr—Yellow, $4°35 to $4°40; White, $5°40 to $5°30
per bag.
Sucar— American crushed, no quotations.
Barbados,—Messrs. James A. LyncH
1911; Messrs. Leacock
ARROWROOT—St. Vincent, $4°60 to $4°7
Cacao—$11°50 to $12°00 per 100 tb.
Cocoa-NuTS—No quotations.
CorrrE—Jamaica and ordinary Rio, $1:
100 th., scarce.
Hay—$1°30 per 100 Ib.
& Co.,
& Co., May 31,
May 26, 1911,
0 per 100 tb.
3°00 to $14°50 per
Manures—Nitrate of soda, $60°00 ; Cacao manure, $42°00;
Sulphate of ammonia, $76‘00 per ton.
Motasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$3°59 per 100 tb.
Peas, Sprir—$5°65 to $5°75 per bag of 210 tb.; Canada,
$3°70 to $4°10 per bag of 120 th.
Potrators—Nova Scotia, $3:00 to $3°50 per 160 tb.
Rice—Ballam, $4°90 to $5°00 per 100 tt.; Patna, no
quotations; Rangoon, no quotation
Sucar—No quotations.
British Guiana.—Messrs. WrEeTINc &
27, 1911; Messrs. SaNDBACH,
May 12, 1911.
5.
Tucutrr, May
ParKER & Co,,
| Messrs. WrEeTinc
ARTICLES. & RIcHrer.
Arrowroot—St. Vincent No quotation
No quotation
85c. per tb.
lle. per th.
$1°20
$6°50 to $7-00
Demerara sheet
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STARCH—
Bavata— Venezuela block |
|
$12 to $16 per M
Cocoa-NUTS—
|
CorrEE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
16c. per th.
18c. per 1b.
Liberian 105c. per ib.
DHaLt— $3°6U per bag of
168 tb.
Green Dhal $3 50
Eppors— $L32
Motasses— Yellow None
Oxstons—Teneriffe
Madeira ——
Peas—Split | $570 per bag
(210 tb.)
Marseilles $4°50
PLANTAINS— 20c. to 40c.
Porarors—Nova Scotia
Lisbon ——
$1°20 per bag
Potators-Sweet, B’bados
No quotation
Rice—Ballam
Creole $500 to $5°25
TANNIAS— | $240 per bag
Yams— White $3°24
Buck $3-60
Sucar—Dark crystals $2°40 to $2-45
Yellow | $2:90 to $3-00
White | $380 to $4:00
Molasses | $2:10 to $2°-30
Timber —Greenheart 32c. to ddc. per
cub. foot
Wallaba shingles) $3°75 to $6:00
per M.
5, Cordwood) $1°80 to $2:00
per ton
Messrs. SAND-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$10-00 per 200 tb.
Prohibited
6de.
12c. per tb.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
selected
lic. per tb.
18c.per tb.
10c. per tb.
\$3-'75 per bag of
168 tb.
De.
$5°80 per bag
(210 th.)
No quotation
$3°50
No quotation
| $5-00
None
$2°65 to $2°75
$4°00 to $4°25
None
32c. to 5dc. per
cub. foot
$4-00 to $6:00
per M.
No quotation
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
FOR THE WEST INDIES.
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Vou. X. No, 238, THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. June 10, 1911.
THE BE ‘ST MAN UR ES FOR COLONIAL USE
—- AR Ss
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APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO :—
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WEST INDIAN BULLETIN.
(Vol. XI, No. 3.)
Containing Fungus Diseases of Ground Nuts in the
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Report ona Visit to Florida; A List of the Birds of the
Island of St. Lucia; A Note on the Introduction of Birds;
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CONTENTS.
PAGE. PAGE.
Anthrax, General Occur- Fungus Notes :—
rence of ... ... ... 203}. Disease of the Areca
Bacteria and Phosphoric Palni .... eee 06
Acid in the Soil ... 201]/Gleanings ... ... ... ... 204
Book Shelf ... ... ... 197| Grafting, New Means of... 201
Calcium Cyanamide, Chan- Insect Notes :—
ges in the Soil... ... 200 Parasitism of the Black
Candelila Wax es e205) Seale ... Geyer) %..7202
Cassava from Brazil... ... 201} Lime Cultivation in
Companion to Blackie’s Mauritiusi.., :-. .... 196
Tropical Readers... 201} Market Reports Meade 20S
Cotton Notes :— | Notes and Comments ... 200
Cotton-Growing Within Plant Growth, Stimulation
the Empire ... ... 198 of Beco. sco, poo Pall
Cottonin Cyprus... ... 199] Rothamsted, Work in 1910 200
Cotton in the Virgin Students’ Corner ... ... 205
Islimds ss oy) aos Sucar Industiye
West Indian Cotton ... 198) A New Method of Desic-
Department News ... ... 203 cation pees ear LOD
Dominica and the Festival | Purification of Cane
of Empire Exhibition 196} JUICE ~... MEE LOD)
Effect of Soils in the Dis- United States, Plant In-
tribution of Plants ... 193 | dustry in oo ues eAU/e
The Iiffect of Soils in the
Distribution of Plants.
>'T does not require much observation to show
that different kinds of plants flourish best in
ep Es a certain regions and on particular kinds of
soil; though in finding a reason for this circumstance
the work of investigation is not as simple as may be at
first considered. Nevertheless, the matter is of prac-
tical importance, for if a good knowledge is attained
of the requirements of a plant in regard to its surround-
BARBADOS, JUNE 24, 1911.
Prick 1d,
ings, the agriculturist will not be led to the mistake
and waste of time caused by the attempt to grow plants
in which he is interested, in places which are entirely
unsuited to them,
The matter forms the subject of two interesting
papers delivered as two Masters Lectures of the Royal
Horticultural Society, by A. D. Hall, M.A.F.R.S., and
printed in the Journal of that Society, Vol. XXXVI,
p.1: it is to these that the
indebted for most of its facts.
following article is
The lecturer drew atten-
tion, first of all, to manured and unmanured grass land,
at Rothamsted, which has borne this crop continuously
since 1856. With regard to this land, the facts that
the mannred parts have received the same manurial
treatment since the beginning of the experiment, and
that a redistribution of the plants on the land, which is
being fully investigated, has taken place, make it possi-
ble to draw interesting deductions from the experiment,
It is easy to understand why certain plants have increas-
ed in number as the result of definite kinds of treat-
ment: for instance, why leguminous plants have increased
where there has been no addition of nitrogen, or why,
on account of its retention in the upper layers of the
soil, shallow-rooted plants have ousted other kinds to
a great extent where ammonia has been used, whereas
the opposite is the case with the less readily retained
nitrate of soda. It is also easy to account for the
abundance of plants having an acid sap, containing
potassium oxalate, where potash has been applied.
There are, however, associations of plants and defin-
ite habitats which cannot be accounted for in this
simple way. It might be thought that an explana.
tion can be found in the circumstance that the soil and
the plant, where they are associated, contain some
special substance in common, ‘This, however, is shown
194
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS
JUNE 24, 1911.
to be an incorrect view, by the following considerations:
firstly, that all plants exhibit much the same composi-
tion in regard to the substances provided by the soil;
secondly, that a plant grown under different conditions
shows as much variation in the composition of the ash
as obtains between that of the ash of entirely different
plants: thirdly, that where plants are found in nature
always to contain some definite substance such as silica
and potash, or where they are found to flourish
specially on lime soils, as with leguminous plants, there
is generally no advantage, under the conditions of
experimentaticn, in affording to these plants a specia|
supply of the particular constituent, or of growing
them under the definite condition that seems to be
demanded in nature; lastly, as with plants, the chemi-
cal examination of different soils shows them to be
much alike in composition.
The true explanation of the definiteness of the
distribution of plants in nature is found in the cireum-
stance of the large competition that is always taking
place where there has been no modification of condi-
tions by the interference of man. This is so much the
case that plants are found growing in waste and barren
soils, or on exposed sea beaches, simply becanse they
cannot there be further ousted by the competition of
other plants. There is nothing intrinsic in the nature
of these situations such as to favour their growth in
any particular way; this may be shown by rearing
the plants in a rich soil, where they are relieved from
the competition of other plants, when they grow better
than in what is generally termed their native habitat.
In a general way, the physical and chemical
attributes of a soil have the largest influence in the
limitation of plants to certain areas. The former
govern the water ;content of the soil, and often to some
extent its temperature and the humidity of the atmos-
phere. In the chemical aspect, it is the acidity or
alkalinity cf the soils that exerts the greatest influence;
though with some plants there are special circumstances,
such as the possession of fungi associated with their
roots (Microrhiza), which serve to modify this condition.
Much more work remains to be done before the
subject can be definitely described or understood, and
there is an added difficulty owing to the fact that in
making investigations the experiments must include
the element of competition among plants, much as it
-exists in nature. As has been indicated, the matter is
of practical importance, more particularly as an efti-
.cient substitute is required for the empirical method of
ascertaining the composition of soils on which certain
plants are known to flourish, and of comparing this
with that of the soils on which it may be intended to
grow those plants. The work of the future must be to
ascertain the reasons which underly the choice that has
to be made in giving the plant the soil conditions that
are best suited to it.
THE IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRI-
CULTURE AND WEST INDIAN
PROSPERITY.
At a dinner given by the West India Club on the
16th instant, to the West Indian representatives at the
Coronation, the Prime Minister, Mr. Asquith, in pro-
posing prosperity to the West Indies, delivered a speech,
in which he expressed the following facts and senti-
ments, more particularly in regard to the Imperial
Department of Agriculture and the West Indies:—
‘In the last twelve years Parliament had voted
over one and a quarter millions, in one form and another,
to West Indian purposes. It must, he thought, be
a source of congratulation to all concerned, that for the
last six years no grant-in-aid of general revenue had
been required, and that, with the exception of what was
contributed to the Imperial Department of Agriculture
and to the transatlantic mail subsidy, the West Indies
were now independent of financial assistance from
Imperial funds. The toast he was now going to ask
them to dink might well be-—not prospertty—but con-
tinued prosperity, to the West Indies. For the attain-
ment of that happy result the main share of the credit
was due to those who had persevered with courage,
enterprise and patience in the face of adverse circum-
stances. Far from letting sugar estates go out of culti-
vation in the bad years of the nineties, they had
improved methods, in many cases at great expense and
with no little risk; had rebuilt factories, renovated and
remodelled their machinery and processes, and had now
placed themselves in a position in which, as he under-
stood, they could face with equanimity the competition
of beet sugar. Nor were all the eggs any longer placed
in one basket. Fruit, cacao, cotton, arrowroot, rubber,
were all contributing to the general prosperity. He
desired to refer for a moment with the warmest appre-
ciation of the work of the central Department of Agri-
culture, established in 1898 at the cost of the Imperial
Government, presided over with distinguished ability,
first by Sir Daniel Morris, and now by his successor,
Dr. Francis Watts. The work of that Department was
universally and gratefully acknowledged by the
planters to be largely responsible for the improved
state of affairs in all branches of agriculture. He
believed it would be difficult to find any case in which any
analogous experiment made by the Home Government
had attained such speedy and satisfactory results. The
outlook was thus full of promise, and it was not less so
by reason of the fact that the Panama Canal was now
approaching completion.’
Vout. X.. No. 239.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SUGAR INDUSTRY,
A NEW METHOD OF DESICCATION.
A new method of desiccation, for laboratory use, particu-
larly in relation to the drying of organic matters, is described
in the American Sugar Industry and Beet Sugar Gazette, for
May 1911, from Der Zeitschrift fiir Zuckerindustrie in
Bohmen. It may not be out of place to give here an outline
of the process, which has been used chiefly for dehydrating
the beet and its products.
The apparatus consists of a glass jar having a- capacity
of 2 or 3 litres, provided with a circular trough round the
rim, in which mercury may be placed, and into which a glass
lid is fitted, making the vessel air-tight. The desiccator con-
tains a porcelain dish, or other support, on which rests
a coarse wire basket. The other apparatus required is a piece
of filter paper or fine silk gauze, laid upon a piece of wire
gauze of such a size that it can be easily lowered into the jar.
The desic¢ator is filled with ether, at the bottom of which,
resting in the coarse wire basket, are several sticks of ordin-
ary caustic soda, When the apparatus is being used for dry-
ing, the substance to be dried is placed on the filter paper or
the silk gauze, which is supported on the wire gauze, and
then lowered to within a few centimetres of the basket con-
taining the caustic soda; the vessel is then closed by means
of the | lid, in the way described above.
The fact on which the apparatus depends is that ether
will dissolve from 1°6 to 3:0 per cent. of water, according to
the temperature. In this way, it removes water from the
substance to be desiccated, and the mixture of water and
ether, being heavier than ether alone, sinks to the bottom of
the jar, where the water is absorbed by the caustic soda. In
any ordinary period of use of the apparatus, all the attention
required is to remove the solution of caustic soda from the
hottom of the jar, by means of a pipette, to replace the
dissolved caustic soda by fresh sticks, and to make up for
the loss of ether from time to time.
It is claimed that such a desiccator, containing ether,
is more efficient and rapid in action than the ordinary form,
becanse firstly, ether takes up water more quickly than this
is done by air, and secondly, the wet ether sinks to the bot-
tom of the vessel where if is dried by the caustic soda,
whereas moist air, in an ordinary desiccator, rises to the top
out of the way of the substance that is intended specially
for the purpose of making it once more dry.
The Japanese Government has adopted, in Formosa,
a system inspired by the Dutch in Java. Any company desir-
ing to establish a sugar factory must obtain the authority of
the Sugar Bureau. There is an inspector for each district,
and the native cultivators (chiefly Chinese) cannot sell their
cane outside the district in which it is grown. The cultivator
must not use his sugar-cane for any other purpose than sugar-
saking (distilling is, therefore, forbidden), and he can only
mll it to the company having a control over the land. He
must not, under any conditions, create a mill of his own.
(The American Sugar Industry and Leet Sugar Gazette,
April 1911.)
195
PURIFICATION OF CANE JUICE BY MEANS
OF BURNT FILTI#R PRESS SCUM.
The Jnternational Sugar Journal, for May 1911, contains
a translation of a preliminary note by J. J. Hazewinkel,
Director of the West Java Sugar Experiment Station,
describing work which had for its object the investigation as
to the possible efficiency of filter press scum, burned in
a suitable manner, for the purpose of purifying sugar-cane
juice, on account of the probable possession by the material
of properties similar to those of animal charcoal.
On being burnt, the dried filter press scum gave 46 per
cent. of carbonaceous residue, which was treated with suitable
quantities of a dark syrup of 31°5° Brix., twelve times in
succession. Decolourization took place in every case, the
colour of the different fractions of the syrup varying in
intensity from 25 per cent. of that of the untreated syrup, in
the case of the first fraction, to 80 per cent. in that of the
twelfth. A determination of the average colour value of all
the filtrates together showed that more than one-third of the
colour had disappeared. It was not indicated by the colour
of the first fractions that a very considerable decolourization
would have taken place if the mixed filtrate had been once
more subjected to the action of the burnt scum. It is
claimed that the above figures show that, in practice, the work
could be done in batteries of three filters, at the most.
Figures are given to show the capacity and time of
running of the batteries, with a given production of thick
juice. The calculation, however, assumes a certain rate of
filtration which may be greater than that in practice, and
that no large time is required for the reaction. In relation
to these matters, no investigations have been carried out as
yet, so that there is still uncertainty as to the applicability of
the method on a practical scale.
In the experiment, it was found that the juice must be
filtered hot, and that the burned filter scum should be
washed before being used. Commencement has been made
already of the investigation of the applicability of the method
in practice.
A report received from the Agricultural Superintendent,
St. Kitts, states that the reaping of the cane crop has been
delayed during May by constant showers; the general return
is, however, good, and the young cane crop is well advanced
and healthy. As regards cotton, a large area is being
planted for the coming season; some has been sown already,
and is making good progress.
With reference to the McMullen process for the manu-
facture of sugar from shredded and dried cane, the following
editorial note is contained in the /nternational Sugar Journal
for April 1911: About forty years ago desiccating experi-
ments with beets were made in factories in Europe; but were
unsuccessful. Moreover, cane desiccation is by no means
a new idea, since many years ago efforts were made to dry
cane in the West Indies and ship the product to England, for
extraction there. Thus British Patent 12,033 of 1848
describes a method of ‘ extracting the sugar from the sugar-
cane by first drying and pulverizing, and afterwards extract-
ing the sugar therefrom by passing water through it in
vessels’, This project was likewise a failure.
196
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
JUNE 24, 1911.
FRUITS AND FRUIT TREES.
DOMINICA AND THE FESTIVAL OF
EMPIRE EXHIBITION.
As was stated in the Agricultwral Newsfor May 13, 1911,
p- 156, the Permanent Exhibition Committee of Dominica
has been making efforts in connexion with the provision of
an exhibit to represent the island at the Festival of Empire
Exhibition, which is being held at the Crystal Palace. The
results of these efforts are shown in a report published in the
Dominica Official Gazette for May 19, 1911. This contains
a letter and a list of the exhibits, compiled by Mr. J. Jones,
Curator of the Botanic Garden, who fills the post of Honor-
ary Secretary to the Permanent Exhibition Committee of the
island.
The information shows that the exhibits were forwarded
in order to make more complete the collection of products
from Dominica that is kept at the Imperial Institute, and to
cause it to be more easily possible for the Director of that
institution to release, for some months,a part of the Dominica
collections held there, in order that the island may be repre-
sented at the Exhibition.
The list of exhibits which is given shows that the num-
ber of these was sixty-two. They included lime juice and lime
oil, the former both concentrated and raw, and the latter pre-
pared in the several ways that are in vogue in Dominica; nut-
megs; mace; coffee of several varieties; different kinds of cacao;
jumbie bead seeds (Abrus precatorius); Job’s tears (Cots
lachryma Jobi); cassava starch; bay oil; Carib baskets; honey;
ground nuts; kola nuts; and seeds of the West Indian neck-
lace tree (Ormosia dasycarpa).
With reference to information contained on pages 156 and
184 of the current volume of the Agricultural News, relating to
apparatus for extracting lime oil, it is of interest that Messrs.
Allport and Davenport supplied, for the purposes of exhibit,
one bottle each of otto of limes and otto of oranges, extracted
by machinery.
In addition to the firm just mentioned, the following
estates assisted by presenting samples of the produce of
Dominica: St. Aroment, a Haut, Antrim Valley, Everton,
Melville Hall and the ,Bath. Exhibits were also sent
by the Dominica Permanent Exhibition Committee, the Agri-
cultural School and the Botanic Gardens.
LIME CULTIVATION IN MARTINIQUE.
DP Agriculture Pratique des Pays Chauds for April 1911,
states that the cultivation of the lime in Martinique has
entered upon the experimental stage: demands for planting
material have been received from several planters, and these
have been satisfied by the experiment stations in the island,
which possess large stocks of the plants required. The
records show that, during 1910, these stations distributed
nearly 22,000 plants for cultivation in the island. Certain
planters have taken up the matter keenly, and have put in
considerable areas of limes.
The journal mentioned, and from which this information
is obtained, states that this tendency in the colony of Marti-
nique toward the adoption of a diversified agriculture is
a favourable feature, and that the lime plant is particularly
suited to the conditions which obtain in the island.
After giving attention to the chief diseases and pests of
the lime, to the conditions required by the plant itself, and to
the making of concentrated juice and citrate of lime, the
article draws attention to the possibility of the exportation
of carefully packed fruits,as well as of limes preserved in sea-
water or brine. It proceeds to make suggestions concerning
the kinds of plants that may be grown while the trees are
attaining maturity, quoting in this case the experience of
Dominica and Montserrat. It also refers to the uses of
citric acid (from citrate of lime) in dyeing, as a substitute for
tartaric acid in wine-making, in the manufacture of mag-
nesium citrate, and in connexion with photography.
In relation to the commercial aspect of the matter,
reference is made to the fact that both the English and the
American markets are open to limes and lime products from
Martinique. As regards France, enquiries are being made
for information concerning the openings that may exist in
that country for the produce, and this information is being
sought from both official and scientific sources.
The Proceedings of the Agricultural Sock ty of Trinidad
and Tobago, tor May 1911, show that the export of cacao
from Trinidad, up to the end of May 1911, was 29,885,529 bb.
The amounts for the similar periods in 1908, 1909 and 1910
were 26,642,905 tb., 29,618,547 Ib., 32,507,935 Ib.,
respectively,
and
Vor. X. No. 239.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
197
4
=
A NOTES and
Nes
ieee
NOTES ON SOIL AND PLANT SANITATION
ON CACAO AND RUBBER ESTATES. By Harold
Hamel Smith. John Bale, Sons d: Danielsson, Ltd., London.
10s. net.
In its 630 odd pages, after an introduction by Professor
Wyndham Dunstan and a preface by the author, this book
contains sections comprising the subjects of estate practice
before and after the planting of cacao and rubber, the use of
protective belts, the utilization of waste products on estates,
the possibility of employing inoculation against pests and
diseases, the diseases and pests of cacao and rubber, the dif-
ferent varieties and species of cacao and rubber, and the
preparation of the products for the market; with reference to
the last, the volume concludes with a section giving an account
of mechanical appliances for use on estates in connexion with
these crops.
The question of protective belts on estates for the pre-
vention of the spread of disease is important, and is treated
at some length, while good illustrations are given from
various parts of the world, of the ill effect of the destruction
of trees over large areas. As regards estates, the best sug-
gestion is the planting of such belts with other rubber trees,
for Para, with timber plants or with Eucalyptus; where forest
has to be cleared, belts of this may be left for the same
purpose. It may be mentioned that cacao is qaite unsuited
as a belt for Hevea: both are subject to the same diseases,
and neither would protect the other, so that, from the point
of view of distributing risks, the combination is ineffective.
As is pointed out by the author, cotton, either alone or under
cocoa-nuts, is unlikely to grow in good Hevea or cacao land.
The section on the manuring of cacao is useful, and the
same is true of what follows in connexion with plant foods,
manuring for rubber and green manuring. In regard to the
one dealing with the question of inoculation asa cure for
pests and diseases, agreement must be expressed with Anstead,
that at present the method is not practicable: no fungus anti-
toxins are yet available, and local fungicides would probably
kill the part of the tree to which they were applied, without
completely destroying the fungus. The effect of injections of
iron, for chlorosis, is no argument on this question. The
inoculation of scale insects with parasitic fungi is also a some-
what different matter. In relation to this, it may be pointed
out that the work which is described was all originated by
the Imperial Department of Agriculture, and not by the
Department of Agriculture in Grenada.
In the section on the tapping of rubber, the subject is
treated in a broad manner, with some useful illustrative
facts; that on rubber diseases also contains some particularly
helpful references to literature relating to the subject. (It
may not be out of place to draw attention to the mixed
metaphor which is quoted in italics on page 352.) The
treatment of the matter dealt with in relation to Castilloa is
fairly thorough. In the Ceara section, the subject receives
some of the most detailed attention that is given to any in
the book. Finally, taking the main subjects generally, it
should be stated that the section on mechanical appliances is
very good, and well illustrated.
It isa matter for regret that there is a large confusion
of ideas indicated in the section on cacao disease. Among
other matters, the brown or black rot disease of pods
(Phytopthora Fabert) is confused with ‘brown root’ disease of
Ceylon (yimenochaete noxia); this confusion is clearly in the
mind of the author and not due to a printer’s error: it occurs
in the bibliography on page 356, as well as on page 199.
Then again, the manner of quotation of the Trinidad authori-
ties on the subject of ‘brown rot’ disease would make it
appear that the work was done in that island, whereas the
information on page 200 is really taken from Petch’s report
on ‘brown root’ disease, in the Ceylon Adminstration
Reports for 1906. Extracts from this were sent by Hart to
the Trinidad Agricultural Society, and printed as Society
Paper No. 264 in the Proceedings of the Agricultural Society
of Trinidad and Tobago, Vol. VII, p. 179. Further, ‘I’, in
the sentence beginning ‘In spite of its frequent occurrence
I have not’ clearly refers to Petch, and on page 202 the
same authority is responsible for what is given on the fungi
connected with canker.
In any case, the information is out of date, as
Phytophthora Faberi is now recognized as the cause of the
disease, in Trinidad and Ceylon. It may be said that the
whole section on cacao diseases would have gained by being
treated much more concisely, while the confusion detracts
seriously from its value. There is the additional point that
the importance of the connexion of the diseases of this crop
with those of Hevea should have been emphasized. As is
stated, the information regarding the latter had to be cur-
tailed owing to want of time. What has been said in regard
to the diseases of cacao should show the importance of the
careful treatment of those of Hevea, when they come to be
included in future editions of the book.
A glance at the synopsis of contents will make it evi-
dent that the arrangement of the subjects is somewhat con-
fused; there is a certain amount of carelessness in giving
names; and the work generally would have been more valu-
able if it had been compiled in a less diffuse manner. This
does not prevent the existence of the fact that the general
principles advanced in the book on the subject of estate
sanitation are thoroughly sound. In relation to this matter,
the question of international legislation, which is strongly
advocated by the author, is of much importance, notwith-
standing its difficulties, and worthy of careful consideration.
Attention must also be drawn to the excellent suggestion
that a trained observer should be sent to Brazil to do work
in connexion with insect pests, though the word Entomolo-
gist, on page XX, was surely meant instead of Mycologist.
A valuable characteristic of the book is that plenty of good
references to literature are given, as well as several selec-
tions from good papers and articles having relation to the
subjects with which it deals. The index forms a fairly
efficient means of reference, though its attention to the differ-
ent subjects is somewhat uneven.
Altogether, the work forms a useful means of giving
general information to those interested in cacao and rubber,
more particularly from a plantation point of view, and is
a guide to much of the more recently published literature
on plant diseases—matters which make it indispensable to
those for whom it is intended.
198
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
JUNE 24, 1911.
INDIAN COTTON.
WEST
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date June 2, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
Since our last report, the bulk of the West Indian Sea
Island cotton in stock has been sold, chiefly on the basis of
15d. to 154d. for medium to good qualities from the major-
ity of the Islands, the chief exception being St. Vincent,
which was sold at 18d.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending May 27, is generally as follows:—
There was a good demand again this week, especially for
the odd bags classing Fine and Fully Fine, more or less off
in preparation, taking nearly the entire stock at some advance
over the prices ruling last week. There were also sales of
about 400 Ib. Planter’s crop lots classing Fully Fine and Extra
Fine.
The odd bags, off in class, sold at
crop lots at 28c. to 30c.
24c. to 25c., and the
As the crop has been very largely disposed of, the Fac-
tors are firmer in their views for the limited unsold stock.
Cotton in the Virgin Islands.—With local
assistance, the Agricultural Instructor in the Virgin
Islands has held a_ series of very successful meetings
in the more central districts, and in a few of the smaller
islands, and has also, by means of informal conversations with
interested cotton growers, found an opportunity of imparting
useful information relating to the matter. The effect of the
work has been to bring about a more intelligent and extensive
effort in the islands, in regard to cotton cultivation. The
meetings have been particularly useful, as they have formed
a means of giving practical advice, and of answering numerous
questions, having relation to individual difficulties that have
arisen in the past.
As is well known, the efforts of this kind have made
cotton-growing the chief industry of the Virgin Islands,
and is having its influence, further, in giving the cotton
growers the desire to attain a useful knowledge of the proper
methods to adopt, in order that they may bring about an
improvement in the yields from their plots, and in the staple
cf the product.
COTTON-GROWING WITHIN THE EMPIRE.
This subject is given attention in a paper which appears
in the Geographical Journal, for February 1911, entitled
aeographical Aspects of the Problem of Empire Cotton-
arowing, by J. Howard Reed. After drawing attention to
the importance of the suppiy of cotton to Lancashire, the
author reviews the conditions that obtained not many years
ago, when the cotton crops of the world were quite sufficient
for the demand. At this time, as now, the cotton fields of
the United States supplied about 80 per cent. of the raw
cotton required in Great Britain, the rest being obtained from
other parts of the world where cotton was grown. Even as
recently as 1882-3, United States cotton was produced in
a quantity less than 7 million bales, but this, with cotton
from the other sources, was sufficient to supply the general
demand, and to leave a surplus of about 250,000 bales, so
that, at this time, the price of cotton remained fairly constant.
By 1892, the production in the United States had reached more
than 9 million bales, and steadily increased to 13} million in
1908-9, although it was reduced to not much more than
103 million bales in 1909-10. ‘This increase, however, has
not prevented the present condition of shortage, which seems
to be gradually becoming more serious. The reason for this
shortage must be looked for in the great growth of cotton
manufacture in certain countries other than Great Britain.
This matter is illustrated by the fact that, whereas Great
Britain, Europe and the United States used, respectively,
3,181,000 bales, 3,640,000 bales, and 2,431,000 bales in
1891-2, the similar quantities used in 1909-10 were 3,053,545
bales, 6,186,930 bales, and 4,707,000 bales. The fall in
consumption during 1909-10 was doubtless caused by the
increased price of cotton, on account of the smaller crop, by
slackness of trade, and more particularly by short-time work-
ing on the part of manufacturers.
In relation to the supplying of this shortage, it is not
likely that the United States can take a large part; this
is also the case with the other well established cotton
fields of the world. As far as the latter are concerned,
Indian cotton is mostly used in that country, and in Japan
and Germany; it is of little use to manufacturers in Great
Britain. The cotton from Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Asiatic
Russia, China, Japan and Corea is almost entirely used in
local manufacture, and several of these countries have to
import cotton, because the local supplies are insutticient for
their own needs. In the consideration of the increase of area
in cotton-growing, it must be remembered that Egypt, though
producing largely, has almost reached the limit to which it
can grow the plant, on account of the small additional area
that may be made available, even with irrigation. It is pointed
out.in the article that it is the realization of these facts
Vou. X. No. 239.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 199
=
which has led to the formation of the British Cotton Growing
Association.
After describing broadly the six classes to which all kinds
of cotton may be referred, according to present ideas, the
pioneer work of this Association is mentioned briefly—work
which led it to decide to concentrate its main efforts on
Nigeria, Uganda, Nyasaland and the West Indies. A review
of cotton cultivation in the West Indies states that the reports
of the progress of cotton cultivation in these islands are
satisfactory, and highly encouraging. In this connexion,
reference is made to the work of Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G.,
late Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture, by which an
export of lint and seed valued at £9,676, in 1902, has been
increased to an amount worth £250,000 at the present time.
It is pointed out that, although this indicates satisfactory
development, the amount of production in the West Indies
is naturally limited, chiefly by the area that is at liberty
for, and suitable to, cotton-growing.
In relation to the three other countries mentioned, atten-
tion is drawn to the well+known fact that Africa.is likely to
become the largest, of the new producers of cotton for
Great Britain, On this continent, the part giving the
greatest promise for cotton-growing is West Africa, where
there are large areas of territory particularly suited, as
regards soil and climate, for the plant; where cotton has
been grown by the natives probably for many hundred
years; where the population is comparatively dense; and
lastly, where there are old established ports which are as
well within touch of British ports as are those in the
West Indies or the United States. The present is not the
first time in which Africa has given assistance to British
cotton manufacturers, for during the great cotton famine,
Lagos, as was the case with the West Indies, produced cotton
for their use, the amount of lint in 1869 from this source
being valued at nearly £77,000. This West African colony
has, in fact, made the greatest progress so far, among those
in Africa, while all the other African areas except Gambia
and Sierra Leone are giving large promise for future useful-
ness. In relation to these matters, reference is made to the
recent work of the British Cotton Growing Association for
the purpose of increasing its capital in order to obtain larger
assistance from the Imperial Government.
What has just been said refers to the West African
colony. No account would, however, do justice to the subject
which did not give attention to the remarkable progress that
has been made in Nyasaland, in East Africa. In this
country, the export of cotton in 1902-3 was purely experi-
mental in nature, and reached the inconsiderable value of
£3. In 1908-9 it was valued at £28,353, when it formed
the item of largest value in the exports.
After reference has been made to the large amount of
work that is being carried on by the Agricultural Department
in Nyasaland, attentioa is given to Uganda, where within
a few years, the production of cotton has risen from nothing
te £50,000, in value. The author quotes Sir Hesketh
Bell, K.C.M.G., in his opinion that Uganda should form one
of the greatest cotton fields in the Empire, and that it
possesses natural conditions that are absolutely favourable to
cotton-growing, and a population that is eager to take up the
work. Consideration is then given to the prospects of cotton
production in the East African Protectorate, and the Sudan,
including the Atbara district and the Gezira plain.
Xeference to conditions in South Africa shows tbat the
main territories cannot be expected to produce much cotton
for some time, though Rhodesia gives promising indications
that a native industry will be developed eventually, under
European guidance, much in the same way as this has been
done in Uganda, Nyasaland and West Africa. In other
fields, the work in India and Ceylon will have to be con-
cerned chiefly with improvement of methods of production,
and in the latter case an extension of the cotton-growing
areas, as well. Mention is made of the other possible British
cotton-growing countries, namely Australia, Borneo, Fiji,
Straits Settlements, Malay States, the Seychelles, Mauritius,
Cyprus, the Maltese’ Islands and St. Helena, from which no
very great output or increase of output of fibre can be
expected for some time to come. The article concludes by
referring to the amount of cotton, namely 31 million bales
of 500 tb., required for the demand in Great Britain, and
by drawing attention to the fact that a much larger expen-
diture of money than that which is at present being made
for the encouragement of cotton-growing will be required, if
this demand is to be supplied from. sources confined to the
Empire alone,
t
COTTON 1N CYPRUS.
The Cyprus cotton crop of 1910 was slightly in excess
of that of the previous year, while the yalue of the cotton
increased by about 48 per cent. .
The final figures are not yet available, but they will be
found to be approximately as follows: 1908, 6,176 cwt.,
value £14,028; 1909, 8,006 ewt., value £23,728; and 1910,
8,928 ewt., value £34,250.
Practically the whole of the crop is exported from
Larnaca, and the export is in the hands of three firms.
Exporters are at the present time supplying three times
the quantity of seed that they did last year, which, should
conditions be favourable, augurs well for a record crop in
1911.
Since the new ginning machinery was imported, two or
three years ago, Kuropean buyers have expressed great satis-
faction with the quality of the Cyprus production, the cotton
being much cleaner than was formerly the case.
Naturally, the prices obtained depend a great deal upon
the state of the world’s cotton supply. In 1910 the prices
realized by exporters were 15 to 20 per cent. higher than in
1909, partly on account of a shortage in the supply, and
partly on account of better trade conditions abroad. At the
present time there is a very good demand for Cyprus cotton.
The quantity of cotton planted each year depends princi-
pally upon two things—good prices, and late rains in March
and April.
There was a cotton spinning mill at Famagusta some
years ago, and it is a matter for regret that it had to close,
owing to competition with Italian yarns, which can be im-
ported into Cyprus very cheaply. The latter are made from
Indian cotton, and as the firms give credit of from four to six
months, it would be almost impossible for a Cyprus manu-
facturer to compete with them.
There is hardly any crop from which the villager himself
benefits so greatly as that of cotton, while the revenue derived
from it is large, and easily collected. It is, therefore, much
to be desired that every possible encouragement should be
given to the industry, and it is to be hoped that the tendency
of the last few years, for the rainfall to increase, will continue,
and tend to promote the extension and development of this
industry in the Island. (From the Cyprus Journal, April
1911, p. 542.)
200
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
ean: for naming, should be addressed to the
ommissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price ld. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s, 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
Agricultural Jews
Vor. X. SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 1911.
No. 239.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Contents of Present Issue.
In this number, the editorial deals with the subject
of the Effect of Soils in the Distribution of Plants. Its
chief purpose is to give some account of what is known
at present in regard to the matter, as well as to indicate
its importance to the practical agriculturist.
Under the heading Sugar Industry, on page 195,
notes are presented on new methods for desiccation in
chemical analysis, and for the purification of cane juice
in the manufacture of sugar.
Page 196 includes a note describing the efforts of
Dominica in connexion with the Festival of Empire
Exhibition, being held at present at the Crystal Palace.
Pages 198 and 199 contain an article giving an
abstract of a recent paper which presented an account
of the position and prospects of cotton-growing within
the British Empire.
The Insect Notes, on page 202, deal with facts
relating to the parasitism of the black scale.
An interesting note on the general occurrence of
anthrax is presented on page 205.
The Fungus Notes of this issue (page 206) deal
‘with recent work that has been conducted in connexion
with diseases of the Areca palm (Areca Catechu.)
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
JUNE 24, 1911.
Changes in Calcium Cyanamide in the Soil
A paper which is extracted in the Jowrnal of the
Chemical Society, 1910, I, No. 572, p. 537, shows that
the first stage of the breaking up of calcium cyanamide
follows the absorption of carbon dioxide from the air
contained in the soil. Subsequently, the manure is
decomposed into urea and similar substances.
This decomposition does not take place through
the action of any of the living beings in the soil, but is
brought about purely by interaction with substances
in it, the most important of which is ferric oxide.
The ultimate result is the formation of ammonia, and
lastly nitrates, from the urea.
eg
Work at Rothamsted in 1910.
The annual report for 1910, of the Rothamsted
Experimental Station, has just been received, and it
will be well to point out some of the chief matters that
are of more special interest in the West Indies.
In the Preface, stress is laid upon the importance
of the continuity of the experiments, particularly in
that they perpetually afford a means of studying new
problems, as progress is made in agricultural science.
In regard to the year under review, the season was
very unfavourable for most of the crops; nevertheless,
useful results were obtained in relation to several of
these. Experiments with calcium cyanamide and nitrate
of lime were continued, but the smallness of the yields
in the trials has not enabled any further definite informa-
tion to be obtained; under the conditions, nitrate of
soda gave better results than these manures. Green
manuring (for wheat) continued to show success, and
the plants grown where 1t was employed exhibited free-
dom from the blight which attacked the wheat every-
where else. The pot experiments, for the purpose of
finding the way in which the growing of a plant in
a soil makes that soil less able to support a second
growth, have been discontinued, as they do not seem
likely to give any definite information on the subject;
some results have been obtained, however, which are
being collated.
The work relating to the effect of heat and disin-
fecting substances on soils has been maintained (see
Agricultural News, Vol. 1X, pp. 33 and 369), and
trials have been made in the field, but without positive
results, so far. It is of interest that a good deal of informa-
tion has been obtained already, concerning the life-
history and numbers of the protozoa in the soil.
The report shows that the following papers relating
to work at the station have been published during the
year: The Influence of Copper Sulphate and Manganese
Sulphate upon the Growth of Barley, Annals of Botany
1910, p. 571; The Ammonia in Soils, Journal of Agri-
cultwral Science, 1910, p. 233; the Effect of Earthworms
on Productiveness, Journal of Agricultural Science,
1910, p. 246 (see Agricultural News, Vol. IX, p. 401).
The report concludes, as usual, with information as to
the yields per acre in the different experiment fields,
Von: Xe wWo.239:
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 201
Bacteria and Phosphoric Acid in the Soil.
An abstract of experiments that have been carried
out for the purpose of ascertaining the part that is
played by bacteria in the change of insoluble phos-
phorie acid into soluble phosphoric acid in the soil is
contained in the Jowrnal of the Board of Agriculture
for March 1911, p. 1020. In the investigation, air free
from carbon dioxide and ammonia was passed through
sifted and sterilized soil kept in the dark at a tempera-
ture of 86° F. In one case, the soil was inoculated with
a bacterial culture, while in that of the control this
was not done. The energy of the bacteria was measured
by ascertaining the amount of ammonia and carbon
dioxide that was given off from the soil containing
them.
The results showed that the quantity of soluble
phosphoric acid in the soil was actually reduced to an
lmportant extent; there was, however, a continuous
change of insoluble into soluble acid, but it was
masked by the fact that its rate was smaller than that
of the opposite process. The rate of formation of
carbon dioxide indicated that the energy of the bacteria
was greatest after the first five to ten days of the
experiment. In the course of two months, this energy
gradually weakened, and the total amount of carbon
dioxide produced in the period was found to be
between ten and twenty times greater where the
bacteria were present, than in the case of sterile soils.
> + ae
A Companion to Blackie’s Tropical Readers.
A booklet bearing this title has been prepared in
Jamaica by E. J. Wortley, F.C.S., with the object of
providing hints for practical work in connexion with
the information presented in Blachie’s T'ropical Read-
ers, Books I and Il. The contents include (1) the
Introduction, comprising general hints to teachers and
pupils, as well as on the use of apparatus; (2) the study
of animal life; (3) the study of economic plants:
(4) experiments in practical work in connexion with ani-
mals and plant life, based on the information in Book I;
(5) experiments and practical work of the same kind,
but referring to the matter in Book II; (6) the school
garden; and (7) an appendix having reference to the
botanical names of a few of the commoner plants.
The information in relation to the use of appara-
tus is somewhat scanty, and an inexperienced teacher
would find himself in some difficulty, if he were depend-
ent alone upon this for his work. The hints supplied
in the two succeeding sections should be useful in giving
teachers a knowledge of tbe way in which lessons should
be conducted. Equally useful is the second sub-section of
section IV, presenting short instructions for simple ex-
periments relating to plant life; although it is unfortun-
ate that the illustrations, which are generally the same as
those in the Readers, depict mostly English types of
plants instead of those with which the teacher and
pupil are likely to be familiar: this circumstance applies
as well to sub-section II of section VY. The sub-sec-
tion on Health contains usefully concise information; it
is doubtful, however, that even the author himself would
obtain success if he followed exactly the instructions
for some of the experiments given under the heading
Water, The Air We Breathe and Why the Wind Blows.
Altogether, this is a very useful little book, and
forms an almost indispensable teacher’s companion to
the Tropical Readers.
So i
Cassava from Brazil.
It is stated in the Bulletin Agricole, Mauritius,
for March 1911, that, according to a British Consular
Report on the trade of Brazil in 1909, up to the present,
cassava has almost entirely been sent out in the form
of farine, but it has been found that it is more remuner-
ative, and safer, to export the root cut into small
round pieces and dried in the sun, so that hardly any
cassava is now shipped except that prepared in this
way.
ED ae ___
A New Means of Grafting.
The Bulletin of the Bureau of Agricultural
Intelligence and of Plant Diseases, of the Interna-
tional Institute of Agriculture, December 1910, presents
an abstract of a paper which describes a means of
grafting, consisting simply in making oblique cuts in
the stock and scion, and fitting the oblique surfaces
closely together, the parts being kept in place by means
of a small piece of rubber tubing: the tubing should
cover the cut edges completely, so as to exclude air and
prevent drying. In addition to the fact of its giving
support, the advantages of rubber tubing used in this
way are that it stretches and thus does not interfere
with the growth of the grafted plant, while the weather
causes it to rot,and drop away when it is no longer
required.
i ee
The Stimulation of Plant Growth.
In experiments on the growth and breathing of
plants, it has been known for some time that the action
of small quantities of poisonous substances, in relation
to these processes, is to increase the rate at which they
take place. In reference to the subject, the Zxperiment
Station Record of the United States Department of
Agriculture, for February 1911 (Vol. XXIV, p. 138),
contains an abstract of a paper describing work which,
it is claimed, shows that such stimulation of plants
may be brought about by means of nutritive substan-
ces, as well as by those which are poisonous.
A matter of some interest is that, while phosphates
had been shown to have little or no influence on the
respiration of living plants, they were found to possess
the power of greatly stimulating this in the case of
plants which have been killed; as regards poisonous
substances, these were shown to have little effect on the
respiration of killed plants.
A useful result of the work is to demonstrate that
the respiration of plants, as influenced by different sub-
stances, affords a means of finding out whether a given
stimulant is harmful to them, or otherwise.
bo
=)
bo
THE
AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
INSECT NOTES.
PARASITISM OF THE BLACK SCALE.
During the past two or three years, a considerable
amount of attention has been attracted to various forms of
insect parasitism in the West Indies, chiefly on account of the
beneficial effects which arise from the relation of parasite and
host among insects. . It is likely that all the species of scale
insects which occur in the West Indies are attacked by other
insects, which live within their tissues or under their protec-
tive covering.
The parasitized insect, or host, as it is called, is generally
killed as the result of the, feeding of the immature parasite.
In many instances, the parasite is so small as to be observed
only with great difficulty; but in the case of the black scale,
it is sufficiently large to be seen by the ordinary observer by
means of a pocket lens, or even with the unaided eye.
The black scale of cotton is very abundant in many
localities at the present time, both on cotton plants and on
Hibiscus. If an infested branch of one of these plants is
carefully examined, it will be seen that the scale insects are
present, in nearly all stages of development: the large, very
convex, blackish-brown individuals are the adult females.
The younger stages may be distinguished by their smaller
size, flatter surface and lighter colour.
The parasite, Zalophothrixr mirum, is a small hymenop-
terous insect. The adult is about |-inch in length and at the
first glance appears to be very much like an ant; but it is
easily seen to possess small wings which lie flat upon the
back. These are very delicate, nearly transparent at the base,
and are crossed by a broad transverse darker band, the
tip of the wing being transparent like the base. The general
colour of the insect is dark-brown, almost black; the head is
reddish brown, and provided with dark-coloured eyes.
This parasite attacks only the older scales, that is the
mature females which are about to begin, or have already
begun, egg-laying.
If one of the young, very flat scales is raised from the
bark by means of a needle or knife blade, the ventral surface
of the insect will be found to be very flat; but if an older one
is examined in the same way, it will be seen that this
surface is very much arched or concave so that a considerable
space is left between the insect and the bark of the plant.
This space or cavity becomes filled with eggs, which hatch,
and the young insects escape under the edge of the scale.
The parasite does not attack the flat scales. The egg of
the parasite is deposited under the body of the mature female
seale insect. The grub of the parasite is whitish in colour.
The youngest form which can be seen with the unaided eye
is slightly tinged with pink. Examination of a considerable
number of scales will probably reveal the parasitic grub in
various sizes up to about }-inch in length, when it is fully
grown and ready to transform to the pupa.
The grub is very soft and fleshy in appearance,
and seems to have no legs and no well defined head. The
larger grubs will be seen to be lying in a curved or bent
position; probably because of the narrow limits of the space
occupied. The pupa is somewhat less than }-inch in length,
motionless, without any cocoon or other covering, and is very
dark—almost black—in colour. Examination of it will,
however, reveal the well defined head and developing
June 24, 1911,
antennae, legs and wings, which are characteristic of the
adult.
It is perhaps in the matter of its feeding that this
parasitic insect presents points of the greatest interest. The
egg is deposited in the cavity under the body of the
female scale insect, and, the grub which hatches feeds
for the most of its life on the eggs, and probably
also on the young, of the scale insect. The tissues
of the adult scale are not attacked until the grub is
fully grown, or nearly so. If parasitized scales are exam-
ined, it will be found that the grub of the parasite lives
practically embedded in the mass of scale insect eggs, except
in the case when the fully grown, or nearly fully grown, grubs
are found. Then it will often be seen that very few eggs are
present, and that the adult scale is dead, so that nothing
remains but a shell, which gives protection to the parasite.
This seems to be a wise provision of Nature, which is
illustrated in the case of nearly all parasites. That is, the
host insect is not actually killed until the parasite has no
longer need of it as a source of food. In this case, the scale
insect is allowed to go on producing eggs as long as the grub
has need of them, and then the parent scale is fed upon by
the parasite.
When the changes in the pupae have become complete,
and the adult, winged parasite is ready to emerge, escape from
the protecting scale is effected by means of a small round
hole, or puncture, and when scale insects are seen with these
small circular holes in them, it may safely be assumed that
those particular scales are dead, and that the parasites that
caused their death have emerged through the hole in the scale.
The black scale will very rarely be found to contain more
than one parasitic grub in asingle scale; but in a few instances
two have been observed. In such cases, it seems probable
that one grub will devour the other, and that only one para-
site will eventually emerge from that particular scale.
Ina recent examination of a large number of black scales
on cotton in one field in Antigua, it was found that nearly
every scale insect which had reached the egg-laying stage
harboured a grub of this parasite. There were very few
punctured scales to be seen, and it was very difticult to obtain
specimens of the adult parasite by means of the insect net.
The infestation of cotton by black scale, in this particu-
lar field, was most remarkable, nearly every plant was_liter-
ally covered from base to tip with the insect. It was cotton
which had yielded its full crop and should have been pulled
up and destroyed some weeks previously. It may be that, as
far as the black scale is concerned, considerable benefit might
be derived from allowing this cotton to stand until the major-
ity of the parasites had completed their development and had
begun to escape. If the cotton bushes could be cut and left in
the field just at this time, the immature scales would be killed,
and the parasites, as they emerged, would fly away into the
wild land in search of scale insects in which to deposit eggs;
the old cotton plants could then be burned and the parasites
from the scales in the wild land would be within convenient
distance to come back into the field and parasitize the black
scale on the succeeding crop of cotton.
Every grower of cotton should make himself familiar
with the appearance of this parasite in its different stages.
At this time of the year, the grubs may easily be discovered
by examination in the field, and the pupae are often to be
found in the same way. The adult parasites may be obtained
by placing scale-infested twigs in a glass covered with fine
muslin. In the course of four or five days, these small
winged insects may be seen on the walls of the glass, or walk-
ing about on the scale-infested twigs.
Vor. X. Nos 239
THE. AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
203
= <<",
THE GENERAL OCCURRENCE
OF ANTHRAX.
Anthrax attacks all animals, and natural cases are met
with in all the higher domesticated animals and in man, but
most frequently in cattle. In Great Britain, it is mostly met
with in cattle, and after cattle in pigs, while horses and sheep
are together next in order of susceptibility. A curious fact
is that in experiments, it is found that sheep are more suscep-
tible than cattle, the reason that they do not. so often con-
tract the disease under ordinary circumstances probably being
that they are less exposed to infection, and also to the fact
that in sheep the disease is not so easily recognized and is
less often reported.
A constant feature is that the disease occurs in cattle
two years old or more, and except in the case of outbreaks,
it is quite rare in the calf. This is not due to any greater
susceptibility of adults, but rather to the fact that they are
more exposed to infection from such sources as feeding
cakes, etc. It is probable also that horses are almost, if not
quite, as susceptible as cattle; but here again, their exposure
to infection is far less. Dogs are the most resistant of the
domestic animals, especially old dogs, and it is very doubt-
ful if natural cases occur in poultry, the fowl being almost
immune. Of the smaller animals it is an interesting fact
that white rats are immune to anthrax, while the brown and
black rats are easily killed by it.
Some idea of the virulence of the anthrax bacillus
may be gained from the fact that a single bacillus introduced
under, or merely into, the skin, is sufficient to kill a mouse or
a guinea pig.
In the human being, anthrax is commonly met with in two
forms: one is ‘wool-sorters’ disease’, well known in Bradford and
other places where wool is handled. The wool may be infected
to a very great degree, and the explanation is that, in some
countries, it is badly clipped, and even torn off, so that blood
gets into it; subsequently the germs are scattered into the air
from the dry wool when it is handled, and infection occurs
by inhalation or by their entry through scratches or wounds.
The other form of the disease is known as ‘hide-carriers’
disease’, and is the result of carrying infected hides on the
back; infection here takes place through an abrasion in the
skin, giving rise to what is known as ‘malignant pustule’.
Malignant pustule also occurs in wool-sorters’ disease, when
the infection is through the skin. ‘Intestinal anthrax’ is
a rare form of the disease and is the result of eating the
flesh of animals dead of anthrax.
In St. Vincent, at the present time, anthrax is in
abeyance, because of rigid legislation as to the destruction of
anthrax carcasses, the extent to which vaccination has been
conducted, and also because of the fact that animals become,
after some time, more or less immune to the disease. This
does not mean that they will not take the disease, but that
they have acquired a greater resistance to it than before. In
this connexion, it may be mentioned that one of the princi-
ples of natural immunity is, that a race of people or herd of
cattle is immune to any disease in direct ratio to its previous
experience of it—in other words the more experience they
have of it, the less likely they are to take it. The proba-
bility in St. Vincent is that sporadic cases will occur from
time to time, but that anything in the nature of an outbreak
is, for the present at least, unlikely.
CANDELILLA WAX.
Mention was made of Candelilla wax in the Ag7?-
cultural News, Vol. IX, pp. 104 and 124, while
material for planting the species (Pedilanthus sp.)
from which it is obtained has been distributed among
some of the Botanic Stations by the Imperial Depart-
ment of Agriculture. The following note on the plant
appears in the Chamber of Commerce Journal for
May 1911:—
A trial parcel of candelilla wax has been prepared for
shipment to New York from San Luis Potosi, says the
American Consul there. A local firm has fitted up a render-
ing outfit and is extracting the wax, pending negotiations
as to price, quantities and form in which delivery is desired.
The shrub is being delivered to the local firm from neighbour-
ing haciendas and waste mountain lands. The plant has
been pulled up, as the easiest method of gathering it, but as
the subsoil is a mass of tangled roots it is said that its
destruction is almost impossible. The local dealer has thus
far recovered about 3 per cent. in weight of wax. The entire
shrub is fed into boiling tanks and the wax skimmed from
the surface. The waste is used as fuel to heat the tanks.
The wax is of a brown slate colour, but by rolling it into thin
sheets it can be bleached in the sun to a very light shade.
It is proposed to instal means of filtering, to remove cellulose
and foreign matter. It is also proposed to arrange the
rendering tanks so that they can be set up and moved about
in candelilla districts, to avoid the expense of cartage of the
shrub and obtaining fresh material. As the use of the wax is
still experimental, its industrial application cannot yet be
defined. It is expected that it will prove a cheap and
satisfactory substitute in the manufacture of varnishes,
insulators, lacquers, sealing wax, dental wax, and water-
proof papers and inks. The shrub grows in great pro-
fusion on the mountain sides and waste lands in San
Luis Potosi. It is locally said that the wax seals the
plant against evaporation and enables it to flourish on
thin soil and with a minimum of moisture. The yield
is estimated at 12 to 18 tons per acre, and it replaces itself
rapidly. The following data are condensed from a pamphlet
issued by the Department of Public Instruction: The cande-
lilla is a species of Euphorbia. It contains a small amount
of rubber: less than one-half of 1 per cent. Near the coast it
increases in size but yields less wax. The wax is harder and
more brittle than beeswax and possesses a high coefficient of
expansion. Its melting point is from 67° to 80°C., specific
gravity 0°982 to 09856, saponification value 35 to 86:5,
hydrocarbons 42°5 to 59-7; dissolves in turpentine, chloroform,
hot ether, and benzene.
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
Mr. H. A. Ballou, M.Sc., Entomologist on the Staff
of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, returned to
Barbados from Antigua, where he had been conducting
investigations into the sugar-cane pests of the island,
by the 8.S. ‘Luristan’, on June 10, 1911.
Mr. P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S., the newly appoint-
ed Veterinary Officer on the Staff of the Imperial
Department of Agriculture, arrived in Barbados to take
up the duties of his office, by the R.M.S. ‘Magdalena’, on
the 5th instant.
204 THE
AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
JUNE 24, 1911.
GLEANINGS.
It is reported from St. Lucia, that the lime crop is late,
although the trees are in a healthy condition. As far as
cacao is concerned, this is flowering well and there is promise
of a good crop. Cane-planting for the coming season is
almost finished.
At a meeting of the Legislative Council of Grenada,
held on March 3, 1911, His Excellency the Governor of the
Windward Islands presented certificates to those candidates in
Grenada who had been successful in the last examinations
held in connexion with the Courses of Reading of the
Department.
A report from the Agricultural Instructor, Nevis, states
that the area of cotton in the Presidency will be increased
for the coming season. In connexion with this, over 100
acres of bush land have been cleared specially for the purpose
in one part of the island, while about 50 acres of pasture
land, in a district near the windward part, is intended to be
devoted to cotton-growing.
According to a return prepared in the office of the
Director-General of Commercial Intelligence for India, the
total area under coffee in the year ended June 30, 1910, was
203,610 acres, as compared with 204,585 acres in the
previous year. The reported production in 1909-10 was
34,983,569 tb., as against 27,648,357 tb., in 1908-9. (The
Board of Trade Journal, April 13, 1911.)
The Liverpool Journal of Commerce for May 18, 1911,
contains an announcement to the effect that, on the day
previous, Messrs. Workman, Clark & Co., Ltd., Belfast, had
launched a large steamer, built to the order of the Tropical
Fruit Steamship Co., Ltd., Glasgow, of which Messrs. Clark
and Service are managers. The vessel, which is named
La Senora, is especially designed for the general fruit and
refrigerated freight trades between the West Indies and the
United States. It possesses, incidentally, accommodation
for about 160 first class passengers.
Information has been received that the Sixth Annual
National Dairy Show of the United States of America will
be held in Chicago from October 26 to November 5, 1911.
A circular issued in connexion with this show refers to the
fact that the National Dairy Show Association has expended,
so far, more than $200,000 in promoting the dairying indus-
try of the United States. One of the chief objects of the
show is to work in co-operation with the efforts of all other
similar organizations and agencies for the support and exten-
sion of the dairying industry in that country.
It is reported by H.M. Consul at Tahiti that ‘a new law
has been made for the purpose of regulating the picking and
curing of vanilla in French Oceania, the reason being that
the prices of vanille, from this source have become lowered,
mainly because of the gathering and curing of immature
beans. To prevent this, the new law prohibits green vanilla
from being handled for commercial purposes, while the curing
of the beans is to be done only by those who have shown the
possession of ability for the work by gaining a special license.
Further, all vanilla for export is to be inspected before ship-
ment.
The Journal de la Socicté Nationale d' Horticulture de
France, for 1910, p. 554, describes experiments that have
been conducted for the purpose of dealing with chlorosis, or
the lack of green colouring matter owing to a want of iron,
in pear trees. The method employed was to drill an inclined
hole about one-half way through the trunk or branch that
was being treated, and to place sulphate of iron in the hole
thus made. After the operation, the bark around the hole
is scraped and covered with grafting wax. It is claimed that
the method is permanently successful, except in the case of
old trees or those weakened by the attacks of insects or disease.
The Meld for April 29, 1911, gives directions for making
and using a weed killer, as follows: 1 tb. arsenious oxide,
1 tb. sodium hydroxide, water 6 pints; these are boiled for half
an hour, allowed to cool,and then the solution is put into
a large stone bottle, corked and labelled Poison. When a path
is to be treated, either a large watering pot with a fine rose, or
a barrel with a perforated pipe on the principle of a road
sprinkler, is used, according to the area of the path. The
mixture is diluted in water, in the proportion of 1 pint to
6 gallons of water, this quantity being suflicient to treat about
30 square yards of path. It is most effective when applied
towards evening, and when the path is dry.
The Agricultural Department in St. Lucia has issued
a leaflet containing a revised list of prices charged for plants
supplied by it for planting in St. Lucia. The plants include
Central American and Para rubber, citrus plants, cacao,
coffee, spices, mangoes and various ornamental kinds; particu-
lars as to the seeds that are obtainable are also included.
A useful feature of the leaflet isa table indicating the best time
to order the plants, and the period after which they will be
available for distribution. It should be noted that the
prices given refer to deliveries at the Botanic Station; an
extra charge will be made for special packing for transport,
and further, special rates will be asked for plants that are
required for export.
The Lxperiment Station Record of the United States
Department of Agriculture for December 1910, p. 625, con-
tains the following abstract of recent work that has been
done in Germany in connexion with the effect of manures on
the activity of nitrogen-fixing organisms (Azotobacter):
‘Experiments on the decomposition of green manures indicate
that the addition to the soil of small quantities of barnyard
manure to be ploughed under with the green crops will hasten
decomposition by furnishing fermenting organisms which
immediately act on the green material. At the same time,
if small amounts of potash and phosphoric acid are used, they
will quicken the fermenting and rotting processes and furnish
avilable food for Azotobacter.’
Vor. X. No: 239: THE
AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
205
STUDENTS’ CORNER.
JULY.
First PERIOD.
Seasonal Notes.
It is necessary that seedlings of limes in nurseries, as
well as those of other plants, should be examined frequently
in order to ascertain if they are suffering from attacks of
scales or other insects; where scale insects are found, such
plants should be sprayed before they are set out in their per-
manent positions, as this course saves a large amount of
labour that will be necessitated later, for the removal
of the scales, if it is not followed, In what way do scale
insects injure plants! How do they reach healthy plants,
from those which have been infested? In the case of mature
lime trees, how would you employ the Bengal bean as
a means for combating the attacks of scale insects! Give an
account of the observations that you have made in regard to
the employment of Bengal beans in this connexion,
The planting out of limes should take place during the
early rains, in order that the plants may be well established
before the dry season commences. What is meant by the
establishment of plants, in this sense ? Compare the readiness
to resist the effects of dry weather of a plant which has been
only recently set out, with that of trees which have occupied
their present position during several seasons. As a general
rule, when arrangements are being made for transplantation,
the holes to receive the plants that have been removed from
the nursery should be made ready some little time before
they are required. Why is this? For limes, these holes
should be wide and shallow. State why holes of this kind
are better for the purpose than those which are deep and nar-
row, and give an account of the general results which occur
from the planting of lime seedlings deeply. Where they are
available, remove plants of the lime, cacao, cotton or of some,
similar economic plant, in such a way as to injure the roots as
little as possible; write a description of the root system that
you have an opportunity of observing, and compare it with
the similar system of a monocotyledon such as corn, the
sugar-cane or a palm.
At this time, the pruning of cacao should have been
completed. It is important that careful examination of the
trees should be made in order to ascertain if the tarring of the
wounds has been properly carried out, Why are the wounds,
made in pruning, covered with tar! Every opportunity
should be taken to make careful notes of the appearance of
diseases and pests in cacao as well as in other cultivations.
The records thus obtained will often show that a sudden
disappearance of pests and diseases has taken place in the
case of certain individual plants. Give any reason that may
account for this, and state the use of the circumstance in
practice. In connexion with the lime crop, preparations will
have been made for concentrating the juice, and where
the harvesting and manufacturing processes have not been
completed already, the grass beneath the trees should be
cutlassed in order to facilitate the collection of the fruit.
Where green limes are gathered, they must be picked with care.
What is the reason for this? In cases where limes have to
be packed for export, it will be useful to wrap a few of them
in fairly thick brown paper, and others in tissue paper, and
to compare the keeping qualities of the fruit in the two cases.
Where lime seedlings have been planted out, mulch a few
of the plants, or where mulching is generally carried out,
leave a few of them without a mulch. In dry weather the
difference between the mulched and unmulched plants will
be very evident. At a suitable time, conduct a series of
observations on the development of lime fruits and of those
of cacao; the observations should include the making of
sections through the fruit in order that a knowledge of the
manner of growth of the interior may be obtained, and that
the information at the student’s disposal should not be con-
fined to facts concerning the external growth of the fruits,
only.
Plants, in different degrees, show a tendency to vary
from the normal type. What is meant by this, and what
may be the most common causes of such variation! Give as
many instances as you can of this variation, that have come
before your notice, making mention of any probable causes
of the change, where it is possible for this to be done,
Where cotton is planted, a careful note should be taken
later of the improvement through the use of selected seed for
sowing. The possession of such information will make it easy,
at the end of the crop, to compare the yields from un-
selected plants as well as to contrast the value of the dif-
ferent products. In seed selection, why should seed without
fuzz be discarded? Mention any diseases of cotton that are
likely to be carried over from one season to another, through
the medium of the seed. What practical measures would
you take in order to minimize, as far as possible, the chances
of the transmission of diseases in this way? Where this is
feasible, give a description of methods for growing cotton as
an intervening crop with sugar-cane, with particular reference
to the time of year for the different agricultural operations,
the manner of preparation of the land, and the planting and
reaping of the two crops.
Questions for Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS,
(1) What substances in the atmosphere are used by
plants, and for what purposes ?
(2) Give an account of what you know concerning the
use of seaweed as a manure.
(3) State the chief qualities of a plant that make it suit-
able for employment as a green manure.
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS.
(1) Give a description of the most important subsidiary
industry that is carried on in the neighbourhood in which you
live, stating why you consider it to be important.
(2) Write an account of what is described as symbiosis
in leguminous plants, indicating its practical value.
(3) State, with examples, what you know concerning
the dispersal of seeds, in nature.
FINAL QUESTIONS,
(1) Give an account of the use, as manure, of any of
the waste products, in the case of an estate with which you
are familiar.
(2) Of what advantage is it to plants that arrangements
often exist for the scattering of seeds to a distance from the
plants that have borne them!
(3) Make a review of the information that you have at
your disposal as to the usefulness, or otherwise, of soil inocu-
lation with nitrogen-fixing organisms.
FUNGUS NOTES.
DISEASE OF THE ARECA PALM.
Interesting work has been conducted recently by
L. C. Coleman, M.A., Ph.D., Mycologist and Entomologist to
the Government of Mysore, on the diseases to which the areca
palm ‘(Areca Catechu) is subject, in that State. The first of
these is Koleroga or rot'disease; an account of it has been
ublished in Bulletin No. II of the Mycological Series of the
Depactinart of Agriculture of Mysore. The subject-matter
of this paper is interesting in many ways, but one of the
main’ oints is that the fungus causing the disease is closely
relaté({'to that responsible for canker and black rot of cacao.
In fact, the second and more technical portion of the Bulletin
contains ‘a description of the cacao fungus and of comparative
cross-inoculation experiments with it and with the areca nut
fungus. An account of the conclusions arrived at as regards
both is given below, as well as of the disease which formed
the primary object of the investigation.
symptoms. The areca nut is cultivated in gardens or
estates in the hilly regions of the State of Mysore where the
rainfall varies from 100 to 300 inches in the year. In these
districts, as the monsoon commences (this is usually early in
July), a serious disease breaks out on the nuts and destroys
a varying proportion of the crop, while in severe cases the
whole may be destroyed. his disease is known as Koleroga,
but has no connexion with the Koleroga of coffee. The first sign
is a dropping of the nuts from attacked bunches. Such nuts
on examination are found to have lost more or less completely
their clear green colour. If they are in an early stage of the
disease, it is seen that part of the surface of the shells, usually
at the base of the nuts, is of a darker green colour and has
a water-soaked appearance; at a later stage the surface is
covered with a whitish mass of mycelium, easily removed by
scraping with a knife or with the finger nail. This mass of
mycelizm commences to appear on the water-soaked area at
the base of the nut, and gradually spreads over the whole
surface. Various saprophytic organisms, both fungi and
bacteria, quickly follow the original, causative fungus and
complete the destruction of the nuts. In addition to the
nuts, the flowers and flower stalks may be attacked; further-
more, the fungus may in rare cases spread down the flower or
fruit stalks into the tree and thence upwards into the termina!
bud; as a consequence the tree is killed. In even rarer
cases, infection may start on the leaf sheaths and spread
directly into the terminal bud, with the same result.
Altogether about 1 per cent. of the trees in many gardens
were killed in this way.
THE FUNGUS. The disease is due to a variety of Phy-
tophthora omnivora, which has been provisionally named by
Coleman P. omnivora, var. Arecae; it lives in and between the
cells in the tissue of the nut. The portion of the mycelium
between the cells puts out short, finger-like haustoria, which
penetrate the cells. These haustoria may be straight or curved,
and are occasionally branched. As the disease progresses,
the mycelium bursts its way through the epidermis in small
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. JuNF. 24, 1911.
tufts. These tufts then grow out, and produce the white
superficial covering found in more advanced stages of the
disease. It will be remembered that a mass of superficial
mycelium is also produced by Pythium palmivorum, Butler,
the fungus causing bud rot of the Palmyra palm (Borassus
jlabellifer), and to a less extent of cocoanut and areca nut
palms in Travancore (see Agricultwral News, Vol. X, pp. 14
and 30). In some cases, the erumpent tufts of mycelium
give rise to sporangia borne on very short stalks, while these
organs are also produced on short sporangiophores among
the mass of superficial hyphae. They are more or less
lemon-shaped structures, with a blunt, hyaline projection at
one end. In damp conditions, under the influence of light
their contents are extruded through a hole formed in this
projection. These break up, on emerging, into 10 to 40
minute spores, which swim about in drops of rain-water by
means of two small whip-like appendages, or flagellae, After
swimming for some time, they come to rest and germinate,
the germ tube growing out until it reaches a stoma, through
which it enters the nut, and produces a new infection. The
fungus also possesses a sexual method of reproduction, by
means of antheridia and oogonia. The contents of the anthe-
ridium pass into the oogonium, and as a result a thick-walled
resting oospore is formed. The oospores are capable of
resisting drought, and it is by their means that the fungus
is enabled to survive from one monsoon to the next. Coleman
was unable to state definitely where they are produced, as
he never found them on the nuts or in the soil. He believes,
however, that they are formed in the nuts, and also in the
tops of trees attacked in the bud region; while there is also
a possibility that they are produced on other plants, as infec-
tion experiments showed that the fungus could attack many
of the hosts of Phytophthora omnivora, and in addition
young tomato plants.
METHOD OF SPREAD. When the sun is shining between
falls of rain, in the monsoon, the sporangia formed on the
surface of a nut liberate their zoospores into the rain-drops
left by the last fall. This is done under the influence of the
sunlight, and occupies about fifteen minutes. In the dark,
zoospores are not liberated. Soon, another rain-cloud comes
up, the rain falls very heavily, and the drops are blown by
the strong wind. In this way drops of water infected with
zoospores are carried to healthy trees to leeward of the un-
healthy group, and the disease is spread. Insects and birds
may also assist, but the part played by them is small, as they
do not fly much in the wet weather.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES. The first precaution is the
removal and burning of all diseased nuts and branches, and the
tops of trees that have been killed. Two other precautionary
measures were investigated. The first consists of covering
the bunches of nuts, before the monsoon breaks out, with
special coverings known as ‘kottes’, made by sewing together
the bases of two leaf sheaths. his is a practice in general
use and helps to prevent an outbreak, but is not of much avail
in stopping the spread of the disease. The second and more
successful method is to spray the bunches with Bordeaux
mixture to which a strong adhesive has been added.
COMPARISON OF THE ARECA AND CACAO FUNGI. This
fungus is so like Phytophthora omnivora, to which species the
cacao canker and black rot fungus were formerly referred,
that Coleman made a comparative investigation of the two
forms, and also carried out inoculation experiments, with both,
on various hosts of P?. omnivora. He found that the cacao
fungus possessed the peculiarity that it appeared never to
form antheridia, while its oogonia developed oospores without
any fertilization taking place. In consequence of this and other
characters, and of the fact that it could not attack areca nuts
Vou. X. No. 239.
with any vigour, he considered it different from the areca
fungus, and worthy of being regarded as a new species. The
areca fungus could not attack cacao pods vigorously, but both
caused the death of many of the host plants of Phytophthora
omnivora, especially when in the seedling stage. This last
point is interesting, as it may well be that the cacao fungus,
P. Faberi, common in the West Indies, is responsible for the
damping off of various seedlings—an occurrence frequently
noted in some of these islands in the wet weather. In
addition, the extension of the list of host plants of the cacao
fungus is always a matter of importance, for it has recently
been shown that the same fungus also causes canker of Hevea
and immortel, in Ceylon, and attacks the fruits of the former
and the bread fruit. (See Agricultural News, Vol. X, p. 78.)
PLANT INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED
STATES.
The following extracts contain a few of the many
matters of interest to which reference is made in the Report
of the Acting Chief of the Bureau of Plant Industry, United
States Department of Agriculture, for 19i0:—
WORK WITH NODULE-FORMING BACTERIA Pure cultures
of nodule-forming bacteria for inoculating legumes have been
distributed during the year, and additional data have been
gathered concerning the limitations of successful inoculation.
Especialiy with alfalfa in the eastern States, it has been
found that successful inoculation is correlated very closely
with the reaction of the soil to neutral litmus paper The
inoculation of crimson clover seems to show no correlation
with the litmus reaction, while the inoculation of vetch is
about half-way between these extremes. More detailed field
work in connexion with the experimental distribution of pure
cultures for inoculating legumes wiil be undertaken during
the coming year.
RELATION OF ACIDITY OF SOILS TO GRAZING PLANTS. In
the progress of the co-operative experiments between the
Forest Service and the Bureau of Plant Industry on the
artificial re-seeding of denuded grazing lands in the National
Forest, it had been found in 1908 and 1909 that
the failure of certain forage plants on certain experimental
areas could not well be attributed to improper conditions of
moisture and temperature. On the suspicion that the con-
spicuous differences of success or failure might have been
caused by differences in the acidity of the soil, a study of the
acidity of these areas was made in 1910, with wholly con-
clusive results. It was found that the areas on which
Kentucky bluegrass and timothy failed were acid, and that on
these same areas redtop grew with great success. It was
found, on the other hand, that the areas on which redtop
made a poor growth and timothy and Kentucky bluegrass
succeeded were neutral or slightly alkaline in their chemical
reaction. It is clear from the season’s study that acidity of
the soil is a factor of the greatest importance, hitherto
unconsidered, in the seeding of these mountain grazing lands.
Hereafter, experimental sowings will be made with reference
to conditions of acidity as well as those of temperature and
moisture.
Fortunately, nature herself has furnished a guide to the
acidity of these areas. There are certain wild plants which
grow only on acid lands, others which grow only on neutral
or alkaline lands, and the presence or absence of these indica-
tive plants is an excellent practical guide for field work.
TESTING METHODS OF CORN BREEDING. The various
methods of corn breeding that have been put to practical
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS, 207
tests during the past ten years are showing their comparative
merits. ‘The yields of this fall will show the relative produc-
tion of corn that has been undergoing improvement by differ-
ent methods of close breeding and crossing. It is well estab-
lished that the retention of half the seed of ears tested as to
production is important. It allows further testing under
different seasonal conditions and isolation or crossing of indi-
viduals of improved merit. Indications have been found that
power to yield well is, with corn, a Mendelian character and
that when two homozygous individuals, related or unrelated,
are mated the progeny produces heavily.
FLORIDA CITRUS FRUITS. Field investigations were made
a feature of the season’s work. In several districts the
Bureau workers made careful inspections of the work of pick-
ing gangs and packing houses, pointing out the amount of
injury due to careless work and the effect of such injuries.
As a result of these demonstrations and instructions, the work
done by picking gangs showed material improvement during
the season.
The results of the washing experiments show consider-
able variation, depending upon the character of the work. In
some sections only slight decay resulted from the washing of
fruit, while in others where the work was carelessly done,
a material loss from decay followed. Where the machinery
was operated at high speed, or where the .wash water was not
changed often enough to ensure cleanliness, decay was always
materially increased. An appreciable percentage of long
stems in the fruit to be washed always resulted in increased
decay. A summary of all the data obtained shows that washing
increases the chance for decay, and should only be resorted to
when absolutely necessary to place the fruit in marketable
condition. When fruit must be washed, the work should be
done with the greatest care, both in the handling and the
operation of the machinery, and in using clean water.
The shipping experiments consisted of the forwarding of
a series of boxes to Washington, each series containing care-
fully handled and selected fruits, packed very carefully under
the supervision of the Bureau workers, and the same fruit
picked, handled and packed under ordinary commercial
packing-house conditions. The effect of delay in packing
and shipping was investigated. Inspections were made on
the day of arrival at Washington, and one, two and three
weeks thereafter, the fruit being held under ordinary market
conditions. While the data obtained this season are rather
meagre, they are consistent and clean-cut, and show (1) that
the least decay follows immediate packing and shipping;
(2) that there is least decay in carefully handled and packed
fruit, and most in injured fruit; and (3) that less decay follows
delay in packing carefully picked and kandled fruit than in
packing commercially handled or injured fruit.
The following list of goats for sale in Barbados and
Dominica is published for general information: —
In Barbados, to be obtained from Mr. Tom Manning:
ewe, 153 tb., by Black Rock, the imported Anglo-Nubian,
guaranteed to give 8 pints, now in kid to Rajah, the
imported Indian goat; ewe, 178 Ib., by Rajah, guaranteed to
give 6 pints; ewe 138 Ib. by Rajah, has given six pints for
over seven months, due to kid shortly from Jensen, a pure-
bred Toggenburg imported in 1910; ewe, 135 tb., by Bruce,
the imported pure-bred Toggenburg, with 2 kids from Jensen;
ewe, 99 tb., by Rajah, now in kid to Rajah. :
In Dominica, to be obtained from the Curator of the
Botanic Station: ram, born August 14, 1908, by Wallace, the
pure-bred Toggenburg. i> Feo geey .
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
JUNE 24, 1911.
London.—TuE
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpon,
MARKET REPORTS.
West Inpra ComMITTEE CIRCULAR
May 9, 1911.
ARRowRoor—2d. to 3jd.
Batata—Sheet, 3/8; block, 2/9 per tb.
Brereswax—No quotations.
Cacao—Trinidad, 54/- to 62/- per cwt.; Grenada, 47/6
to 53/6; Jamaica, no quotations.
CorrrE—Jamaica, 60/6 to 67/-.
Uorra—West Indian, £23 10s. per ton.
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 16d. to 18d.
Fruir—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
Gincer—No quotations.
Honey—No quotations.
IstncLass—No quotations.
Lime Juice—Raw, 1/-. to 1/2; concentrated, £18 2s. 6d.
to £18 7s. 6ud.; Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/3,
nominal.
Loc woop—No quotations,
Macre—2s. 2d. to 2s. 8d.
Nourmecs—Quiet.
PimENToO—Quiet
Ruseser—Para, fine hard, 4/11; fine soft, 4/9; fine Peru,
4/9 per tb.
Rum—Jamaica, no quotations.
Sugar—Crystals, no quotations; Muscovado, no quotations;
Syrup, no quotations; Molasses, no quotatioas.
New York.—Messrs. Gintuspix Bros. & Co., June 2,
1911.
Cacao—Caracas, lle. to 12c. ; Grenada, 10jc. to 11lje. ;
Trinidad, lle. to 114c. per tb.; Jamaica, 9}c. to Dic.
Cocoa-Nnuts—Jamaica, select, $25°00 to $26°00; culls,
$13°00 to $14°00; Trinidad, select, $26°00 to $27-00;
culls, $14°00 per M.
Corree—Jamaica, 12tc. to 13}c. per th.
Gincer—10c. to 12c. per th.
Goat Sxiss—No quotations.
Grare-Fruir—Jamaica, no quotations.
Lines—$7 ‘25 to $8°00.
Mace—48c. to 50c. per th.
Nurmecs—110’s, 10c. to LO}c. per Tb.
Orances—Jamaica, $1°50 to $2°25 per box.
Purento—43c. per tb.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3°86c. per lb.; Muscovados,
89°, 3°36c.; Molasses, 89°, 3llc. per Ib., all duty
paid,
Grant & Co., June 12,
1911.
Cacao—Venezuelan, $11°40 per fanega; Trinidad, $11°00
to $11°50.
Cocoa-Nut O1r—90c. per Imperial gallon.
CorrEE—Venezuelan, 15c. per tb.
Corra—$3-25 per 100 tb.
DxHat—$3'60 to $4°00.
Onxtons—$3°25 to $4:00 per 100 1b.
Pras, Sprir—$5°50 to $5°60 per bag.
Porators—English, $2°25 to $2°70 per 100 tb.
Rice—Yellow, $4°35 to $440; White, $5°40 to $3°50
per bag.
Svear—American crushed, no quotations.
Barbados,—Messrs. James A. Lyncn & Co., June 14;
1911; Messrs.
1911.
DS:
Garraway & Co., June 2
7
ARrRowRooT—St. Vincent, $4°50 to $470 per 100 tb
Cacao—$11-00 to $12°00 per 100 th.
Cocoa-NuTS—$16°80.
Correr—Jamaica and ordinary Rio, $11°50 to $15°00 per
100 tb., scarce.
Hay—$1°'30 to $1°50
Manures—Nitrate o
per 100 tb.
f soda,
$60°00 to
$65-00; Cacao
manure, $42°00 to $48°00; Sulphate of ammonia,
75°00 to $7600
per ton.
Mo.asses—No quotations.
Ontons—$3°00 to $358 per 100 Th.
Pras, Sprit—5'70 to $5°75 per bag of 210 tb.; Canada,
$4°10 per bag of
120 Ib.
Porators—Nova Scotia, $3°00 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam, $4°60 to $465 per 100 tb.; Patna, no
quotations; Rangoon, no quotations.
Sucar—No quotations.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wierinc & RuicureR, May
21,
June 9, 1911.
1911; Messrs. SanpBacn, Parker & Co.,
ARTICLES. |
Arrowroot—St. Vincent
Batata— Venezuela block |
Demerara sheet)
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava Srarcu—
Cocoa-NUTS—
Corree—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian |
DHat—
Green Dhal
Eppors—
Motasses— Yellow
Ontons—Teneriffe
Madeira
Preas—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Porators—Noya Scotia
Lisbon
Porators-Sweet, B’bados
Rice—Ballam
Creole
Tannras—
Yams— White
Buck
Sucar—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
Timber —Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
Cordwood
|
”
WIETING
Ricurer.
Messrs.
&
No quotation
No quotation
85c. per tb.
Ile. per tb.
$120
$6°50 to $700
| $12 to $16 per M
l6c. per tb.
18c. per Tb.
10c. per tb.
| |{$3-60 per bag of
168 Tb
$3 50
$132
None
$570 per bag
(210 tb.)
$4°50
20c. to 40c.
$120 per bag
No quotation
$5°00 to $5°25
$2°40 per bag
33°24
33°60
$2°40 to $2°45
$290 to $3°00
$3°80 to 34°00
$2°10 to $2°30
32c. to 5dc. per
cub. foot
$3°75 to 36:00
per M.
$1°80 to $2-00
per ton
Messrs. SAND-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$10-00 per 200 tb.
Prohibited
6dc.
12c. per th.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
selected
ldc. per tb.
18c.per tb.
| 10c. per th.
$3°75 per bag of
168 tb.
7qe.
$5°85 per bag
(210 tb.)
No quotation
$425
No quotation
$5-00 tu $5°25
None
$3-00
$4°00 to $4°25
None
32c. to 5dc. per
cub. foot
| $4:00 te $6:00
per M.
No quotation
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
FOR THE WEST INDIES.
The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal.
Volume I. No. 1. Out of print. Nos, 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price ls. each. Post free, 1s. 2d,
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Ground Nuts in the West Indies; Report on a Visit to Florida; A List of the Birds of the Island of
St. Lucia; A Note on the Introduction of Birds; An Account of the Working of the Land Settlement
Scheme in St. Vincent; The Sugar Industry of the Island of Negros; and Observations on Mill Control
Experiments in Negros,
PAMPHLET SERIES.
The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially
adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work
on sugar-cane and manures. the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued up to the
present time is sixty-four. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print.
Sucar Inpustry. (14) Screw Worm in Cattle at St. Lucia. Price 2d.
Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (15) Plain Talk to Small Owners. Price 2d.
in 1900. No, 3, price 2d.;in 1901, No. 13, price 4d.; (16) Hints on Onion Cultivation. Price 2d.
in 1902, No. 19, price 4d.; in 1902, No. 26, price 4d.; (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d.
in 1904, No. 32, price 4d. (18) Recipes for Cooking West Indian Yams. Price 2d.
Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, (25) Ground Nuts in the West Indies. Price 2d.
in 1903-5, No. 40, price 6d.; in 1904-6, No. 44, price 6d.; (28) Barbados and Porto Rico Molasses. Price 3d.
in 1905-7, No. 49, price 6d.; in 1906-8, No. 59, price 6d.; (34) Notes on Rabbit Keeping in the West Indies. Price 2d,
in 1907-9, No. 62, price 6d.; No. 66, price 6d. (35) Information in regard to Agricultural Banks. Price 5d.
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in 1900-1, No. 12, price 2d.; in 1901-2, No. 20, price 2d.; (38) Cultivation and Curing of Tobacco. Price 4d.
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in 1904-5, No. 39, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 46, price 4d.; (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta.
in 1906-7, No. 50, price 4d.; in 1907-8, No. 56, price 4d.; tions. Price 2d.
in 1908-9, No. 63, price 6d.; in 1909-10, No. 67, price 6d. (45) A BC of Cotton Planting. New and Enlarged Edit on.
Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, Price 6d.
in 1902-3, No. 30. price 4d.; in 1903-4, No. 36, price 4d.;
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ScaLe LNsects.
Scale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I. No. 7, price 4d.;
Part IL., No. 22, price 4d.
GENERAL.
(5) General Treatment of Insect Pests (Revised), price 4d.
(52) Hints for School Gardens, Revised Edition, Price 4d.
(53) A B C of Lime Cultivation. Price 4d.
(54) Fungus Diseases of Cacao and Sanitation of Cacao Orchards,
Price 4d.
(55) Millions and Mosquitos. Price 3d.
(58) Insect Pests of Cacao. Price 4d.
(60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them.
(61) The Grafting of Cacao. Price 4d.
(65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition.
Price 4d.
The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of }d. for the pamphlets marked 2d., ld. for those
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The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’. A Fortnightly Review.
The
‘Agricultural News’ contains extracts
from official correspondence and from progress and
other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony, and the progress made in
} ) > ; y g going ys
Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies.
The ‘ Agricultural News’
is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the
local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is
2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII complete, with title page and index, as issued
—Price 4s. each.— Post free, 5s.
longer be supplied complete.
Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no
The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents Al}
applications for copies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department.
Agents.
The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department :—
London: Messrs. DuLau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W.
Barbados : Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridgetown.
Jamaica: THe EpucationaL Suppty Company, 16, King
Street, Kingston.
British Guiana: Tue ‘Datty Curonicie’ OFFICE, Georgetown.
Trinidad : Messrs. Murr-MarsHay & Co., Port-of-Spain.
Tobago: Mr. C. L. Puacemann, Scarborough,
St. Vincent: Mr. L. 8S. Mosetzy, Agricultural School.
St. Lucia: Mr. M. A. Lawrence, Botanic Station.
Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. BripGewaterR, Roseau,
Montserrat : Mr. W. Rozson, Botanic Station.
Antiqua: Mr. S. D. Matong, St. John’s.
St. Kitts: Toe Bree anp Book SuppLty Agency, Basseterre,
Nevis : Messrs. HoweEtt, Bros., Charlestown
Grenada: ‘THE Stores’ (Grenada) Limited, St. George.
Vot. X. No. 239. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Junge 24, 1911.
THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE
oS ASE Eee eee
Ohlendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano
For Sugar-cane and general use
Ohlendorff’s Special Sugar-cane Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cocoa Manure
Ohiendorfi’s Special Cotton Manure
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, high grades,
Potash Salts, Basic Slag and all other high-class Fertilizers,
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO:—
THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS.
London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C.
Barbados Agents : James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
SPRAYING MACHINES, °°) “D200
We have in stock some Spraying Machines manu- A N [CW A N D REe- EN i A RG ED
factured specially for spraying cotton or cocoa plants.) MMITION Vi
Fitted with imjroved Nozzle, EDITION OF
ALSO PURE ARSENATE OF LEAD. NATURE TEACHING,
THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON z
FACTORY, LIMITED, To be obtained from all agents for the sale of the Department’s
BRIDGETOWN. Publications. Price 2s., post free, 2s. 3}d.
WEST INDIAN BULLETIN.
(Vol. XI, No. 3)
Containing Fungus Diseases of Ground Nuts in the
West Indies: Notes on Ground Nuts in the West Indies;
Report ona Visit to Florida; A List of the Birds of the
Island of St. Lucia; A Note on the Introduction of Birds;
An Account of the Working of the Land Settlement Scheme
in St. Vincent; ‘he Sugar Industry of the Island of Negros;
and Observations on Mill Control Experiments in Negros,
To be obtained from all agents for the
sale of the Department’s publications. Price
6d.; post free, 8d.
SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS.
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Introduction. Soil.
Varieties, Climate.
Propagation:— Shade,
Selection. Preparing the Land.
Stock for Inarching Planting,
and Budding Cultivation.
Tnarching Fertilization or Manuring.
Budding, Pruning and Sanitation
TWELVE (12) PULL PAGB ILLUSTRATIONS.
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Vou. X. No. 240.
IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST |
BARBADOS, JULY 8, 1911.
NDIES.
Price ld,
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
Gleanings .:. Feaepecs «e220
Tmperial Department of
Methods of Aco W pea AU) alee SSC 216
Agricultural Production in ; C0 ae
Uganda, 1909-10... 215 Insect Notes :—
Agriculture, Advertisement Entomology in Southern
Agricultural Conference,
TOE Toco G60) cee oon eS
Agricultural Education,
in Seeseee ees 220. Nigeria” Cees clo
Cacao, Relation Between Tne Root Borer of the
Weight of Seeds and Sugar-Cane...._... 218
Kod Steet ce wed kee Le zi x
Sabah Meal IDS Land Settlement Scheme
bition. 1911 291 in Grenadapesecesni tees 2L0
Manchurian Soy Bean
r :
Cotton Notes :— Trade, and Plague ... 213
The British Cotton
Growing Association Market Reports tpepee ssn Lee
and the Government Navel-Ill or Joint-Il]_ ... 219
Grant... . .. 215 Nitrogen Compounds in
The Present Cotton- the Soil, Changes in 217
Growing Season... 214 Notes and Comments... 216
3G ", 7 9
Westlndion Cotton? 7-12). st, Kitts, RecemaeRarnfall
Department News ... ... 210 oF
awe is in coc Wee eis 2a /
Dominica, Agricultural : Bs
NMatkersinil 913 St: Lucia and the Corona-_
Kast Africa (Gis onirtne , P tion Exhibition ... 217
aipeeee a “gy9 Students’ Corner... ... 221
Fungus Notes :—
Miscellaneous Points of
Sugar Industry :—
Molasses as Food for
Interest ee ae Stock 911
Methods of Agricultural
I?ducation.
lin the recent issue, by the Board of Eduea-
tion, England, of a Memorandum on the Principles and
Methods of Rural Education. Many of the ideas and
facts which receive expression in this are worthy of
attention here, for they apply, in a broad manner, to
conditions in the West Indies. This is true all the
more because the Memorandum gives attention to
every side of rural education, as 1t exists in England at
the present time, thus making the treatment of the
subject very comprehensive.
In relation to rural schools, experience in England
is directly reflected by that in the West Indies, in the
circumstance that the agricultural and other teaching
of a practical nature has been evolved from small begin-
nings—often under circumstances where the knowledge
of the teacher himself has had to be acquired along with
that of his pupils, until, with the aid of proper advice,
he has been able to formulate a definite scheme to
be employed in his school. As is stated in the Memo-
randum, the necessary matters for such a beginning
and development are, firstly, a real interest in the
affairs of the surrounding district, and, secondly, ‘willing-
ness and sufficient courage to try experiments and to
learn from others. This keenness on the part of
a teacher gives a vital interest to his work, and makes
it a matter of living concern to his pupils.
The main principle for adoption is that the teach-
ing should have connexion with the life of the child
and his daily experience. This principle can be carried
out in most, if not all, of the different subjects taught
in the school. Thus in English, descriptions will be
included of surrounding incidents and circumstances,
and of observations and work in nature study experi-
ments with plants in pots and boxes and in the
school garden. The school garden, too, will serve
as a prolific source of arithmetical examples vith
which the interest of the pupil will be actively and
personally concerned. Geography will no longer be
a mere matter of book learning, with examples drawn
from foreign countries which the pupil will never see,
210
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
duny 8, LOTT,
but will have relation to the features of the district in
which he lives and the illustrations that he can view
with his These considerations are true,
though in asmall degree, of other subjects that may
be taught in the school.
own eyes.
Continuing, with reference to the circumstances
of elementary schools, all this is connected with the
main matter at issue, namely the pursuit of Nature
Study. Here, the teacher can never complain of a want
of variety in the circumstances and conceptions that
are needed for the work that is required for this topic.
He must beware, however, of the tendency to confine
the work of observation and experiment to what is
done in the class room and the school garden: it is of
much importance that proper attention should be
given to the general facts of nature that have their
existence in the district served by the school. The
active work in relation to these will include the making
of notes, drawings and paintings by the pupil, and the
keeping of simple records. The scope of such work
will naturally vary with the knowledge of the teacher
and with the district in which he finds himself; the
fact that it is simple, if it is thorough in quality, will
not, however, detract from its value.
The conditions of secondary schools must now be
given attention. It is interesting that attempts to teach
subjects connected with agriculture and horticulture as
extra subjects, in schools in England, have resulted in
disappointment. That this might be the case was
already realized, in the West Indies, in planning
agricultural work for such schools as the Grammar
Schools in Antigua, St. Kitts, and St. Vincent. It is
of further interest that the Memorandum advocates
the provision of a general course of chemistry, biology
and physics as a preliminary to definite agricultural
teaching—a plan which has, as in the case of the
circumstance just mentioned, been always advised and
adopted by the Imperial Department of Agriculture in
its dealings with West Indian schools.
Finally, as regards secondary schools, the advice
given for methods of teaching is similar to that for ele-
mentary schools, namely: ‘The principles of science
should be taught by means of experiments which make
their appeal to the rural: student as having a definite
application to his environment, and this can best be done
if experimental work is carried on, not only in the labora-
tory, but also in the field and garden.’ The adoption
of this method gives the teaching the necessary agri-
cultural bias, and prevents it from being dissociated
from the useful illustrative circumstances that surround
the pupil.
The last section in the Memorandum, possessing
a more direct interest for the West Indies, deals with
farm schools. Institutions of this nature, or those having
any of the more definite association with such schools,
are rare in the West Indies. The facts which are given
show that, at the present time, completely satisfactory
results are by no means being obtained in England
with the aid of these institutions. There is the cireum-
stance that in all cases the lines of work
specialized in nature.
are too
Further attention to this mat-
ter 1s not expedient here; it is of more use to draw
attention to the Cadet System and Courses of Reading
and Examinations in Practical Agriculture, of the
Imperial Department, which, like farm schools, are
intended to continue or supplement what is done in the
ordinary schools. In the first, agricultural students in
the secondary schools, toward the end of their period at
school, may be relieved from participation in the ordinary
subjects of the curriculum, and the time thus placed
at their disposal is spent at the Botanic and Experi-
ment Stations in the acquirement of agricultural knowl-
edge, under the more particular direction of the officer-
in-charge, while they still attend the agricultural classes
at the school. This is only a brief statement of the
scope and meaning of this system, and the same can
only be afforded of those possessed by the Courses of
Reading and Examinations in Practical Agriculture.
The latter are a means by which overseers on estates
are enabled to pursue their theoretical and practical
studies, under advice, according to a definite plan, and
to obtain certificates of progress from the Department
at the end of the ditferent stages in the course.
This is only a brief review of some of the contents
of the Memorandum, in the light of experience and
conditions in regard to agricultural education, more
particularly in the islands administered by the Depart-
ment. It may well be concluded with a general
statement of the Memorandum, with reference to the
work in England at large: ‘Wherever such work
has been effectively done, farmers declare that the
expenditure is trifling compared with the financial
benefit to the agricultural community.’
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
Mr. P. 'T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S., Veterinary Officer
on the Staff of the Department, left Barbados
by the S.S.‘Ocamo’ on the 27th ultimo, for Antigua,
and other islands, subsequently, where he will conduct
an investigation into the veterinary conditions in the
colonies visited by him,
Vou. X. No. 240. THE
SUGAR INDUSTRY.
MOLASSES AS FOOD FOR STOCK.
The use of molasses as a food for stock has existed for
many years, and in earlier times the general method for
for feeding it was to mix the molasses, either raw or diluted,
with the ration for the stock. In late years, however, con-
tinually increasing attention has been given to the making of
proprietary articles, in which the molasses is absorbed by
being mixed with a medium, which may or may not possess
a nutritive value in itself. In relation to the employment of
molasses in these ways, a useful article appears in the Journal
of the Board of Agriculture, Vol. XVILI, p. 97. It is first
pointed out, in this, that the great development in England
of the employment of molasses for the feeding of animals has
taken place during the last twenty-five years, and that the
reason for this has been largely due to the growth of beet
sugar manufacture in Europe. Even before this, molasses
had been used in certain parts of England for the purpose of
fattening cattle, but the frequent rises in price prevented the
demand from being continuous.
Proceeding, the article gives a comparison of the molasses
from beet and cane sugar, pointing out that these are almost
identical, both in appearance and physical properties, although
the colour of the former is usually a little darker than that
of cane molasses, while the latter possesses a more pleasant
smell. It is well recognized that the improved methods of
manufacture that have been adopted for both beet and cane
sugar have caused the sugar content of the molasses that is
produced nowadays to be lower than that of the product which
was obtainable formerly. In comparing the amounts of
carbohydrates (chiefly sugar) in the two kinds, it is usually
found that these are about the same; this statement, of
course, refers to vacuum pan molasses, and not to that pro-
duced in the muscovado process, An average analysis of
beet molasses is given in the article; this may be usefully
presented here, and is as follows: —
Per cent.
for)
Nitrogen-free extract (chiefly sugars)
Crude protein
Ash
Water
=
i
TLE Go Ot
Lo
The composition of molasses from different sources natur-
ally varies from that which has just been given. The varia-
tion is mainly due to differences in tire amount of water con-
tained in the product; the calculation of the composition of
most kinds of molasses, on the dry matter, gives remarkably
constant figures as regards the sugar content.
Since September 1, 1903, the duty of ls. per ewt., on
imports of molasses into the United Kingdom, has been
removed, in the case where the product is intended to be used
solely as stock food or in the manufacture of cattle food.
This cireumstance has enabled cane molasses to compete more
favourably with that from beet, especially as buyers prefer
the former to the latter, for feeding purposes.
In regard to the value of sugar as food, attention is
drawn to the fact that the conclusion reached in 1855, by
Lawes and Gilbert, namely that this is about equal to the
similar value of starch, has been virtually upheld by the
results of recent work. Kellner, however, has conducted
investigations which lead him to conclude that, for fat pro-
duction, sugar has a smaller value than starch, the reason
being that there is more loss in the case of sugar than with
starch through fermentation in the digestive tract.
With reference to the nitrogen-containing substances in
AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 211
molasses, it is important to remember that these are not all
present as proteids or albuminoids such as those provided by
bean andother cakes. They belong to the class of substances
known as amides, whose food value is far inferior to that of
the proteids. Modern investigations have, however, shown
that amides, in passing through the wall of the intestine,
may be converted into proteids, so that in the case of healthy
animals, these possess a certain feeding value. The chief
point to remember is that, in calculating the feeding value of
a sample of molasses whose composition is given, that of the
nitrogenous bodies in it cannot be found by multiplying the
percentage of nitrogen by the usual factor (6°25), and expres-
sing the result as proteids, for the nitrogen is not present to any
extent in the form of such bodies, but as has been stated, in that
of amides. In considering the presence of amides in molasses,
attention must be given to the possession of properties by
them which cause the molasses to possess a laxative action.
Notice must also be taken of the fact that the alkaline salts
in molasses, particularly in beet molasses, serve as irritants
to the kidneys, with the effects that may be expected from
them. The question of the fats in molasses may be dismiss-
ed, from the consideration that these are entirely absent, or
present in such small quantities that they cannot possess any
calculable nutritive action.
In choosing molasses for stock-feeding, some of the
greatest importance is to be attached to the percentage of
water, particularly as, when the molasses is being bought on
a declared analysis, the latter is frequently misleading in this
respect. One of the reasons why molasses bought in Europe
is likely to contain a comparatively high percentage of water
is that it has probably,as a matter of convenience, being made
more fluid by blowing steam through it. The food value of
such molasses in inferior, and it is very likely to ferment
and become useless for the purpose for which it is required.
The article refers to the fact that there is ample proof
that in moderate quantities molasses is a useful and econo-
mical food for all classes of larger stock. It is necessary,
however, to give proper attention to the fact that the feeding
of large quantities of molasses, even where the laxative effect
does not become great, is likely to be uneconomical, on
account of the reduction of the digestibility of the other
- foods, through the presence of large amounts of sugar. In
referring to the actual use of raw molasses for feeding stock,
the article gives a hint for reducing theft by attendants; this
consists in mixing the molasses with a little coal-dust—
a method that may be more effective in England than in the
West Indies.
The somewhat objectionable nature of molasses, owing to
its sticky properties, and the cost of the package to contain
a liquid substance, has led to the invention of various mix-
tures in which the molasses is absorbed into a solid medium.
Among substances used for the purpose are: (1) palm oil and
cocoa-nut oil meal from which the oil has been extracted ;
(2) offals from corn and wheat milling; (3) dried peat;
(4) fibrous substances such as megass, ground nut shells and
crude cellulose. It is important to remember that it is only
in the case of the first two kinds of bodies that the solid
medium can possess any useful nutritive value; in the case of
peat and fibres, that of the molasses is likely to be actually
Jowered, owing to their enabling a certain proportion of it to
pass through the digestive system in an unaltered condition.
Finally, these mixtures do not take account of those in whieh
molasses is used as a binding ingredient in compound cakes,
and for increasing their palatability. Even in the case of
these, caution is required, as the molasses may have been
actually added for the purpose of disguising the taste of sonae
unpalatable bodies in the cake.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
JUDY, LOU
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FRUIVS AND PROG @eeesS.
THE RELATION BETWEEN THE WEIGHT
OF THE SEEDS AND THE PODS
IN CACAO.
It is pointed out in a recent article that, in deciding as
to the relative value of different kinds of cacao, little attention
has been paid in the past to the relation which the weight
of the seed in the pods bears to that of the pods themselves.
This article, which is by M. A. Fauchére, Director of the
Experiment Station of Tamatave, Madagascar, describes
briefly the work of the author, which has been undertaken
since the year 1906, for the purpose of obtaining definite
knowledge of the subject, as well as of employing the rela-
tionship in the selection of different varieties of cacao for
planting. Although the work is incomplete, it tends to show
that, if consideration is given to this factor in selection, the
relative value of the known kinds of cacao will have to be
regarded very differently from the way in which they are
viewed at present.
Attention is drawn to the fact that a cacao fruit is com-
posed of two parts: the fruit covering, which is worthless from
a commercial point of view, and seeds, which are the portion
bearing the chief interest for the producer. This leads to the con-
clusion that the aim of the planter should be the production of
seed, and not of husks; whereas the opposite often appears to
be the case, for it is everywhere sought to obtain large fruits,
and therefore large husks. In this connexion, it is the opinion
of the author that the varieties of cacao having the best
reputation in the West Indies are those which produce the
least seed in comparison with the total weight of the fruits.
It cannot be agreed, however, that this state of affairs exists
to the extent that would appear to be indicated by
M. Fauchére.
An account of definite experiments that were undertaken
in regard to the matter is followed by the statement that
these show clearly that the kinds of cacao known as Calaba-
cillo are the richest in seed, when the weight of this is referred
to the gross weight of the fruits. Three kinds of Calabacillo
examined gave 34:1 kilos., 29°7 kilos., and 26:7 kilos., per
100 kilos. of fruits; whereas two forms of Criollo from
Trinidad only gave 15°9 and 190 kilos. It is consequently
evident that if the fruit-bearing powers of the trees are regard-
ed as being equal, the advantage remains with Calabacillo,
even if the seeds of this variety are considered to be of inferior
quality to those of the other—a matter which, in the opinion
of the author, has probably not been demonstrated.
It remains to be found if the fruiting capacity of Criollo
plants is sufficiently large to compensate for the smaller
richness of the fruits in seeds. his point is to be made the
subject of an investigation by M. Fauchére, who expresses the
certainty that the advantage will be in favour of Calabacillo,
which shows itself to be extremely prolific at Tamatave. The
article to which reference is made appears in the Journal
@ Agriculture Tropicale, No. 118, p. 106.
GRAPE FRUIT FROM EAST AFRICA.
The following information concerning grape fruit
from East Africa is given in the latest issue of the
Bulletin of the Imperial Institute (Vol. IX, p. 15):—
A small box of grape fruit grown at Nairobi was for-
warded to the Imperial Institute by the Director of Agricul-
ture in the East Africa Protectorate in July 1910, with
a request for information as to the condition of the fruit on
arrival, its quality, and as to whether there is a market for
such fruit in London.
The box contained ten fruits of various sizes, which
were submitted to experts immediately on arrival
The condition of the fruit was stated to be practically
perfect, and its quality to leave little to be desired. The
only point to which attention was drawn was that these fruits
from Nairobi contained more pith than the grape fruit
received from Jamaica and California, and this fact might
detract a little from their value when placed in competition
with fruit from those countries. This slight defect will, how-
ever, probably not exist in fruit gathered from older trees.
The commercial value in the United Kingdom of grape
fruit from the East Africa Protectorate will depend on
(1) the time of year at which it can be placed on the market,
and (2) the grading and packing of the fruit.
During the months of July and August there are practi-
cally no arrivals of grape fruit in Europe. If any quantity
of the fruit could be landed in this country from the East
Africa Protectorate during those two months (in the present
ease the fruit reached London on August 24), a very profit-
able business would result, and prices averaging from 15s. to
20s. per case could be obtained. During the other months of
the year Jamaica, and California send fair supplies of grape
fruit, which realize prices ranging from 10s. to 14s. per case.
The fruit is graded into several sizes. The largest size,
which is larger than any of the fruits in the present sample
Vot. aXe No. 240.
from Nairobi, is packed in boxes, each containing 54 fruits.
The ‘count’ increases as the size diminishes, and the smaller
grades comprise 64, 72, 80, 90, 96 and 112 fruits. in a box.
The small ‘counts’, which consist of the larger fruits, are of
course the more valuable. The boxes in which the fruits are
packed measure 2 feet x 1 foot x i foot, and each box has
a partition in the middle to strengthen it.
The fruits are wrapped in tissue paper and packed
diagonally to avoid crushing, and it is essential that each box
should be packed quite full, whatever grade of fruit it
contains, so that the fruit does not get shaken about and
bruised.
the superior condition of the fruit on arrival.
There is a steady increase in the demand in this country
for grape fruit, which has been growing in popular favour for
some years past, and a constant supply from the East Africa
Protectorate would find a ready sale.
AGRICULTURAL MATTERS IN DOMINICA
The following facts, of more general interest, are taken
from a report by Mr. H. A. Tempany, B.Sc., Superintendent
of Agriculture of the Leeward Islands, on a recent visit by
him to Dominica, in connexion with the agricultural interests
of that Colony.
On one estate which was visited, a large amount of
trouble had been experienced in former years from the fact
that oranges were eaten by a caterpillar; these attacks have
now abated, apparently in a perfectly natural way. On the
same estate, the rind of the orange fruits tends to be coarse,
and attempts are being made to remedy this by the employ-
ment of a manure which is stated to have given good results
in the Southern States of America; it is probable that the
defect will be remedied, in time, as the trees grow more
mature. The plants themselves are healthy and free from
scale insects; among fungi parasitic on the scales, Sphaerostilbe
coccophila and Ophionectria coccicola were present in large
amounts, and it is well recognized by those in charge of the
estate, as well as by many other practical agriculturists in
Dominica, that these fungi are of the greatest importance in
the work of combating scale insects. On another estate,
indications were obtained that these fungi can do their work
effectively, even where the plants are wind-swept, provided
that there is a high rainfall.
After referring to the necessity for still more improved
means for the transport of produce in Dominica, as well as to
certain schemes that are being proposed in connexion with
this, the report proceeds to draw attention to the extent
to which Para rubber is being planted in the island. The
area in which the greatest activity is being exhibited in this
direction is situated along the Imperial Road, and the sug-
gestion is made that a product has been found, in Para
rubber, which meets the special requirements of this district,
in the circumstance that it possesses a small bulk compared
with its value, and is therefore easy of carriage. The total
area of Para rubber planted in this district is estimated to
be about 200 acres, and there are prospects of a considerable
extension in the near future. Itis considered by Mr. Tempany
that the suitability of Hevea, for planting in Dominica, as
compared with that of Castilloa and Funtumia, appears to
have been clearly demonstrated. Funtumia is less success-
ful, while the small progress made by the Castilloa plant
shows it to be unable to grow successfully without high culti-
vation, and under conditions of heavy rainfall.
A visit was paid to a lime estate where a small Hornsby-
Akroyd oil engine has been installed recently for the purpose
THE AGRICULTURAL
The care taken in packing will be well repaid by
NEWS. 213
of driving the mill for crushing the limes. Hitherto, water-
power has been used in this connexion on the estate;
the apparent anomaly of the introduction of mechanical
power, where free, naturally provided energy is available, is
explained by the fact that only smail quantities of water are
required for use on lime estates, so that a heavy fall of rain
is often followed by accidents which interfere with the power
supply and cause great inconvenience in the works. Where
liquid fuel can be obtained with moderate ease, the economy
obtained by the regular working consequent on its employ-
ment makes its use more suitable than that of water power.
On the same estate, a cable way about 800 feet in length has
been made for the purpose of conveying limes to the works,
and the success obtained with this leads to the suggestion
that such means of transport may well be adopted more wide-
ly in Dominica.
Several others matters receive attention in the report,
which are not, however, of general interest. It only remains
to refer to an interesting attempt that is being made to
develop the vanilla industry in Dominica. This is being
done with the expert assistance of a grower formerly interest-
ed in vanilla production in Réunion, and a considerable por-
tion of the area has already been planted, physic nut (Jat-
ropha Curcas) being used for supporting the plants; the
planting material is supplied from the Botanic Station. The
matter is of more particular concern, in that it will give
indications as to the possibility of the future development
of a vanilla industry in Dominica.
Plague and the Manchurian Soy Bean
Trade.—tThe British Acting Consul at Dairen states that
probably no great influence from the plague will be felt
during the present season. So far as can be ascertained, the
total export of beans and bean cake has been larger this
year than last, in spite of adverse conditions, but the trade
has been practically limited to the ports of Japan and South
China, Europe taking some 7,000 tons only, as compared
with 228,000 tons during the corresponding period of last
season. The Harbin bean has been selling at 10s. per ton
cheaper than the southern bean. This season’s large export
to Southern China has caused considerable surprise in view
of the high prices which have ruled throughout. From
October 1910, to February 1911, 333,977 tons of beans
arrived at Dairen, as compared with 387,236 tons in the
corresponding period of the previous season, while the quanti-
ties of bean cake which arrived were 85,793 tons, against
43,629 tons last season. The exports of beans during the
same period were 175,354 tons and 268,480 tons, respectively,
and of bean cake 181,893 tons and 72,480 tons, respectively.
It is in the coming season and possibly in the one
following that the real effect of the plague will be felt. It is
already time for beginning to prepare the land for next
season’s crop; labour, however, is scarce, and the quarantine
restrictions in Shantung and Manchuria will probably result
in a great reduction of coolie immigration at a time when it
is most essential. There are large stocks of beans still in
the country, but the farmers will not be persuaded to bring
them in, and owing to the exceptionally mild winter that
is just closing, the roads will break up earlier than usual,
with the result that these stocks will for the most part be
held over until next winter, at the expense of considerable
deterioration from imperfect storage. It is, of course,
possible that, with steady and rapid improvements in plague
conditions, these stocks may yet be brought in and stored
in places convenient for shipment on demand. (From The
Board of Trade Journal, April 27, 1911.)
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. S Juty 8, 1911.
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date June 20, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
Since our last report about 80 bales Fancy St. Vincent
cotton have been sold, chiefly 20d. to 24d. per tb., with one
lot at 25d., and about 100 bales Stains at 9d.
The market remains steady with a very small stock offer-
ing, but there is no demand at the moment for cotton over
16d., the sales of Superfine St. Vincent being quite exceptional.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending June 17, is generally as follows:—
There was a recount made of the stock by the Cotton
Exchange and 1,347 bales had to be added for corrections.
The stock on hand is 1,547 bales, of which exporters hold
219 bales, leaving in factors’ hands 1,328 bales.
There have been no sales during the week, and the mar-
ket remains quiet. The stock is composed chiefly of Plant-
ers’ crops held at 30c. and above, and of cotton held off of
the market under instructions from owners. But there is
still remaining in stock about 150 to 200 bales of stains and
the lower grades of off cotton, which factors are holding at
20c. to 24c., and also about 100 bales Fully Fine at 28c., so
that we can still buy in a limited way:
Fully Fine 28¢. = 15#d. c.i.f. & 5 per cent.
Fine 26ei=Nakd. 3, 45
Stains and off Grades=20c. to
cif. & 5 per cent.
24e, 11d. to 13hd.
THE PRESENT COTTON-GROWING
SEASON.
In most of the cotton-growing districts of the West
Indies, sowing will have been completed by the end of last
month, while, in some cases, seed will have been planted as
early as May. In all cases, the seed should have been care-
fully selected and disinfected, either by the planter himself
or by the Agricultural Authority in the island; in some cases,
this will have been done, under expert supervision, at the
ginnery from which it was purchased. Where the cotton has
not yet been sown, great care should be taken to ensure that
proper selection and disinfection of the seed to be employed
has been carried out. In connexion with the disinfection of
seed, it may be useful to remind the grower that the strength
of the corrosive sublimate solution to be used for the
purpose is 1 part of corrosive sublimate in 1,000 parts of soft
water or rain water, that is 1 oz. of corrosive sublimate to
7 gallons of water, or 1 Ib. to 100 gallons; where the water is
hard, and rain water is not obtainable, the solution should be
slightly stronger. The best way to make up the solution is to
dissolve the corrosive sublimate in a suitably small quantity
of water, and then to add this to the larger quantity of water
that is required to bring the solution to the proper strength,
As is well understood, the tubs for disinfection should be
made of wood, and should have been allowed to stand for
a few hours, filled with some of the solution, before they are
used for treating the seed. This is then poured away, freshly
made solution added, and then the seed is stirred into the
solution and left for ten to twenty minutes.
In planting, two or three seeds are usually placed in
holes about 2 feet apart, in rows about 4 feet apart. This
is a distance that has been found generally useful, though in
any particular instance, the nearness of the plants to one
another will depend on the nature of the soil: in poor land
they will be farther apart than in rich soil. A fortnight
after sowing, provided that the plants have made reasonable
growth, .they are thinned out, so as to leave one in each hole.
Where for any reason, such as the lack of rain after sowing,
the seeds have not germinated, the empty holes should be
supphed by sowing fresh seed; it is of little or no use to
attempt to do this by transplanting.
A short time after the plants have been thinned out, they
should be moulded up, in order to enable them to resist the
wind, and this should be done again when they are somewhat
more than a foot high. In using the hoe for moulding up,
the labourers should be careful not to injure the plants, par-
ticularly where they are likely to be attacked by black arm
or red maggot.
The cotton should be weeded regularly throughout the
season, until the bolls begin to open, and during dry weather
it should be given light cultivation, where this is feasible, in
order to maintain a soil mulch for the conservation of water.
In this weeding and cultivation the same precautions must
be taken, against injuring the plants, as are indicated above
for the first weeding.
The chief matter to be realized in cotton-planting and
cultivation in the West Indies is that the plant requires
continuous attention—an attention almost as intimate as that
needed in what is sometimes termed garden cultivation. It
is only by fulfilling this requirement that an adequate watch
for insect and other pests can be maintained, and the receipt
of a profitable return may be ensured.
Von. X. No. 240.
THE BRITISH COTTON GROWING
ASSCCIATION AND THE
GOVERNMENT GRANT.
In the Agricultural News for May 27, 1911, p. 166,
a review was given of the Sixth Annual Report of the British
Cotton Growing Association, 1910, in which there appeared
the following paragraph:—
‘Reference is made to the promise of His Majesty’s
Government, in 1909, to effect a grant-in-aid of £10,000 per
annum, for a period of three years, to assist in the pioneering
and missionary work of the Association, on condition that
the latter should raise additional capital to the amount of
£150,000, and estabiish and maintain seven pioneer ginning
and buying stations in West and East Africa, at the same
time supplying, free of charge, seed for sowing. It is now
known that the attempt to raise the capital required has
failed, so that other arrangements may have to be made in
relation to the matter.’
The statement in the last sentence of this paragraph was
based on a public telegram, dated London, April 27, which
was as follows:—
‘The British Cotton Growing Association has announced
its failure to raise funds in Lancashire, upon which the
Government grant and Colonial culture are dependent.’
In consequence of what is stated in this telegram, the
Commissioner of Agriculture addressed a letter to Mr. J. A.
Hutton, Chairman of the British Cotton Growing Association,
requesting further information in connexion with the matter.
In reply, Mr. Hutton writes, drawing attention to a state-
ment on p. 8 of the report mentioned above, which shows
that the Association has fulfilled the conditions attached to
the Government grant of £10,000 per annum, namely, that
additional capital to the amount of £150,000 should be raised.
The confusion seems to have arisen from the statement, in
the same paragraph of the report, to the effect that the balance
of the £500,000 required for the work of the Association has
not yet been raised; this, however, was not a condition of the
Government grant.
It is thus evident that, as the conditions have been ful-
filled, the Government will assist the Association to the
extent of £10,000 for three years. Whether this had been
a fact or not, there was little need for apprehension in the
West indies, as the money is to be used entirely in connexion
with cotton-growing in Africa.
Cotton in Uganda.—The Assistant Superintendent
of Cotton Cultivation for the Eastern Province, in his report
for the month of February 1911, states that instructions have
been issued to growers that all old cotton plants must. be
uprooted and burned by the end of March; a great number of
these have already been pulled up and stacked in the middle
of fields ready for burning, and it is not anticipated that any
difficulty will be experienced in having the instructions
carried out.
Very full instructions have been issued with regard to
the coming crop. In areas affected last season by boll worm,
advice has been given to sow a trap crop of Indian corn.
Growers have been told to commence sowing cotton any time
after April 15, to finish before the end of July. Preparation
of land has been begun early, and in some localities large
numbers of plots have already been broken. Given a favour-
able season it is anticipated that the increase In next season’s
output will be enormous. (From the Supplement to the
Uganda Official Gazette, March 31, 1911, p. 144.)
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS.
bo
=
or
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN
UGANDA, 1909-10.
The increase in the export trade is most satisfactory,
and is the outstanding feature of the year in the trade of the
Protectorate. The domestic exports show an increase in value
of £28,906 over the previous highest year, viz., 1907-8. This
increase 1s mainly due to increased exports of cotton, hides
and rubber, which are all staple articles of trade.
The net increase in food, drink and tobacco was £11,548.
The trade in chillies revived considerably during the year.
Part of the increase in the value shown is, however, due to
the enhanced value of this article. The exports of ground
nuts, ghee (clarified butter), and sesame seed were the highest
the Protectorate has yet had.
The net increase in raw materials, unmanufactured, was
£36,367. There was a decrease in cotton seed, due to a local
firm having started crushing the seed and exporting oil, and
to the retention of considerable quantities of seed for plant-
ing. A decrease in sheep skins is due almost entirely to fall
in prices.
The large increase in the exports of cotton is again
a prominent feature of the export trade. Calculating that
cotton loses about two-thirds of its weight in ginning, the
total quantity of ginned cotton exported during the year
would amount to 1,158 tons, or 6,488 bales of 400 Ib. each.
This is an increase of 433 tons over the previous year.
The exports of rubber, hides and goat skins are the
highest on record. The total quantity of rubber exported
was 47 tons. Of this quantity, 36 tons was shipped by the
Mabira Forest Company, who have a lease of a large forest
area, Their rubber is chiefly obtained from the West African
rubber tree (/untwmia elastica), and it compares favourably
with the best Para rubber. Another company has been formed
to work another large tract of land, and negotiations for other
forest areas are going on.
Amongst new articles of export which appear for the first
time, and which give promise of success, may be mentioned
beeswax, cotton-seed oil and sesame oil. (Colonial Reports—
Annual, No. 670, p. 10.)
It is reported by H.M. Consul-General at Manila that
the amount of hemp produced in the Philippines has been
steadily increasing during the past few years. In 1909, the
output was about 1,280,000 bales of 280 tb.; this increased
to 1,340,000 bales in 1910, and it is estimated that the pro-
duction for this year will reach at least 1,400,000 bales. The
increased output is taking place in consequence of the lower-
ing of prices, which causes the natives to manufactnre more
of the fibre in order to obtain a remunerative return. No
machinery is used in the production of hemp in the Philip-
pines, chiefly because a machine sufficiently light to be
transported into the hemp country has not been invented
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
ommissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News :
Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d.
Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s. 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
yee :
Agricultural Hews
Vou. X. pate JU GR watey, 7911. No. 240.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Contents of Present Issue.
The editorial of this issue treats of the subject of
Agricultural Education, with particular reference to
the West Indies, in the light of a report issued recently
by the Board of Education, England.
On page 211, under the heading Sugar Industry,
there appears an article contaiming useful information
in relation to the employment of molasses as a food
for stock.
Page 215 contains an account of the present condi-
tions in Dominica in connexion with several agricultural
matters of greater importance,
article entitled The
on page 214.
Attention is drawn to the
Present Cotton-growing Season,
Tne Insect Notes, on page 218, present illustrated
articles, having reference to the root borer of the sugar-
cane and entomology in Southern Nigeria,
On page 219 will be found an article describing
a complaint of stock, common in some countries, which
is known as navel-ill or joint-ill.
The Fungus Notes of this issue are presented on
page 222. They are in the nature of a treatment of
several at doellanclite subjects of interest to agricul-
turists in the West Indies,
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. Juby (8, W911.
Publications of the Imperial Department of
Agriculture.
Pamphlet No. 68 of the Department Series is just
being issued under the title Manurial Experiments
with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, 1909-10. It
presents, in an abridged form, the chief results of the
sugar-cane experiments that are described in Part II
of the large Report on Sugar-cane Experiments in the
Leeward Islands, 1909-10, which is now in the press.
The Pamphlet is obtainable from the agents for
the publications of the Department, price 4d., post
tree, 5d.
n>
1912.
As is well known, it was the intention to hold an
Agricultural Conference in British Guiana, in Janu-
ary of this year; but that this was rendered impossible
by the sudden changes in the times of sailing of the
steamers of the RMSP. Co. It will also be remem-
bered that ettorts have been made since this time to
hold the Conference in that Colony at some other
period in the current year. These efforts have failed,
and it has not been found possible to arrange for
a further scheme, whereby the Conference should be
held in British Guiana, in January 1912.
Under the circumstances, the proposal has been
made that, subject to the approval of the Secretary of
State for the Colonies, the next Agricultural Confer-
ence shall be held during the same month (January
1912) in Trinidad, and the Authorities in that Colony
have expressed their acquiescence in the suggestion.
The Commissioner of Agriculture has subsequently
received the sanction of the Secretary of Stxte for
this plan to be carried out, so that arrangements
will now be made for the holding of an ‘Agricul-
tural Conference in Trinidad in January 1912. and,
subject to any alterations that circumstances may render
necessary, it is proposed that the meetings sball be held
from the 23rd to the 30th of that month.
This opportunity is taken of informing those who
are interested in, or connected with, the Conference as
to the course that is to be followed, and the definite
announcement will now make it necessary for Dele-
gates to the Conference, and the various Agricultural
Officers, to commence at an early date the preparation
of papers to be read, as well as the revision of any that
have been held over from the proposed Conference for
1911. The same is true of the preparation of exhibits,
either for use in connexion with papers or for general
display—an important matter, to which increased
attention may well be given. It is convenient to state,
here, that all papers should be accompanied by an
abstract, made as brief as possible, the provision and
use of which will ensure the more complete and
efficient discussion of the papers.
Further announcements in connexion
Agricultural Conference, 1912, will be
work of preparation progresses,
required,
The Agricultural Conference,
with the
made as the
and as they are
Vou. X. No. 240.
St. Lucia and the Coronation Exhibition.
A note with this title was given recently in the
Agricultral News, on page 185. In relation to this, it
should be stated that in addition to the work, which is
there described in connexion with the representation
of the island at the Exhibition, the effort has included
the preparation of a small pamphlet by Mr. J. C.
Moore, Agricultural Superintendent, having the title
Notes on St. Lucia, West Indies,and Hinis to Settlers.
This pamphlet, which has been issued by the
Permanent Exhibition Committee of St. Lucia, and has
been placed in the care of the West India Committee
for distribution in England, presents first of all
a general description of St. Lucia, followed by informa-
tion regarding means of communication, climate, clubs
and amusements, and religion. Succeeding sections
deal shortly with agricultural instruction, labour and
industries, the last mentioned being particularly help-
ful; while there is a final section entitled ‘Hints to
Settlers’.
This little pamphlet should be effective in draw-
ing interested attention to St. Lucia, and in showing
the kind of information to be acquired by those who
intend to take up planting in the island, while direct-
ing such persons to the sources from which the infor-
mation may be gained.
The Recent Rainfall in St. Kitts.
In regard to the rainfall of St. Kitts for the cur-
rent year, Mr. A. D. C Adamson, of Brothersons estate in
that island, has kinaly sent, for the use of this Depart-
ment, a table giving comparative rainfallrecords through
the years 1891 to 1910, taken by means of a rain gauge
near sea-level. In forwarding the material, Mr. Adam-
son points out that it shows that there has been more
precipitation during this year than in any similar
period since 1891, in the districts to which the records
refer: not only is the total precipitation greater, but
this has been more equally distributed over a larger
number of days of rainfall, causing particular difficulties
in reaping the canes, especially on the windward side of
the island.
Analysis of the figures shows that during the year,
in every case, the monthly rainfall has been greater
than the average of that month for the last twenty
years; in addition to this, the total fall until the end of
May has been 27°24 inches, whereas the total of the
average falls for the same period, for twenty years,
is only 15°87 inches. There is the further interesting
fact that the highest record from 1891 until this year,
for the period up to the end of May, was made in 1896,
when the rainfall amounted to 25°30 inches. This
figure is to be compared with the total of 27:24 inches,
mentioned already.
As has been stated, these figures are fora gauge
at a low altitude. Itis of interest that Mr. Adamson re-
marks further that,at a gauge situated at 1,000 feet above
sea-level, he has recorded more than 70 inches of rain-
fall, to the end of May, for the present year—a_ total
amount that it has heretofore taken until the middle of
August to complete.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 217
The Land Settlement Scheme in Grenada.
A copy of a report of the newly appointed Land
Officer for the Land Settlement Scheme of Grenada,
relating to May 1911, has been received from the
Colonial Secretary. This shows - that, during the
month, this officer has paid frequent visits to the areas
under the scheme, and proceeds to give an account
of the applications for land received, and sales of land
effected, during the period under review. After a short
account is presented of the improvements that are to
be carried out by the Government in those areas, refer-
ence is made to the progress of the work on the hold-
ings. In connexion with this, clearing has not yet been
completed, though there are places where crops such as
sugar-cane, corn and peas are being grown. Seed is
being obtained for cotton-growing, and cultivation has
commenced for this crop on some of the plots. As
regards individual owners, one peasant has formed
a small tobacco nursery, and another intends to take up
bee-keeping.
The scheme includes the conduct of trials on an
economic experimental plot, for which the work of gene-
ral preparation and making drains has been completed.
As soon as the land has been cleared of tree stumps,
the plot will be divided into four parts, each having an
area of 1 acre; these portions will be plainly divided
from one another, for the proper regulation of the areas
for experimentation.
ED ee
Changes in Nitrogen Compounds in the Soil.
An abstract of an experimental study of this
subject is given in the Hxperiment Station Record
of the United States Department of Agricuiture,
Vol. XXIV, p. 222. The main object of the investigations
was to ascertain definitely the influence of quicklime,
chaik and air on nitrification, denitrification, the fixation
of nitrogen, and the decomposition of organic matter
containing nitrogen, in different kinds of soil. The
work was done with soil suspended in culture media,
The results showed that quicklime and chalk
possess a favourable influence in regard to all the bacteria
that take part in the changes in nitrogen compounds,
in the soil. It was shown, as well, that the kind of soil
exerts an influence independently of the treatment
which it has received.
The power to fix nitrogen, and for nitrification,
appears to be greater in chalky soils, and in those con-
taining humus, than in sandy soils: while the ability for
denitrification seems to be about the same with all the
different kinds of soil. The effect of lime in soil in
increasing the power to decompose organic matter con-
taining nitrogen was greatest in soils containing a high
percentage of humus, while sandy soils came next in
order.
The author of the work does not claim any practical
value for the employment of the methods described by
him, in order to determine the condition of soils in
regard to nitrification, etc., as this can only be ascer-
tained by means of actual direct tests.
218
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Juty 8, 1911.
INSECT NOTES.
THE ROOT BORER OF THE
SUGAR-CANE.
The root borer of the sugar-cane (Diaprepes abbreviatus),
which appeared as a serious pest in a limited area in Barba-
dos at the end of 1909 and early in 1910, was again in
evidence and caused serious injury to ripening sugar-cane
during the first months of the present year.
General accounts of these occurrences of the root borer
have appeared in the Agricultural News (see Vol IX, pp. 10,
‘58, 106 and 410). Inthe West Jndian Bulletin (Vol. IV,
p. 37), a paper was published, by the Rev N. B. Watson,
F.E.S., on the root borer of the sugar-cane, in which the life-
history of this interesting pest was given in detail. Mr. Watson
observed that the root borer adult weevil (Fig. 10) was to be
found during August and September, and it was at this time
that the eggs were laid which provided for the next generation
of grubs (Fig. 9). This year, the weevils have appeared
earlier than the time given in pre-
vious records: per- haps on account of
the unusual rains which fell during
the early months. Since about June
ZONe Mrs AL A. Evelyn, Manager
of Spencers plan- tation, has been
finding these in- sects in abundance,
and hehas adopt ed the plan of
Fic. 9. Grus or Roor Borer.
collecting and destroying them. They are found hiding in
the throat of yourg corn and under the base of the leaf
of older corn. They also conceal themselves among the
leaves of other plants, and it is during this period of hiding
that mating of the sexes takes place. Eggs have not been
found in the field, but in the entomo-
logical laboratory of the Imperial
Department of Agriculture these were
obtained on June 27, and they were
observed to hatch on June 30. These
eggs were obtained from weevils, brought
in on June 23, and were laid between
the 24th and 27th. The time spent in
the egg in this instance was not more
than six days.
Planters in any district where the
root borer is known to oceur would do
well to keep a careful look out for
these insects, and to have them collected
when they appear. The weevils are
easily found and readily captured; but
once the eggs are hatched, proper control
becomes next to impossible.
A crop of Indian corn might well
be planted where badly attacked canes
female probably often exceeds 250; these are laid in several
clusters at different times.
The eggs are about four times as long as broad, the
length being about }mm. The grubs, on hatching from
the egg, at once drop to the ground, and it is likely that
ants capture and devovra very large percentage of them
before they can penetrate into the soil. When itis first hatched,
the grub is considerably larger than the egg from which it
has emerged. Jts colour is white, except for the head, which
is pale-brown.
Every effort should be made to discover the eggs, and to
collect these as well as the weevils. It is during these two
stages of the root borer’s existence that it exposes itself to
easy and successful control by man. The long period of
nearly a year, when the grub and pupa are underground, is
the time when the pest is so protected by its mode of life
as to be very safe from attack.
ENTOMOLOGY IN SGUTHERN NIGERIA.
The first annual report of the Gov-
ernment Entomo- logist for Southern
Nigeria has been received. Mr.C. W.
Jemmett, who was for six months, in
1908-9, attached to the staff of the
Imperial Depart- ment of Agricul-
ture assumed the duties of his office
in May i909 and established his
headquarters at Olokemeji. — His
report covers a period of nine
months to Febru- ary 1910. During
Fic. 10. Roor Borer or SuGan-Cane.
the period under review Mr. Jemmett spent his time in
travel, and in becoming familiar with the conditions in the
agricultural districts of the country in which he is working.
Mr. Jemmett’s report gives a sum-
mary of the important insect pests, and
emphasizes the need of an immense
amount of entomological work in South-
ern Nigeria. A classification of insects
according to economic concern is given,
and notes on a few of the most impor-
tant insects noticed in 1969.
It is of interest to note that the
nature of the attack on several tropical
erops such as cacao, cotton, maize,
cocoa-nuts, etc., is the same as in the
West Indies. The insects are not identi-
fied, so it cannot be stated whether they
are of the same species as the West
Indian forms.
In addition to the annual report,
Mr. Jemmett has issued a preliminary
report on the insects affecting maize,
a report on those observed on cotton,
- i” ‘ a} > NVprpw “J 49 *; ~ :
have been reaped, and this would serve Fic. 11. Grain Weevits (Calandra spp.). and one on insects found on cacao
as a trap where the adults could be captured. The period of
pupation is passed in the ground, and when this is completed
and the weevils emerge, the corn plants furnish a suitable
hiding place for them. If no such convenient hiding place
is found, the weevils probably fly away in search of some
suitable location, and thus become so scattered as to render
collection impossible.
In the laboratory, the eggs have been laid on leaves of
Indian corn, imphee and sweet potatoes. They are generally
covered by a fold of the leaf, or by two leaves fastened
together. The number of eggs in a cluster varies from very
few to about 150. The total number of eggs laid by one
in 1909.
Maize seems to be attacked by two kinds of insects:
one the grain weevils, the other lepidopterous larvae. The
lepidopterous larvae would seem to be similar to the boll
worm (//eliothis obsoleta) and the corn ear worm (Laphygma
frugiperda) in the manner of attack on the corn. The
caterpillars of the corn, in Southern Nigeria, tunnel into
the stem of the plant and the ripening ears of the grain, and
since they occur in large numbers they are able to cause
a very large amount of loss to the farmers.
The grain weevils (Calandra granaria and C. oryzae)
are of very general occurrence in many parts of the world as
Vou. X. No. 240.
pests of stored grain (Fig. 11). In Southern Nigeria, however,
these small insects are reported as pests of corn in the field.
This is said to result from the practice of leaving the corn
standing after the grain is ripe, and the remedy suggested
is to harvest the grain as soon as it is ready.
Cotton in Southern Nigeria is attacked by many of the
same pests asin the West Indies. There the boll worm,
cotton stainers and aphis are among the serious pests. The
principal recommendation made is the destruction of the
old cotton plants promptly when the crop has been reaped.
Cacao is attacked by borers and termites which injure
the wood of the stem and branches, and by a moth and fruit
fly which attack the pods and cause a considerable amount of
injury. Two species of scale insects are recorded as attacking
cacao in Southern Nigeria.
The collecting and burning of all old pods, the
disposal of the shells from which the beans have been
taken, and the remova! of all dead wood and careful
tarring of cuts, are among the remedial measures recom-
mended. The collecting of the borer beetles, after the manner
employed in the West Indies, is also suggested,
LIVE STOCK.
NAVEL-ILL OR JOINT-ILL.
This disease, which is also called navel-evil, joint-evil and
specific arthritis, is due to septic organisms entering the sys-
tem by the umbilicus (navel), and is a very serious affection
commonly fatal to foals, calves and. lambs. It is known to
persist in some breeding establishments, where it causes
a heavy annual loss. The disease does not seem to be well
known in the West Indies, but in some other countries it is
a formidable scourge to young znimals; it is characterized by
inflammation of the umbilical cord, and usually by a swelling
of one or more joints, and lameness.
causEs. There are many predisposing causes, such as
bad weather, poor feeding and weakness. It seldom arises
when the cord is normal, but usually when it is too short.
It is likely that infection oceurs after the cord is separated,
and that dirty surroundings, soiled litter, etc., are the more
common causes. :
syMproms. The young animal is seen to be dull and
listless; it refuses to suck, and remains lying down almost
constantly. There is fever, with its accompanying dry-
ness of the lips and mouth, the breathing is hurried
and the pulse quick and feeble; some constipation occurs
at first, followed by diarrhoea and frequent urination in
small quantities. There is a good deal of inflammation
and swelling at the navel and some abscess formation:
probably also a thin watery matter will be seen drip-
ping from it. In light-coloured animals, the skin under
the abdomen is often stained yellow. The affection then
becomes general throughout the system, the result being that
abscesses are formed in various parts of the body, and inter-
nal organs more rarely; when the animal is about a month
old, the disease assumes a chronic form : the health is not so
much affected, and a large abscess forms at the navel. The
young animal shows a tendency to sleep continually, and
later dies from weakness and exhaustion. In the form particu-
larly affecting the joints, nothing may be seen until it is
noticed that the young animal is lame; such lameness is often
thought incorrectly to be due to injury, such asa kick from
the mother. The stifle is perhaps the most commonly
affected joint, though others are also involved. On examina-
tion, it will be found that this is hot and tender, and exhibits
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 219
a fluctuating swelling. The animal is less keen to suck, and
the temperature rises two or three degrees. If two legs are
affected, the condition is worse and a general feverish state
is evident, accompanied by hurried breathing, some uneasiness
and some constipation. The navel, if examined, will be seen to
be moist and not healed, or occasionally, it is quite dry and
appears to be healthy.
In another case, the animal may sicken without visible
lameness, but with dullness, fever and often some constipa-
tion; and here the breathing is more affected. The infection
spreads through the system, and the condition of the patient
gets rapidly worse, as the lungs and other organs become
involved. A foetid diarrhoea may set in, and the animal
dies without the joints being affected. In either case, the
disease is very fatal; even animals that recover may be
deformed, though many accomplish this well, especially foals.
TREATMENT. Laxative medicines should be given and
measures for reducing the fever taken; in addition, hot
fomentations and liniments should be applied to the joints,
and antiseptics to the navel.
PREVENTION. This is much more important than treat-
ment. It is of the utmost concern to see that the place
where young animals are to be born is scrupulously clean, and
to this end it is advisable to limewash the walls (adding
5 per cent. of carbolic acid to the whitewash), to remove all
soiled litter, and to provide a good clean bed for the
mother. In the case of animals born in the open, it should
be seen that a good piace is provided without any contamina-
tion such as pen manure. Fresh air and sunlight are also
valuable aids to the destruction of germs, and are insisted
upon in temperate countries, while in the West Indies there
is usually no difficulty in this connexion.
As soon as the young animal is born, the cord should be
washed in an antiseptic solution (carbolic acid 5 per cent., or
corrosive sublimate 1 in 1,000). Then the cord should be
tied, {inch from the skin, by a linen tape which has previously
been soaked in the antiseptic. The cord is then clipped with
scissors, about {inch below the ligature, and the end saturated
with the solution. In the absence of proper antiseptics, the
cord may be smeared with common wood tar. The ligature
should be examined every day (twice if possible) and dressed
with the solution, or pure carbolic acid may be applied to the
stump daily for four or five days, until it separates. If after
this, any matter is seen to be accumulating in the cord, it must
be washed out, and dressed with the antiseptic. The dressing
may be discontinued when the cord is dry, that is probably in
seven to ten days after birth; but if the cord is not dried up it
should be continued, as experience has shown that the disease
may appear seven to twenty daysafter birth. It will be found
that attention to hygiene and cleanliness will certainly decrease
the risks from this disease. Lastly, the mother must be
liberally fed to ensure a supply of good milk, in order to keep
the young animal in a strong condition.
POST-MORTEM APPEARANCES. The vein leading from the
navel may contain a dirty-grey, thick fluid, or there may be
a small abscess. The liver is large and friable, and may
have several small abscesses in it. The lungs are also badly
affected in some cases. The joints are always inflamed, and
may contain matter; matter is also occasionally found in the
cavities of the brain.
It is recorded in Pamphlet I of the Indian Tea Associa-
tion that Dhaincha (Sesbania spp.—see Agricultural News,
Vol. VIII, p. 271, etc.) has shown itself superior to woolly
pyrol (Phaseolus Mungo) as a green dressing, in that it has
been reported as making very good growth in many plaees
where the yield of woolly pyrol has been poor.
bo
two
(=)
THE
AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Juty 8, $911.
GLEANINGS.
According to a report received from the Agricultural
Instructor, Tortola, there has been a record sale of cotton
seed during the past month, and the sowing of this is in full
progress. It is also stated that there are indications of a good
lime crop, and that sugar-canes are making favourable growth.
The report of the Government Veterinary Surgeon of
St. Vincent, for May 1911, shows that there were no deaths
from anthrax among the stock in the island during that month,
nor was there any suspicion of the presence of the disease
in the case of five deaths, the causes of which were not
ascertained.
The official returns of the Government of Ceylon show
that the amount of rubber exported during February 1911
was 5,768 tons, as compared with 2,507 tons in the same
month, in 1910. The exports for the eight months ended
February 1911 were 52,113 tons; for the similar period in
1910 they were 14,433 tons.
A report from the Agricultural Superintendent,
St. Vincent, states that peasant growers have bought a large
quantity of selected and disinfected cotton seed from the
Central Cotton Ginnery, and that as far as this class of
grower is concerned, at any rate, there will not be any
decrease in the area of cotton planted in the island.
A circular has been received from Alexander Heyne,
Naturalist and Bookseller, Berlin-Wilmersdorff, Landhaus-
strasse 26a, Germany, requesting collections of insects of every
description, particularly butterflies, moths and beetles, and in
addition such animals as scorpions and millipedes. It is
stated that the best prices will be given for collections that
are in good condition.
The Huperiment Station Record of the United States
Department of Agriculture, Vol. XXIII, p. 741, presents
a note on a paper describing work in which trap crops were
used for controlling eel worms on land employed for growing
sugar-beet. The trap plants were rape and turnips, and they
were effective in bringing about a marked decrease in injury
from eel worm to the main crop.
Supplement No. 3 (1910) of the Annales du Jardin
Botanique de Buitenzorg contains an account of an investigation
in tapping with V-shaped incisions and double herring bone
cuts, for the purpose of determining if the latex varies in its
composition at different periods of the year. The results
indicate that the ameunt of solid matter in the latex
decreases with the advance in the tapping period. On the
other hand, the mineral and the nitrogenous matter increase.
At a meeting of the Legislative Council of Grenada,
held on March 3, 1911, it was resolved unanimously that
assistance should be given by the Government to the Home
Industries Association, which is a society for assisting the
women in the island, of all classes, who are in poor circum-
stances. In consequence of this, a Grant-in-aid to the amount
of £50 was included in the estimates, for the Home Indus-
tries Association of Grenada. (See the Grenada Government
Gazette, May 1, 1911.)
The Board of Trade Journal for May 18, 1911, shows
that the experimental cultivation of Para rubber is to be
greatly extended in the equitorial regions of the Congo State,
especially where the rainfall is abundant, and for the purpose
considerable quantities of seeds of Hevea brasiliensis have
been imported from Ceylon. In the same State, satisfac-
tory results are being obtained with Ceara and West African
rubber; although in the latter case repeated tapping has been
found to cause a gradual decrease in the yield.
It is stated by the Agricultural Superintendent of
St. Kitts that the area planted in cotton in that island, for
the present season, will not decrease, but that there is
rather a tendency for an increase to take place. He further
states that the following average yields of lint have been
obtained by some of the estates during the past season, on
the areas mentioned: 318 lb. of lint over 60 acres, 300 bb.
over the same area, 324 Ib. over 39 acres and 275 tb. over 50
acres. One estate disposed of allits cotton at ls. Sd. per Ib.
The St. Vincent Arrowroot Growers’ and Exporters’
Association (see Agricultural News, Vol. IX, p. 285) is
advertising for samples of arrowroot, from the island, to be
sent to enquirers in Canada, the United States and Europe.
The samples are to be accompanied by the stated prices of
grocery and best manufacturing quality arrowroot; they must
each weigh not more than }-b., should contain the name and
address of the grower or exporter, and should also show on
the outside of the package the owner’s name and shipping
mark, and the grade.
An abstract of a paper in the Bulletin of the Bureau of
Agricultural Intelligence and of Plant Diseases, of the
International Institute of Agriculture, for December 1910,
p. 206, describes work in which it was shown that, in the
case of green leaves, the amount of light required to com-
mence the building up of plant food bodies in the leaf is
greatest where chlorophyll (leaf green) is present in the least
amount. Further, the rate of building up of such bodies
increases with the amount of chlorophyll, up to a certain
maximum, and then decreases.
The Cairo Scientific Journal, No. 37, p. 241, contains
an article which records that the blocking of the current of
the White Nile,and the overflow of the Blue Nile, have caused
large numbers of mosquitoes to be carried to Khartoum in
steamers. Most of the mosquitoes were the yellow fever
mosquito (Steyomyia fasciata); the filarial mosquito (Culex
fatigans) was also common, and Pyretophorus costalis was
found. It is suggested that the sudden incidence of these
mosquitoes accounted for an outbreak in Khartoum of
blue tongue or horse sickness, as this disease was prevalent
at the time up the Blue Nile. (Irom the Hxperiment Station
Record, Vol. XXIII, p. 663.)
Vout. X. No. 240.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 221
STUDENTS’ CORNER,
JULY.
Seconp PErRiop.
Seasonal Notes.
The recent preparation of the soil for the reception of
the planting material of the different staple crops, in some of
the West Indian Islands, will naturally have led the student
to consider the reasons underlying the methods employed in
such preparation, and will have turned his thoughts to the
results that accrue from the adoption of these methods. This
will be true, as well, of the operations subsequent to the
planting of the crop. A careful discrimination must be made
between the reasons for the carrying out of work in the two
cases. What is meant by the mechanical condition of a soil?
What circumstances tend to improve this, or on the other
hand, to make it less favourable for the growth of plants?
State the means that are employed for ameliorating the
mechanical condition of the soil, having reference more parti-
cularly to the agricultural conditions with which you are
familiar. Mention any estate products that may be usefully
employed for keeping the soil in good condition. What func-
tions may they exert in addition to this? How does water
travel through soils, and how is it that, even where water is
continually running on to a soil, it may be effectively
removed without the existence of any apparent definite
channel of exit?
How is the size of the particles of a soil related to its
capacity to hold water? Give an account of the way in which
the aeration of soils is assisted by draining. What are the
most common results of the imperfect supply of air to soils?
Give a description of the best means for the encouragement
of the work and growth of nitrifying organisms in the soil.
What are the essential differences between nitrifying and
nitrogen-fixing organisms?
State what is meant by pruning, and give an account of
the different kinds of pruning with which you are familiar, both
in the garden and on the plantation. What are the objects
of root pruning, and when is this usually performed! What
circumstances in the life-history of the plant give indications
as to the proper time for the removal of any of its parts by
pruning! State what results may be expected from pruning
plants at the wrong time of the year. In removing a large
branch from a tree, what is the proper place at which the cut
should be made?
It must be remembered that pruning may be done with
several objects. Its purpose may be to change the shape of the
plant in regard to its outline or to the amount of branching;
in the latter connexion the matter is usually related to the
question of shade. Where it is required to stimulate the
growth of some special part of a plant such as the wood, or
flower buds, pruning is often employed. Further, where
it is evident that parts of plants are suffering from disease,
these parts are removed in order to protect the remaining
portions of the plants. State what special precaution is
important in such removals. Lastly, the purpose of the
pruning may be to lengthen or lessen the period of maturity.
These broad statements naturally refer to the more general
kinds of pruning, such as are employed on plantations, The
removal of parts of plants by pinching, trimming detassel-
ling, disbudding, ringing, thinning, deflowering and defruit-
ing are all forms of pruning, properly considered. The kind
of pruning employed for protection against strong winds has
its principle in the provision of many smaller branches in the
place of a few large branches, whereby the pressure of the
wind on the leaves is taken up by a larger number of arms
of the tree (branches), and the loss of any one branch is made
less serious than that where there are only a few of these.
In pruning for flowers or fruit, the expedient is often
adopted of pinching the terminal vegetative buds during the
time that the plant is growing actively. Where new wood
is being produced too quickly, through the richness of the soil
or for other reasons, the new growth is cut back in order to
stimulate the development of flower buds. A similar stimu-
lation is obtained by root pruning, as well as by making cuts
in the stem which reach from the exterior to the cambium,
These kinds of pruning are rarely employed in the West
Indies; they are of more particular use in orchard practice,
in temperate latitudes.
Questions for Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS,
(1) What is meant by the mechanical condition ofa soil?
(2) How would you show that the provision of a certain
amount of iron is necessary to growing plants?
(3) Give a general account of the grafting of plants.
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS,
(1) How do plants obtain part of their food from the air ?
(2) Give an account of the manures calcium cyanamide
and nitrate of lime.
(3) What are the chief circumstances in the life of
a plant that make possible such operations as pruning, bud-
ding and grafting !
FINAL QUESTIONS,
(1) State what you know of the general effectiveness of
calcium cyanamide and nitrate of lime as compared with that
of sulphate of ammonia and nitrate of soda,
(2) Give an approximate estimate, with details, of the
cost of making an estate cart, of a type with which you are
familiar.
(3) Discuss the methods that are most commonly employ-
ed for conserving the plant food in the soil.
THE CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION,
1911.
Further information received from Messrs. Pickford and
Black, concerning the despatch and carriage of exhibits
for the forthcoming Canadian Exhibition, necessitates
a revision of the statement made in a note in the Agricultural
News for June 10, last. In this, the SS. ‘Oruro’, leaving
Demerara on July 16, was mentioned as the steamer by which
non-perishable articles should be sent. Owing, however, to
the uncertainty of the movements of this steamer, it is
advised that all goods should be sent by the S.S. ‘ Woolwich’,
leaving Demerara on July 29. Although this boat is not
scheduled to call at St. Lucia and St. Vincent, the Commis-
sioner of Agrculture has been advised that Messrs. Pickford
and Black have agreed that these islands shall be served by
her, for this voyage. In the case of those islands at which the
8.8. ‘Woolwich’ will not call, there will be an opportunity
for goods to be sent to Antigua or St, Kitts, by Royal Mail
Steamer, for transhipment to her at those islands.
bo
bo
bo
FUNGUS NOTES.
MISCELLANEOUS POINTS OF INTEREST.
In the following article is contained information on
several points, either contributed by various observers in the
different islands, or obtained as a result of the examination
of various specimens forwarded for this purpose to the Head
Office of the Imperial Department of Agriculture.
WHITE RUST OF SWEET POTATO. Some specimens of leaves
of the sweet potato, showing peculiar blisters, were received
recently from the Curator of the Botanic Station in Mont-
serrat. These blisters were irregular in shape, though usually
roughly hemispherical, and were either concave or convex,
when viewed with the upper surface of the leaf upwards.
When they were carefully examined with the naked eye, or
with a hand lens, it was seen that they were studded with
small, white, irregularly shaped pustules, occurring on both
surfaces of the leaf, and varying in number according to the
size of the blister. Some of the leaves also showed the
presence of these pustules without the blister-like malforma-
tion. In this case, each was well separated from the other,
was roughly circular in shape, and measured from }-mm. to
3mm. in diameter. ‘These pustules were the fructifications
of one of the white rust fungi, Cystopus sp., probably
C. Ipomoeae-panduratae (Schw.) Stev. and Sw. This fungus
occurs on sweet potatoes in many parts of the world, includ-
ing the United States and Brazil, and is also found on various
other members of the Convolvulus family. It is closely related
to Cystopus candidus, the white rust found commonly on
cruciferous plants, such as the radish, cress, turnip, mustard,
watercress and several others found in temperate countries.
Hypertrophy of the host, owing to the presence of the mycel-
ium, is common, and takes several forms, according to the
species attacked. In this instance it appears as the blisters
mentioned above.
The fungi of this genus belong to the Order Peronos-
porales, which includes the genus Phytophthora. They have
an intercellular mycelium, provided with haustoria which
penetrate the cells of the host; the mycelium is rarely septate.
When about to produce fruit, the hyphae form a small pad
beneath the epidermis, from which numerous short, erect,
basally branched sporangiophores are produced. These give
rise to chains of rectangular zoosporangia, or conidia, formed
in basipetal succession. As the pustules develop, they rupture
the epidermis, and the zoosporangia are thus set free.
These germinate, in the presence of moisture, and liberate
their contents through a terminal or basal pore in the
form of a few free-swimming zoospores, each provided
with two whip-like cilia attached Jaterally. The zoospores
come to rest, and germinate by putting out a hypha which is
capable of causing fresh infection. The fungus may also
reproduce itself sexually, in an additional way, by means of
antheridia and oogonia. As a result of fertilization an
oospore is formed. This has a thick and warty outer
wall, and requires a period of rest before germinating. It
gives rise to free-swimming zoospores, as does the zoosporan-
gium, and these are capable of producing a fresh infection.
The oospores serve to carry over the fungus from one crop to
the next, and help it to tide over unfavourable conditions.
They are usually formed in the stems of the host plants
attacked, but in some instances they are produced on the
leaves.
The fungus on sweet potatoes does not appear to cause
any very serious damage, but its spread could probably be
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Juty 8, 1911.
checked, if this is required, by spraying the infected plants,
and healthy plants in their neighbourhood, with Bordeaux
mixture. As the fungus is known on several members of the
Convolvulus family, which is well represented in the West
Indies, records of its oceurrence on other hosts would be of
interest.
ROOT DISEASE OF CASTILLOA AND OTHER PLANTS. Re-
cently, specimens of young Castilloa trees have been received
from Grenada, which had died from the effects of a root
fungus. This formed hard, brownish-black masses of a stro-
matal nature on the surface of the bark, and black streaks
running into the wood, which was also turned grey in colour.
The bark and cambium of the main root were completely
destroyed as far as the ground level, and, as is stated above,
the mycelium had penetrated the wood. This fungus had
many points in common with that causing root disease of
cacao, described in the Agricultural News, Vol, IX, p. 366;
though the fan-shaped masses of mycelium between the wood
and the bark which characterize the latter were not present in
this instance. There were also many points of resemblance
between the fungus found on Castilloa and that on arrowroot
in St. Vincent ( see Agricultural News, Vol. X, p. 174). It
may be worthy of note that two other fungi were found on
some of the specimens. One was a Nectria, probably
N. vulgaris, which is often found on decaying tissues killed
by root diseases in the West Indies; the other a species of
Lasiodiplodia—almost certainly L. theobromae. In addition,
numerous shot borers, probably Zomicus sp., were present.
These beetles were probably also saprophytes. In any case
they were not sufficiently numerous to have caused the
diseased condition.
In connexion with this disease, interesting informa-
tion was recently received from the Hon. G. 8. Hudson, in
St. Lucia. He stated that a tree of Castilloa elastica, which
was growing among a group of cacao trees badly infected
with root disease, died suddenly, and all the evidence pointed
to its having succumbed to the same fungus as that which
killed the cacao trees. Examination of specimens forwarded
to the Head Office by Mr. Hudson left little doubt that the
Castilloa had been killed by the disease found on cacao and
that Mr. Hudson’s conclusions were correct. Even more
recent information on the subject of this fungus and its host
plants has been received from Mr. J. C. Moore, Agricul-
ral Superintendent, St. Lucia. This was communicated to
him by Mr. L. Mallet Paret, who observed that an orange
tree died suddenly, and that its roots were infected with
a fungus similar to one that had caused the death of cacao
trees on adjoining land. Mr. Mallet Paret also stated that
a nutmeg tree died from the same disease a short time ago.
In his description of the fungus causing root disease of cacao
in the West Indian Bulletin, Vol. il, p. 207, Howard records
its presence on nutmegs in Grenada, and expresses the opin-
ion that it is probably identical with one found by Barber on
cacao, mangoes, oranges, cotiee and bread fruit in Dominica,
in 1892-3. The observations given above would appear to
confirm Howard’s opinion.
It is also interesting to note that the fungus found
on arrowroot in St. Vincent was stated by an _ observer
in that island to attack coffee bushes, and if this proves to be
the case, there is additional evidence for concluding that the
cacao root disease fungus is the cause of the ‘burning’ of
arrowroot. The full list of plants at present suspected of
being susceptible to the attacks of this fungus is: cacao, limes,
orange, Castilloa, nutmegs, mangoes, avocado pear, bread
fruit, bread nut, pomme rose, pois doux, immortel, pigeon pea
and coffee; while, if it is the same as that on arrowroot,
several other plants will have to be added to this list.
Vor. X.) No: 240:
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 293
The main ideas and illustrations in this article, which
treats of advertisement in agriculture, are taken from a paper
prepared by Mr. W. R. Dunlop, Agricultural and Science
Master at the St. Kitts Grammar School. In this, it is point-
ed out, first, that there are many matters in connexion with
the general appearance of an estate and those responsible for
its working which serve to indicate whether its produce is
likely to be of an acceptable nature, and secondly to form
a means of attraction, or otherwise, for those by whom it may
be visited. Among these matters are included the state of the
cultivation in regard to regularity and freedom from weeds,
the condition and state of repair of the buildings, the appear-
ance of the working animals,and even that of those who
are responsible for the work on the estate.
It is pointed out that the prosperity of an estate depends
mainly upon its locality, its soil, its management and its
labour. The existence of good management is often indicat-
ed by the extent to which new and improved methods of
agricultural practice are being tried, although some of these
may not be sufficiently well known to be regarded as of
general application. In relation to this matter, the employ-
ment of observation and experiment, in an organized way,
on an estate, may not only lead to direct financial gain,
but will also be useful in that it attracts favourably the
attention to that estate of those interested in its
produce. This consideration has particular reference to
the keeping of records, both in regard to the stock,
implements and produce of the estate, and to the financial
side of its working. A provident attitude toward the future
serves also to increase the confidence of the owner or mana-
ger and of those who are in a position to criticize his
methods and work; this attitude should be extended to a knowl-
edge of the market in which he has to dispose of his products,
in order that he may possibly, in the case of quickly growing
crops, be able to foreshadow a shortened general supply of the
particular commodities, which will have its natural results in the
raising of prices owing to the difficulty of supplying the
demand. With reference to all these matters, it may be that
no direct financial gain will result for some time, but the
adoption of a progressive attitude on the part of the planter
will eventually lead to this, provided that his operations are
conducted with the proper amount of caution.
Such a progressive attitude will, in many cases, lead the
planter to undertake trials and experiments in co-operation
with those whose duty it is to advise him on all matters of
agricultural interest. Where the planter has an inclination
toward writing, he will be able to assist progress and to
increase his agricultural acquaintance by the contribution of
letters or articles on subjects concerning which his experiments
and observations have led him to possess particular knowledge,
as well as by the preparation of papers to be read before the
local Agricultural Society.
The sending of good exhibits to agricultural shows and
exhibitions should benefit both the planter and the small
holder; it has its special usefulness in relation to the latter,
in that it provides a means of ascertaining the nature
and extent of the local demand for the products in which he
is interested. The small holder also possesses sources for
encouragement and advertisement in the prize-holdings
competitions that are held in several of the islands in the
West Indies.
The employment of the pages of newspapers and other
periodicals for the purposes of advertising is restricted in the
case of the West Indian planter; there is, however, no doubt
that this means of bringing his estate and his produce before
those interested in them might well be adopted more often.
For this purpose, further, the preparation of advertisement
leaflets, distributed through the stores or by other suitable
means, is often useful. In any case, whether the advertise-
ment is intended only to apply locally or on a much larger
scale, a matter of the greatest importance where future orders
are expected, is the proper grading of the produce for
disposal, so that this is even, in the same or in separate
shipments, and dependence can be placed by the buyer on the
marks of the estate.
Proper advertisement on the part of an estate is bound
te lead to that of all others, in a general way, in the same
colony. In this wider sense of advertisement, however,
assistance is often given by the Government, and the fact of
the existence of Permanent Exhibition Committees is very
helpful in relation to representation at large exhibitions, such
as those held in England and Canada,
So far, consideration has been given to the way in which
conditions on estates reflect upon the general attractiveness,
or otherwise, of a country. Much importance attaches to the
other view of the matter, namely, the way in which the
general conditions of the country serve to make it easy, or
more difficult, as the case may be, for the estates in it to effect
improvements, and to bring about the increase of outside
interest in them. Among such matters are the state of the
circumstances which govern the keeping of health in the
country, the supply and efficiency of labour, particularly in
regard to that which is required for the handling of cargo
for steamship companies, and the attractiveness, both natural
and artificial, of the place to those who may intend merely
to visit it, as well as to those who are thinking of making
it the land of their permanent abode. The reputation of
a country in regard to these circumstances is of the greatest
importance, and has much to do in assisting or retarding the
efforts of those who are attempting to bring about both
a general and individual amelioration of the conditions in
that country.
The Secretary of the Agricultural Society of Trinidad
and Tobago stated recently that he was requested by
Mr. A. L. Smith, a fruit expert from Jamaica, now in the
Colony, to announce that he was under contract to supply 500
dozen Avocado pears weekly to the United States; and that
that contract could be immediately increased to 2,000 dozen
but for the fact that there was no cold storage available.
The only steamers trading between Trinidad and New York
with cold storage were those of the Royal Dutch Line and
they were only able to spare 140 cubic feet, the remainder
being under engagement by the United Fruit Company.
Mr. Smith respectfully requested that the Society wonld
make representations to the Government in the matter, so
that full opportunity would be given for the development of
the fruit trade of the colony. (From the Proceedings of the
Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago, May 1911,
p. 280.)
London.—Tue
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpon,
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
Jury 8, 1911;
MARKET REPORTS.
West Inpra CoMMITTEE CIRCULAR,
May 9, 1911.
ARRowkROooT—2d, to 33d.
Batata—Sheet, 3/8 ; block, 2/9 per tb.
Breswax—No quotations.
Cacao—Trinidad, 54/- to 62/- per cwt.; Grenada, 47/6
to 53/6; Jamaica, no quotations.
CorrEE—Jamaica, 60/6 to 67/-.
Copra—West Indian, £23 10s. per ton.
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 16d. to 18d.
Fruit—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
Gincer—No quotations.
Honry—No quotations.
Isinciass—No quotations.
Lime Juice—Raw, 1/-. to 1/2; concentrated, £18 2s. 6d.
to £18 7s. 6d.; Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/3,
nominal.
Loc woop—No quotations.
Macr—2s. 2d. to 2s. 8d.
Nurmecs—Quiet.
Pinento—Quiet
Ruspser—Para, fine hard, 4/11; fine soft, 4/9; fine Peru,
4/9 per th.
Rouvt—Jamaica, no quotations.
Sucar—Crystals, no quotations; Muscovado, no quotations;
Syrup, no quotations; Molasses, no quotatioas.
New York,—Messrs. Gmutespiz Bros. & Co., June 16,
LOM
Oacao—Caracas, 1le. to 12c.; Grenada, 1lc. to 112e. ;
Trinidad, 1c. to 115c. per tb.; Jamaica, 93c. to 9fc.
Cocoa-Nuts—No quotatiens.
CorrrE—Jamaica, 12}c. to 14}c. per fb.
Gincer—10c. to 12c. per ib.
Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 52c.; Antigua and Barbados, 50c.
to 52c.; St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. Kitts, 46c.
to 48c. per th.
Grave-F'rurr—Jamaica, no quotations.
Limes—$7 ‘50 to $8°25.
Mace—0c. to 52c. per tb.
Nurmrcs—110’s, 10c. to 10}c. per Th.
Orances—Jamaica, no quotations.
Pimento—43c. to 48c. per th.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3°8%c. per lb.; Muscovados,
89°, 3°39c.; Molasses, 89°, S'lde. per tb., all duty
paid,
Grant & Co., June 26
1911.
Cacao—Venezuelan, $12:00 per fanega; Trinidad, $11°75
to $1200.
Cocoa-Nut O1r.—90c. per Imperial gallon.
Corrrr—Venezuelan, 15c. per tb.
Corra—$3°50 per 100 tb.
Duat—$3°90.
Ontons—$2°25 to $2°50 per 100 lb.
Pras, Serir—$5°50 to $5°60 per bag.
Potators—Mn¢glish, $2°00 to $2°25 per 100 th.
Ricr—Yellow, $4°35 to $4°40; White, $5°40 to $5°50
per bag.
Sucar—American crushed, no quotations.
Barbados,—Messrs. James A. Lyncn & Co., June 28,
1911; Messrs. T. S. Garraway & Co., June 19,
1911; Messrs. Leacock & Co., June 23, 1911;
Messrs. E. Toorne, Limited, July 3, 1911.
Cacao—$11:00 to $11°50 per 100 tb.
Corton Srep—S$24 per ton;
23 per cent. disc
yunt.
meal, $1°50 per 100 tb.;
Corron Seep On (refined)—63c. per gallon.
Corron Seep Om. (for export)—5de. per gallon (in bond).
Hay—$1°30 to $1°50
per 100 th.
Manures—Nitrate of soda, $60°00 to $65-00; Cacao
manure, $42°00 to $48°00; Sulphate of ammonia,
$75-00 to $76:00
per ton.
Mo rasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$2°11 to $3.50 per 100 th.
Peas, Sprit—$5'60 to 35°75 per bag of 210 th.; Canada
$3:70 to $450 per bag of 120 tb.
Poratores—Nova Scotia, $3-00 per 160 tb.
Rice—Ballam, $4°60 to $4°65 per 100 th; Patna, no
quotations; Rangoon, no quotations.
Sucar—No quotations.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wirrinc & Ricurer, June
24, 1911; Messrs. SanpBacn, Parker & Co,,
June 9, 1911.
ARTICLES.
ARRowkooT—St. Vincent!
Batata—Venezuelablock
Demerara sheet)
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STARCH—
Cocoa-NuTS—
CorrEE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio)
Liberian
Daat—
Green Dhal
Eppors—
Motasses— Yellow
Ontons—Teneriffe
Madeira
Preas—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Potarors—Nova Scotia
Lisbon
Porators-Sweet, B’bados
Rice—Ballam
Creole
Tannias—
Yams— White
Buck
Suear—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
Timber —Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
Cordwood
70c.
”
Messrs. WIETING
& RIicuter.
No quotation
No quotation
to 72c. per th.
12c. per tb.
$1°20
$6°50 to $7-00
$12 to $16 per M
l6c. per tb.
18c. per tb.
105c. per th.
$3-00 per bag of
168 Tb.
$3 50
$120
None
4c. to 5e.
6c.
$5'70 per bag
(210 tb.)
$4:00
20c. to 40c.
6c. per bag
No quotation
$500 to $5-25
31°68 per bag
$3°36
$3°60
$2°50
$3°00 to $3:20
$3°80 to $4:00
32°10 to $2°30
|
Messrs. Sanp-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$1000 per 200 tb.
Prohibited
65c.
12c. per tb.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
selected
ldc. per th.
18c.per tb.
10c. per th.
$3°'75 per bag of
168 tb.
Tie.
$5°85 per bag
(210 th.)
No quotation
$425
No quotation
$5-00 tu $5-25)
None
$300
$4°00 to $4:25
None
32c. to bbc. per | 32c. to 55c. per
cub. foot cub. foot
$3°75 to $6:00 $4:00 to $6-00
per M. per M.
$180 to $2-00 No quotation
per ton
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
——-—~
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
FOR THE WEST INDIES.
The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal.
Volume I. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s, each. Post free. 1s. 2d,
Volumes IJ, IIT, IV, V, VI, VII, VII, 1X and X:—Price 2s, each ; Post free 2s. 8d, where complete. (III, 2; IV, 3;
and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.)
Volume XI. Nos.1, 2. No. 3, containing Fungus Diseases of Ground Nuts in the West Indies; Notes on
Ground Nuts in the West Indies; Report on a Visit to Florida; A List of the Birds of the Island of
St. Lucia; A Note on the Introduction of Birds; An Account of the Working of the Land Settlement
Scheme in St. Vincent; The Sugar Industry of the Island of Negros; and Observations on Mill Control
Experiments in Negros.
PAMPHLET SERIES.
The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially
adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work
on sugar-cane and manures. the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued up to the
present time is sixty-four. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print.
Sucar Inpustry. (14) Screw Worm in Cattle at St. Lucia. Price 2d.
Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (15) Plain Talk to Small Owners. Price 2d.
in 1900. No, 3, price 2d.;in 1901, No. 13, price 4d.; | (16) Hints on Onion Cultivation. Price 2d.
in 1902, No. 19, price 4d.;in 1902, No. 26, price 4d.; (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d.
in 1904, No. 32, price 4d. (18) Recipes for Cooking West Indian Yams. Price 2d.
Price 2d.
Price 3d.
(25) Ground Nuts in the West Indies.
Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados,
(28) Barbados and Porto Rico Molasses.
in 1903-5, No. 40, price 6d.; in 1904-6, No. 44, price 6d.;
in 1905-7, No. 49, price 6d.; in 1906-8, No. 59, price 6d.; (34) Notes on Rabbit Keeping in the West Indies. Price 2d.
in 1907-9, No. 62, price 6d.; No. 66, price 6d. (35) Information in regard to Agricultural Banks. Price 5d.
Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, (37) Cultivation of Oranges in Dominica. Price 4d.
in 1990-1, No. 12, price 2d.; in 1901-2, No. 20, price 2d.; (38) Cultivation and Curing of Tobacco. Price 4d.
in 1902-3, No. 27, price
in 1904-5, No. 39, price
(41) Tobago, Hints to Settlers. Price 6d.
(43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta-
tions. Price 2d.
(45) A BC of Cotton Planting
Price 6d.
4d.; in 1905-6, No. 46, price 4d. ;
in 1906-7, No. 50, price 4d.; in 1907-8, No. 56, price 4d. ;
in 1908-9, No. 63, price 6d.; in 1909-10, No. 67, price 6d.
Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands,
2d.; in 1903-4, No. 83, price 4d.;
New and Enlarged Edil on.
in 1902-3, No. 30 price 4d.; in 1903-4, No. 36, price 4d. ;
in 1904-5, No. 42, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 47, price 4d.;
in 1906-7, No. 51, price 4d.; in 1907-8, No. 57, price 4d.;
in 1908-9, No. 64, price 4d.; in 1909-10, No. 68, price 4d.
ScaLe LyseEcts.
Scale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I. No. 7, price 4d.;
(54) Fungus Diseases of Cacao and Sanitation of Cacao Orchards,
Price 4d.
(55) Millions and Mosquitos. Price 3d.
(58) Insect Pests of Cacao. Price 4d.
(60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them.
(61) The Grafting of Cacao. Price 4d.
Price 4d.
Part II., No. 22, price 4d.
GENERAL.
(5) General Treatment of Insect Pests (Revised), price 4d.
The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of 3d. for the pamphlets marked 2d., Id. for those
marked 4d., and 14d. for Nos. 40, 41, 44, 45, 49, 59, 62, 63 and 67.
The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’. A Fortnightly Review.
The ‘Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and
other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony, and the progress made in
Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies.
The ‘Agricultural News’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the
local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is
2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV, V, VI, VIL, and VIII complete, with title page and index, as issued
—Price 4s. each.— Post free, 5s. Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no
longer be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents All
applications for copies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department.
Agents.
The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department :-—
London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. St. Vincent: Mr. L. S. Mosevey, Agricultural School,
Barbados : Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. M. A. Lawrence, Botanic Station.
Jamaica: THE EpucationaL Suppty Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. BripGeWATER, Roseau,
Street, Kingston. Montserrat : Mr. W. Ropson, Botanic Station.
British Guiana: Tur ‘Datty Curonicie’Orricr,Georgetown, Antiqua: Mr. S. D. Matonr, St. John’s.
Trinidad : Messrs. Murr-MarsHat & Co., Port-of-Spain, St. Kitts: THe Brste anp Book Suprty Agency, Basseterro,
Tobago: Mr. C. L. Pracemann, Scarborough. Nevis: Messrs. Howe tt, Bros., Charlestown,
Grenada : ‘THE Stores’ (Grenada) Limited, St. George.
(65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition.
Vou. X. No. 240. THE AGRICULTURAL ie Juty 8, 1911.
THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE
Bee pd Sd ya
Ohlendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—For Sugar-cane and general use
Ohlendorff’s Special Sugar-cane Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cocoa Manure
Ohlendorf’s Special Cotton Manure
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, high grades,
Potash Salts, Basic Slag and all other high-class Fertilizers,
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO :—
THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS.
London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C.
Barbados Agents : James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
Fe eS
SPRAYING intniteel JUS ISSUED,
We have in stock some ome Spraying Machines mam- A NEW AND RE-ENL ARGED
factured specially for spraying cotton or cocoa plants. r 7
Fitted with improved Nozzle, EDITION OF
ALSO PURE ARSENATE OF LBAD, INATURE TEACHING,
THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON
FACTORY, LIMITED, To be obtained fram all agents for the sale of the Department's :
BRIDGET OWN. Publications. Price 2s., post free, 2s. 34d.
WEST INDIAN BULLETIN.
(Vol. XI, No. 3.)
Containing Fungus Diseases of Ground Nuts in the
West Indies; Notes on Ground Nuts in the West Indies:| SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS. )
Report ona Visit to Vlorida; A List of the Birds of the
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Vou. X. No.-241:.
BARBADOS, JULY 22, 1911.
Price ld,
CONTENTS.
Pace. PAGE,
Calcium Cyanamide and | Glycerine, An Apparatus
Nitrate of Lime... 232 for Sampling ... ... 235
Calcium Silicate as Plant Insect Notes :—
Viltoyorsh) Gage edo ll Woo! soca eat Insect Pollination of an
Citrus Fruits, Improve- Aroid Planty eevee. 204
ment of ... «+. 225' Manures in Forestry, Use
Cotton Notes :— of ais eee ee ea29
Cotton-Growing in Peru 230) Market Reports ...... 240
Nature Teaching in Ele-
Western United States 250 mentary Schools inthe
India and Long-Staple Leeward Islands... 233
Cotton .. «. « 231/| Northern Nigeria, Produc-
West Indian Cotton ... 230 tion in, L9OO Mma ses 23
= . Notes and Comments ... 23
Department News ... ... 226|\5 . . eats :
aa Prize-Holdings Scheme in
Dominica and the Inter- ‘ ~ 022
et areal TEXAN seve TSS St) Luciase eee coo:
€ One yer x : C :
yay: y : Protection of Birds and
hibibion|y este Od Be ‘ 29
4 Teel ee Fish in Grenada ... 233
Examinations in Connex- ‘ =m 29
: : : Rubber Culture in Tobago 233
ion with the Courses RabWer. Extcwenmeren
of Reading of the De- Ke
Cotton-Growing in the
er 239 Guayule Plant ... 229
yar doc feteis! eee 204 ‘y ay
pp ae dra eop zs Students’ Corner ... ... 237
Field Experiments, Value _ :
Sugar Industry :—
of nuibe. qa. Gbobiel cco OL
argue ie salertie Sugar-Cane 066 add
Se OL US ee Vanilla, Methodeot enun-
Sugar-Cane Boo food ate) ae 9298
. 236 West Indian Products ... 238
Cross-Pollination of the
Gleanings ...
The Improvement of Citrus
Fruits.
>’ is commonly observed by growers of citrus
Y and other fruits that the yield from different
greatly; some plants continually produce a number of
fruits which is above the average, while others seldom or
rarely reach this average. The differences do not affect
the yield alone, out exist also in relation to the quality
and size of the fruit, the uniformity of the product, and
the habit of growth of the trees. It is rare, however,
that accurate and detailed observations are made for
the purpose of comparing the trees in regard to these
matters, and it is seldom the case that a sufficient reason
is assigned for the existence of the variation.
In California, the subject has been brought to the
notice of citrus growers with such frequency that they
have expressed an earnest desire that the Bureau of
Plant Industry of the United States Department of
Agriculture should conduct an investigation into the
causes of the variation among citrus plants grown under
uniform conditions. In response to this, the work of
observation has been commenced, and the results of
the first season’s efforts are presented in a preliminary
report*, which has just been issued by the Bureau men-
tioned above. It is pointed out in this report that
little or no selection of buds for citrus-growing has been
practised in that State, so far;and that even where such
selection has been made, it has had reference to the
largest and most vigorous trees, rather than to the yield
of fruit. In addition to this, the possibility of bud
variation—a subject which receives attention in the
present volume of the Agricultural News, p. 4—has
not been considered seriously. The importance of careful
selection work is indicated in an illustration given in
the report, in which the owner of a pumelow grove
obtained large yields of seedless and uniform fruit by
the selection of buds from two trees possessing desirable
characteristics.
These matters have led up to the work of the
Bureau, which will consist in the study of the individ-
*Circular No. 77; A Study of the Improvement of Citris
Fruits through Bud Selection.
226
ual trees under observation, for a period of five years,
as this time is necessary for the investigations in view
of the fact that variation in the yield of trees is caused
by influences in addition to those resulting from the
special characteristics of the plants. It is expected
that even the first years of the investigation will afford
interesting and valuable results, and it is intended to
issue reports from time to time which will present
information concerning the progress of the work. The
co-operation of citrus growers is invited, and has indeed
been obtained already. For those who desire to make
observations for themselves, the following equipment is
suggested: a fairly accurate, easily portable scale for
measurement; a set of rings for obtaining data for the
classification of the fruits in the different sizes; and
a note-book with a suitable tabular arrangement for
recording the data. In work of the kind, it is impor-
tant that all the fruit of any one tree should be picked
at one time, and the observations made as soon as this
has been done, by a responsible person who is likely to
be able to do the work continuously for several years.
mn
The data obtained during the past season show
that the quantity, quality and value of the fruit yielded
by difference trees of the same variety, under uniform
conditions, vary greatly from plant to plant. The impor-
tant object of future work wall be to determine if the
special characteristics of each tree are transmissible;
that is if the plants raised from material taken from
these trees show similar behaviour. An extension of the
work will be to propagate vegetatively plants from trees
showing superiority, and to make observations to find
out if this superiority 1s maintained in the progeny.
A subject of further investigation will be the determina-
tion of the influence of stocks on the development of
This will all lead to the study of the selection
of seedlings for stocks, as well as of material for budding.
scions.
In the experiments, the trees are marked conspicu-
ously, in a suitable manner, and a map of the plantation
is drawn which will make it easy for the selected plants to
be found when they are required for observation. At the
time of these, the tree is photographed, and all the fruit
is picked by an expert picker, under the supervision of
the experimenter; the tree is then again photographed
with the boxes of selected and graded fruit at the foot,
in a continuous row, slightly inclined so as to exhibit the
fruit. The first photograph gives an idea of the distri-
bution of fruit on the tree, while the second affords useful
information concerning the quantity of good fruit which
it has yielded.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS
JULY, 22 91:
In determining the quality of the fruit, that of
each tree is sorted into three grades by the experi-
menter; these are as follows: (1) orchard grade,
including all fruits of good size and shape, and without
injury or blemish; (2) standard grade, comprising fruits
irregular in shape, or with blemish or discolouration,
but still suitable to be shipped as an inferior grade;
and (3) frnits of such inferior shape or with blemishes
so marked that they are not fit for export. Of these
the first two are sized and placed in the boxes men-
tioned above. In this way, accurate information is
obtained as to the quality of the fruit from the tree,
and the inclusion of the two first grades, oniy, in the
photograph of the tree gives at a glance some idea of
the amount of saleable produce that it may be expect-
ed to provide. The details of the information which is
finally obtained give the weight and numbers of the
fruits that have been selected into all the different
grades.
Most of the work shortly described above has
been done with Washingtun Navel oranges. Investi-
gations of the same kind could well be carried out in
the West Indies in plantations of oranges and grape-
fruit, and even, to some extent, in those of limes;
although the citrus fruit trade of these islands is
small in comparison with that in California, while the
produce is not raised in such a systematic manner.
The need for these investigations can be readily under-
stood when it is considered that the yield from an orchard
may be maintained on account of the superiority of
a few trees, while the others do not reach the average
production and are thus being simply maintained at
the expense of those having the better characteristics,
In addition to this, the matter is important in rela-
tion to the selection of bud material for future plant-
ing, in order that the citrus grower may be provided
with certainty, from the outset, with plants on which he
can rely to give profitable yields of a uniformly good
preduct.
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture pro-
ceeded to England, on duty leave, by the R.M.S. ‘ Magda-
lena’, on July 15.
Mr. F. W. South, B.A., Mycologist on the Staff of
the Imperial Department of Agriculture, left Barbados
on July 14, by the S.8. ‘Sobo’ for the Northern Islands,
for the purpose of making investigations into the
fungus diseases of various crops.
Vou. X. No. 241.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
227
CROSS-POLLINATION OF THE
SUGAR-CANE.
Interesting information in connexion with the flower of
the sugar-cane and with the methods in use in Java for pro-
ducing hybrids therefrom has been published in MJededeelin-
gen van Het Proefstation voor de Java-Suikerindustrie, No. 6,
entitled De geslachtelijke Voortplanting bij het Suikerriet,
by G. Wilbrink and F. Ledeboer, the contents of which have
been translated and abstracted by Mr. J. Lely, Chemist to
the Antigua Sugar Factory, It is from this abstract that the
following information is taken.
The flowers of the sugar-cane require moisture to enable
them to open; arrows that are at all dried up will not flower.
Tlowering commences when the arrow is pushed out of the
sheath—an event which may occur early in the season, or
later, according to circumstances. The flowers themselves
commence to open early in the morning, even before sunrise,
aud continue to do so, in Java, until about 8 a.m. It has been
noticed that the first arrows to open are the stronger ones,
while the first flowers produced on the arrow are also the
most vigorous. As is now well known, certain varieties of
the sugar-cane produce little, if any, fertile pollen; though
abortion of the female organs is rare ‘The pollen itself con-
sists of small yellow balls, each of which has a thick outer
wall of a corky consistency and a thin inner membrane.
There is an aperture in the outer wall through which the
pollen tube is extruded on germination. Healthy pollen
grains contain starch ——a fact which is made use of in testing
their fertility, in the following manner. A nearly ripe anther
is opened with a needle in a solution of iodine in potassium
iodide. The iodine imparts a blue colour to the starch in the
pollen, if it is present. If starch is not present, the pollen is
infertile. By this means, after testing the pollen in several
anthers, it is possible to determine if any given variety of the
cane possesses fertile pollen. (See also Agricultural Nevws,
Vol. IX, p. 195.)
Three methods for securing cross-pollination are describ-
ed, in all of which a variety producing practically no fertile
pollen is used as the female parent. According to the first
method, the two varieties to be crossed are planted in alter-
nate rows and arrows of the male variety are bent
over, so that each occupies a position a little bit above,
and to windward of, an arrow of the female variety.
Bent sticks are tied below the growing joints of the male
arrows, to prevent their breaking by Jengthening. Further-
more, the male arrows are cut soon after they have been used,
in order to preclude the contamination of the female arrows
through seeds from the male arrows being blown into them.
This natural method of crossing is simple, and gives rise to
many seeds, but it can only be employed with varieties pro-
ducing numerous flowers.
Another method employed is as follows. Male arrows are
eut two or three days after they have commenced to flower,
and are placed in a bamboo joint filled with water. The
cutting takes place before sunrise, and one or two joints
of the top of the cane are left attached to the arrows,
in order that they may remain fresh for about two
days. The bamboo pot is then tied to the female arrow
in such a way that the male is above the female, and on
the windward side. This operation is conducted when
a few flowers at the top of the female arrow are open,
as it is then certain that several will be open on the
succeeding morning; it must be performed before the sun has
any power. When much of this work has to be done,
it is commenced in the late afternoon, or better, in the
evening.
A further method for securing cross-pollination is to collect
the pollen on a glossy paper, and subsequently to convey it to
the stigmas of the female flowers by means of a soft brush. In
order to obtain the pollen, the male arrow is bent down, on
one evening,and on the next morning, as soon as it is dry, the
arrow is well shaken over a piece of paper, from which the
pollen is transferred to a small box, or a watch glass, lined
with a fresh piece of leaf, or a moist piece of filter paper.
This method, however, has not proved very successful.
When it is desired that the parentage of the seedlings
shall be known with certainty, it is necessary to surround the
female arrow with a screen. This is because the pollen
is often carried a long distance by the wind. For the purpose,
a special form of apparatus is employed, in Java, having an
opening on the lee side, provided with a double over-lapping
cover. The male arrow is introduced through this opening,
preferably when there is no wind. It is interesting to note
that some varieties do not give a good yield when fertilized
within a sereen
The best method of collecting the seed has been found to
be to surround the female arrow with a small muslin bag in
which the seeds are allowed to ripen—a process occupying
from two to three weeks. The seeds are allowed to dry for
one to two days in the bag; afterwards all the ears are stripped
from the arrow and sown at once in pans. These are 24
inches wide and 16 inches deep; they are half filled with rich
mould, on the top of which is placed a mixture of dry sifted
horse-dung and fine sand in equal quantities, forming a layer
6 inches deep.
All the seeds arising from one arrow are sown in one
pan, unless they are too numerous, when two or three pans
are nsed. The seeds are pressed down on the wet sand, but
are not covered; they are carefully watered in the morning
and evening, and are protected with a loose covering of trash
when a shower is expected. They are exposed to full sunlight
from the first. If there are no results at the end of fourteen
days, it is certain that no fertile seeds have been produced on
the arrow. In cases of success, the young plants are planted
out, when 8 inches high, in pots 10 inches deep by 5 inches
wide, filled with mould. One month later they are trans-
planted into the ground, being removed from the pot with
the mould. If they are planted directly in the ground, on
removal from the pans, large numbers of the seedlings die.
It should be noted that, while the methods described
furnish an excellent means of obtaining numerous seedlings
whose parentage on both sides is known with approximate
certainty, yct none of them is sufticiently exact for con-
ducting hybridization work on strictly accurate Mendelian
lines, since none of them entirely precludes the possibility of
the occasional formation of self-fertilized seeds on the female
arrow through the agency of the fertile pollen grains which
may occasionlly be produced in the anthers of varieties
whose pollen is usually sterile.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
1911.
JULY 22,
ey
/
oS
SS
FRUITS AND FRUIT FREES.
A METHOD OF PRUNING VANILLA.
An article appears in L’Agriculture Pratique des Pays
Chauds for January 1911, p. 33, which describes the experi-
ence and observations of its author, in regard to the pruning
of vanilla for the purpose of increasing its productivity.
The observations took place in the island of Mayotte
(Dapany), one of the Comores, where the successful method
that is described was originated.
The author points out, first of all, that he was struck by
the different yields that were obtained from different planta-
tions, in spite of their apparent uniformity; and by the fact
that if a comparison was made of the produce of different
plants in the same plantation, the variation of yield was even
more striking. ‘The reasons given by the planters for this varia-
tion was the excessive delicateness of vanilla, for they consider
that it is impossible to express the behaviour of this plant in
the form of a few simple statements, on account of its capri-
cious manner of growth, The author, however, was enabled to
make observations on the plantation where the regular system
of pruning, about to be described, is employed, and his expe-
rience thus obtained led him to conclude, on the contrary,
that the adoption of a method of pruning which had relation
to the manner of growth and life of the plant would repress
any tendency to irregularity, and enable the growth to be
controlled in a regular manner. Without doubt, the delicate
nature of the vanilla plant causes it to respond to the smallest
variation in the surroundings in which it lives, but its irregu-
larity of production is usually a result of the treatment it
receives. Asa matter of fact, there does not exist, properly
speaking, a definite method of pruning for this plant, such as
those which have been devised for fruit trees or for the grape
vine; the ordinary methods are traditional rather than depen-
dent upon facts in the life-history of the plant.
After referring to some of the methods of vanilla-
pruning that are most generally in vogue, consideration is
given to certain facts in the life of the plant, in order that it
may be shown how these led to the invention of a method of
pruning that has proved to be eminently successful. It is
well known that the longer the distance the sap has to flow
in a plant, the more does the fruiting become irregular and
delayed. Between a vine having a very long stem branching
only two or three times, and one of equal length but more
branched, the advantage is with the latter with respect to
facility in the circulation of the sap, the regularity of fruit-
ing and the minimizing of the risk of accidents, as well as in
other respects. Besides, the latter form, which can be
obtained by a proper application of the pinching of the bud
and of crooking the branches, allows the plant, to a certain
degree, to assume an ordinary shape, with a definite stalk
and branches. ‘lhe application of the methods described
gives a plant having the following characteristics: (1) absence
of fruit from the principal stem, in which all the vigour is
employed for the conduction of the sap; (2) fructifications
borne on the secondary branches, the latter being easily regu-
lated both as regards number and length; (3) opportunity for
the suppression cf branches as soon as they have borne fruit,
the future fructifications being assured by the annual forma-
tion of fruiting branches.
The following is a description of the method that has
been found successful:—
(1) At the time of planting, the cutting is placed in
such a way that its extremity is left hanging over the
support, and it is pinched back a few inches above the
surface of the soil. he fact that vegetative activity will be
greatest at the upper part of the bend will cause one or two
branches to be formed at that place. If the hanging portion
or ‘bow’ (argon) shows a tendency, nevertheless, to grow in
length at the end, it is pinched back afresh, in order to cause
the sap to be driven back, so that the formation of fruit is
favoured as well as the successful growth of the branches at
the bend.
(2) When the bow (see above) has once formed fruit, it
is removed, and the two new branches are rolled around the
support (or crooked) in such a way that their ends, after pinch-
ing back, hang in their turn a few inches above the surface
of the soil. Each of these branches will behave like the
original cutting; that is to say, that at places near the upper
parts of the bent portions new branches will arise, and at
the same time the hanging portions will form new bows which
will produce fruit. As before, when fruiting has taken place
a second pinching back will be given.
(3) After the pods have been picked, the bows are again
removed, and all ora certain part of the new branches are
crooked in the same way as this was done before. This pro-
cess is continued eyery year, so that the vanilla plant, if one
were to imagine that it grew on a flat surface, would not
appear, asin the ordinary case, in the form of a very long
vine branched only two or three times, but as a kind of
stubby tuft, with numerous short sprigs.
Votex. Noy 241:
The following circumstances are mentioned in order to
indicate the superiority of this method for pruning vanilla,
namely, that by the simple process of pinching back and
crooking the vine, those parts which are responsible for fruit-
bearing are kept immediately in the course of the chief
direction of the flow of the sap; their suppression after each
picking does not change this arrangement in any way, so that
it is always by means of a mother-branch which has never
borne fruit that the sap circulates and reaches the different
ergans: and that it is always on new branches which have
not yet fruited that the fructification of each year appears.
It is claimed that the adoption of this method brings about
amore regular and abundant production of pods and even
a longer life for the plant itself.
THE EXTRACTION OF RUBBER FROM
THE GUAYULE PLANT.
The following account of the extraction of rubber
from the Guayule plant (Parthenium argentatum) is
taken from the Journal of the New York Botanical
Garden for May 1911:—
The guayule plant (Partheniwm aryentatum) occurs in
the central plateau of Mexico, and in its extension, the
Stockton plateau of Texas. There has recently been
established at Marathon, Texas, a factory for the manufac-
ture of rubber from the plants which grow in that vicinity,
embracing the whole of the area of distribution in Texas.
The more important steps in the process of manufacture are
as follows:—
The shrub is collected in the field by pulling it up by
hand. It is then brought to a central point, called a guayule
camp, where it is packed into bales in the fashion of baled
hay. From this point, it is hauled to the factory, a distance
of 50 to 100 miles, according to the location of the camp.
Arrived at the factory, the weight of each bale is recorded
for the purpose of comparison with the field weight at the
time of baling, and for the purpose also of establishing data
so as to show the percentage of returns. The bales are
stacked in the factory yard until seasoned, since the extrac-
tion does not go on well if the fresh shrub is used.
The first step in the actual factory process is a crushing
of the shrub between corrugated rollers moving at differen-
tial speeds. The comminuted shrub is then placed in
a pebble mill. This is a short drum, containing a charge of
Norwegian or Mediterranean flint pebbles, a certein amount
of water and the amount of shrub to be ground. The mill
is rotated on its axis at a certain rate of speed for a certain
length of time, at the end of which the shrub is found to be
finely ground and the rubber more or less separated from the
bagasse, that is, the fibre, etc., of the shrub, and occurs
in the form of small rounded particles, more or less adherent
to each other, called ‘worm-rubber’. The mill is now
discharged, the water, rubber and bagasse being led through
ditches to a skimming tank
The material in part sinks, namely the waterlogged
fibrous bagasse, and in part floats, the rubber, or rather
the chief portion of it, and cork bagasse. It is thus
that in the skimming tank the major portion of the
ground shrub is separated from the rubber, which floats
and is accompanied by flakes of cork (cork bagasse). The
fibrous bagasse is then discharged, the floating material
(rubber and cork bagasse) is boiled for one hour and then
allowed to remain one or two days in a settling tank. The
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 229
—
material which remains floating is then placed in a compressor
with water and subjected to a pressure of 250 lb., with the
result that the cork bagasse is waterlogged. The result of
this operation is the practically complete separation of the
rubber from bagasse. The practically clean rubber is then
further cleaned by being passed through a beater-washer.
This is merely an iron tank, with an undershot paddle-wheel
with a great many blades. The wheel is rotated rapidly,
thus causing the cirenlation of the whole mass and, by agita-
tion, the separation of the rubber and bagasse which still
remains associated with it. The now entirely clean rubber
is finally run through a pair of finely corrugated steel rollers,
which sheets it. In this condition it is ready for the market
and is shipped in 200-Ib. sacks.
THE USE OF MANURBES IN FORESTRY.
This subject receives attention in a note in the Journal
of the Board of Agriculture for May 1911, p. 137, based
on a paper presented at the Sixth Internationai Forestry
Congress at Brussels. It was pointed out, in this, that the
importance of manuring is by no means as great in forestry
as in agriculture, for the following reasons: (1) the amount
of mineral salts retained in timber is comparatively small;
(2) there is along period of time intervening between the
planting and felling of the forest; (3) the fall of leaves and
twigs causes the trees to return the greater part of their min-
eral constitnents to the soil; and (4) the available mineral
matter in the soil is continually, but slowly, replaced by its
decomposition. As regards the Continent of Europe, the old
forest soils are usually sufficiently rich in mineral salts, and
remain so under the present system of forestry. An objec-
tion to artificial manuring, in itself, is that it increases the
cost of planting by 50 to 100 per cent., with no possibility of
return before the trees are cut down.
Where manure is required, there is the difficulty in the
case of middie-aged wood because of the depth of the roots;
experience shows that the method to be adopted in this case
is to hasten the decomposition of the fallen leaves and twigs,
either by mixing them with the soil, or by applications of lime.
Trrigation with sewage water has given varying results.
A form of manuring in which the soil was covered with
a layer of city refuse 8 inches thick has been tried by the
city of Berlin, with much success.
Artificial manuring for forests is of the greatest impor-
tance with young plants growing in poor, sandy soils. Here
the soil may be enriched by planting leguminous plants;
dressing it with turf and other substances containing humus-—
a method that has given very good results; covering the soil
with waste vegetable matter; and employing a species of tree
having a heavy leaf fall, for interplanting. There is added
to these methods that of planting, with the other trees, legu-
minous forest trees. Quickly acting nitrogenous manures are
useless in ordinary circumstances, except where the soil has
deteriorated or where the trees require to be carried over
some critical period such as that subsequent to their suffering
damage from any cause.
Attention is drawn to the fact that, in the fortnightly
report on the produce markets, issued by Gillespie Bros. & Co.,
dated June 20, 1911, a quotation is given for: ‘really fine
clear, concentrated lime juice, suitable for direct use in
calico-printing.’
230
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. JuLY 22, 1910:
5 y 2
Wari GS Z
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date July 3, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
Since our last report, between 300 and 400 bales of
West Indian cotton have been sold, including St. Croix,
Nevis, Barbados, St. Kitts and Anguilla, at 15d. to 16d., and
a few superfine St. Vincent at 22d.; the sales also include
about 100 bales of Stains, at 84d. to 10d.
Prices remain steady at the decline, but spinners are not
in any immediate want, and are only purchasing for stock.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending June 24, is as follows:—
With sales during the week of only 30 bales of off cotton,
the market remains quiet and unchanged. The stock consists
largely of planters’ crop lots, and such cotton as is being held
off of the market under instructions from the owners, leaving
only very limited offerings of odd bags on the market, for
which we quote :—
Fully Fine 28c. = 15$d. c.if. & 5 per cent.
Fine 26c. = 149d. ec a 3
Stains and off Grades at 20c. to 24c.=113d. to 133d.
c.f. & 5 per cent.
Cotton-Growing in the Western United
States.— Experiments in cotton-growing are being conduct-
ed on the Pacific coast, from the Imperial Valley in Southern
California to Klamath Falls in the State of Oregon. ‘These
experiments are being carried on under the supervision of
a Federal Government Inspector. Most encouraging reports
are being received from districts so far north that the idea
of attempting to grow cotton had never before entered the
heads of the landowners of those sections. the
cotton plants have frozen, but cn the whole, the work is pro-
gressing so favourably that the inspector is sanguine of the
results.
Egyptian long staple cotton is being planted, and is
found to resist the cold much better than other varieties com-
monly grown in the United States, and at the same time it
furnishes a fine quality of cotton with a long fibre.
Another feature that is encouraging to growers is that
the value of the cotton seed is now equal to, or greater than,
that of the cotton. In cases where the fibre proves of small
value, the seed will often make the crop profitable. (Zhe
Board of Trade Journal, April 27, 1911.)
Some of
», (COTTON NOTES./,
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COTTON-GROWING IN PERU.
In a recent number of Peru Today (Vol. III, No. 2),
there is presented an account of cotton production in Peru,
which is partly a translation and partly an abstract, of a study
of the subject prepared for the Bulletin of omento, of Peru.
From this it appears that the most favourable lands for
growing cotton, in the Republic, are situated in the river
valleys, near the coust, where there is a deep and fine soil
formed from the alluviuin brought down by the rivers. The
kind of cotton most generally grown is the species indigenous
to the couniry, Gossypuon peruvianun; this is particularly
resistant to drought, on account of the possession of a large
root development.
The article gives detailed information as to the rate of
production of cotton in different parts of the area where it is
grown. It is of interest that, in the district where Sea Island
cotton (G@. barbadense) is raised, the production varies between
386 tb. and 442 Ib. per acre, while the Egyptian variety, Mit-
Aflifi, in this and other districts, has given a yield of 500 bb.
to 830 tb. per acre. As is pointed out, these figures show
that the yields of cotton in Peru are much greater than those
of other countries. Practically, one may take as an average
of Peruvian production per acre, 454-4 tb , against the highest
average in the U.s A. of 308 Ib., in Egypt of 390°4 B&., and
in India of 70 tb., per acre.
The growth of the cotton industry in Peru is shown by
the fact that the exportation of 1903, which was 7,651 tons
of lint, value £295,719, was nearly trebled by 1909, the
export for that year being 21,3
£1,211,081. The amonnt of |
Peruvian shipped in 1903 was 2,473
1909 it was 7,041 tons, value £378,831.
for Smooth Peruvian are 1,906 tons, value £176,640, and
13,793 tons, of a value of £795,496. The statistics again
show a matter of particular interest, in the West Indies, in
the fact that 535,009 tb. of Sea Island cotton, valued at
£36,752, was exported in 1909, whereas in 1903 the export
was 271,000 lb., worth £15,209.
tons, having a value of
Rough and Moderate
The similar figures
The growth in the production of lint has been accom-
panied by an increase in the exportation of cotton seed and
cotton cake. Thus in 1903, the export of cotton seed was
5,348 tons, value £13,571, and in 1909, 7,761 tons, value
£15,522. As regards cotton cake, the export for 1903 was
2.247 tons, valued at £8,989, while in 1909 it was 4,528
tons, valued at £22,840.
The extent of the cotton-growing industry of Peru may
be estimated by combining the total exportation given above
Vor, X. No: 241.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 231
with the annual consumption in the factories of the
Republic, which amounts to about 2,500 tons of ginned
cotton, This gives a total production of about 23,870 tons
of fibre, in 1909.
The factories possess 1,725 spindles, represent a capi-
tal of £300,000 and pay wages annually to the amount
of £40,000; the annual value of the products from them
may be taken as £220,000. In the oil factories, the
extraction varies from 12 to 16 per cent.
A study has been made of four years’ cotton production
over a definite area, and this has led to the conclusion that
the cost of growing a pound of Full Rough Peruvian is 5’7c.;
this is very similar to the cost for upland cotton in the
United States.
All ithe facts given in the article, particularly those
which are afforded attention above, are employed to show
the expediency of a large extension of cotton cultiva-
tion in Peru. The proposal is supported by the existence
of large areas of Jand that are available for the purpose, and
the fact that cotton grows well where sugar-cane and rice
do not flourish on account of the lack of water. Finally, as
in the case of the West Indies, the importance is recognized
of the adoption of intensive cultivation, and this is recom-
mended as an almost necessary circumstance wherever cotton
is grown in Peru.
INDIA AND LONG-STAPLE COTTON.
The following was given in a report of the pro-
ceedings of the International Cotton Congress, held
recently at Barcelona, which appeared in The Textile
Mercury for May 20, 1911:—
Mr. Coventry (Officiating Inspector-General of Agricul-
ture, India) said that,on the whole, it suits India to produce
a short-staple cotton. He asserts that if we are to induce the
cultivator to change his present methods and produce long-
staple cotton, we have to bear in mind two things—first, that
the price for the long-staple cotton must not only be higher
than that for the short-staple, but it must be so high that it
will cover the loss in yield which must inevitably occur in
changing froma short to a long staple; and, secondly, we have
to recognize that the existing foreign trade and market would
have to be entirely shifted from Germany and Japan to
England, for there are no buyers of long-staple cotton in India
at present. Neither the Government nor the Agricultural
Department can do either of these two things. It is for the
trade itself to move in the matter.
What, however, has been found the most serious obstacle
in the way of progress is that, there being no buyers of long-
staple cotton in India, the grower does not get full value for
his produce, with the result that, though the price paid may
be higher than for the coarser, the net result is often
against the cultivator, owing to the lower yield. At the same
time, it is known that, if full value were paid for the longer
staple, or, in other words, if there were a market for long-
staple cotton in India, which there is not, the cultivator in
many cases would undoubtedly benefit more by growing it,
in spite of the lower yield. The only possible solution of this
difficulty is in the creation in India of a buying agency to buy,
gin, bale, and export Jong-staple cotton. Until this is done,
the valuable work of the Department must remain more or
less at a standstill. Perhaps the British Cotton Growing
Association may see their way to move in the matter.
DOMINICA AND THE INTERNATIONAL
RUBBER EXHIBITION.
The Permanent Exhibition Committee of Dominica, with
the large assistance of the Agricultural Officers in the island,
has forwarded a representative set of exhibits to the Inter-
national Rubber Exhibition in 1911. As will be seen from
the following description, the collection is far larger than
that prepared for the similar exhibition in 1908, when the
only exhibits sent were two small samples of rubber about
3 tb. in weight, which had been obtained from trees growing
in the Botanic Garden. According to a report forwarded to
the Permanent Exhibition Committee by Mr. J. Jones, Curator
of the Botanic Station, who is acting as Honorary Secretary
to that Committee, the weight of the present exhibit of
rubber is 64 lb., of which the Botanical Garden has furnished
24 Ib, the rest having been obtained from seven estates on
which experiments in rubber cultivation are being made.
The details of the exhibits show that the estates which
have provided samples are: Stowe, Londonderry, Point
Mulatre, Governor, Concord, Hatton Garden, and Imperial
Road and Riversdale. These, together with the Botanic
Garden, have furnished five samples of Central American
rubber (Castzlloa elastica), two of Para rubber (Hevea brasili-
ensis), six of Lagos rubber (Puntwnia elastica), and one of
Rambong (Assam) rubber (Ficus elastica). The Botanic
Garden has also provided diluted latex of all these rubber
trees, as wellas that of Jicws Vogelii; also seeds and awns
of Puntumia elastica and F. africana, and mounted herbarium
specimens of Hevea brasiliensis, Castilloa elastica, Funtumia
elastica and Sapium Jenmani. The share of the permanent
Exhibition Committee in the exhibit is fourteen photographs
of rubber trees, taken in Dominica.
THE VALUE OF FIELD EXPERIMENTS.
A short article of interest appears in the Feld for
April 1, p. 642, which deals with some of the objections that
are urged against field experiments, particularly in relation to
trials of different methods of manuring, on account of the
irregularity of the results from year to year. It is pointed out
that this very characteristic is connected with the uncertain
circumstances that prevail in the different years, particularly
in regard to rainfall. Ifit were possible for the planter or
farmer to foretell the weather during the coming season,
many of his difficulties would disappear, and the work of
practical agriculture would be greatly simplified.
It is therefore unfair to argue that the irregularity of the
results of such experiments necessarily detracts from their
value. ‘The existence of this very circumstance has been
actually most useful in many cases, in that it has aroused the
curiosity of the planter, and of those advising him, and has
thus brought about the desire to make further experiments, in
order to determine, if possible, the causes of such irregularity.
The article points out the usefulness of co-ordinating
and publishing together the results obtained over compavra-
tively large areas, in order that a general gnide to practice
may be afforded. It mentions the necessity, at the same
time, of giving attention to peculiarities of soil and climate
at each of the different centres of experiment, so that
such results may be interpreted in the light of the special
conditions. It 1s of interest to refer to the fact that work
of this kind is at present being done in parts of the West
Indies, particularly in relation to sugar-cane growing, where,
with the co-operation of planters, facts having a local value
are elucidated and reported separately, while the whole of
the investigation is considered in a broad way for the formula-
tion of results that are of general application,
bo
ow
to
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. Juty 22, 1911.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price ld. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s, 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
Agricultural jlews
JULY 22,
Vout. X. SATURDAY, 1911. No.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
241.
Contents of Present Issue.
The editorial deals with work that is being carried
out in connexion with the improvement of citrus fruits
by means of bud selection. Several of the methods to
which reference is made are capable of adoption in the
West Indies, and may form the basis of interesting and
useful investigations.
Information concerning methods in vogue for
effecting the cross-pollination of the sugar-cane, parti-
cularly in Java, is given on page 227.
An article on page
vanilla pruning. This seems worthy of trial by growers
of vanilla in the West Indies.
Interesting information concerning the cotton-
growing industry of Peru is presented on page 230.
The Insect Notes of this issue are in the form of
an illustrated article, which describes the peculiar mode
of pollination of an aroid plant (Philodendron sp.).
They will be found on page 234.
or
Page 235 presents an interesting description of an
apparatus for sampling glycerine, with the hint that it
might be modified for use in counexion with the testing
of molasses.
The Fungus Notes, on page 238, have for their
subject The Sereh Disease of the Sugar-cane.
228 describes a method of
Examinations in Connexion with the Courses
of Reading of the Department.
It is intended that the Preliminary written exam-
ination in counexion with the Courses of Reading of the
Imperial Department of Agriculture shall be held on
Monday, October 30, 1911; while the Intermediate and
Final written examinations wiil commence on Novem-
ber 13, 1911.
The oral examinations having relation to these
will be held at dates as near to each as possible, the
actual times being determined locally by the conve-
nience of the examiners and candidates at the different
centres.
Candidates are reminded that, in the preparation
for these examinations, help will be readily given to
them, in connexion with their reading, by the local
officers in the different agricultural departments, and
they are advised to take advantage of this as far as may
be expedient. In some cases, detinite times of meeting
for the purpose will have been arranged, on behalf of
candidates, by these officers.
It may be well to draw attention to the Students’
Corner, published regularly in the Agricultural News.
This is intended rather to give suggestions in relation
to problems and matters of agriculture, than merely to
provide direct information. ‘Che student is advised to
follow up the subjects that are indicated fortnight by
fortnight, and to make as much use as possible of the
questions that are appended to each article.
enemas coiainomeeeeee
Calcium Cyanamide and Nitrate of Lime,
Several references have been made to these manures
in former volumes of the Agricultural News, and in
this volume on pp. 57 and 168, with special relation
to experiments in which their effect on the yield of
plauts was compared with that of nitrate of soda and
sulphate of ammonia.
The Journal of the Board of Agriculture for June
1911, p. 240, gives an abstract of work with these
mannres, described in Farmers’ Bulletin No. 20, of the
Agricultural Department of the Lancashire County
Council Education Committee. It is of interest that
the results seem to support those that have been ob-
tained in several other experiment. stations, namely,
that where the different manures are applied so as to
supply equal quantities of nitrogen, they are almost
equally effective in the production of crops.
As has been stated before, this brings it about that
the extension of the use of the newer manures, in com-
parison with that of nitrate of soda and sulphate of
ammonia, will depend largely on the cost per unit of
the nitrogen provided by them.
It is mentioned that calcium cyanamide and
nitrate of lime suffer under the disadvantage that
they are less convenient in use than the other man-
ures, the former being easily blown about by the wind
and sometimes injurious to young plants, and the
latter having the property of absorbing moisture
readily from the air and of thus becoming difficult to
spread on the fields.
Vout. X. No. 241.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 23%
os
eS)
Prize-holdings Scheme in St Lucia.
Up to the present time, twenty competitors have
entered the prize-holdings competition to be held at
Soufriére, St. Lucia. According to a report of the
Assistant Agricultural Superintendent, for the month
of May, this officer has recently visited the district for
the purpose of inspecting the holdings of those who are
taking part in the competition.
The report shows that these holdings cover
a-larger area than has been the case previously. It
appears that there is a large amount of room for
improvement in the condition of most of them; though
several of the owners are showing a keen interest in
their work, and in the advice given to them. The
continuation of the competition should do much toward
effecting improvements in the general state of cacao
cultivation in the district.
$$$
Protection of Birds and Fish in Grenada.
The Grenada Government Gazette for May 1, 1911,
contains the draft of a Bill for an Ordinance intituled an
Ordinance to Amend the Provisions of the Birds and Fish
Ordinance, 1891. This provides for the extension of the
close season to various birds and for oysters, turtle, fresh-
water mullet and cray fish; it also prevents the exporta-
tion of any bird or any parts of a bird specified in the
First Schedule to the Principal Ordinance. This
schedule, which contains the names of birds that are
absolutely protected by the law, is amended by the
addition of the names of the ground dove, pea dove or
perdrix, hawks and eagles, the pelican, and herons and
egret. Among partially protected birds (in the Second
Schedule to the Principal Ordinance), the Trinidad
ground dove and the pea dove or perdrix are transferred
to the lists of birds having absolute protection.
The Ordinance repeals the Birds and Fish Protec-
tion (Amendment) Ordinance, 1908.
oD Oo
Rubber Culture in Tobago.
A copy of a pamphlet with this title, issued by the
Permanent Exhibition Committee of Tobago for the
International Rubber Exhibition, has been received
through the courtesy of Mr. W.G. Freeman, Acting
Director of the Trinidad Department of Agriculture.
After giving a brief account of the history of rabber-
planting in Tobago, and of its present extent, the
pamphlet proceeds to deal with the following subjects:
rate of growth of trees (Castilloa clastica); method of
tapping; yield of latex; methods of rubber-curing; Hevea
in Tobago; and concludes with a short account of the
main agricultural conditions of the island,
The pamphlet is of a useful nature, and presents
in a brief and concise form the main matters relating
to rubber culture in Tobago. Reference should be
made to the announcement with which it concludes, to
the effect that the Honorary Secretary of the Tobago
Planters’ Association will be glad to give any informa-
tion regarding the island to those who may enquire.
Calcium Silicate as Plant Food.
The extent to which the more insoluble substances
occurring in soils are taken up by plants and usefully
employed in their life processes has fora long time been
of interest to agriculturists. The Hxperiment Station
Record of the Umited States Department of Agricul-
ture, Vol. XXIV, p. 325, contains a short abstract of
work that has been done with oats in water cultures,
in which part of the lime of the culture solution was
provided by different forms of calcium silicate.
The investigation showed that, while there was no
special variation in development with the different
kinds of cale1um silicate employed, the lime in the
silicate was absorbed readily. and did not cause any
injury to the plants; more silicic acid than lime was
taken up by the plants. The separation of the lime
and the silicic acid took place through the action of the
carbon dioxide normally excreted by the roots.
The chief matter of practical importance arising
from the results of the experiments is that, in the con-
sideration of the supply of plant food to roots, account
should be taken of the provision of lime and silicic
acid by easily decomposable calcium silicates in the soil.
Sr A
Nature Teaching in Elementary Schools in the
Leeward Islands.
The report of the Inspector of Schools for the
Leeward Islands, for 1909-10, published in the Lee-
ward Islands Gazette of May 18, 1911, points out that
it is perhaps too early to estimate accurately the final
result of the introduction of Nature Teaching into the
elementary schools of the Colony, upon the education of
the children by whom they are attended. It isremark-
ed, however, that there are evidences of an improved
ability on the part of the teachers to gain the interest
of the children in the subject, and that the subject
itself has helped to increase the general standard of
intelligence in the schools. This matter naturally
atfects favourably the work of the teachers, as well as
that of the scholars.
At the same time, mention is made of the fact
that the methods used in Nature Teaching, in many of
the schools, are very mechanical; in these cases the cir-
cumstance is due to the lack of provision of proper
illustrative material and objects for demonstration.
A partial corrective of this is being sought in the
renewal of the supply of pots and boxes for practical
experimentation.
At the time of reporting, there were thirty-six
school gardens in the Colony, in which work was being
actively done: twelve in Antigua, eight in St. Kitts,
six in Nevis, four in Dominica and six in Montserrat.
These details do not include schools where there are
flower beds, kept in order by the children. The work
done in the various gardens is stated to be of very
unequal merit, mainly owing to the lack of system in
conducting the classes. Two or three schools in Antigua,
Montserrat and Nevis have, however, obtained excel-
lent results,
234
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
1911
Juny 22,
INSECT NOTES.
INSECT POLLINATION OF AN AROID
PLANT.
In 1894, Professor C. V. Riley and Mr. H. G. Hubbard
visited Montserrat, to investigate the occurrence of scale
insects on lime trees in that island. Mr. Hubbard, during
his visit, which extended over a considerable period of time,
made many notes and observations on the local insects and
plants. One of these observations appeared as an article in
Insect Life (Vol. VII, p. 340, March 1895), under a heading
similar to that given above. The following account is
abstracted from the article mentioned.
The plant observed was a species of Philodendron, which
is related to the eddoe and the aroids, and is one of the
largest of the climbing jungle plants. The flower case is flask-
shaped (Fig. 12, a & b), and when cut open, ‘is found to consist
of a thick and leathery
spathe, wrapped in
a spiral about an upright,
cylindrical spadix. The
enveloping spathe tightly
clasps in its embrace the
upper, pollen-producing
portion of thespadix, but,
expanding below, leaves
the fruiting portion free,
in a cavity which is
partly filled with a muci-
laginous liquid. All evap-
oration is prevented by
the overlapping of the
spathe, and the floral
organs thus seem to be
destined to self-fertiliza-
tion, most rigidly enfore-
ed. Indeed, it is difficult
to conceive how any
fertilization could be
accomplished by the plant
itself, since the pollen
tubes of the spadix,
being tightly inrolled by
the inner folds of the
spathe, are unable to
give forth their fertiliz-
ing grains.’
Mr. Hubbard’s article
was illustrated by means
of a plate prepared from
diagrammatic drawings. Vig. 12 has been re-drawn from
that illustration
The maturing flowers are infested by numerous larvae
of sap-loving beetles and flies, which swarm in the flower
cases, feeding upon the envelope and breaking it down, until
the ripened fruits at the base of the spadix are entirely
exposed, to be carried away by birds and other agencies for
the dissemination of the seed.
The immature inflorescence at first contained no insects,
but in every instance a brownish spot, apparently caused by
a rot fungus, appeared at the same position on the spathe.
This, as is indicated at a, in Fig. 12, is at the extreme edge of
the overlapping portion of the spathe, just opposite a deep
sinus in the margin.
It appears from the observations recorded that the fungus
spot, which often grows to the size of a shilling piece, occurs
Fie. 12.
POLLINATION OF PHILODENDRON.
at a point where a sap-feeding insect has gnawed the
epidermis of the spathe, in an attempt to penetrate the floral
organs within.
The insect which occurs in this relation is a small
beetle, which has been identified as Wacrostola lutea, Murray
(see Fig. 12, c). Mr. Hubbard invariably found a pair of these
insects between the folds of the spathe. The process of
gaining an entrance to the inside of the spathe is a rather
long one, but the choosing of the spot where the sinus in the
edge reduces the distance to be traversed, and the action of
the rot fungus in softening the tissues, makes it shorter than
it would be otherwise.
The Macrostola beetles enter the cavity of the flower case,
near the level of the surface of the contained liquid, and,
strangely enough, they accomplish their entrance without
leaving an opening for other insects to follow them. This
is due to the fact that, in its early stage of growth, the
fungus causes a shrinkage, which closes the slight aperture
through which the beetles
have entered.
Immediately on enter-
ing the flower case, this
pair of beetles makes its
way to the pollen-bearing
portion of the spadix,
forcing a passage between
the inner surface of the
spathe and the anthers.
The female deposits eggs
as she proceeds, and
a numerous colony of lar-
vae 1S soon produced.
The larvae live and com-
plete their growth within
the flower case, feeding
on the pollen, and by
their feeding, and burrow-
ing in the polleniferous
portion, cause the spadix
to liberate quantities of
a mucilaginous liquid,
which carries down masses
of pollen to the cavity
at the base of the spadix.
Every portion of the inter-
ior of the cavity is covered
with this sticky mixture of
mucus and pollen.
The beetle larvae pass
into the pupal stage, which
is followed by the emerg-
ence of the adults of a new brood. The parents of this
brood—the original invaders of the flower case—have pene-
trated to the tip of the spadix, where their dead bodies may
be found.
About this time, the continued development of the spot
of rot fungus has caused an opening in the spathe, permitting
the entrance of a great number of insects, which feed on sap
and dead tissue. As a result, the spathe breaks down and
falls away, and the liquid escapes.
The beetles are then, by the demolition of their domicile,
forced to betake themselves to neighbouring flowers of the
same kind, where they mate and the processes just described
are repeated. They bear with them,.in the pollen paste
with which their bodies are plentifully bedaubed, the material
necessary for the fructification of the new inflorescence into
which they enter,
Von. X. No. 241.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 235
The part played by the rot fungus is an important one,
equally advantageous to the beetles and to the plant. It
aids the former by first softening the tissues of the spathe,
thus allowing the beetles to advance in their passage into the
flower case, and afterwards hardening, and for the time,
effectually closing the entrance against other intruders. After
the Macrostolas, in undisturbed possession of the flower case,
have accomplished the fertilization of the stigma and released
the pollen, the fungus, in maturing, breaks the seal of the
plant and admits destructive insects. The aroid thus secures
the expulsion of its pollenizers, as well as the proper ripening
and dissemination of its seed.
AN APPARATUS FOR SAMPLING
GLYCERINE.
Mr. H. A. Tempany, B.Sc., Superintendent of Agri-
culture for the Leeward Islands, has kindly forwarded
a copy of the following note, which appears in the
Chemical News for May 5, 1911, and is a reproduction
of an Appendix to the Report on Methods of Analysis
of Crude Glycerine, agreed upon at the recent Inter-
national Conference on the subject :—
The usual method of sampling crude glycerine hitherto,
has been by means of a glass tube, which is slowly lowered
into the drum with the object of taking as nearly as possible
a vertical section of the glycerine contained in the drum.
This method has been found unsatisfactory, owing to the
fact that in cold climates viscous glycerines run into the
tube very slowly, so that owing to the time ocenpied, it is
impossible to take a complete section of the sample. Another
objection to the glass tube is that it fails to take anything
approaching a correct proportion of any settled salt contained
in the drum
Rhhewsamplerec) meme has been devised with
the object of overcoming the objections to the glass
tube as far as possible. It consists of two brass tubes,
one fitting closely inside the other. A number of ports are
cut in each tube in such a way that when the ports are
opened a continuous slot is formed, which enables a complete
section to be taken throughout the entire length of the drum.
By this arrangement the glycerine fills into the sampler
almost instantaneously. There are also a number of
ports cut at the bottom of the sampler which render it
' possible to take a proportion of the salt at the bottom of
the drum. ‘The instrument is so constructed that all the
ports, including the bottom ones, can be closed simul-
taneously by the simple action of turning the handle at the
top; a pointer is arranged which indicates on a dial when
the sampler is open or closed. In samples of larger section
(1 inch) it is possible to arrange a third motion whereby the
bottom ports only are open for emptying, but in samplers of
small dimensions (2-inch) this third motion must be
dispensed with, otherwise the dimensions of the ports have
to be so small that the sampler would not be efficient.
In using the sampler, it is introduced into the drum
with the ports closed, and when it has touched the bottom
the ports are opened for a second or two, then closed and
withdrawn, and the sampler discharged into the receiving
vessel by opening the ports. When the drum contains sus-
pended salt the ports must be opened before the sampler is
pushed through the salt, thus enabling a portion to be
included in the sample. It is, however, almost impossible to
obtain a correct proportion of salt after it has settled in the
drum; it is therefore recommended that the drum should be
sampled before the salt has settled.
A sampler 1 inch diameter withdraws approximately
10 oz. from a 10-cwt. drum.
A sampler 3-inch diameter withdraws approximately
5 oz. from a 10-ewt. drum.
(The authorized makers of the apparatus are Messrs.
Young & Co.,45-59, Stanley Street, Kinning Park, Glasgow.)
In forwarding the information, Mr. Tempany points
out that the problems connected with the sampling of
glycerine are very similar to those occurring in the sam-
pling of molasses, so that it has appeared to him that
a useful purpose might be served in bringing the above
apparatus to the notice of those interested in the test-
ing of the latter product. :
PRODUCTION IN NORTHERN NIGERIA
IN 1909.
The total value of the exports from the Protectorate
was £406,722.
The notable increase in the export of shea nuts and
rubber shown by the returns may be expected to continue.
The country now being tapped by the Baro-Kano Railway
abounds in the Butyrospermum Parkii, and many tons of nuts
have hitherto been allowed to rot on the ground for want of
transport.
The Bassa Province, in which most of the rubber
exported is being obtained, has received a good deal of
attention of late, and it may be confidently expected that, as
inter-tribal feuds amongst the natives are stopped, trade will
increase.
The advance of the railway towards Zaria, and the
rapid opening up of the Bauchi tin fields, will certainly lead
to a large increase in the export of tin ore at anearly Gate.
Although the high prices obtainable for cotton in the
local markets have up to the present made it impossible to
obtain any large amount of this produce at a price that will
allow of its purchase for export purposes, yet the enormous
local production, variously estimated, but probably not less
than 10,000 tons annually, ensures the future of this
industry, once means of transport have been secured, buying
depots established and the native has realized that he can
always obtain in cash a reasonable figure for his cotton.
The Emirs and Native Chiefs have been urged to encourage
their people to undertake the planting of cotton, and the
more intelligent of them are actively doing so.
The annual purchases, as returned by the British Cotton
Growing Association, are as follows: 1905, 156 tons; 1906,
362 tons; 1907, 369 tons; 1908, 152 tons; and 1909, 375 tons.
A large quantity of selected seed has been distributed
in the Provinces of Bassa, Kabba, Niger, and Ilorin. (From
Colonial Reports —Annual, No. 674, p. 10, issued April 1911.)
It is stated in Za (uinzaine Coloniale, Paris, for Octo-
ber 25, 1910, that in view of the opening of the Panama
Canal and of the expected increase of traffic in agricultural
products, the Chamber of Agriculture of Guadeloupe is
establishing an experimental agricultural garden, and that
a loan has been raised for the purpose. (From the Bulletin
of the Bureaw of Agricultural Intelligence and of Plant
Diseases, of the International Institute of Agriculture, Novem-
ber 1910, p. 12.)
THE
AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. JUL 22 LOIS
A report of the work done at the Botanic and Experiment
Stations, St. Lucia, during last month, shows that the planting
was effected of 1} acres of Para rubber, while the distribution
of Para rubber plants for use in the island reached the number
of 490.
The report of the Government Veterinary Surgeon,
St. Vincent, for last month, shows that of sixty-nine deaths of
animals, reported in the island, none were caused by anthrax.
There was only one case in which the cause of death was not
ascertained, but to this there is attached no suspicion of the
presence of the disease.
The distribution of plants from the Dominica Botanic
Station during June 1911 was as follows: limes 6,725, spine-
less limes 1,050, cacao 420, grafted cacao 100, budded citrus
plants 86, Para rubber plants 200, miscellaneous plants 432.
The total number of plants distributed from the station
during the month was 9,013.
The Government Gazette of the Federated Malay States
publishes information to the effect that the amount of culti-
vated rubber exported during February and March 1911 was
1,490,849 Tb. and 1,916,219 Ib., respectively. In the period
January to March 1911 the output was 4,736,238 tb.; for the
similar period in 1910 the figures are 2,396,586 hb.
The Agricultural Superintendent of St. Kitts states in
a report that the young sugar-cane and cotton crops in the
island have made good progress during June, and that they
were in good condition at the end of the month. The cotton
worm (Alabama argillacea) has appeared in a few fields on
two estates, but has been kept in check by the use of Paris
green.
The plants distributed from the Botanic Station, Antigua,
during last month were as follows: limes 500, cocoa-nuts
200, red cedar 1&3, mahogany 72, palms 2. It is worthy of
mention, further, that 998 seed cocoa-nuts were imported at
the same time for use in connexion with cocoa-nut planting —
a minor industry that is receiving a fair amount of attention
at the present time, in the island.
A copy of a bulletin of the condition of crops in Egypt
on June 1, 1911, calculated on the returns from each province,
has been received from the Director General of Agriculture.
This shows that the state of the cotton crop in lower Egypt
is between ‘fair below average’ and ‘average’; in upper
Egypt it is just above ‘average’. The same bulletin shows
that the condition of the sugar-cane crop is between ‘ average ’
and ‘ good’,
A meeting of planters and others interested in live stock
was held in Antigua on July 7, 1911, in the room of the Agri-
cultural and Commercial Society, for the purpose of meeting
Mr. P. T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S., Veterinary Officer on the
Staff of the Department At the meeting, the opportunity
was taken by Mr. Saunders of giving information as to the
objects and aim of his visit to Antigua; a small committee
was appointed, to afford him assistance in his work, and an
itinerary was drawn up for visits by him to different estates
in the island.
The Montreal Star of June 8, 1911, states that the first
place in third year medicine at McGill University was taken
by Mr. R. H. Malone, late of Antigua; this candidate also
gained the Morley Drake prize, which is awarded on the
results of the examinations in bacteriology and parasitology,
and general pathology. Mr. Malone was once a pupil of the
Antigua Grammar School, from which institution he won
a Leeward Islands Scholarship, tenable at Harrison College,
Barbados; he subsequently held the post of Junior Assistant
in the Government Laboratory for the Leeward Islands.
The Agricultural Superintendent of St. Vincent furn-
ishes a report to the effect that an excellent stand of cotton
has been obtained in the island, the seed having germinated
well throughout. The Agricultural Department has been
busily engaged with the selection, testing and disinfection of
seed for small growers, and since May 1, 7,507 tb. of cotton
seed, or sufficient to plant 1,500 acres, had been sold up to
the end of June. The fact that practically the whole of the
past season’s crop of white Sea Island cotton was sold at
18d. per tb, and over, is considered a matter for satisfaction,
by growers. The Marie Galante produced has been valued at
94d. per bb.
His Honour the Acting Administrator of St. Vincent has
forwarded a copy of the Report and General Abstract of the
Census, 1911, for that island, prepared by the Compiler of
Census, under instructions received from the Governor-in-
Council. This shows that in the interval since the taking of
the last census in 1891-—twenty years—the population of the
island has increased from 41,054 to 41,877, which is a gain
of 823, or 2 per cent. It is notable that this gain has taken
place notwithstanding the visits of two great calamities
during the period, namely the hurricane of 1898 and the
voleanic eruption of 1902, which caused the loss of nearly
2,000 lives, and much property.
According to T’he Board of Trade Journal for May 25,
1911, p. 430, it appears that after many failures and the
expenditure of a considerable amount of capital, the extrac-
tion of wax from the candelilla plant (see Agricultural News,
Vols. IX, pp. 104 and 124; X, p. 203) is about to become
a commercial success. There are now four plants for extract-
ing the wax in the Monterrey District of Mexico, two of
which, it is stated, are shipping the product to the United
Kingdom. ‘The further statement is made that the supply of
the plant is practically inexhaustible and the process of
extraction inexpensive, while the wax obtained is of excellent
quality. It may be mentioned that planting material of the
candelilla plant has been distributed for trial among several
of the experiment stations, by the Imperial Department.
Vout. X. No. 241.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
23:7
STUDENTS’ CORNER,
a LONE
TuirpD Perron.
Seasonal Notes.
Describe the steps that may be taken on an estate to
supply cane holes which have failed to produce plants. On
what circumstances may such failure depend? Where the
rainfall has been sufficient, and an inferior stand of cane has
been obtained, a useful purpose will be served by digging out
the cuttings from the vacant holes and examining them care-
fully, to find if the failure to sprout has been due to the
presence of disease. Describe carefully the precautions that
should be taken to prevent cuttings in the ground from being
attacked by fungi. In these considerations, what hints are
supplied with reference to the selection of material for plant-
ing? In supplying dead holes, it is most convenient, from
the point of view of harvesting the cane, to employ varieties
that mature early. Give examples of such varieties, and
indicate their special characteristics. Compare the sprouting
of a sugar-cane cutting with the growth of a cutting of
a dicotyledonous plant.
Tn cotton fields, as the plants become firmly established,
the time arrives for the making of careful observations, in
order to detect the presence of insect and fungus pests. In
regard to the latter, much more will have to be done in this
way after the appearance of the bolls, as it is at this stage
that cotton more usually shows the presence of fungus diseases.
Returning to the matter of insect pests, and those which are
related, the different kinds of treatment that are required in
the several instances, for their control, will be seen to have
intimate relation with the life-history and feeding habits of
the pest. Follow up this subject, and discuss in relation to
it, the treatment that has been proposed for the control of the
leaf-blister mite. What special précautions are required in
effecting the removal of material that has been attacked by
this pest? Discuss the natural control by parasites, of insects
attacking cotton.
Explain the process by which soil that is allowed to
lie fallow may increase in fertility. State what is meant by
the rotation of crops, and give reasons for the adoption of
rotation. How are the root systems of the various plants,
that are commonly grown, to be considered in relation to the
adoption of various methods of rotation? What is the main
objection to growing different crops of the same kind in a so-
called rotation? Explain the uses of the employment of
rotation with reference to insect and fungus pests, and to the
economic conditions on the estate. Having regard to these
and other considerations, suggest a scheme of rotation under
agricultural conditions with which you are familiar.
Opportunity will be taken of the rains that should be
received at this time of the year to plant yams, as well as
other ground provisions. Give a description of the different
kinds of yams with which you are acquainted, pointing out
their special characteristics, and making a classification as
far as possible. In the planting of yams, why should the
soil be deep and easily worked! What information does the
method of propagation of the yam give concerning the true
botanical nature of the part that is edible! Describe the usual
method for the propagation of yams. How should the land
be prepared and lined out for the reception of the planting
material? Discuss the practicability of raising catch crops
of such plants as corn and sweet potatoes, between yams.
Give a careful account of the objections to the depen-
dence of a colony or community on one or two crops. Why
is it that such dependence may be more dangerous at the
present time than it has been in the past? In relation to
these matters, give consideration to the advantages of diver-
sification of crops in agriculture. Having regard to the local
conditions with which you are familiar, make suggestions for
such diversification. How is the possession of several crops
by a community related to its spending power and _ its
economic prosperity? i
While dealing with the ordinary subjects relating to the
Students’ Corner, it may be weli to draw attention to the
announcement in connexion with the forthcoming examina-
tions for the Courses af Reading of the Department, which is
contained on page 232 of this issue of the Agricultural
News.
Questions for Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS.
(1) Describe suitable rotations including (1) sugar-cane,
(2) cotton.
(2) In what ways is the presence of humus in a soil
beneficial to plants?
(3) Of what use to a plant is the possession of tendrils ?
Give an account of the modification of parts of a plant to
form tendrils,
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS.
(1) To what considerations would you have regard in
determining the value of a sample of molasses ?
(2) What are the symptoms of the root disease of the
sugar-cane /
(3) Give an account, with the aid of a simple sketch
map, of the kinds of soil that are found in the island in which
you live.
FINAL QUESTIONS.
(1) Write a description of any method of sampling
sugars.
(2) Show, with examples, how the properties of soils are
related to the plants that may be grown successfully on them.
(3) Give as many examples as you can of the modifica-
tion of parts of plants for special purposes.
The chemists of Mauritius have formed themselves into
a society for the purpose of unifying methods of analysis and
of sucrerze control in the island. The newly formed society
has under consideration a number of important questions,
such as whether the density of the first mill juice represents
that of the normal juice; methods of calculating the dilution;
whether the density of the diluted juice should be taken
before or after sulphitation; the best methods of sampling
and preserving the different juices; and the adoption of the
double polarization of the juice in place of the ordinary direct
polarization. The society publishes a quarterly journal
styled the Bulletin dela Société des Chimistes de Maurice,
which has just come to hand, and to which we look in the
future for some useful articles. The first two, by Messrs.
Giraud and de Sornay, which will be found abstracted in this
issue of the journal, promise well. (From the Znternational
Sugar Journal, May 1911, p. 237.)
FUNGUS NOTES.
THE SEREH DISEASE OF THE
SUGAR-CANE.
The disease which forms the subject of the present
article has long been known in Java, from which island it
was first reported in 1882, though there is reason to believe
that it occurred there as early as the year 1875. It has
spread steadily and regularly there since the first observation
of it, the directicn of its progress being from west to cast.
There is, however, one peculiar limitation that has been
observed in connexion with its spread, namely, that it never
appears on canes growing at a high elevation, even though
such localities are unsuitable to the plants in other respects.
Although much work relating to this disease has been
conducted by several well qualified Mycologists, yet its actual
cause is still very obscure, and none of the theories put for-
ward on the subject can be said to have been at all definitely
established. Moreover, although its symptoms are numerous,
it is only in serious cases that all of them appear; often only
afew of them are present with certainty. As a consequence
of this, there is considerable doubt as to the number of coun-
tries in which the disease exists throughout the tropics, and
a certain amount of confusion has arisen between this and
other diseases. This question, which is of some importance,
will be dealt with below.
According to an article by Maublanc, which appears in
L Agriculture Pratique des Pays Chauds, No. 91, p. 313, the
most characteristic symptom is the shortening of the inter-
nodes of the stalk. This results in a very peculiar appearance
of the diseased plant: the leaves are crowded together, and the
young blades at the top of the stem open sooner than they do
on normal plants, and spread out in the shape of a fan,
instead of remaining for some time rolled up in a cylinder.
The leaf blades are reduced in size and marked with lines of
a yellowish green colour. Portions of them die and dry up.
In addition to this, there is generally an abnormal develop-
ment ef the buds at the base of the stems, so that the latter
become much branched. This is accompanied by a profuse
production of roots, causing infected stools to present an
appearance that is very different from that of those which
are healthy. In fact, the attacked canes closely resemble the
grass (Andropogon Schoenanthus) yielding lemon grass oil,
which is common in Java, and known to the natives as
‘sereh’. It is from this resemblance that the disease is said
to have taken its name.
Besides the abnormalities which occur in the stem and
leaves, sereh is often characterized by the presence of dis-
eased roots on the canes. The tips of these are frequently seen
to be dead, while in more serious cases the roots atrophy almost
entirely. Another indication of this, as of other diseases of the
sugar-cane, is that attacked plants havea marked tendency to
arrow.
Although most of these symptoms are present in serious
cases of the disease, yet in many instances there is a large
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. Jury 22, 1911.
variation from the typical appearance. The canes may attain
a considerable size, but possess short joints in their upper
parts; they are surmounted by a fan-shaped crown of leaves,
while below, short branches are produced from the buds.
All stages of alteration in appearance may occur-——-from the
stunted and peculiar stools presenting the appearance of sereh
grass, to stools having general characters very little different
from those of healthy canes.
There are a few other external symptoms that may be
present, among which the following may be mentioned. The
nodes may be tinted red, and tue growing portion of the
stalk is often of the same colour; while the leaf sheath and
the root origins become vermilion in colour. In some cases,
there is no formation of wax on the stem and in some
instances the leaf sheaths may stick to the stalk.
When a diseased stem is split open, it is seen that the
tissues are considerably disorganized. The vascular bundles
are filled with a quantity of gum, which completely blocks
the cavities of the vessels. ‘The position of the bundles is
marked by a red discolouration which is most easily seen at
the nodes, but often extends into the internode in the form
of a narrow, red streak. Disorganization of the vascular
bundles is also observable in the leaves. No gum is, however,
formed in the diseased roots.
There are two theories as to the origin of the disease.
According to the first, it is physiological, and due to unfavour-
able conditions of soil and climate, to want of proper tillage,
or to the employment of unsuitable manures. The bulk of
the evidence, however, is against this theory, as the disease
would appear to be infectious. ‘his is indicated by its
method of spread in Java—by the fact that when it first
appears in a field it does so in spots, which increase in area
from year to year, and from the further fact that diseased
cuttings, when planted, either rot or give rise to diseased
canes. According to the second theory, it is an infectious
disease due to a specific parasite, but opinions vary con-
considerably with regard to the nature of the parasite. The
disease has been attributed to the attacks of nematode worms
on the roots, to the presence of a fungus in the tissues, as
well as to the action of bacteria. The eel-worm theory of
its origin is not now generally accepted, that having the
greatest degree of probability being its attribution to the
presence of bacteria.
By way of remedial measures, it is recommended that
only thoroughly healthy cuttings should be planted, and that
these should be taken from healthy canes grown on soil where
the disease has not made its appearance. Much has also been
done in Java in this respect in obtaining seedling canes more
or less immune to the disease, while attention may again be
called to the success which has accompanied the planting of
healthy cane cuttings, produced in special nurseries in the
mountains.
As will have appeared from the account of the symptoms
as given above, this disease may be easily confused with one
or two others. That for which it is most frequently mistaken
is gummosis—a malady definitely known to be due to a bac-
terium, Pseudomonas vascularum, Cobb. In some respects
also, it possesses symptoms resembling those of root disease,
as for example, the fan-shaped arrangement of the leaves, the
presence of dead roots, and of others dead and discoloured
at their tips, as well as the large number of these that are
developed. Other points of resemblance are the stunted
appearance of infected stools, and the fact that the leaf-
sheaths may adhere to the stem Consequently, great care
requires to be exercised in determining this disease in any
Vout. X. No. 241.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
239
country where root disease is known to exist, particularly if
sereh has not previously made its appearance there.
As was stated above, there is some doubt as to the
number of countries in which sereh has actually made its
appearance. It has been found in Malacca, Borneo and
Bangka, and appears to be more or less indigenous to that
part of the world. It has also been reported from Australia,
Mauritius and Réunion, but there appears to be reason for
doubting its actual occurrence in these localities. Up to the
present time, it has never been reported in the West Indies,
although there has recently arisen cause for the belief that it
may occur in certain places. Dr. Went, whose name is well
known in connexion with diseases of the sugar-cane, was
unable to find it in Surinam, ten years ago, even after exten-
sive search; nor did he observe it in Trinidad, Barbados,
St. Eustatius or St. Martin, though in these islands he did
not have the same opportunity of making extensive obser-
vations. It would appear, however, that most careful
investigations should be undertaken to determine with cer-
tainty if the disease is present, and to distinguish it defi-
nitely from root disease, so that the necessary measures may
promptly be undertaken to control it.
WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS.
DRUGS AND SPICES ON THE LONDON
MARKET.
Mr. J. R. Jackson, A.L.S., has forwarded the fol-
lowing report on the London drug and spice market,
for the month of May :—
The beginning of May brought with it a decided improve-
ment in the drug and chemical markets. The advent of
really fine and warm weather has resulted in an increased
demand for such articles as citric and tartaric acids, lime
juice, and products of a nature that enter into the composi-
tion of summer, or cooling drinks. There has been a steady
sale in most commodities, but nothing in any one of a nature
to command note. The condition of the markets in individ-
ual products has been as follows :——
GINGER.
At the first spice auction on May 3, 60 barrels and 214
bags of Jamaica were offered, a few only of which sold.
Bold fetching 61s. and fair washed 56s. per cwt. A week
later the prices had dropped for all kinds. Ten barrels of
fair bright Jamaica were offered and bought in at 65s. per
ewt. Seventy bags of limed and mouldy Japan were also
brought forward and bought in at 40s. per ewt. Cochin was
in large supply, out of 554 bags washed rough offered, 524
were sold, fetching for fair to good bright 35s. 6d. to 37s. 6d.
per cwt. On the 17th of the month, the prices obtained were
50s. to 53s. for good common, at which rates 60 bags were
disposed of, middling dullish realizing 57s. Bold and medium
brown rough Calicut, of which 160 packages were offered, were
bought in at 51s. per cwt. Atthe last sale in the month, the
general tone of the market was very dull. Jamaica was repre-
sented by 991 packages, all of which were bought in, though
it was afterwards reported that several lots of good washed
had been disposed of at from 60s. to 63s. per ewt.: 42s. and
37s. were the prices at which ‘washed rough Cochin and limed
Japanese, respectively, were bought in.
NUTMEGS, MACE AND PIMENTO.
At the first spice auction on the 3rd of the month, West
Indian nutmegs were represented by 105 packages, the prices
ruling being as follows: 58’s, 1s. ld.; 63’s, 10d.; 70's, 8d.;
87’s, 5$d.; and 100’s, 5d. to 54d. For the produce of the
East, the prices were: 60’s, 1s.; 65’s, 10d.; and 70’s, 9d.
A week later, 108 packages West Indian were offered, and
disposed of at similar rates, while those from the East were
all bought in. On the 17th no West Indian were offered,
but on the 24th the West Indies were represented by 234
packages, most of which found buyers, the prices paid being:
64's, 9d.; 66’s, &d.; 71’s to 72’s, Gd. to 64d.; 85’s to 86's,
5id. to 53d.; 100’s, 54d. Of mace at auction on the 3rd, 42
packages of West Indian sold at 2s. 3d. to 2s. 8d. On the
10th, 60 cases West Indian sold at 2s. 2d. to 2s. 4d., while
broken fetched 2s. to 2s. ld. At the last sale of the month,
87 packages West Indian were disposed of at from 2s. 1d. to
2s, 7d. There has been but little demand for pimento during
the month, the offerings in the early part of the month being
all bought in. On the 17th, 30 bags were offered, and sold
without reserve, at 24d. to 24d. per tb. At the last sale on
the 24th, some 25 bags were offered, and bought in at 23d.
per Ib.
ARROWROOT.
For this article there has been but little demand. At
the beginning of the month, some private sales were effected
of about 700 barrels of St. Vincent, chiefly at the rate of 2d.
per tb. This price was paid at the end of the month for
a further consignment of 200 barrels.
SARSAPARILLA.
At the first drug auction on the 4th, sarsaparilla was
well represented by 22 bales of grey Jamaica, 36 bales of
Lima-Jamaica, 32 bales of native Jamaica, and 8 bales of
Guatemala character. The whole of the grey Jamaica and
Lima-Jamaica were disposed of, the first at 1s. 9d. per bb.,
and the second at from 1s. to ls. 1d. per tb. Five bales only
of the 32 offered of native Jamaica found buyers, at 8d. per hb.
for dull reddish; fair red being bought in at 1ld. A fortnight
later, 13 bales of grey Jamaica were brought forward, and dis-
posed of at from 1s, 9d.to 1s 10d. per tb. for fair, partly rough.
Eight bales of native Jamaica were also offered, but 2 only
found buyers, good red fetching ls. 3d. and dull red 9d. per tb.
KOLA, CASSTIA FISTULA, LIME JUICE, LIME OIL, TAMARINDS,
One bag of good dried West Indian kola was brought
forward at the beginning of the month and sold at 44d.
per lb. Of Cassia Fistula, the East Indian supply is reported
to have quite failed, and as there is also a great deficiency in
the West Indian supply the article is much enquired for.
In the early part of the month the quotations for West
Indian lime juice, ordinary to good raw, was from 1s. to
ls. 3d. per gallon. At the end of the month it was reported
that though the supplies were small, the prices quoted were
somewhat lower, namely 11d. to ls Id. per gallon. For
West Indian concentrated lime juice for the same periods,
the price has been uniformly, £18 2s. 6d. to £18 7s. 6d.
West Indian distilled lime oil, early in the month realized
ls. 5d. per tb, while hand pressed was quoted at 5s. 3d.
At the end of the month Is. 4d. was the quoted price for
distilled oil, and 5s. for hand pressed. At the first auction
on the 3rd some 10 casks of ordinary black Calcutta tama-
rinds were sold at 10s. 6d., and for 11 more casks, slightly
mouldy, 2s. 6d. was paid. On the 17th, 8 barrels of pale juicy
sold at 14s. per ewt, and 15 barrels of dry Antigua were
bought in at 10s.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
HUTS eo tole
London.—THE
MARKET REPORTS.
West Inpia
July 4, 1911; Messrs. E.
June 10, PONT:
CoMMITTEE CIRCULAR,
A. Dre Pass &- Co.,
ARRowrRooT—2d. to 3}d.
Bartata—Sheet, 3/4; block, 2/6 per tb.
Berswax—No quotations.
Cacao—tTrinidad, 55/- to 65/- per ewt.; Grenada, 49/6
to 55/6; Jamaica, 48/- to 53/-.
CorrrE—Jamaica, 67/- to 112/-.
Corpra—West Indian, £25 10s. per ton.
Corron—Tully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 15d. to 22d.
Fruit—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
GincEer—50/- to 66/- per ewt.
HonEyY—27/- to 37/6,
IstncLass—No quotations.
Line Juice—Raw, 1/1. to 1/6; concentrated, £18 2s. 6d.
to £18 7s. 6d.; Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/-,
nominal.
Loc woop—No quotations.
Macre—2s. to 2s. 2d.
NutmEecs—Quiet.
Pmiento—Common, 23d.; fair, 2;%d.; good, 2td. per tb.
Ruseer—Para, fine hard, 4/14; fine soft, 3/11; ine Peru,
3/10 per tb.
Rum—ZJainaica, 1/7 to 5/-.
Sucar—Crystals, 14/6 to 17/-; Muscovado, 11,5 to 14/-;
Syrup, 10/6 to 12/3 per ewt.; Molasses, no quotations,
New York,—Messrs. Gintespie Bros. & Co., June 30,
1911,
Oacao—Caracas, 1lc. to 12c. ; Grenada, llc. to 12dc. ;
Trinidad, 114e. to 11#c. per th.; Jamaica, 9}c. to 103c.
Cocoa-Nuts—Jamiaica, select, $28°00; culls, $16-00 to
$17:00; Trinidad, select, $28°00; culls, $16:00 to
$17-00 per M.
Correr—Jamaica, 12}c. to 144c. per tb.
Gincer—10c. to 12c. per tb.
Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 53c.; Antigua and Barbados, 48c.
to 50c.; St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. Kitts, 46c.
to 48c. per Ib.
Grare-Fruir—Jamaica, no quotations.
Lines—$7 "25 to $8-00.
Macre—48c. to 53e. per th.
Nurmecs—110’s, 10c. per th.
Orances—Jamaica, no quotations.
Pinento—4}c. per tb.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3°98c. per tb.;
89°, 3°48c.; Molasses,
paid,
Muscovados,
89°, 3°23c. per Tb., all duty
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpox, Granr & Co., July 10,
1911,
Cacao—Venezuelan, $12°00 per fanega;,Trinidad, $11°00
to $11°75.
Cocoa-NuT O11—80c. per Imperial gallon,
CorreE—Venezuelan, 15c. per th.
Corra—$3°50 per 100 tb.
Duat—$3°60 to $3°80.
Ontons—$2'00 to $2°25 per 100 lb.
Pras, SpLir—$d°50 to $5°60 per bag.
Porators—Eneglish, $2°00 to $2°25 per 100 th.
Rictr—Yellow, $4°75 to $4'80; White, $5°40 to $5°50
per bag.
Svucar—American crushed, no quotations,
Barbados,—Messrs. James A. Lyxcu & Co., July 14,
1911; Messrs. T. S. Garraway & Co., July 17,
.1911; Messrs. Leacock & Co., June 23, 1911;
Messrs. E. Toorne, Limited, July 18, 1911.
Cacao—$10°50 to $11:00 per 100 tb.
Corron SEED—$22°40 per ton; meal, $1°50 per 100 tb.;
23 per cent. discount. :
Corron Seep Orn (retined)—61e. per gallon.
Corron Seep O1n (for export)—5le. per gallon (in bond).
Hay—$1-20 per 100 th.
Manvures—Nitrate of soda, $69°00 to $63:00; Cacao
manure, $42°00 to $48°00; Sulphate of ammonia
$75:00 to $7600 per ton. ;
Mo tasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$2°00 to $2°37 per 100 th.
Pras, Sprit—$5'70 to $5°75 per bag of 210 th.; Canada
$2°75 to $4:20 per bag of 120 th. j
Potators—Nova Scotia, $4°25 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam, $4°60 to $4°65 per 100 tt.; Patna, no
quotations; Rangoon, no quotations.
Sucar—No quotations.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wiermsc & Ricurer, July
11, 1911; Messrs. Sanppacn, ParKER & Co.,,
June 9, F9IT.
ARTICLES,
Arrowroot—St. Vincent
Batata— Venezuelablock
Demerara sheet
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STARCH—
Cocoa-NUTS—
CorrEE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
DxHAL—
Green Dhal
Eppors—
Mo.asses—Yellow
Ontons—Teneriffe
Madeira
Preas—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Porators—Nova Scotia
Lisbon
Porators-Sweet, B’bados
Rice—Ballam
Creole
Tannras—
Yams— White
Buck
Sucar—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
TimpEeR—Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
Messrs.
3, Cordwood
& Ricutrer.
$9 50 to $10°00
per 200 I».
No quotation
70c. per tb.
lle. per tb.
$1°20
$6°50 to $7-00
$12 to $16 per M
l6c. per th.
19c. per Ib.
10$c. per th.
$3°75 per bag of
168 th.
6e.
$5°65 per bag
(210 tb.)
$400
20c. to 40c.
96c. per bag
No quotation
$5°25 to $5°50
$1°68 per bag
$3°36
$3-60
$2°70 to
$3°25
34°00
$2°10 to $2°30
32c. to ddc. per
cub. foot
$3°75 to $6:00
per M,
$1°80 to $2-00
per ton
2°75
WIETING
JMessrs. Sanp-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$10-00 per 200 tb.
Prohibited
6dc.
12c. per tb.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
selected
l5c. per tb.
18c.per tb.
10c. per tb.
$3°75 per bag of
168 tb.
The.
$5°85 per bag
(210 tb.)
No quotation
$4-25
No quotation
$5°00 to $525
None
$3-00
$4°00 to $425
None
32c. to bdc. per
cub. foot
$4:00 to $6:00
per M.
No quotation
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
FOR THE WEST INDIES.
The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal.
Volume I. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price ls. each. Post free, 1s. 2d,
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Volume XI. Nos.1, 2. No. 3, containing Fungus Diseases of Ground Nuts in the West Indies; Notes on
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PAMPHLET SERIES.
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Sucar Inpustry. (14) Screw Worm in Cattle at St. Lucia. Price 2d.
Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (15) Plain Talk to Small Owners. Price 2d.
in 1900. No, 3, price 2d.;in 1901, No. 13, price 4d.; (16) Hints on Onion Cultivation. Price 2d.
in 1902, No. 19, price 4d.; in 1902, No. 26, price 4d.; (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d.
in 1904, No. 32, price 4d. (18) Recipes for Cooking West Indian Yams. Price 2d.
Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, (25) Ground Nuts in the West Indies. Price 2d.
in 1903-5, No. 40, price 6d.; in 1904-6, No. 44, price 6d.; (28) Barbados and Porto Rico Molasses. Price 3d.
in 1905-7, No. 49, price 6d.; in 1906-8, No. 59, price 6d.; (34) Notes on Rabbit Keeping in the West Indies. Price 2d..
in 1907-9, No. 62, price 6d.; No. 66, price 6d. (35) Information in regard to Agricultural Banks. Price 5d.
Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, (37) Cultivation of Oranges in Dominica. Price 4d.
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in 1904-5, No. 39, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 46, price 4d.; | (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta-
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in 1908-9, No. 63, price 6d.; in 1909-10, No. 67, price 6d. (45) A BC of Cotton Planting. New and Enlarged Edi on.
Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, Price 6d.
in 1902-3, No. 30 price 4d.; in 1903-4, No. 36, price 4d.; (54) Fungus Diseases of Cacao and Sanitation of Cacao Orchards,
in 1904-5, No. 42, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 47, price 4d.; Price 4d.
in 1906-7, No. 51, price 4d.; in 1907-8, No. 57, price 4d.; | (55) Millions and Mosquitos. Price 3d.
in 1908-9, No. 64, price 4d.; in 1909-10, No. 68, price 4d. (58) Insect Pests of Cacao. Price 4d.
ScaLe Insects. (60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them. Price 4d,
Scale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part L. No. 7, price 4d.; (61) The Grafting of Cacao. Price 4d.
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GENERAL.
(5) General Treatment of Insect Pests (Revised), price 4d.
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The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’. A Fortnightly Review.
The ‘Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and
other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony, and the progress made in
Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies. ;
The ‘ Agricultural News’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the
local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is
2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII complete, with title page and index, as issued
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longer be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents A
applications for copies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department.
Agents.
The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department :—
London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. St. Vincent: Mr. L. S. Mosetey, Agricultural School,
Barbados : Messrs. BowEn & Sons, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. M. A. Lawrence, Botanic Station.
Jamaica: THE EpucationaL Suppty Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. BripGewater, Roseau,
Street, Kingston. Montserrat : Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station.
British Guiana: Tue ‘Datty Curonicie’Orrice,Georgetown. Antigua: Mr. S. D. Matonz, St. John’s.
Trinidad : Messrs. Muir-MarsHauy & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: Tue Brste anp Book Supety Agency, Basseterre,
Tobago: Mr. C. L. Puacemann, Scarborough. Nevis : Messrs. HowE1, Bros., Charlestown
Grenada ; ‘Tue Stores’ (Grenada) Limited, St. George.
Vou. X. No. 241. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Juny 22, 1911.
THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE
sy AA eel oye
Ohlendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—Fer Sugar-cane and general use
Ohlendorif’s Special Sugar-cane Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cocoa Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cotton Manure
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, high grades,
Potash Salts, Basic Slag and all other high-class Fertilizers.
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO:—
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London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C.
Barbados Agents : James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
Sane SPRAYING MacHiNes, YUE ISSUED,
Fi - ; \ +3 j , TAT aN TAY
— We have in stock some Spraying Machines manu- A NEW AND RE-ENLARGED
factured specially for spraying cotton or cocoa plants, | EDI TY ON () in
Fitted with improved Nozzle. 4 : :
ALSO PURE ARSENATE OF LEAD, NATURE TEACHING.
THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON! =
FACTORY, LIMITED, To be obtained from all agents for the sale of the Department’s
BRIDGETOWN. | Publications. Price 2s., post free, 2s. 3c,
wesT INDIAN BuLLeTN. FTOR SADE.
Wel ere eS) PRIME SUMMER YELLOW corron]
Containing Fungus Diseases of Ground Nuts i he} Hee |
West Tadies: Rotes Ge Ground Nuts 7 eae West Indies, SEED OIL.
Report ona Visit to Florida; A List of the Birds of the In casks or 5-gallon tins Gn Bona).
Sle of St. L cla: A Note on e itroduetion of sirds; a ble bl r .In ap ~ r ~ ~
ne Hee He ee CO Vl ON > Kt Dy { ) C A Ix Kt M 1D AL.
in St. Vincent; ‘The Sugar Industry of the Island of Negros:| ERNEST THORNE, LTD.
and Observations on Mill Control Experiments in Negros, Cotton Sced Oil Mills,
To be obtained from all agents for the Barbados, W.I,
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Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter 4, High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados.
Vol. X. No. 242.]
SATURDAY,- AUGUST 5, 1911. {Cne penny.
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THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
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PLANTER CAN AFFORD TO BE WITHOUT IT.
CONTENTS.
Introduction. Soil,
Varieties, Climate.
Propagation:— Shade,
Selection. Preparing the Land.
Stock for Inarching lanting,
and Budding Cultivation.
Tnarching Fertilization or Manuring.
Budding. Pruning and Sanitation
TWELVE (12) PULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS
GERMAN KALI! WORKS,
P.0. Box 1,007, Empedrado 30,
Havana, Cuba.
3\y
A
a ay
AS
A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW sew
IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. ‘ala
Va pv Vs"!
Vo, X= Now 242)
BARBADOS, AUGUST 5,
Price ld,
1911.
the similar requirements in regard to sulphuras a plant
CONTENTS. food; for various circumstances, to be stated later, have
—_ led it to be considered that these are small and ade-
mee Pace, ‘uately supplied without the making of any specifie
attempts to provide sulphur in manures. Recent work*
Agricultural Training in Nitrogen, Loss and Gain
Dominica, 28 1. 228 in Cultivated Soils... 249 on the part of investigators has, however, made it doubt-
Agriculture in Jamaica, is Notes and Comments cose 248 ful if this is a correct view of the case, and the purpose
1909-10 he alle 955 I'russic Acid, Formation s 3 2 E
Agriculture in Parton Rico duringGermination ... 249 Of the following article is to present a simple account
may UCI bog) 6s . 247 Rubber and Gutta-Percha of the objects and results of this work.
Alcohol for Motive Powe er 249 in Borneo ... 253
Bacteria in the Soil, Work Rubber in Togoland Anil
The Supply of Sulphur to
Cultivated Crops,
HE extent to which cultivated plants require
nitrogen, phosphate and potash, in order that
they may attain a proper development and
give an adequate yield, has long been the subject of
practical determinations, by agriculturists, in the form
of laboratory and field experiments. There has not
been by any means the same amount of attention to
Ofer ts er ot9 German East Africa 248 The investigation was suggested by experiments
Cotton Notes Rubber, Tackiness in... 251 which had for their object the determination of the
Ris TEC 2 Southern Nigeria, Agricul- : Saas : z 2
ieee sland Cotton 1n one fae © 95, amount of sulphur in the feeding material given to
awali Bo; SOC Reeee ST a ; s :
Uses for Cotton ... ... 246 eaueents Wer: s+ +++ 253° sheep for the production of wool. Sheep’s wool consists
: Bo 5 ugar Industry :— ; ae: : ; é
West Indian Cotton ... 246)" Gi noes in Susar Solu- largely of a proteid material rich in sulphur, and this
Dominica, Agricultural ‘onsat Heehune : : ae :
sen aeR Paes ol Ode tions at High Temper- ne made it appear that the crops on which the sheep
: - ‘ sae atures... eemme-amerss 2 : - ie
Fungus Notes :— The Sugar Industry of were usually fed must contain and provide a larger
Two Banana Diseases of the United States, in amount of that element than is commonly understood,
the West Indies... 254 NOOO) cece . 243 : +1
Giesminas LTD 352 Supply of Sulgiite tolCul: * The subject was further advanced by the recognition
Insect Notes :— tivated Crops... 241 of the fact that the determination of the amount of
Fuinauien ee 250 ephvore CG eh sulphur in plants, by an examination of the ash, gives
Market Reports _... 256 | Dressing Crops in results which are generally much too low, as that sub-
Mocha Coffee, Production St. Lucia. ... .. 245 ; ;
== sualc S a or r or less extent dur
of eeeiieees) ieccine er C44 4| WW ESL Indian Products «.. 205 tance isdest to a greater « du ms the
course of the analyses; the work of several investi-
gators has given support to this view of the case.
In the trials which were undertaken, methods
were employed for the determination of the amount of
sulphur present (as sulphur trioxide) which would
entail as small a loss as possible of sulphur during
the work of analysis. Some of the results obtained
in this way are interesting. ‘They show that a given
quantity of rice grain contains one hundred times
as much sulphur trioxide as that which would be
indicated by analysis of the ash from that amount
*Research Bulletin No. 14, of the Wisconsin University
Agricultural Experiment Station, entitled Sulphur Requirements
of Far Crops in Relation to the Soil and Airy Supply.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. °
Aveusr 5, 1911,
of grain; while in the case of cotton seed and the
soy bean, the total sulphur trioxide recovered by the
method employed is about ten times as great as that
in the ash. he disparity is usually largest in plants
like the cabbage and the onion, which contain a fair
proportion of volatile sulphur oils.
The matter of practical importance brought forward
by these considerations is that cultivated crops probably
remove much more sulphur fron: the soil than has been
supposed. Thus, basing the computation on an ash
analysis, a crop of corn of 100 bushels per acre would
appear to remove about }-fb. of sulphur trioxide; while
the total actual! amount consumed by the same crop,
employing the method of determination used by the
investigators, would be more than 20 tb. These facts
are sufficient to show that careful attention is required
to the subject of the supply of sulphur from the soil to
growing plants.
It is commonly realized that a certain amount of
sulphur must be available for the use of plants, particu-
larly in view of the fact that all the proteids which are
found in plants contain sulphur.
little attention has been given to this element in devis-
ing schemes of manuring would appear to be that the
amount of sulphur required by crops is usually consid-
ered to be smiall, so that little is removed from the soil
and the ordinary supply is sufficient for the growth from
The reason why so
season toseason. There are added to this circumstance
the difficulties that arise in estimating the total sul-
phur in soils; the most reliable methods that have given
the best figures are tedious, but are much more accurate
than that of ash analysis or extraction with acids because
they give results which take account of all the sulphur
in the soil, in whatever form it may exist. It may be
stated shortly that the effect of the more accurate
determinations has been to show that the amount of
sulphur in all ordinary soils is comparatively low.
There is not much significance to be attached to
this proportionately low sulphur content of soils, if it con-
tinues to be maintained that the requirements of plants
in this direction are also relatively small. The matter
appears in another aspect, however, when it is con-
sidered, asa result of the work to which attention is
being given, thatthe amount of sulphur removed by crops
from the soil is, in proportion to the supply, quite as
large as that of phosphates; while in the case of crops
like the cabbage, onions and turnips, it is actually
larger.
The work undertaken included the determination
of the change in the sulphur content of soils that is
caused when plants are being grown continually on
them, and for the purpose a number of analyses of
cropped, virgin and manured soils were made, the soils
of the different kinds being as nearly alike as possible
in relation to such matters as drainage and topography.
The unmanured soils employed in the investigation
had received little or no manure for periods varying
between fifty and sixty-three years. The manured
soils had been chiefly given applications of stable
manure.
It was shown, first ofall, that about 40 per cent,
of the sulphur trioxide had been lost by the growing of
crops on the unmanured soils; in every case they gave
a smaller percentage of sulphur trioxide than was
found in the virgin soil. The matter of practical
importance which may be deduced is that the con-
tinuous raising of crops on land, without adequate
manuring, causes a large decrease in its sulphur content.
With the manured soils, it was demonstrated that their
sulphur content was maintained, and even increased to
some extent, by liberal applications of stable manure.
The amount of sulphur in the soil and the quan-
tity supplied in manure cannot be considered alone, in
in such investigations. Rain-water is responsible for
the addition of a certain amount of sulphur to the soil,
more particularly in parts of the world where soft coal
is burned. It is pointed out in the Bulletin which
describes the work under review that it has been
found at Rothamsted that the annual rainfall adds
about 183tb. of sulphur trioxide per acre. This quantity
naturally varies, from season to season, and with the eon-
ditions of the country which may be under considera-
tion. Correlated with this gain of sulphur there is
its loss in drainage water. At Rothamsted, Voelcker
and Frankland have found that the quantity of sulphur
trioxide lost annually from the unmanured and manured
plots are respectively 247 and 41:0 to 1061 per million.
In discussing such losses, Hall assumes that the
mean annual drainage is equal to 10 inches of rainfall
and, employing the above figures, each acre of the
unmanured land would lose annually about 50 tb. of
sulphur trioxide, while the similar loss in the case of
manured land would be from 85 to 220 ib, Thus the
loss of sulphur trioxide by drainage is large, and, in the
case of unmanured lands, it is nearly three times as
great as the amount contributed in the rainfall. These
figures are not, of course, universal in their application;
they will be modified considerably, particularly by
matters connected with climate.
These considerations would appear to indicate that
Vou. X. No. 242.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
243
it is necessary for the supply of sulphur in cultivated
land to be maintained with the aid of manures. This
has been done unconsciously for many years, more espec-
ially by the application of superphosphate of lime (which
contains calcium sulphate), ammonium sulphate, potas-
sium sulphate and penmanure, while gypsum has often
been used, with the idea that it was more in the nature
of a stimulant than an actual provider of plant food.
In this way, the methods are indicated which must be
employed if it 1s considered necessary to supplement
the supply of sulphur in the soil. The question has not
yet been completely answered, nor is it claimed that this
is the case by the authors of the work under considera-
tion, who state on the other hand that they: ‘realize the
desirability of extreme caution and conservatism in
presenting the views outlined.’ The importance of the
subject from the practical point of view, the small
amount of attention that it has received in the past,
and the striking results that appear to be obtained when
it does receive attention, all point to the necessity for
further careful work which will supply definite knowl-
edge as to the requirements of plants for sulphur, and
the ability of the soilto supply them with this element.
TdE SUGAR INDUSTRY OF THE
UNITED STATES, IN 1909.
The following is taken from the Sugar Beet tur
July 1911, p. 214. The original article is a summary,
made for that paper, of the results of the cane and
beet sugar census 1n 1909, issued by the United States
Census Bureau.
The quantity of cane treated in sugar mills in 1909 was
4,628,200 tons, valued at $17,605,000, an average of 33°80
pec ton. The average quantity of cane treated per establish-
ment in Louisiana is 23,660 tons, compared with 26,050 tons
for Texas. Of the total quantity of cane treated, 57 per cent.
was returned as grown on farms and plantations under the
control of the manufacturers, and 43 per cent. was purchased.
Of the value of products, that of sugar constituted 89
per cent. of the total, molasses 96 per cent. and syrup 1:4
per cent. The total production of cane sugar was returned
as 334,100 tons of 2,000 tb, of which 325,500 tons,
valued at $26,017,000, were produced in Louisiana and
8,600 tons, valued at $669,000 in Texas. The distinction
made in this investigation between molasses and syrup is
that the former includes the Jiquid product from which sugar
has been removed, while the latter includes the product from
which no sugar has been removed.
Only 18 establishments were returned as manufacturing
brown sugar by the open kettle process, which method was
formerly very generally employed. These establishments
manufactured 3,700 tons of sugar, valued at $301,000, or
slightly more than 4e. per Ib.
The total area planted in beets in the United States, in
1909 was 416,000 acres, as compared with 135,300 and
240,800 acres in 1899 and 1904, respectively. From this
area, 3,965,300 tons of sugar was made; while the quantities
for the above years, in the same order, were 794,600 and
2,175,400 tons.
The quantity of granulated (beet) sugar increased from
57,900 tons in 1899, to 496,800 tons in 1909, and the value
from $5,581,000 to $45,646,000, Raw (beet) sugar, sold as
such, decreased in quantity, which indicates that the manu-
facturers are now refining a larger percentage of their sugar
output than previously.
Of the total value of beet products, that of granulated
and raw sugar constituted 95 per cent., and molasses 2 per
cent. Colorado leads the other States in the value of products,
its proportion amounting to 29 per cent. of the total, followed
by California with 25 per cent.,and Michigan with 22 per cent.
The total production of sugar in this country increased
from 90,800 tous in 1879 to 835,S00 tons in 1909, or 820
per cent.; the increase in the quantity of cane sugar in the
40 years was 274 per cent., and the entire development of
the beet-sugar industry is measured by this period.
The imports of sugar into the United States during
the period 1879 to 1909 increased from 914,600 tons to
2,587,100 tons, or 216 percent. In 1909, of the total im-
ports, 32 per cent. came from non-contiguous sections of the
United States, and 68 per cent. from other countries. Not
taking account of stocks on hand, the supply of sugar for the
United States in 1909 was 3,722,900 tons, made up of domes-
tic production amounting to €35,800 tons, and imports to
2,887,100 tons. If the 94,600 tons exported during the year
be deducted, the amount retained for consumption is found
to be 3,628,300 tons, indicating a per capita consumption of
79 tb., which compares with 59 tb. in 1899, 51 th. in 1889,
and 39 lb. in 1879.
CHANGES IN SUGAR SOLUTIONS AT
HIGH TEMPERATURES.
The following are among the conclusions reached
ina bulletin on this subject, entitled The Eject of High
Temperatures on Cane-Sugar in Solution (Bulletin
36 of the United States Department of Agriculture).
They are selected and given here on account of their
more technical interest :—
The system obtaining in cane juices is a very complex
one, consisting of very variable amounts of salts of both strong
and weak acids and of free alkali. Hence a temperature
which may be safe with one juice may cause serious inversion
in another. With the conditions usually prevailing in local
factories, juices should suffer a half hour’s heating at 120°C,
with no detectable loss of sugar. It would be conservative
to adopt this temperature as the highest to which cane juices
should be subjected during the process of evaporation, though
under a careful system of control and observation a tempera-
ture of 125° (or even 130° C. for shorter periods) might be
permissible.
The sterilization of cane sugar products is possible since
it occurs almost instantaneousiy at 125° C., which is very
close to the thermal death point of the most heat-resistant
sugar-house bacteria, and since at this temperature in alka-
line solution the inversion of cane sugar is very slow.
The effect of high temperatures on clarification is very
small; the most that can be hoped for is a juice from which
the dirt might be separated with a little more ease.
The use of high temperature evaporation and the pre-
heater system of evaporation, and also the sterilization of all
cane sugar house products, is possible under a rational sys-
tem of control.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. Aueust 5, 1911.
PRUITSTAND FRUIT, aimee S;
THE PRODUCTION OF MOCHA COFFEE.
All the Mocha coffee grown in the world comes from the
Yemen, a Turkish province in the sonth-western part of
Arabia, and is so called because the entire crop was formerly
shipped from Mocha. The trade is now wholly divided
between Hodeida and Aden, the bulk of it going from the
latter port. Coffee can be grown successfully, probably, in
any of the mountainous parts of the Yemen, but its cultiva-
tion is, in fact, confined to a few widely scattered districts
and the acreage is relatively small. This is due to the fact
that the Yemen Arab never uses coffee himself, contrary to
general opinion and the reports of some travellers, but culti-
vates it almost entirely for export. He uses ‘Kishar’,
a beverage he brews from the dried hulls in large quantities,
but it is certain that he never would devote much land or
labour to the cultivation of the berry for its hulls, because
there would be little profit in it. In cultivating coffee for
export, the Arab realizes a good profit in money when his
trees yield their crop and it is sold. But he must wait four
years after planting, during which the cost of labour is heavy,
before his trees begin to yield, and the main desideratuin
with him is not money but food. Ina land where the bar-
ter of commodities is difficult, through lack of means of com-
munication, money may mean clothing and comforts; but the
one necessity is food, and he may not always be where he can
buy food with his money. In consequence, the Yemen Arab
devotes little of his land to coffee, and very much excellent
coffee land to dhurra, a plant resembling Indian corn in
appearance but producing a grain like millet. He argues
that, however superior the money-getting qualities of land
planted with coffee, he gets sixteen crops of dhurra while
waiting for one of coffee, and is sure that his family
is safe from starvation. According to the American
Consul at Aden, the principal coffee regions are in
the mountains between ‘'aiz and Ibb, and between Ibb
and Yerim, and Yerim and Sanaa on the caravan route from
Taiz to Zabeed; between Hayelah and Menakha on the route
from Hodeida to Sanaa, and in the wild mountain region
north and south of that route; between Beit-el-Fakih and
Obal, and between Manakha and Mathan to the north of
Bajil. Of all Yemen or Mocha coffee, the best is that known
as Mohtari, from the district of Beni Mohtar, lying almost
due south of Sanaa. Another nearly, if not quite as good,
comes from Yafi, near Taiz. Other kinds that are considered
superior are Sharsh, Menakha and Hifash. It is said that
all these coffees are the same variety, and that the suverior
quality of any of the so-called kinds is due wholly to the
curing. In Beni Mohtar the coffee lands are held by large
and wealthy proprietors, whose means enable them to hold
their crop for some months after it is gathered. he berries
picked in September are accordingly stored away, and allowed
to cure all the winter. The bean thus dries out thoroughly
before it is hulled and brought to market. This accounts for
the clear, almost translucent yellow colour of the finest berries
when they reach the market. The planters in the other dis-
tricts, however, are compelled to sell their crop quickly, in
order to tide over the winter. Hence they pick the fruit
before it is properly ripened, and hull the berry before it is
properly dried. As a result, the colour is pale and lifeless,
the flavour weak and flat, compared with the berry cured
within the hull. So little is coffee used by the people, that
a few months after the new crop has been gathered, it is
impossible for one passing through the country to buy
a single pound, except at Hodeida and Sanaa. (The Journal
of the Royal Socve ty of Arts, May 5, 19] Ke p- 618.)
EXAMINATION OF THE AGRICULTURAL
SCHOOL, DOMINICA.
The following is the report of the Examiner
(Mr. F. W. South, B.A.) on the recent half-yearly
examination of ‘the Agricultural Schoo) in Dominica:—
In consequence of an alteration in the curriculum of the
Agricultural School, the half-yearly examination papers were
set this year so as to contain questions on the first half of the
syllabus laid down for Preliminary Candidates in the Reading
Courses examination as outlined by the Imperial Department
of Agriculture. The examination was confined to the subject
of Agriculture, in which two papers were set, each containing
four questions.
Right boys sat for the examination; the best answers
were written by G. Cuffy, who secured 75 per cent. of the
marks obtainable. The average percentage of marks obtained
by all the pupils was 62°5.
In general the papers were fairly satisfactory, and the
standard of knowledge attained was fairly uniform, The
VOT xem eNOne 4S:
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS Dae
or
answers revealed a very creditable grasp, on the part of the
pupils, of the main principles of general agriéulture, as con-
tained in the schedule upon which the work had been con-
ducted. Particular points of weakness are referred to in the
special reports on each paper. The usual difficulties connected
with the correct use of the English language were in evidence.
On the whole, the work done was satisfactory, and reflects
creditably on the teaching which the boys have received.
[The details of the marks obtained by pupils are omitted
here. |
GENERAL AGRICULTURE. Paper I.—Questions 2 and 3
were well answered by almost all the boys, but the answers
to the first and last were not so good. Insufficient attention
was paid to the manner in which plants absorb water, and not
enough details of the process were given. In the case of the
last question only a few of the boys mentioned- that budding
and grafting are employed for reproducing plants that are not
easily grown from seeds or cuttings, while one alone mentioned
their use as a preventive of some forms of disease. No one
attempted to explain why budded and grafted plants come
true to the parent type while seedlings often do not.
Paper II.—This paper was not as well answered as the
first. The answers to question 1 were scrappy and very few
boys mentioned the value of pen manure in providing humus.
In question 2 the substance implied was carbon and some
account of carbon assimilation was expected; in most cases
it was only referred to very casually and the mistake was
made of considering carbon dioxide as a plant food in itself
and not as merely a carrier of carbon. (Question 3 was
usually well answered, but in question 4 the answers showed
much confusion; many boys did not mention the presence of
the bacteria in the nodules of leguminous plants, though
referring to the nodules themselves.
TEPHROSIA CANDIDA AND T. PURPUREA
AS GREEN DRESSING CROPS
IN ST. LUCIA.
The following interesting notes on Tephrosia
candida and 7. purpurea have been prepared by
Mr. A.J. Brooks, Assistant Agricultural Superintendent,
St. Lucia:—
A small quantity of seed of Vephirosia candida was
received from the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture in
November last, under the neme of Boja Medelloa, this being
the common name by which this plant is known in Ceylon
(see Ayricultural News, Vols. IX, p. 341; \, p. 91).
The seeds were sown broadcast on November 11], in
fairly heavy soil; they germinated well, but the plants grew
slowly for the first few weeks; this appears to be a common
characteristic of Tephrosias. As the plants advanced in age,
the growth greatly increased in rapidity.
At the time of writing—eight months from the date of
sowing —the plants are of an average height of 6 feet, with
a 4- to 5-foot lateral spread, the main stem being well fur-
nished with lateral branches 2 to 24 feet long. The root
system is of a spreading habit, the tap root being of an
average length of only 6 inches. Many of the lateral roots
are, however, 3 to 4 feet in length, and bear a few nodules.
The crop is still growing strongly, and has not yet shown
signs of flowering. It has thoroughly covered the ground
with a mass of light, feathery foliage, and in this particular
case has effectually kept down every weed, even Johnson
grass (Sorghum halepense), which is probably the worst weed
known to the agricultural world.
Most authorities state the general height of this plant
to be from 3 to 4 feet. The growth of the plants in this
trial may, therefore, be regarded as ex¢eptional, but I am
inclined to think that this growth would be general in a fairly
heavy, but open, soil.
As the amount of seed received was only sufficient to
plant a small plot, it is impossible at present to do more
than place on record the growth and characters of the crop.
As soon as seed is obtained, trials will be made to ascertain
the behaviour of the plant in cacao and lime plantations, and
its ratooning powers and yields of green and dry humus.
Seeds of 7. purpurea (see Agricultural News, Vols.
VIII, p. 405; TX, p. 281, and X, p. 75), known in Ceylon as
Kavalai, and Pila, were also received from the Commissioner
of Agriculture, for trial. A small quantity of soil in which
this Tephrosia had previously been grown was also received,
and a little mixed with the seeds when sown in the field in
February. Like that of 7’. candida, the seed was slow in
germinating, but after the first few weeks the growth became
rapid; this, curiously enough, appeared to greatly increase as
the plants commenced to flower.
Flowering began three months after sowing; the
flowers were purple and white, and very small. At this stage,
the plants were from 2 to 2} feet in height, with a lateral
spread of 3 feet. The tap roots in this case were almost
twice as long as those of 7’. candida, being of an average length
of 1 foot. The root system was much branched, and produ-
ced rather fewer nodules than the roots of 7. candida; this
was probably because of the short time taken from germina-
tion to the flowering stage, as compared with the similar
period of the former.
From various reports from India and Ceylon it would
appear that the growth of this crop was normal; the height
is given as 1 to 3 feet. It is, however, stated in Vol. VIII,
p. 405, of the Agricultural News, following an article in
L’Agronomie Tropicale, that this plant when fully grown is
9 to 11 feet high. It is possible that 7. purpurea has
been confused with 7’. candida.
Seed is being harvested, and in the near future, trials
similar to those proposed for 7’, candida will be conducted,
and the resnlts published.
From the present results, it is readily seen that both
these plants are valuable additions to our green manuring
crops in the West Indies,
In forwarding these notes, Mr. J. C. Moore, Agri-
cultural Superintendent, St. Lucia, states that 7. Can-
dida appears to be the most promising cuver crop as
a green dressing for cacao and limes that he has yet
seen, but that it remains to be put to a practical test,
under estate conditions.
Bulletin No. 3 of the Indian Forest Service describes an
investigation made for the purpose of ascertaining if there is
any difference of strength between naturally grown and
plantation timber, in the case of teak. The samples employed
were chosen so as to be similar as regards their content of
moisture, and the experiments were performed with blocks of
each kind having the same dimensions. ‘The results showed
that plantation teak is as strong as that naturally grown,
except under transverse strain, and even here, the ditterence
is negligible in practice.
246
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS
Aveust 5, 1911.
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date July 17, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
Since our last report, about 150 bales of West Indian Sea
Islands have been soid at prices ranging from 153d. to 173d.,
and Stains @}d. to 94d.
There is very little doing in Sea Island cotton, but
prices are quite steady.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending July 15, is generally as follows:—
There has been no demand again this week, and we can
only report the market dull, and repeat last quotations. The
unsold stock is still almost entirely held off the market.
SEA ISLAND COTTON IN HAWAII
One difficulty which has been experienced in growing
Sea Island Cotton in Hawaii is that of excessive yield, which
results ina too prostrate form of growth. In one locality
on the windward side of Oahu, where the rainfall is about
70 inches per year, 2 acres of Sea Island cotton required
about 5,000 props in order to keep the branches from lying
upon the ground and causing the bolls to rot. In this
respect the Caravonica cotton is superior to Sea Island, since
it invariably has an upright habit of growth. The difficulty
experienced with the prostrate habit of the Sea Island can
be appreciated from a consideration of the fact that, in the
2-acre field just mentioned and in another l-acre field, on
the leeward side of Oahu, the average number of bolls
per plant was 700, and on one tree 1,200 bolls were
counted at one time. This produces a weight under which
the slender branches of the Sea Island cannot support
themselves in an upright position. An elaborate series of
pruning experiments is now under way with the idea of
learning a method by which an upright growth can be
induced in the Sea Island cotton, at least for the second and
subsequent years of the crop. Some promise is already held
out by these experiments. A strain of Sea Island, secured
from one of the best plantations on James Island, 8.C.,
shows a more upright habit of growth than any other strain
of Sea Island which has thus far been secured. (From the
Annual Report of the Hawai Agricultural KHaperiment
Station, 1910, p. 13.)
USES FOR COTTON.
A circular has been issued by Messrs. D. F. Pennefather
& Co., of Liverpool, which deals with the new uses that have
been found for cotton in recent years, and from this the fol-
lowing information is taken.
It is pointed out that there is hardly an industry of
importance to-day in which cotton is not used. Among the
largest consumers are the railway companies, chiefly for air-
brake hose, enamelled ceilings, plush chairs and ‘leather’
seats. Itis believed that the railways and trolley lines in
England alone:require annually an amount of cotton cloth
equivalent to about a quarter of a million bales. Cotton is
also largely consumed in the motor car industry, chiefly for
the cotton duck basis for tyres, and for the manufacture of
‘leather’ cushions and For the former purpose, it is
estimated that 290,000 bales are required, out of a total of
325,000 bales consumed in the motor car industry.
Nor the harvesting and marketing of cereal crops, a great
amount of cotton is used in making bags, and cotton duck is
employed in very iarge quantities for manufacturing aprons,
carriers and elevators for reapers and binders, and other agri-
cultural machinery. In relation to such machinery, it is sup-
posed that the annual output throughout the world is about
1$ million new machines, and this accounts for the consump-
tion of about 50 million yards of cotton duck, at 2 Ib. to 3 Ib.
per yard.
One of the largest uses for cotton is the provision of
insulating material for wires in electrical work. This is evident
when an attempt is made to consider the increasing extent
to which these are being employed.
The armies and navies, too, of various countries account
for the consumption of a large amount of cotton, mainly for
the provision of khaki cloth and other duck. As far as the
navies are concerned, it is a fact that more cotton duck is
used in battleships to-day than when the men-of-war were
all sailing vessels. Its use for sails has been largely replaced
by its employment for making awnings, coverings for
launches and for similar purposes.
In the coal-mining industry, cotton is chiefly required
in large quantities for the provision of ‘brattice cloth’ for
making ventilating chutes, and in the manufacture of coal
bags. or the latter purpose alone, about 15 million yards
of cotton duck, are required annually.
The increased use of tarpaulins has led to a greater
consumption of cotton for making these, and this is the case
particularly in South Africa, where the tarpaulin is used
instead of the old flax duck cover for vehicies and tents.
It is in South Africa, too, that the cotton blanket is now
used almost exclusively in the place of the former woollen
blanket; the number of cotton blankets imported annually into
seats.
Von. X. No, 242.
South Africa isabout 900,000. Again, in relation to clothing,
the heavy wool and fur garments that were used in former
years, in the Canadian and American North-west have been
replaced largely by overcoats of cotton duck with blanket
lining; it is supposed that this branch of the trade alone
accounts annually for 20 million yards of cotton duck.
In fire-proof buildings, the asbestos covering of the
exposed parts of steam and hot-water pipes is supplemented
by strips of cotton duck. In houses, wallpaper has been
replaced to a great extent by cotton cloth, and similarly
buckram of cotton cloth has largely taken the place of burlap.
Rough estimates of the more modern ways of cotton con-
sumption are given as follows: cloth signs and advertisements,
several million yards; for squeezing water out of clay, in pot-
tery establishments, a very large quantity annually; 4 million
yards of cotton duck are required by the British Government
for making coin bags; cotton bagging is used by cement com-
panies to the extent of about 8 million yards, every year; the
feed bags for horses account for about 2 million yards of cot-
ton duck; enormous quantities of heavy cotton duck are used
for driers in wood pulp paper mills and other paper mills;
millions of yards of this useful material, as well as of cotton
drill are employed for making waggon tops, cushions, water-
proof cloaks, ‘ pantasote’, and other articles; millions of yards,
also, of a heavy cotton duck, 46 inches wide, are used
annually for the purpose of filtering oils.
These do not include all the instances where cotton is
used in conjunction with rubber, more especially as the basis
of rubber belting and all kinds of rubber hose, the manufac-
ture of which requires 50 million yards, every year. Minor
uses in conjunction with rubber are for making gloves, for
stiffening gauntlets, leggings, tennis and gymnasium shoes,
and shower bath canopies.
Other modes of employment of cotton include its use in
the covering of trunks and telescopes, in book-binding and in
draining mines. All the examples enumerated above do not
cover every way in which cotton is utilized. They serve,
however, to indicate that its employment exists in many other
directions than in the provision of clothing, and the number
of uses to which it will be put in the future is likely to
increase with the continuation of invention and the devising
of new methods of manufacture.
AGRICULTURE IN PORTO RICO IN
1910.
The agriculture of the island, with the exception of food
crops raised merely for local consumption, consists in the
raising of sugar-cane, coffee and tobacco.
suGcar. The 1909-10 shipments of sugar aggregated
284,522 tons (an advance of 40,000 tons) and were valued at
£4,904,400. The average price per ton was £17 3s. The
entire production was handled by 43 centrals (factories
grinding other cane than their own), 22 lal factories
(haciendas) and 65 trapiches or small mills. Indications of
the growing crop (1910-11) point to a 400,000-ton yield.
ropacco, During the year great improvement was
effected in workmanship, factory conditions, selection and
scientific cultivation, with the result that the manufactured
output now compares favourably with that of any other
tobacco-producing country. During the year there were
exported 151,724,438 cigars, consumed 92,700,160, total
output 244,424,598; an increase over 1908-9 of 19,189,059.
During the same period 13,142,000 cigarettes were exported
and 393,844,300 consumed, total output 406,986,300; an
increase over 1908-9 of 30,816,300. Besides the above,
tobacco leaf was exported to the value of £262,149.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 247
FRUITS. The aggregate value of fruit shipped was
£340,795. The capital invested in this industry appears to
be increasing and more land for the purpose is to be taken
up gradually.
ORANGES. Oranges to the value of £121,399 were ship-
ped, of which, however, about half were of what is termed
the ‘wild orange’, that is to say, fruit of already existing
island plantations and not the produce of the recent syste-
matic cultivations.
GRAPES. Grapes to the value of £32,902 were exported,
more than double the figures of the previous year.
PINE-APPLES. The output of pine-apples (whole) reached
£115,634 in value, an increase of £23,383.
The export of canned pine-apples decreased £2,342,
owing to the more profitable market presenting itself for
whole fruit.
cocoa-NUTS. Shipments of cocoa-nuts, valued at£45,598,
showed an increase of £29,942.
Minor fruits, shipped to the value of £2,052, declined
about 5 per cent. on the previous year’s figure.
COMPANIES. During the year 54 companies—14 for sugar-
making, 18 for raising and canning fruit, and 22 for coffee-
growing, cattle-raising, and transportation—were registered,
with an aggregate capital stock of £10,416,666.
At the end of last year (1908-9) there were 119 domestic
and 142 foreign companies doing business, with authorized
capital of £62,365,508 and £4,564,910, respectively.
Up-to-date foreign companies are required to submit to
the proper authorities two reports annually, but a proposition
is about to be considered to decrease this to one only. (From
Diplomatic and Consular Reports, No. 4657, Annual Series.)
Details of a new transplanting spade are contained in
The Field for May 20, 1911, p. 976. This consists of
a cylinder 5 or 6 inches in diameter, open at the top and
bottom, and possessing a keen cutting edge. The cylinder
is divided into two semicircular pieces, connected and pro-
vided with handles, so that the apparatus may be worked in
the same way as a pair of tongs. When in use the spade is
opened by pulling apart the handles, placing the spade over
the young plant to be removed, closing it and forcing it into
the soil. It is then given a half turn and pulled out,
together with the plant and its roots with the soil clinging to
them, the action being much the same as that of a golf hole
maker.
In the Annual Reports on the Progress of Chenustry,
for 1910, issued by the Chemical Society, a résumé is given
of the chief work during the year that has had relation to
soil bacteriology. In this, reference is made to the fact that
A. Koch has continued experiments which support the
results of investigations showing that Azotobacter can
accumulate nitrogen in soil to which sugar and other carbo-
hydrates have been added. Other investigators have adduced
evidence that the fixation of nitrogen by Azotobacter, under
field conditions, is affected to a large degree by the temper-
ature. Further, Koch has demonstrated more completely
the connexion between Azotobacter and carbohydrates, by
showing that where the latter are added to soils in which the
organism does not exist, there is no fixation of nitrogen.
These matters are of interest in relation to the subject of
molasses and soil fertility (see Agricultural News, Vols. VII,
p. 227; IX, p. 339; X, p. 179).
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ shonld be addressed, to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annnal subscription payable to Agents,
2s, 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
Agricultural Sews
Vor. X. SATURDAY, AUGUST 5,
1911. No: 242.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Contents of Present Issue.
The subject of the editorial of the present issue is
The Supply of Sulphur to Cultivated Crops. It gives
a general account of investigations that have been
undertaken recently 1m connexion with the sulphur
content of soils, and the quantities of this element that
are required by plants for their proper growth.
Page 243 contains a note on work in connexion
with the changes that are undergone in sugar solutions
at high temperatures, The conclusions that are given
are useful from a technical point of view, both in the
works and the laboratory.
On page 245, there is presented an interesting
article which describes experiments that have been
carried out recently in St. Lucia with the green manure
plants Tephrosia candida and T. purpurea.
An article on page 246 gives an account of some
of the various uses to which cotton is put. It serves
to illustrate the fact that the demand for cotton lint
will continue to increase largely, in the future.
The Insect Notes of this issue, on page 250, con-
tinue the subject of peculiar methods of pollination,
which was commenced in the last issue, with an article
entitled The Pollination of Yucca Flowers.
The title of the Fungus Notes, on page 254, is Two
Banana Diseases of the West Indies. The notes pre-
sent additional information concerning certain banana
diseases that have received attention in these pages
already.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
--AvGust (5.191%
Agricultural Training in Dominica.
It is being notified that the Agricultural Depart-
ment of Dominica is prepared to receive a limited num-
ber of pupils for practical training in agriculture.
This training will extend over « period of two years,
and its object will be the acquirement of practical
knowledge concerning methods of plant propagation,
nursery work, and the planting and care of staple and
provision crops. Instruction and opportunities for prac-
tical work will be given in relation to tillage, drainage,
weeding, sowing, transplanting, the use and application
of manures and mulches; the treatment of insect and
fungus pests: pruning, budding, grafting, packing, trans-
porting and placing out young plants; picking, prepar-
ing and packing crops for market and export.
In addition to this work, which will be carried out
at the Botanic and Experiment Stations, there will be
an appropriate amount of class instruction in the
principles underlying the subjects in the practical
course. Arrangements will also be made for a certain
amount of homework to be done, under the direction
of the Agricultural Superintendent.
The age of candidates must be at least sixteen
years, and they must fulfil other stated requirements
in regard to health, general education, adaptability for
being taught, and character. They will be granted
small increasing allowances, which may be supple-
mented in the case of pupils who are not within easy
access of the Botanic Station.
The general particulars of a similar scheme for
St. Lucia were published in the Agricultural News,
Vol. X, p. 135:
>
Rubber in Togoland and German East Africa.
The Kew Bulletin, 1911 No. 2, vives a transla-
tion of a paper on this subject, published in LT Agrono-
mie Tropicale, 1910, pp. 190 and 235, which was part
of an account presented at the International Congress
held at Brussels, last year.
The paper shows that, in Togoland, notable
success has been obtained with Ceara rubber (Manihot
Glaziovit), but that Lagos rubber (Funtumia elas-
tica) has been a failure. A small area of Assam
(Rambong) rubber (icus elastica) has been planted,
and this is developing favourably.
In German Kast Africa, by far the greatest part
of the rubber cultivation consists of Ceara, and
the area is increasing rapidly, since the discovery of
a successful method of obtaining and utilizing the latex
of the plant. This method, which is known as the Lewa
Method, is carried out as follows: ‘Portions of the cor-
tex are cleaned by the removal of pieces of bark, and are
painted over with dilute. acetic, citric, or carbolic acid,
or latterly with hydrofluoric acid (purub*), and then,
almost point-like incisions are made. From these the
latex flows out, and coagulates on the spot as thin
tears of rubber. These are collected and worked up
into round balls. Experiments are being conducted
in German East Africa with Jequié and Romanso
* See Agricultural News, Vol. UX, p. 143.
Vor: Xe. NOM 242.
Manicoba rubbers (A. dichotomu and M. piauhyensis),
and with San Francisco rubber (M. heptaphylla).
Fair amounts of Lagos and Central American
rubber have been planted in German East Africa, but
there is no great future for these species. ‘the indica-
tions are better for Para rubber (Hevea brasiliensis),
but the conditions are not favourable, on account of the
possibility of drought. It has been advised that where
irrigation is possible, Hevea may be planted among
Manihot.
Other rubber plants with which trials are being
made are: Landolphia Stolz, L. dondeensis, Cryp-
tostegia grandiflora, Clitandra kilimandjarieca,
Mascarenhuasia elastica and Ficus Schlechteri.
a a
The Work of Bacteria in the Soil.
A paper describing investigations in relation to
this subject is abstracted in the Lxperiment Station
Record, Vol. XX1Y, p. 326. In the experiments, 1t was
shown that the repeated cultivation of land on which
croys were not allowed to grow caused a material
increase of the number of bacteria in the soil, the chief
increase being in the summer months. Additions of
phosphates and potash did not apparently atfect the
number of bacteria present, but they hastened the
breaking down of organic matter. Organic substances
such as straw, sugar and starch, and similar substances
containing nitrogen, had the same effect as repeated
cuitivation, on the number of organisms: while sodium
nitrate and ammonium sulphate, like phosphates and
potash, did not exert any material influence.
The work was further concerned with investiga-
tions inrelation to the fixation of nitrogen with the aid
of leguminous plants. In this, the important fact was
elucidated that such plants use the nitrogen in com-
pounds in the soil, and that in the air, simultaneously;
that is to say, there is no large consumption of the
nitrogen in the soil by leguminous plants, before they
commence to form nodules.
o_O
Alcohol for Motive Power.
The Journal of the Department of Agriculture
of Victoria, for February 1911, contains an article on
this subject, in which itis pointed out that, both in
Germany and in America, proof has been obtained that
alcohol as a motive power, as regards equal bulks, is
little inferior to gasolene. Alcohol possesses many
advantages over gasolene: it bears higher compression
without premature explosion; it is cleaner to use; its
combustion gives exhaust gases that are not as objec-
tionable as those from gasolene; it possesses a less
inflammable vapour than that of gasolene, except where
it is closely confined: and its production is practically
unlimited, and is possible to a large extent from what
is at present waste matter.
After pointing out the facts on which the produc-
tion of alcohol from starchy materiais depends, reference
is made to the circumstance that 80,000,000 gallons of
alcohol have been produced from potatoes in Germany,
in the course of one year. ‘The types of distilling appa-
ratus employed in that country vary, but they are
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 24
Oo
usually of the continuously working, column form.
Brackvogel’s Industrial Alcohol is recommended as
a work to be read by all who are interested in the
manufacture of alcobol from agricultural products.
The article concludes by making reference to the
many uses of denatured alcohol, and points out that
its main employment in future will doubtless depend
largely on its suecessful use as liquid fuel for industrial
motors. This, however, awaits the evolution of the type
of motor that will make use of alcohol to the best
advantage.
Loss and Gain of Nitrogen in Cultivated Soils.
A brief account of the work of A. Koch (an inves-
tigator whose name is also mentioned on page 247
of this issue of the Agricultural News), with regard to
the utilization of certain nitrates by soil bacteria, is
contained in the Huwperiment Station lecord of the
United States Department of Agriculture, Vol. XXIV,
p- 140.
As would be expected, it was found that. in very
damp soils, free nitrogen is yielded by nitrate of soda,
whereas, if the soil is well drained and aerated, the
nitrate is used by the bacteria for forming albuminoid
nitrogen,
With regard to carbohydrates asa source of energy
for the fixation of nitrogen, it was found that cellulose,
as well as sugar and starch, is effective in this relation.
In the actual experiment to investigate the matter,
100 gm. of earth, mixed with paper as a source of
cellulose, and inoculated by means of stable manure,
was found to yield 29 mg. of additional nitrogen.
om
The Formation of Prussic Acid during Germina-
tion.
In the Mulletin of the Bureaw of Agricultural
Intelligence and of Plant Diseases, of the International
Institute of Agriculture, for November 1910, p. 42,
there is presented an abstract of results that have been
obtained in an investigation of the formation of prussic
(hydrocyanic) acid during the germination of seeds of
Guinea corp and of flax (Linum usitatissimum), both
in the light and in the dark.
The experiment showed that there is such a form-
ation under those conditions, in both cases, and that
the amount of acid produced increases as germination
continues, up to a certain limit, beyond which there is
a decrease. During equal periods of germination in
the light and in the dark, the quantity of acid formed
is smaller in the latter case.
Further, plants kept in the dark and watered with
a 2-per cent. solution of glucose gave a larger proportion
of prussic acid than those, kept similarly, which did not
receive the glucose. It is thus suggested that an
important part is taken by carbohydrates in the forma-
tion of prussic acid during germination.
From one point of view, the experiments are of
interest in relation to the poisoning effect of unripe
sorghum, owing to its containing prussic acid (see
Agricultural News, Vol. X, p. 125).
bo
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THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Avucusr 5, 1911.
INSECT NOTES.
THE POLLINATION OF YUCCA
FLOWERS.
In the last number of the Agricultural News, p. 254,
there appeared a briet account of the manner in which the polli-
nation of the flower of an Aroid plant is accomplished by
small beetles, and of the part played by a fungus in aiding the
insects to gain an entrance to the interior of the closed floral
envelope. ‘The matter of the present article deals with polli-
nation of another kind, by insects, and it is intended to follow
this by a third article, treating of a further variation in
insect pollination.
In the following notes, the action of a small moth in
accomplishing the pollination of a flower of an entirely dif-
ferent structure from that of the Aroids will be explained.
The flower referred to in this connexion is that of the Spanish
needle or Adam’s needle (Yucca alovfolia), which occurs
throughout the West Indies. ‘The structure of the flower is
similar to that of all in the Lily Family, to which the Yuccas
belong. The fertilization of the Yucca flower was first studied
and described in detail by Professor C. V, riley, Entomolo-
gist to the United States Department of Agriculture, who
published in Insect Life (Vol. IV, p. 358) an article entitled
Some Interrelations of Plants and Insects, which included
a most interesting account of this process. Since that time
the observations of Professor Riley have been confirmed
by other entomologists, and numerous references to these have
appeared in entomological literature.
The lily-like flower of the Yucca consists of three sepals,
three petals, six stamens and a pistil. The stamens are some-
what recurved, the anthers being thus considerably removed
from the stigma, making self-fertilization of the flower dift-
cult, or even impossible. The pistil is composed of three
carpels, united in such a manner that the stigmas are situated
on the inner surface of a central tube, at the top or outer
end of the style.
The polien produced by the anthers is moist and heavy,
and this, taken in connexion with the structure of the stigma
and the relative positions of the pistil and stamens, would
indicate the necessity for the action of some insect or other
agency in accomplishing the transference of the pollen.
The species of Yucca (¥. alovfolia) already mentioned
depends for the pollination of its flowers upon the voluntary
action of a small whitish moth (Pronuba yuccasella, Riley),
while other species of this genus of plants are dependent on
other species of insects of the genus Pronuba,
Pronuba yuccasella is less than }-inch in length, with
a spread of wings of-about 1 inch. The fore wings are white,
but the hind wings and under parts of the body are dusky.
The male and female moths are very much alike in general
appearance; the female, however, possesses certain structural
peculiarities, not to be found in other moths, which are special
developments for the sole purpose of adapting this insect to
its relationship to the Yucca plant. These are a piercing
ovipositor, by means of which the eggs are inserted into the
ovary at the base of the pistil, and a pair of long, hairy pro-
cesses developed on the modified mouth parts, which are used
for collecting and carrying pollen.
The female Pronuba ascends to the summit of a stamen,
where, by means of the prehensile organs just mentioned, and
her long, slender tongue, she collects a mass of pollen. It is
often necessary to visit several anthers before a sufficient
quantity of pollen has been gathered. This is shaped with the
aid of the front legs, into a small rounded pellet, often two
or three times as large as the head of the moth. Having
accumulated a satisfactory amount of pollen, the female moth
flies with it to the pistil, generally of another flower, on
the same plant, than that from which the pollen was gathered,
or to the flowers 6n another plant, and proceeds to insert
the pellet into the stigmatic tube. The fertilization of this
flower being thus ensured, she makes her way to a position
where the ovipositor may be inserted in such a manner that
the eggs will be deposited in the ovary near the ovules, The
larvae will then be in the best possible situation to begin
feeding on the developing seeds.
In the article mentioned above, Riley makes the follow-
ing statements: —
‘The absolute need of Pronuba in the pollination of our
dehiscent Yuceas I have proved over and over again in many
ways. The plant never produces seed where Pronuba does
not exist; it never produces seed when she is excluded
artificially, and experiments which I have made with artifi-
cial or brush pollination all show that it is munch more
difficult to ensure complete fructification than wouid at first
appear, and that the act of pollination is rarely performed
with a brush or by using the flower’s own filaments as success-
fully as it is done by Pronuha.’
This remarkable action of the female Pronuba would
almost seem to be the result of a process of reasoning. The
larvae depend for tood on the developing seeds, but if the
flower were not fertilized no seeds would be developed. When
the eggs hatch, the parent moth proceeds to poilinate the
flower, and then deposits her eggs almost, or quite, in contact
with the ovules.
The relation between Pronuba and the flowers of Yucea is
nade all the more wonderful from the fact that the adult female
derives no benefit by it, since the mouth parts and diges-
tive system are so modified that it is impossible for her to
feed at all. ‘The entire operation appears to be a definite
provision for the development of the young, without any
incentive arising from benefits received by the individual
performing the act.
The plant, however, benefits by the action of Pronuba
in that it is enabled to produce seeds; the developing larvae
do not consume all the seeds formed in the ovary, so that
many are left for its propagation,
It is stated in the London 7%mes that the regulations
issued by the Belgian Government for the prevention and cure
of sleeping sickness in the Congo provide heavy penalties for
neglect of the prescribed precautions. All employers of
native labour must take measures to discover any cases of
sleeping sickness among their staff and report them at once
to the authorities. Those aiding others to neglect the treat-
ment prescribed will be punished, as well as those who try
to pass from infected to uninfected districts or vice versa.
It is noted that in order to combat the disease effectively, it
is all important to discover those victims who have not
yet reached the second stage—somnolence, Such a measure
would tend not only to decrease the mortality but also to
limit the dissemination of the germs. All suspects, therefore,
are to be examined by the heads of training posts or sent for
inspection to the nearest doctor, who will carry out
a thorough examination. Inspection posts are to be established
on the main lines of communication in order to prevent
suspects from carrying the disease into provinces which are
as yet untouched. Natives from the surrounding countries
will only be permitted to enter the unaffected regions of the
Belgian colony after undergoing a searching medical examina-
tion at Ala or Jakoma, (Science, Vol. XNXIII, p. 768.)
Vou. X. No. 242.
TACKINESS IN RUBBER.
An interesting article under this title appears in the
India-Rubber Journal for May 20, 1911. It describes
tackiness, in the mild form, as showing itself asa sticky
appearance on the surface of the rubber; in its more serious
shape, tackiness may exist to such an extent as to cause the
rubber to become a syrupy liquid which can only be used
(under the name of heated rubber) as a by-product. The
agents responsible for tackiness have been considered to be:
(1) bacteria, (2) sunlight, (5) heat, (4) chemical substances.
Attention is drawn to the fact that when observations
on tackiness were first made in Ceylon, it was considered to
be due almost entirely to growths of bacteria on the surface
of the rubber. It was therefore suggested that specimens of
rubber showing tackiness should be isolated, and it has
been claimed that the adoption of this preventive measure
has resulted in a reduction in tackiness. It is admitted that
some cases are largely, if not entirely, due to the action
of bacteria, in rubbers containing high percentages of
proteids. Such rubber is usually the first obtained from
old trees, or that from young trees, and it is interesting
that these kinds show the greatest tendency to undergo
putrefactive changes. Another matter is that tacky rubber,
when analysed, is usually found to contain a high propor-
tion of proteids. Support is given to the idea that bacteria
play a part in tackiness by the fact that the condition can
spread by contact, and that smoked rubber does not frequently
become tacky—probably because of the action of antiseptic
substances in the smoke. These conditions, make it obvious
as to what should be done to minimize the chances of rubber
becoming tacky through bacterial action.
Tackiness is sometimes found to develop more quickly
under the influence of sunlight; although the true explanation
of the action is not known. It is very irregular, for samples
of rubber have been kept in sunlight for some years without
becoming tacky. In any case, there is a greater recognition
of the importance of sunlight in the matter, in the fact that
many factories are using ruby- or orange-coloured glass, in
order to exclude the chemical rays of light.
As regards heat and tackiness, it is well recognized that
when rubber is exposed to high temperatures, it becomes soft
and sticky; this is why it is usually dried at a maximum
temperature of 90° to 100° F. It is the case, however, that
heat alone may not produce tackiness, for if putrefaction is
prevented, the heated rubber will cool to a product having
the ordinary consistency. Heat is most likely to produce
tackiness when the rubber is warmed in an atmosphere rich
in organic matter.
Chemical agents apparently cause tackiness directly,
much in the same way as this is done by sunlight. Bamber
states that enzymes may be responsible for the condition;
though this view has been given little support, and is ques-
tioned by Spence, who has shown that coagulants like sulphuric
acid have a strong effect. Similar results have been obtained
by Brindejone, by using weak solutions of acids, for instance
acetic acid, which may be produced by bacteria. It is
interesting that carbolie acid acts in a similar way,
indicating that the action of bacteria is indirect in its
nature. Similar results have been obtained by soaking the
rubber in salt solution.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 251
A purely hypothetical explanation of tackiness is that of
Frank, who attributes it to the presence of imperfectly poly-
merized portions of the rubber, which are originated through
incomplete mixture of the coagulant with the latex. It is
seen that all the above matters have to deal with the causes
of tackiness. The chemical explanation of its production has
not yet been found, and careful work requires to be done
before this can be provided adequately.
AGRICULTURE IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA.
AGRICULTURE. In 1907, the value of the exports of
cotton, maize and cacao was £184,342, and in 1908, £161,658.
In 1909, in spite of the comparative failure of maize, the
total increased to £220,927.
cacao. The area of land under cacao is increasing
rapidly, and will probably continue to do so. The shipments
under this head have been: 1905, 1,057,987 tb.; 1906,
1,619,987 tb.; 1907, 2,089,225 tb.; 1908, 3,060,609 tb.; and
1909, 5,019,150 tb.
coTton. In 1908, there were shipped from Southern
Nigeria: cotton lint, 2,294,356 tb.; cotton seed, 5,991,979 Ib.
In 1909, cotton lint, 5.032,916 lb.; cotton seed, 10,756,777 Ib.
maize. In 1909, over 5,000 tons less maize were shipped
than in 1908.
GROUND Nuts. In spite of the introduction of new seed,
and the help given by instructors from the Gambia, the
Western Province exports little or no ground nuts, although
a good deal is planted, and sold in the markets for home
consumption. Such ground nuts as are now exported from
Southern Nigeria come from the Central Province and North-
ern Nigeria.
ECONOMIC GARDENS. A great number of plants,
including Para, fibres and fruit, were distributed from the
different gardens, as follows: Western Province, 36,000 plants;
Central Province, 67,454 plants; Eastern Province, 22,267
plants. In the Western Province, vanilla fruited for the
first time.
ENTOMOLOGY. The Government Entomologist gave lec-
tures and issued reports, which have been much appreciated
by the more intelligent farmers, on the diseases attacking the
cacao and maize crops.
COLLECTION OF PLANTS. Eighty-three floral and other
specimens were sent to Kew for identification,
IMPERIAL INSTITUTE. Many plant specimens of economic
value were sent to the Imperial Institute, and full reports of
these were published from time to time in the Bulletin of
that Institute. (Colonial Reports—Annual, No. 665, p. 13,
issued February 1911.)
Information has been received from Mr. H. A. Tem-
pany, B.Sc., Superintendent of Agriculture for the Leeward
Islands, to the effect that, in the celebrations recently con-
ducted in Antigua in honour of the Coronation of His Majesty
King George V, the proceedings included a public tree-
planting ceremony, in which part was taken by His Excel-
lency the Governor, Members of Council, Heads of Govern-
ment Departments, and representatives of the children in the
elementary schools.
In all, forty-five mahcgany trees were planted to form
an avenue along a newly made road, which was declared
open by the Governor at the time, and is intended for con-
venience in leaving the city of St. John, in the direction of
English Harbour.
252 THE
AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Avueusr 5, 191%.
GLEANINGS.
The exports of sugar from Java during January last,
which were mostly to India and China, reached the amount
of 53,481 tons, as compared with 54,365 tons during 1910.
The exports of balata from Dutch Guiana are increasing,
the amount for the past three years being as follows: 1908,
998,800 Ib ; 1909, 1,500,400 tb.; 1910, 1,964,600 tb. During
last year about 2,500,000 acres were leased as balata conces-
(From the India-Rubber World, July 1, 1911.)
sions.
The Progress Report on the Peradeniya Jixperiment
Station, Ceylon, from January 12 to March 16, contains
the results of an experiment to determine the amount of oil
obtainable from Para rubber seeds by expression in a inill.
The percentage of oil obtained was 17°75; this left a residue
in the form of an oily poonae which would not bind.
A letter appears in Vature for June 29, 1911, p. 584,
which suggests a new use, in Australia, for Eucalyptus oils
that are rejected as not coming up to the requirements of the
British Pharmacopoeia. This consists in their employment
in mining, for the extraction of the very finely divided par-
ticles of minerals in ‘ tailings’.
A report received from the Curator of the Botanic
Station, Montserrat, states that all the plots for experiments
are occupied with crops, except that reserved for Egyptian
cotton. The details are as follows: ground nuts, 9 plots;
sweet potatoes, 40 varieties; yams, 8 varieties; sugar-cane,
17 varieties; a plot for corn breeding, and plots containing
six kinds of green dressings.
The New Zcaland flax industry of St. Helena suffered
a serious set-back during 1910 on account of the shortness of
the supply of Phormium leaves. According to Colonial
Reports— Annual, No. 675, it appears that, owing to the poor-
ness of the soil in St. Helena, the plants take a longer time to
attain maturity than in New Zealand, and it was this unex-
pectedly slow growth that has Jed to an insufficient supply of
he plants.
Work has been recently carried out for the purpose of
determining the use of the mucilage which is found on
various seeds, and an account of this is given in the xperi-
ment Station Record, of the United States Department of
Agriculture, Vol. XXIV, p. 534. Asa result of the investi-
gations, it is claimed that the mucilage, in addition to having
any other use, serves as a reserve food for the developing
seedling, during germination.
The Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society for May
1911, p. 796 (Vol. NXXVJ, Part 3), contains a_ short
abstract of a paper in which is considered the possible influence
of the scion on the stock in grafting. In this, it would
appear that authentic cases exist where the stock has
produced shoots showing unmistakable traces of the influence
of the scion. Examples are given of new varieties of fruit
plants that were }roduced on stocks after the removal of old
scions.
At a meeting of the Legislative Council at St. Vincent,
held on February 28, 1911, an Ordinance to provide for the
destruction of old cotton plants entitled The Cotton Diseases
Prevention Ordinance, 1911, was passed. Ata subsequent
meeting of the Council, held on March 7, amendments to the
Ordinance were made, in consequence of the discovery in it of
a few mistakes after its passage. Particulars of the Ordin-
ance are contained in the St. Vincent Governnent Gazelte for
May 18, 1911.
The Bulletin of the Bureau of Agricultural Intelligence
and of Plant Diseases, of the International Institute of
Agriculture, contains an abstract of a paper by Dr. P. J.
Cramer, which deals with the variability of tropical plants in
a wild condition, particularly of species of Coffea. With
reference to selection, generally, Dr. Cramer recommends the
careful examination of all the available wild species of
a plant, as the first step, and suggests the founding of
a special Institute, directed by a botanist, for plant breeding
and selection in the tropics.
A report on a recent teachers’ certificate examination
held in the Colony is contained in the Trinidad Royal Gazette
for June 16, 1911. This report indicates that creditable re-
sults were obtained in agriculture by most of the candidates,
though many of the papers show a lack of power of observa-
tion on their part, and there was a want of knowledge con-
cerning the special methods of dispersal of weeds, as well as
in other directions. In regard to hygiene, the papers on the
whole indicated that the candidates possessed a very credit-
able grasp of the sul ject.
According to Diplomatic and Consular Report No.A676---
Annual Series, the rice harvest of Corea in 1909 was
37,285,000 bushels, and it is stated that, with the proper
use of manure and better irrigation, the crop should reach
50,000,600 bushels. The industry is likely to be assisted
by the granting of permission for Corean rice to enter Japan
free of duty. It is stated, further, that considerable efforts
are being made in Corea to foster the cotton-growing
industry. An official Cotton Cultivation Association produced
about 400,000 tb. of lint from 1,000 acres in 1909, and it is
expected that 600,000 acres will be replanted with Upland
cotton by 1917.
The St. Lucia Gazette for July 8, 1911, contains particu-
lars of an Ordinance called The ‘Turtle and Fish Protection
Ordinance, 1911. This provides for a close season for turtle
and turtle eggs from May 1 to August 31 inclusive, in
every year; though this time may be altered by the Governor,
by notice in the Gazette. Further, provision is made for the
punishment of persons who are in possession of turtles, parts
of turtles or the eggs during the close season; of those who
are in possession at any time of turtle weighing less than 15 bb.;
and for the setting of turtle nets within 100 yards of the shore.
In regard to fish, the use of explosives is forbidden in inland
waters, and in the sea, within 1 mile of the shore.
Vor. X. No. 242.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
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AUGUST.
First PErRIop.
Seasonal Notes.
Where sugar-cane has been reaped, the student should be
in possession of a large amount of useful information in
regard to the comparative yields from the different varieties
that were planted. Where there have been several kinds
in cultivation, it will be possible often to correlate the yield
of any particular variety with the soil on which it is grown;
that is to say, some kinds will be found to flourish on cer-
tain soils better than others. The observations will also
include the noting of effects arising from the manurial treat-
ment that the land has received. It must be remembered
that it is not possible, however, to draw definite conclusions
concerning such matters either from one or a few seasons’
experiments; the differences in the conditions from season to
season, and particularly those in regard to rainfall, bring it
about that definite and reliable results can only be obtained
after careful observation extending over several years.
On sugar estates where ratoons are being raised, careful
note should be made of the kinds of tillage that are employed
for these. In some cases, after the banks have been plough-
ed, all the trash is allowed to remain on alternate banks,
while the others are cultivated. It may be possible to deter-
mine which of these methods of mulching is most effective in
conserving the soil water for the uses of the crop. Careful
examination of ratoons should be made from time to time, in
order to determine if root disease is present, and if so, to
what extent. What are the characteristics of the ordinary root
disease of the sugar-cane, and how does the fungus act in
causing interference with the life-processes of the plant !
Are there any other pests or diseases of the sugar-cane that
may produce external symptoms in the plant similar to those
caused by root disease 4
In cotton-planting, a common fault is to sow too many
seeds in each hole—a fault which not only causes seed to be
wasted, but also the crowding of the seedlings, which
make it difficult to thin them out without disturbing
seriously the one which is to remain. In such sowing,
the number of seeds to be placed in each hole will be
determined to some extent by the state of the weather.
The thinning out of the plants should not be left too
late; otherwise there will be in each hole a number of
plants struggling for existence. This struggle is likely to
bring about weakness, later on, and is certain to make it
more difficult for the young plants to survive attacks by
insect and other pests. A careful watcn should be kept for
the appearance of angular leaf spot. Where this disease
occurs, observations should be made in order to deter-
mine if it has any intimate connexion with definite con-
ditions of soil or rainfall. Similar observations should be
undertaken in relation to boll-dropping. In those islands
where leaf-blister mite is important as a pest of cotton, the
plants should be constantly examined in order to find out as
soon as possible if and when the pest is present. Where it
is found, precautions should be taken immediately in order
to prevent its spread, as far as this can be done. What is
the nature of these precautions, and what is the proper
method for disposing of the material which has been treated?
Enumerate the methods of controlling other pests and
diseases of cutton, particularly caterpillars, aphis, flower-bud
maggot, cut worm, scale insects, anthraenose and angular
leaf spot.
Questions for Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS.
(1) Distinguish between surface, shallow and deep
tillage, and give instances where each is particularly used.
(2) Give examples of stock foods that are rich in carbo-
hydrates, fats and albuminoids (proteids), respectively.
(3) Describe, with examples, the chief methods of cross-
pollination in nature.
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS.
(1) Mention the chief points that serve to distinguish
the moth borer (Diaprepes abbreviatus) from the weevil
borer (Sphenophorus sericeus), particularly in the larval stage.
(2) State what varieties of sweet potatoes are best suited
to your neighbourhood, and give information concerning the
best months for planting this crop.
(3) Give a general account of the way in which an
animal makes use of the carbohydrates, fats and proteids in
its food.
FINAL QUESTIONS.
(1) Give a description of the various devices by means of
which transpiration from the leaves of plants is checked, and
indicate any connexion that these devices may possess in
relation to their commercial value.
(2) Prepare an estimate of the cost of erecting a cattle
pen of a given size, under conditions with which you are
familiar, including particulars as to the number of cattle that
it is intended to serve.
(3) Write a short essay on what is generally termed
The Balance of Nature, with special reference to the chief
circumstances on whicu it depends.
Rubber and Gutta-percha in Borneo.—A great
awakening took place in 1910 in regard to the value of the
native gums of North Borneo, of which there are four—gutta-
percha, gutta-jelatong, gutta-jangkar, and rubber. About the
beginning of 1909 a British company obtained a concession
from the Rajah to control the output of the forests of Sarawak,
and a large plant for refining and preparing the gums was
erected at the mouth of the Sarawak river, 18 miles from
Kutching. It is estimated that not less than 40,000 acres
have been brought under rubber cultivation in 1910 in British
North Borneo. This has greatly stimulated the demand for
coolie labour, which is brought from Java, Singapore, and
Hong Kong, through agencies at those places. According to
jovernment reports, there are now employed on the various
rubber estates about 15,000 coolies. When the trees now
being planted become productive, it is estimated that 50,000
coolies will be required. As this estimate is based on real-
plantings, there is a bright outlook for large expansion in the
general commercial condition of North Borneo, (The Jewrnal
of the Royal Society of Arts, June 2%, 1911.)
254
FUNGUS NOTES.
TWO BANANA DISEASES OF THE
WEST INDIES.
In the Agricultural News, Vol. X, p. 110, appeared an
article dealing with some diseases of the banana which occur
in certain parts of the West Indies and of Central America.
Since its issue, two vainable papers have appeared treating
of two of the most important diseases at greater
length than has been the case in previous publications.
These two diseases are somewhat similar in outward appear-
ance, though different in origin. There is a considerable
possibility that one or both may occur in some of the islands
of the Lesser Antilles and, in consequence, it is thought that
a further account of the two diseases may be of interest.
The original papers from which the information given below
is taken are: A Bacterial Disease of Bananas and Plantains,
by Rorer, issued asa publication of the Board of Agricul-
ture, Trinidad, and The Panama Disease, Parts I and II, by
I. Essed, B.Se., published in the Annals of Botany,
Vol. XXV, p. 343.
THE PANAMA DISEASE. This occurs in Costa Rica,
Panama, Surinam, Trinidad and probably in Cuba, while
according to report it is also to be found on the Atlantic side
of Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala. It is of consider-
able importance in the first two countries, though the damage
done there would not appear to be as great as that inflicted
on the banana plantations in Surinam. The most susceptible
variety of banana is the Gros Michel, though various others,
both of bananas and plantains, are also said to be more or less
liable to be attacked by the disease. It was thought for some
time that the Congo variety was more or less immune, though
recently it has been found to be attacked quite frequently, in
Surinam.
In the first stage of the disease, according to Essed, the
symptoms consist of a peculiar withering of the leaves along
the margin, while discoloration may be observed aiong
a mid-dorsal line on the midrib. Sometimes the youngest leaf
withers first, and is unable to unfold, while the older leaves
are healthy; at other times, the first symptoms appear on the
older leaves. In the next stage of the disease development
ceases, the leaves droop and the plant looks as though it were
suffering from drought. Wrinkles then appear on the sheath
and midrib of the leaves; and finally the latter dry up, and the
pseudo-stem falls over, ,
On examining the rhizome of an infected plant, it is
seen that this is the part principally affected. The healthy
whitish colour is replaced by a yellowish hue; while reddish-
brown spots and streaks are scattered through the infected
parts, and a yellowish or brownish mucilage exudes from the
cut ends of the slime canals. The roots are usually free from
disease until the tissues at their base become affected, so that
it is evident that the fungus does not enter through them.
The water-starved appearance of diseased plants is due to
the occurrence of masses of mycelium and spores of the
causative. fungus within the vessels of the vascular bun-
dles, which constitute the water-carrying region. From
these the fungus can spread into the cells of the ground
tissue, where it causes an almost complete rot.
Essed has given the name Ustilaginoidella musaeperda
to the causative organism, and has shown, by means of infec-
tion experiments, that this fangus, and not any of the bacteria
associated with it, is actually responsible for the disease. The
fungus itself has many curious reproductive arrangements,
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS Aveust 5, 1911:
but includes among them a simple Fusarium stage (see Agri-
cultural News, Vol. IX, p. 175). Such a reproductive form
has been found on the fungus associated with a similar disease
of bananas in Cuba by Dr. Erwin Smith, and with the
Panama disease, as known in Trinidad, by Rorer. The
Surinam fungus belongs to the group Hypocreales (see Agri-
cultural News, Vol. IX, p. 127), and is distantly related to
the genus Nectria. Another closely related species, Ustila-
ginoidella oedipigera, was found by Essed to be responsible
for elephantiasis of the banana in Surinam—-a disease men-
tioned in the article in the Agricultural News first referred
to above. Another closely related species is responsible for
a disease of rice, in the same country.
There is nothing that can be done to save plants that
have once become affected with the Panama disease, and at
present no really successful measures have been discovered
for preventing its spread. All that can be undertaken, is to
make every attempt to discover a really immune variety, and
then to propagate this.
MOKO DISEASE. Under this name, Rorer has described
a bacterial disease which attacks particularly the ‘ moko’ fig
variety of plantain, much employed in Trinidad as a shade
plant for young cacao. It also oceurs on the Creole and French
varieties of plantain (J/usa paradiscaca), and on the dwarf
or Cavendish banana (J/usa chinensis). It does not attack
the Gros Michel banana or the Manila hemp plant (J/usa
textilis) to any considerable extent.
The disease usually appears first in the lower leaves.
The leaf blades droop a little more than usual, and have
a slightly yellowish tinge. ‘Then the petiole, or stalk, of one
of the leaves breaks just below the leaf blade, and those of
the other leaves soon follow. Eventually, the terminal leaf
also bends over, and the plant dies and rots down to the
ground. When the disease is not severe, or when the plant
does not become infected until after it has formed a bunch of
fruit, it may remain perfectly healthy in appearance; many
of the young fruits, however, do not mature, but eventually
become black and rotten. When the pseudo-stem is cut
across, it is seen that the vascular bundles are discoloured,
the colour varying from pale yellow to dark brown or bluish
black. ‘These discoloured bundles run back into the true
stem, or rhizome, and thence into the young suckers and
buds. Sometimes, in badly diseased plants, the tissues of
the leaf stalks and stems are broken down completely, so
that fairly large cavities are formed, which like the vessels,
are filled with bacteria. When kept for a short time, trans-
verse sections of the leaves or stem become covered on their
cut surface with bacterial drops, which exude from the
vascular bundles.
The symptoms of this disease are very similar to those
of the Panama disease, but it may be distinguished as
follows: Although the vascular bundles of plants attacked
by the Panama disease are discoloured and often contain
bacteria, yet this bacterium is a gas former, and is not patho-
genic. Again, the longitudinal splitting of the leaf sheath,
which is a characteristic of the Panama disease, is not found
in plants attacked by the moko disease. The Panama disease
is due toa fungus which occurs plentifully in the infected
bundles. The Gros Michel variety is that principally affected
by the Panama disease, while it is practically immune to the
moko disease.
The moko disease may be controlled, according to Rorer,
by the following sanitary measures: the destruction by
burning of all diseased plants when found; the sterilization,
by fire, of all tools and implements used in the work; and the
planting of healthy suckers.
Vor. X. . No. 242.
WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS.
DRUGS AND SPICES ON THE LONDON
MARKBT.
Mr. J. R. Jackson, A.L.S., has forwarded the follow-
ing report on the London drug and spice markets, for
the month of June:
The month of June has been remarkable for the holiday
element that has prevaded it with much more than
usual severity, almost from beginning to end, commencing
with Whitsuntide, which was followed soon after by the
Coronation festivities, when the produce markets were
closed from the Thursday the day of the actual Coronation,
until the Monday following. Thus within four days of the
close of the half-year and the approach of the season of the
general summer holidays, business has been much interrupted.
Notwithstanding all this, the general condition of the mar-
kets has been satisfactory and quite up to the normal
standard. There has been no special interest attaching to,
or demand for, any West Indian product, except perhaps
lime juice, which during the spell of hot weather at the
beginning of the month was in demand at advanced rates,
and continued so to the end. Buchu, short broad leaves,
continues to command from 4s. 6d. to 4s. 9d. per bb.
GINGER.
There has been little or no demand for this article during
the month, the offerings for the most part having been
bought in. On the 28th, Jamaica was represented by 156
packages and Cochin by 488, practically all of which were
bought in.
NUIMEG, MACE, PIMENTO AND ARROW ROOT,
999
At the auction on the 14th, 333 packages of West Indian
nutmegs were brought forward and sold at the following
rates: 59’s, Shd.; 65’s, 7d.; 69’s, 63d.; 74’s to 76's, 54d. to
6d.; 80’s to 85’s, 54d. to 54d.; 98’s to 99’s, 5d. to 54. On
the 28th, 32 packages of West Indian were offered and sold
at similar rates. At the same auctions on the 14th and 28th,
103 packages of West Indian mace were offered at the first,
most of which found buyers at prices from 2s. ld. to 2s. 6d.,
and 1s. 9d. for broken. At the second auction prices ruled
from 2s. ld. to 2s. 2d. At this auction some 359 bags of
Pimento were brought forward, part of which sold at 24d.
per b.; 56 barrels of St. Vincent arrowroot were offered fat
this auction and small sales made at 3d. per Ib. for good.
SARSAPARILLA,
The offerings of this drug at auction on June 1, were as
follows: grey Jamaica 7 bales, Lima-Jamaica 25 bales,
native Jamaica 46 bales. The whole of the two former
were disposed of, ls. 9d. being readily paid for fair, part
roughish grey Jamaica, and 1s. 1d. per tb. for Lima-Jamaica.
Of the 46 bales of native Jamaica, 25 sold at the
following rates: is. 2d. to 1s. 3d. per tb. for good red, 1s. 1d.
for fair red, and 1s. for slightly mixed; while ordinary dull
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 255
fetched 8d., and common dull mixed 6d. to 7}d. per bb.
A fortnight later, the offerings at auction were as follows:
Grey Jamaica 26 bales, of which 21 were disposed
of; native Jamaica 6 bales and 4 disposed of; and 28
bales of other descriptions. Of the 21 bales sold of the grey
Jamaica, the prices realized were from Is. 8d. to 1s. 9d. per b.,
1 bale of a coarser kind fetching only Is. 7d. per Ib. Of the
4 bales of native Jamaica sold, 1s. was paid for ordinary to
fair red, and 9d. to 10d. per tb. for pale yellow. At the last
auction on the 29th, 5 bales of grey Jamaica were offered,
but none actually disposed of, 1s. 6d. being the price men-
tioned and the quality being somewhat coarse. Of 23 bales of
native Jamaica offered, 2] found buyers, good red fetching
ls. to 1s. ld., fair red 10d. to 103d., and common yellow
mixed 8d. per hb.
CASSIA FISTULA, KOLA, LIME JUICE, TAMARINDS.
At the first auction in the month, 25 bags of fair Domi-
nica Cassia Fistula pods were brought forward, and held at
40s. per ewt. Kola was represented also by 1 bag of West
Indian, and disposed of at 43d. per tb. Hight puncheons of
fair, bright, raw West Indian lime juice sold at 1s. 2d. to
ls. 3d. A week later the quotations were the same for fair
raw, while good realized 1s. 5d., and towards the end of
the month advanced to ls. 6d.; at the close Is. 9d. per
gallon was being asked. Concentrated West Indian was
said to be scarce, at from £18 2s. 6d. to £18 7s. 6d. At the
last sale on the 28th, 20 barrels of Antigua tamarinds were
brought forward, and sold at 8s. 3d. per cwt.
AGRICULTURE IN JAMAICA, 1909-10.
It is pointed out in Colonial Reports—Annual, No. 662,
dealing with Jamaica, that a matter which is significant of
the need for the improvement of agriculture in the Colony is
the extent to which foodstuffs, wkich might be easily provided
in the island, have to be obtained from other countries, and
reference is made to the work of the Agricultural Society,
which is slowly effecting improvements in this direction.
Proceeding to an account of the exports, the report shows
that the value of the chief among them for 1908-9 were as
follows: bananas, £1,044,820; cigars, £263,850; rum,
£186,803; logwood and logwood extract, £160,861, of which
the latter accounted for £114,460; coffee, £116,166; cacao,
£90,914; sugar, £77,047; grape fruit and oranges, £51,840,
of which the latter were valued at £38,474.
Attention is drawn to the fact that the development of
the fruit industry of the Colony continues, and that the in-
creased exports of sugar and rum show that these staples
have proceeded some little way toward the recovery of their
old position. In a table showing the relative importance of
the principal staples and the minor products, the order in
1908-9 is seen to be as follows: fruit, 54°9 per cent.; minor
products, 13-6; rum, 8°9; pimento, 6°8; coffee, 5 5; cacao, 4°3;
sugar, 3'6; and dye-woods, 2°4 per cent.
Other matters of general interest are the facts that the
central sugar factories are doing successful work, and that
a new factory has been opened in Westmoreland; that, judg-
ing from voluntary returns, most of the land is in woods and
ruinate, while an area amounting to over three-quarters of
the area of such land is tilled, in Guinea grass, or exists as
common land; and that in regard to the sale of Crown lands
for small holdings, it has been decided to proceed with caution
in the matter of selling by instalments, on account of the fact
that about one-quarter of the area at present out on credit
is now in arrear or taken back,
London.—THEe West
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
MARKET REPORTS.
CoMMITTEE CIRCULAR,
EK. A. Dr Pass & Co.,
Inpia
July 18,1911; Messrs.
July 8, 1911.
ArRrowroot—2d. to 22d.
Batata—Sheet, 3/3 to 4/1; block, 2/7 to 3/2 per tb.
Brerswax—&7 10s. per cwt.
Cacao—Trinidad, 56/- to 65/- per ewt.; Grenada, 51/-
to 57/6; Jamaica, 49/- to 53/-.
Correr—Jamaica, 62/- to 120/-.
Corra—West Indian, £26 per ton.
Corton—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 153d. to 173d.
Frouit—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
GincEr—49/- to 64/- per ewt.
Honey—29/6 to 34/-.
Istvctass—No quotations.
Lime Juice—Naw, 1/5 to 1/8; concentrated, £18 5s.; Otto
of limes (hand pressed), 5/-, nominal.
Loc woop—No quotations.
Mace—1/11 to 2/3.
Noutnrcs—Quiet.
Pinento—Common, 2,},d.; fair, 24d.; good, 2,%,d. per ib.
Russer—Para, fine hard, 4/5; fine soft, 4/3; tne Peru,
4/6 per th,
Rum—Jamaica, 1/7 to 6/-.
Sucar—Crystals, 15/- to 17/-; Muscovado, 11/6 to 14/-.
Syrup, 10/6 to 13/9 per ewt.; Molasses, no quotatioas,
New York,—Messrs. Gittesere Bros. & Co., June 30,
1911.
Usacao—Caracas, Ile. to 12c. ; Grenada, lljc. to 12ke. ;
Trinidad, 11$c. to 11 fc. per tb.; Jamaica, 94c. to 104c.
Cocoa-NuTs—Jamaica, select, $28°00; culls, $16:00 to
$17°00; ‘lvinidad, select, $28°00; culls, $16:00 to
$17°00 per M.
CorreE—Jamaica, 12}c. to 144c. per fb.
Gincer—10c. to 12c. per Ib.
Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 53¢.; Antigua and Barbados, 48c.
to 50c.; St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. Kitts, 46c.
to 48c. per th,
Grape-l’rurr—Jamaica, no quotations.
Lures— $7 °25 to $8°00.
Mace—48c. to 53c. per tb.
Normecs—110’s, 10c. per th.
Orances—Jamaica, no quotations.
Pimnento—4tc. per tb.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 3°98c. per tb.; Muscovados,
89°, 3°48c.; Molasses, 89°, 3:23c. per tb., all duty
paid,
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., July 24,
LON.
Oacao—Venezuelan, $12°00 per fanega; Trinidad, $1100
to $1200.
Cocoa-Nut O1.—7ic. per Imperial gallon,
CorreE—Venezuelan, 15c. per fb.
Copra—$3'75 per 100 th.
DxHat—$3'60 to $3°80.
Ontons—$2-00 to $2°25 per 100 ib.
Pras, Srrir—$5°80 to $5°90 per bag.
Porators—English, $2°60 to $2°80 per 100 tb.
Rice—Yellow, $4°60 to $4:70; White, $5°40 to $5-50
per bag.
Svc ar— American crushed, no quotations.
Aucust 5, 1911.
Barbados,—Messrs. James A. Lyncw & Co., July 26,
1911; Messrs. T. 8S. Garraway & Co., July 17,
1911; Messrs. Leacock & Co., July 21, 1911;
Messrs. EZ. THorne, Limited, July 18, 1911.
Cacao—$10°50 to $1
1:00 per 100 th.
Corron SEED—$22'40 per ton; meal, $1°50 per 100 th.;
23 per cent. discount.
Corron Seep Orn (ret
ined)
Gle. per gallon.
Corron Seep O1n (for export)—5le. per gallon (in bond),
Hay—$1°30 per 100
Manures—Nitrate of
Tb.
soda,
$6000 to $65-00;
Cacao
manure, $42°00 to $48°00; Sulphate of ammonia,
$75-00 to $76:00
per ton.
Mo tasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$1°75 to $2°
37 per 100 tb.
Peas, Sprit—$5°55 to $5°75 per bag of 210 th.; Canada,
$2°75 to $4:20 per bag of 120 Ib.
Potatoes—Nova Scotia, $3°00 to $3°50 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam, $4°90 per 100 tb.; Patna, no quotations;
Rangoon, no quotations.
Sucar—No quotations.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wierinc & Ruicmrer, July
99
“os,
July 21, 1911.
1911; Messrs. Sanpbacn, Parker & Co.,,
ARTICLES.
ArRowkoot—St. Vincent
Bartata— Venezuelablock
Demerara sheet
Cacao—Native’
Cassava—
Cassava STarci—
Cocoa-NUTS—
CorrEE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
DHaL—
Green Dhal
Eppors—
Motasses—Yellow
Ontons—Teneriffe
Madeira
Preas—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Porators—Nova Scotia
Lisbon
Porators-Sweet, B’bados
Rice—Ballam
Creole
TANNIAS—
Yams— White
Buck
SuGar—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
Timeer —Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
», Cordwood
Messrs. WIETING
& Ricurer.
{310-00 per 200 tr.
No quotation
70c. per th.
lle. per ib.
6c.
$6°50 to $7-00
| $12 to $16 per M
l6c. per tb.
19c. per Ib.
10$c. per th.
$3°75 per bag of
168 Ib.
$3°50
96e.
None
6e.
$5°65 per
(210 tb.)
$4:00
8e. to 20c.
bag
96c. per bag
No quotation
$5°25 to $550
96e.
33°00
$3°24
$3-50
$3°30 to $3°50
34:00
$2°30 to $2°50
32c. to 5de. per
cub. foot
$3°75 to $600
per M.
$1°80 to $2-00
per ton
Messrs. Sanp-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$10-00 per 200 tb.
Prohibited
6dc.
12c. per fb.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
selected
ldc. per th.
19c.per tb.
10c. per tb.
$375 per bag of
168 ib.
4c. to Be.
dke.
$565 per bag
(210 ib.)
No quotation
$3°50
No quotation
$5°25 to $5°50
$2°75 to $3-00
$3°25
$4°00 to $4°25
None
32c. to bbc. per
cub. foot
$4:00 to $6-00
per M.
No quotation
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
FOR THE WEST INDIES.
The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal.
Volume I. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d,
Volumes IJ, III, 1V, V, VI, VII, VIII, 1X and X:—Price 2s, each ; Post free 2s. 8d, where complete. (III, 2; IV, 3;
and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.)
Volume XI. Nos.1, 2. No. 3, containing Fungus Diseases of Ground Nuts in the West Indies; Notes on
Ground Nuts in the West Indies; Report on a Visit to Florida; A List of the Birds of the Island of
St. Lucia; A Note on the Introduction of Birds; An Account of the Working of the Land Settlement
Scheme in St. Vincent; The Sugar Industry of the Island of Negros; and Observations on Mill Control
Experiments in Negros.
PAMPHLET SERIES.
The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially
adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work
on sugar-cane and manures. the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued up to the
present time is sixty-four. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print.
Sucar Inpustry. (14) Screw Worm in Cattle at St. Lucia. Price 2d.
Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (15) Plain Talk to Small Owners. Price 2d.
in 1900. No, 3, price 2d.;in 1901, No. 13, price 4d.; (16) Hints on Onion Cultivation. Price 2d.
in 1902, No. 19, price 4d.; in 1902, No. 26, price 4d.; (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d.
in 1904, No. 32, price 4d. (18) Recipes for Cooking West Indian Yams. Price 2d.
Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, (25) Ground Nuts in the West Indies. Price 2d.
in 1903-5, No. 40, price 6d.; in 1904-6, No. 44, price 6d.; (28) Barbados and Porto Rico Molasses. Price 3d.
in 1905-7, No. 49, price 6d.; in 1906-8, No. 59, price 6d.; (34) Notes on Rabbit Keeping in the West Indies. Price 2d,.
in 1907-9, No. 62, price 6d.; No. 66, price 6d. (35) Information in regard to Agricultural Banks. Price 5d.
Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, (37) Cultivation of Oranges in Dominica. Price 4d,
in 1900-1, No. 12, price 2d.; in 1901-2, No. 20, price 2d.; (38) Cultivation and Curing of Tobacco. Price 4d.
in 1902-3, No. 27, price 2d.; in 1903-4, No. 33, price 4d.; (41) Tobago, Hints to Settlers. Price 6d.
in 1904-5, No. 39, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 46, price 4d.; (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta-
in 1906-7, No. 50, price 4d.; in 1907-8, No. 56, price 4d. ; tions. Price 2d.
in 1908 9, No. 63, price 6d.; in 1909-10, No. 67, price 61. (45) A BC of Cotton Planting. New and Enlarged Edit on,
Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, Price 6d. }
in 1902-3, No. 30 price 4d.; in 1903-4, No. 36, price 4d.; (54) Fungus Diseases of Cacao and Sanitation of Cacao Orchards,
in 1904-5, No. 42, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 47, price 4d.; Price 4d. s
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The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’. A Fortnightly Review.
The ‘Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and
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Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies.
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Vou. X. No. 242,
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Aucust 5, 1911.
THE BEST MANURES
FOR COLONIAL USE
eg as Se oh ye
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Potash Salts, Basic Slag and
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT
Dissolved Peruvian Guano—For Sugar-cane and general use
Special Sugar-cane Manure
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Manure
of Soda, Superphosphates, high grades,
all other high-class Fertilizers.
TO :—
THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS.
London Agency:
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Barbados Agents : James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
SPRAYING MASHINES,
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We have in stock some Spraying Machines manu-,
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JU Sas ISSUED:
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FORY Sa Li.”
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EXPORT PRICE—I1s. each, f.0.b. Roseau, Dominica.
Orders abroad for less than 20 Plants not
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Apply to:—
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PRIME SUMMER YELLOW COTTON
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In casks or 5-gallon tins (in Bond).
COTTON: SEED CAKK MIEAL.
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Telegraphic address,
(267) ‘Phorum.’
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CONTIGS,
Introduction. Soil,
Varieties. Climate,
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Stock for Inarching Planting.
and Budding Cultivation.
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Budding, Pruning and Sanitation
TWELVE (12) FULL PAGE ILLUS®RATIONS.
GERMAN KALI WORKS,
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A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW
OF THE
IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES.
BARBADOS, AUGUST 19, 1911.
Price ld,
CONTENTS.
PAGE. PAGE.
Agricultural Lectures in Hydrocyanie Acid in
FANUC Messin ess) een 200 Leaves, Production of 265
Book Shelf sss ase ooo LOL) Insect Notes):—
Canadian National Exhibi- The Pollination of the
tion and Barbados ... 259! Smyrna Big =. ... 266
Ceara Latex, Effect of Ni- International Agricultura
trate of Soda on Flow Institute Seren eee) 200
of wee cee eee vee 265) International Rubber Hx-
Ceara Rubber, Tapping hibition, Awards at ... 267
Experiments with ... 265 Market Reports — ... 272
Cotton and Sugar in China 271 Nature Teaching and Hy-
Cotton Notes :— giene in Elementary
British Cotton Growing Schools, BritishGuiana 264
Association ... 262 Notes and Comments ... 264
Cotton in the Sudan ... 263 Para, Extension of Rubber
Sea Island Cotton Season Industry in ... ... 267
in the United States 262 Rainfall in Antigua, 1910 265
West Indian Sea Island Rice, Perennial, from
Cotton then Giabiyemeieeoe Senegal) emcees mace, 200
Department News .... ... 270 Rubber Growers, German
Fibre of Calotropis spp. ... 264 Assistance to... ... 271
Fungus Notes :— Students’ Corner ... ... 269
The Bracket Fungi ... 270 Sugar Industry :—
Gleanings ... ... ... ... 268| Cane Juices, New Way
Hayti, Economie Condi- of Filtering .. ... 259
tions in... ... ... 269) Sugar in Guadeloupe ... 259
Horses, Shoeing of ... ... 271 Tuberculosis, New Test for 265
The International Agricultural
Institute.
(has received the co-operation of the Govern-
ments of most of the principal countries of the world.
According to a recent Report of the Work of the Inter-
national Agricultural Institute*, ‘since that time the
Institute has been organized on an effective basis, and
is doing most useful work,with which agriculturists.....
would do well to make themselves acquainted.’ At the
present time, forty-nine States are represented in the
Tnstitute—a number which is much larger than that of
the adherents to any other international institute,
The latter statement is made on the authority of the
President of the Institute, and is contained in the
report which is mentioned above. It is sufficient to
show the large amount of interest that is being taken
in the work of the Institute, and indicates, also, the
amount of responsibility which that work entails.
The purpose of the Institute is stated shortly in
a phrase of the Rome Convention, namely, ‘the Insti-
tute shall collect, elaborate, and publish, with as little
delay as possible, statistical, technical, and economic
information relating to the cultivation of the soil, and
to agricultural products. One of its aims is to afford
information to the agricultural world concerning the
statistics of production, and the commerce and prices
of the principal products, in order that agriculturists
may be able to defend themselves from the results of
unwarrantable speculation. ‘This would,
however, have only justified the establishment of an
International Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, im the
place of the International Institute of Agriculture. The
wide range of the work of the Institute has necessi-
tated the publication of three Bulletins: a Bulletin
of Statistics, a Bulletin of Agricultural Intelligence
and of Plant Diseases, and a Bulletin of Economie
and Social Intelligence. Extracts and abstracts from
the first two, made for the Agricultural News, have
already brought them to the notice of its readers.
aim alone
*Issued asa Supplement to the Jownal of the Board of
Agricultwe, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, July 1911, from which the
following particulars are taken.
258
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Aveust 19, 1911.
The detailed objects of the Institute are best
expressed in the words of an appendix to the Report.
This shows that, while limiting its action to interna-
tional questions, it is the duty of the Institute:—
(a) ‘fo collect, elaborate, and publish, with as
little delay as possible, statistical, technical,
or economic information regarding the culti-
vation of the soil, its production, whether
animal or vegetable, the trade in agricultural
products, and the prices obtained on the
various markets.
(b) To send to interested parties, in as rapid
a manner as possible, full information of the
nature aboye mentioned.
(c) To indicate the wages of rural labour.
(d) To notify all new diseases of plants which may
appear in any part of the world, indicating
the districts attected, the spread of the disease,
and, if possible, efticacious means of resistance.
(e) To consider questions relating to agricultural
co-operation, insurance, and credit, in all their
forms, coliecting and publishing information
which may be useful in the various countries
for the organization of undertakings relating to
insurance, and
agricultural co-operation,
credit.
(f) To present, if expedient, to the Governments,
for their approval, measures for the protec-
tion of the common interests of agriculturists
and for the improvement of their condition
after having previously taken every means of
obtaining the necessary information, e.g.,
resolutions passed by International Congresses
or other Congresses relating to agriculture or
to sciences applied to agriculture, agricultural
societies, academies, learned societies, ete.
All questions relating to the economic interests, the
legislation and administration of any particu-
lar State are to be excluded from the sphere
of the Institute.
With relation to the publications of the Institute,
the Permanent Committee has insisted that the Buwll-
etin of Agricultural Intelligence and Plant Diseases
should contain solely new matters that are important
and indicative of progress. ‘The claim is made that the
Institute probably receives and examines a greater num-
ber of agricultural periodicals than any other, and this
should serve to indicate the extent and importance of
this work alone. The Bulletin of the Bureau of
Economic and Social Intelligence has commenced by
presenting monographs on the position of co-operation,
insurance and agricultural credit “in several coun-
tries, and has been enabled to afford reliable informa-
tion through the co-operation of the governments con-
cerned. Finally, it is through the Bulletin of the
Bureau of Statistics that knowledge as to the state of
the crops in different parts of the world may be obtain-
ed, so that the producer and dealer are not as com-
pletely in the hands of speculators as if they were not
able to gain possession of such information. At the
present time, the Institute publishes the first mention-
ed Bulletin, containing about 225 pages, in two lan-
guages; the second, rather larger in size, in a similar
way; aud the third in five languages. The regular
publications include, in addition to these, a Weekly
Bibliographical Bulletin.
The number of registered documents in the library
on May 1, 1911 was 38,961, which is nearly four times
as many as those in its possession at the end of 1909.
In the same way,the reviews and journals that have
been filed have increased from 420 to 1,715 for simi-
lar dates. A table is given in the report which
shows that 1,604 periodicals are received regularly by
the library of the Institute, fur permanent filing. The
importance of these matters is derived from the fact
that the publications received are not merely filed, but
are, as has been indicated, extracted and abstracted
for use in the Bulletins.
The organization of the statf of the Institute has pre-
sented difficulties because of the circumstance that those
employed must be in possession of sufticient scientitic
knowledge for the work, and at the same time know
several languages. This difficulty has been partly dealt
with by the employment of translators, of which there
One of these performs the work of
translating articles which may be required by any
particular Bureau, while the other does similar work
for matter to be published in the Bulletins.
are two classes.
What has been said serves to indicate in a general
way the organization and work of the International
Agricultural Institute.
by stating where particulars may be found of its early
history. This is dealt with in certain of the Parliamen-
tary Publications, namely Cd. 2958, Cd. 4727, and
Cd. 5339.
It may be useful to conclude
Vou. X. No. 243:
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 259
SUGAR INDUSTRY.
SUGAR IN GUADELOUPE.
In a report on the commerce and industries of Guade-
loupe, by Consul Robert T. Crane of Basseterre, the
following appears in the Consular Trade Reports under date
of June 22, 1911:-—
The year 1910 was the most prosperous in the island of
Guadeloupe since the sugar crisis in 1884. Commercial and
industrial affairs not only showed an improvement from the
preceding year, but also a marked advance over the decade.
According to uncorrected customs figures, the total value of
the general imports and domestic exports of the Colony
during 1910 was $3,243,218 and $4,596,699, against
$2,740,845, and $2,174,874 in 1909.
Sugar-cane has always been the chief source of wealth
to the Colony. It reached its highest production in 1882,
when 64,000 tons of sugar were exported. From that date
until 1906 each period of five years showed a decrease of
9 per cent.; but the subsequent four years showed an equal
gain, and with the large output of 1910 it is believed that
the industry is once more on a paying basis. The islands of
Grande Terre and Marie Galante are devoted exclusively to
cane-raising, and Guadeloupe proper, to an altitude of about
1,500 feet, is largely planted in cane. On the western slope
of the last island, where transportation is difficult over
rough country, cane is ground exclusively for rum, of which
an excellent quality is produced. The remainder of the
territory, containing about 60,000 planted acres, is covered
by 17 centrals. The average yields for the five years prior
to i910 were 37,650 tons of sugar, 1,680,000 gallons of
rum, and 360,000 gallons of molasses
The high prices for colonial products in 1910 added to
the prosperity of Guadeloupe. Sugar advanced from 2°28 to
2°98c. per Ib.; rum, 22 to 29c. per gallon, and vanilla, $1:50
to $2°50 per tb. Coffee and cacao remained nearly stationary
at about 17-5 and 13c. per hb, respectively.
The only disturbing factor in 1910 arose in the sugar
industry. When the centrals were first established, some
thirty years ago, the muscovado produced by the planters of
each centre was calculated at percentages varying from 5:5 to
6:5, or 100 to 130 Ib. of sugar to the ton of cane, The cen-
trals then contracted to pay for a ton of cane the price which
the planter would have obtained for his yield from the ton as
estimated on the given percentage for his centre at the mar-
ket quotations of Pointe 4 Pitre for sugar testing 70°, the
average of the muscovados. This method of calculation has
become highly artificial, as muscovado sugars are no longer
produced or marketed in the Colony, but the centrals insist on
its use. Thesmall planters, holding nearly one-fifth of a total
yield of about 450,000 tons of cane, refused to accept the
usual contracts offered by the centrals last January, and under
their inspiration all of the cane workers, both in the fields
and factories, struck for higher pay. Wages were 15c. to
25c. per 10-hour day, but 29c. to 3%c. was demanded,
A small amount of cane was destroyed during Vebruary and
March, and the harvest considerably retarded before the
centrals yielded. At the same time, the centrals agreed to
advance the price of cane about 7 per cent.
No labour difficulties occurred in the western portion of
Guadeloupe, where wages run from 29c. to 39c.a day. Of
domestics in the Colony, women cooks receive $4°80 to $5:80
per month, maids $2:90 to $3-8£, and menservants $770 to
$8°70, and find themselves. There are 13,000 Hindu coolies
in the colony, whose time of service is now up, and whose
return to India has been requested by the British Govern-
ment. If their immediate repatriation is insisted upon, their
absence will be seriously felt in the Colony. (The American
Sugar Industry and Beet Sugar Gazette, July 1911, p. 298.)
ANEW WAY OF FILTERING CANE JUICES.
The Australian Sugar Journal states that during the last
two seasons fine wood shavings, or ‘wood wool’, have been
used at the Pleystowe Mill, Mackay, as a filtering medium for
cane juices, with great success. The clarified juices, after
coming from the subsiders, are run by gravity through two
filters for from ten to twelve hours; the juice is then run into
two more filters which have clean shavings in, and the dirty
ones are opened up. In these the shavings will be found to
be coated with a dirty black slime. This slime is the most
serious thing sugar manufacturers have to cope with in their
evaporating plants, as it clings to the tubes, and causes
a scale which is very hard to get off. During last season,
especially, it was noticed that, although the triple effect did
25 per cent. more work than it ever did before, the tubes
always kept fairly clean, thus lessening to a great extent the
hard labour of Sunday cleaning.
The only attendance required to work ‘wood wool’ filters
is one man for about one and a half to two hours per shift.
This is required for changing the shavings, washing them,
and putting them back again. The juice goes in by gravity,
and a pump to raise the filtered juice to the triple effect
supply tank is controlled by a float valve, thus requiring no
attendance. The shavings last for a considerable time, being
used over and over again. A further advantage is that there
is no scoring of the pump brasses, as is the case where sand
is used for filtering, the pump working as smoothly at the
end of the season as at the beginning. (The Jnternational
Sugar Journal, July 1911, p. 350.)
BARBADOS AND THE CANADIAN
NATIONAL EXHIBITION.
The exhibits sent from estates in Barbados to the Cana-
dian National Exhibition, to be held in Toronto from August
26 to September 11, include the following: yellow crystal
sugar, dark crystal sugar, syrup sugar, centrifugalled, oscil-
lated and ordinary muscovado sugar, sugar-cane syrup, fancy
molasses, crystal sugar molasses, centrifugalled and oscillated
muscovaao sugar molasses, cscillated sugar muscovado
molasses, ordinary muscovado sugar molasses, coloured and
uncoloured rum, infusorial earth, Sea Island cotton lint.
Exhibits were also sent by the Permanent Exhibition
Committee, various firms and private persons, the Barbados
Co-operative Cotton Factory, and the local Department of
Agriculture. There were forwarded by these, in addition to
some of the materials mentioned above: white crystal sugar,
white falernum, wormwood and other bitters, manjak, green
tar, Sea Island seed-cotton, cotton seed oil, various beans
and other seeds, sweet potatoes, yams, tamarinds in syrup,
hot sauce and photographs of scenery and industrial life in
Barbados,
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. Avucust 19, 1911:
PRUITS. AND FRUIT TREES.
A PERENNIAL RICE FROM SKENEGAi..
Toward the end of the year 1909, parts of the rhizomes
(underground stems), and of the roots, as well as the fruits,
of « perennial rice, were received at the Jardin Colonial from
the district of Richard-Toll, in Senegal. Investigations
carried out with this material are described in L’ Agriculture
Pratique des Pays Chauds for April 1911, p. 265, and it is
from this description that the information given below is
taken.
An attempt was made to propagate the rice by means of
the stalks, and of the pieces of the rhizomes, that had been
received. Whether the conditions were unfavourable, or
whether the material had become too dry, is not certain; in
any case, the attempts to raise the rice in this way were un-
successful. Several seeds were then sown, and from these
were obtained the material upon which some of the observa-
tions were made.
After giving reference to instances in botanical litera-
ture where perennial rice has been mentioned already, and
pointing out that in all these the main attention was given
to the flowers and fruits rather than to the rhizomes, the
article goes on to describe the last. It appears that the
aerial shoots arise most frequently through the adoption of
an upright position by the terminal bud of the rhizome,
although several lateral branches may be formed. The rhi-
zomes bear scale leaves, provided with axillary buds, which
are almost always well developed. The true nature of the
underground stems cannot be doubted; they grow in the soil
at a depth of at least 2 inches, and are not in the nature
of stolons, or runners. TFividence is given to show that the
rhizomes, as well as tufts of stems containing no rhizomes,
possess a large vitality, which is closely connected with the
circumstance, in the ease of the former, of their large starch
content. Jt is the presence of such rhizomes which appears
to indicate unmistakably that this rice may be cultivated as
a permanent crop.
After a detailed description is given of other parts of the
plant, an account is presented of the grains, which shows
that these vary in shape and possess a reddish surface. This
reddish colouration is not only found on the fruit, but also
in the interior of
the young sprouts soon as they reach the
light, on the sprouts of cut stems, and also on the young
plants. The leaf sheaths are also reddish within, but this
characteristic is not confined to the variety under description;
the stems, on the young axillary buds, on
, on the rhizomes as
it also shows itself in other kinds of rices.
Different methods of propagation were tried. In the
first, the seedlings ‘from grains sown during August 1910
were pricked out shortly afterwards, and although the condi-
tions were very different from those of the natural habitat of
the plant, specimens were obtained which varied in height
from 8 inches to 2 feet. i
In another method, the stems were cut in order to pro-
mote the growth of axillary buds; the latter developed
rapidly and produced shoots which replaced the original stem.
In another way, layering by simple bedding was tried.
The plant does not seem to lend itself naturally to this
method, and it is necessary to keep the stem in close contact
with the soil, when the development of adventitious roots
becomes rapid.
The last method of propagation that was attempted was
by means of cuttings of the stalks, similar to those employed
in sugar-cane cultivation. Tach cutting contained three
nodes; they were chosen from both the upper and lower part
of the stem. Observations made on these showed that, in
the case of the cutting taken from the lower part of the stem,
the first roots appeared on the third day of the experiment.
On the fifth day, these roots were }-inch in length, while at
the same time the first roots from the cutting taken from the
upper part of the stem had only just begun to force their way
through it. On the seventh day, both cuttings possessed
roots, the length of those on the latter being .*.-inch, and on
the former }-inch. *
On the eighth day an axillary bud developed on the
cutting taken from the lower part of the stem, to form a stalk.
By the eleventh, both cuttings were sufliciently provided with
roots, and each showed a sprout having a reddish colour.
The result of the observations is to show that there is a delay
that is of little significance in the formation of roots on cut-
tings obtained from the upper part of the stalk.
It is easy to understand that in its natural surroundings
when cuttings of:the plant have formed roots, their further
development is easy, even where they are situated in a strong
current of water, for the surrounding vegetation would pre.
vent the cuttings from being washed away. It is probable
that this method of multiplication is only possible on sub-
merged lands, or during the wet season,
The article concludes with an account of the anatomical
characters of a plant which, it appears, should attain eventu-
ally an amount of economie significance.
VoL. X. No. 243.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
261
=
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!
OTES and KEVJEWS: ( 2
== = Gy
| RSENS eet
——— * isi =i Ss
J. Hinehley Hart, F.L.S. London, Duckworth & Co. 7s. 6d.
net.
This work, which has received reference and quotation
from the Agricultural News several times, has appeared
already, for the greater part, as a series of articles in the
West India Committee Circular. Before dealing with the
merits of the book itself, it will be well to summarize shortly
its contents, which may be stated generally as follows: botany
and varieties of cacao, Chapters I and II; planting and grow-
ing cacao, Chapters III to VIII; diseases and pests, Chapters
TX and X;road-making and draining, Chapter XI; picking
and preparation, Chapters XII to XV; special matters in
regard to cacao production, Chapters XVI to XX; food value
and manufacture, Chapter XXI; transport of cacao plants and
seed, Chapter XXII; miscellaneous matters, Chapters XXIIL
to XXV,
It is hardly necessary to state that the treatment of the
whole subject is thorough and authoritative, and this is par-
ticularly the case in the parts which will appeal more directly
to the practical planter, namely those dealing with the gener-
al work of planting and growing the trees, and of harvesting
and preparing the product.
The same is true in regard to those portions which have
relation to the diseases to which the cacao plant is liable.
The special chapter devoted to the subject presents, on the
whole, a sound and reliable summary regarding the fungus
species known to occur on the cacao plant, particularly
in the West Indies, as well as of the position in regard
to the knowledge of these at the time of writing the
book. It may, however, be pointed out that cacao canker
has practically been proved to be caused by Phytophthora
Faberi, Maublane, which is the modern name for the
fungus formerly known as P. omnivora, de Bary; while the
present teudency is to regard most of the Nectrias and
associated and related fungi as purely saprophytic. Recent
work by Coleman has shown that P. Pater: is almost always
parthenogenetic, and that antheridia very rarely occur, at least
as the fungus is known in Ceylon. It is not very clear whether
this is the case in Trinidad, or not. Recently acquired knowl-
edge would have enabled the author, also, to write far more
definitely on the subject of the identity of the various forms
of Diplodia, Botryodiplodia, Lasiodiplodia and Chaetodiplo-
dia, as they are now known to be identical, while Petch
advocates the use of the old name Botryodiplodia theobromae,
Pat., to designate them all, as representing the soundest
classification. 'They are, however, more usually known as
Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.), Griffon and Maublane.
It is somewhat regrettable that the author has dismissed
so summarily the question of root disease of cacao; there is
much evidence to show that, at any rate one form, having no
connexion with Lastodiplodia theohromae, is of common occur-
rence, and possesses well marked characters, although the
causative fungus is unidentified. Again, sympathy cannot
be expressed with the author's view as regards the spraying
of cacao, as this is put forward on page 89, and reiterated
on page 93. The aspect of the question which deals with
the protection of young pods, and even of stems, from original
infection by means of a coating of Bordeaux mixture, has
been entirely overlooked, notwithstanding the recent demon-
stration of its usefulness, by Rorer, in Trinidad. Further,
much of what 1s said in Chapter XXIII as regards the diffi-
culties of spraying is true, but concurrence with the author
cannot be expressed as regards the futility of spraying with
fungicides as a preventive for pod diseases: adhesive Bordeaux
mixture can be made, and the removal of infected pods may
easily be practised in conjunction with spraying. Agreement
must, however, be expressed with the author’s contention that
the application of spraying material should be the work of
experienced hands. It is agreed, too, that spraying is of no
use as a direct remedial measure against internal parasites;
it is, nevertheless, valuable as a preventive, and this aspect
is considered in Chapter XXIII. Another matter for remark
is that Hyporylon rubiginosum (Pers.), Fr., has been found
recently in St. Lucia on a dead cacao branch, and is almost
certainly a saprophyte, only.
For the rest, good as is the summary. of cacao diseases,
it is slightly disfigured by one or two printers’ errors, among
which may be mentioned Pellicularia Kaleroga for Pellicu-
laria Koleroga, Marasmius equicrinus for Marasmius equi-
erinis, Corticium lilaco-fuscum for Corticium lilacino-fuscum;
the last, however, originated in the source from which the
information on the subject is taken. Another matter is that
the zoospores of Phytophthora are given as about one two-
hundredth of an inch in diameter; this must be a misprint
for one two-thousandth.
The review of the mycological part of the work wouid
not be complete without reference to the large amount of
interesting information that is given under the head
Diplodia. It would appear, however, that the fungus is not
responsible directly for as much damage as is considered to
be the case by the author. It is a very rapidly growing
orgavism, almost universally present in the air where cacao
is planted, and consequently its appearance on material kept
in a damp chamber cannot be definitely regarded as a proof
that it is the primary cause of any given trouble, unless most
careful steps have been taken to make certain that it is not
an infection following other forms, subsequently to the
cutting of the material. The matter of nomenclature in
relation to Diplodia has been treated above.
The forms of animal life found in cacao fields are con-
sidered under the head Insects and Mammals, and a table
presents in a convenient way the useful facts in regard to
these. The account of the insect pests and their treatment
is very good, but it would seem that more mention might
have been made of the purely beneficial insects such as lady-
birds, lace-wing flies, the parasitic and predaceous Hymenop-
tera, and of the social and solitary wasps; attention should
also have been given to the useful work of birds and reptiles,
in the same connexion. ‘The chapter entitled Miscellaneous
Notes contains sound advice as regards spraying and the
natural control of pests, and it is indicated that the value of
the latter may vary under differing surrounding conditions.
Finally, a few errors appear in the spelling of technical names,
but this detracts little from the value of the general treat-
ment, which as has been stated, is good.
[t only remains to say that the work is well produced,
with good illustrations, and that, notwithstanding the
employment of large type—-a welcome feature—the book is
light in weight and convenient to handle.
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date July 31, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
About 200 bales of West Indian Sea Islands have been
soid since our last report at steady prices. The bulk of the
business has been in qualities from 12d. to 17d., with some
Stains at S3d. to 9}d.
P.S. The latest telegrams from Egypt report that the
crop, including the new growth, Sakellarides, which was
expected to take the place of Georgia and Florida cotton, is
being damaged by wornis.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending July 29, is generally as follows:—
The sales for the week were 15. bales, portion of
a planter’s crop, at 30c.; otherwise the market has remained
t
dull. Quotations are nominally unchanged.
THE SEA ISLAND COTTON SEASON
IN THE UNITED STAVES:
A report lias been received from Messrs W. W. Gordon
& Co., of Savannah, Georgia, U.S.A., in which is summar-
ized the answers to a series of questions concerning the Sea
Island cotton industry, sent by this firm on July 6 to various
correspondent in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. The
following is an account of the information in the report.
arorcra. A small increase in the area of Sea Island cotton
has in some sections, while in others there has been
icfly on account of the substitution of Upland
vhole, the acreage appears to be unchanged, or
ltly less th An increase of
15 7 nt. has ts use of manures.
of reporting, the we: y had been favour-
[’ were 1 eul ie plants were show-
] cise und the crop Was one to two weeks
I pectec hat, if the season is normal, cotton
] reach Savannah freely about September 10 or
rind. Conditions are similar to those in Georgia,
exce re has been a slight increase in the area plant-
ed, and the plants seem to be more backward than in the
Jast-menti ned State.
OU! ivi. The area of cotton in the Sea Islands
has been reduced about 25 per cent Little or no increase
has taken place in the use of manures, and while the fields
are well cultivated and appear to be bearing healthy plants,
the stant ry irreeul r through the dryness of the season.
t is expected that there will be little cotton on the Charles-
ton market before the middle of October,
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Avcusr 19, 1911.
THE BRITISH COTTON GROWING
ASSOCIATION.
The Eighty-ninth Meeting of the Council of the British
Cotton Growing Association was held at the Offices of the
Association, 15, Cross Street, Manchester, on Tuesday,
July 4. In the absence of the President (the Right Hon.
the Earl of Derby, G.C.V.O.), Mr. J. Arthur Hutton oceu-
pied the Chair. The following description of work in connex-
ion with cotton-growing in various parts of the Empire is
taken from an account cf the meeting, furnished by the
Association.
WEST ATRICA, It was reported that, asa result of the
decision to increase the buying price for cotton at all stations
along the Lagos railway, there was now a greatly increased
demand for cotton seed for planting purposes, and it is anti-
cipated that there will be a considerable increase in the
acreage under this The Association have
undertaken the distribution of all cotton seed for planting
for the current year, on behalf of the local Government.
cotton season.
The total purchases of cotton in Lagos from the begin-
ning of the year amount to 4,981 bales, as compared with
4,901 bales for the same period last year, and 10,620 for
$09.
Attention was called to the remarkable regularity in the
price which has been secured for Lagos cotton this season,
and which is due to the regularity of the quality, as a result
of careful selection of the seed, carried out during the last
tew years by the Association at the ginneries.
NYASALAND. A letter has been received from the Director
of Agriculture, stating that during the past season there has
been an exceptionally heavy rainfall and little sunshine, and
on the heavier soils cotton is later than it was Jast year. There
has ery little bacterial blight through the crop, but
a bad attack of Aphis. y has made con-
siderable progress, and the natives are cultivating in many
instances as thoroughly as the white planters, and the appear-
ance of the crop shows that the natives are benefiting consi-
derably from the instructions which have been given them.
The export of cotton for the financial year 1910-11 amounted
to 4,342 bales of 400 Ib. each, as compared with 2,147 bales
for 1909-10. It is estimated that there are about 20,000
acres under cotton, this year, asagainst 12,752 acres last year;
whilst the i
what it was last year.
A sample of cotton has been received from
the Association’s plantation at Kafue Bridge, and is considered
very
is
quite favourable.
be (3 1 TPA
The native industry
acreage under native cultivation is at least double
RHODESIA.
desirable cotton. The crop which is now being picked
a fairly good one, and, on the whole, the
prospects are
Vor X.) “No, 243:
UGANDA, Cotton is still coming in freely from this
Protectorate, and there is every reason to believe that the
estimate of a 20,000-bale crop from Uganda this year will be
realized.
BRITISH EAST Arrica. A report has been received from
the Provincial Commissioner for the Kavirondo district stat-
ing that a further 10 tons of selected seed has been distribut-
ed and about 5,000 acres of land has already been cleared
and planted, and, if the season continues favourable, a fair
output may be looked for from the district, where practically
no cotton has been produced hitherto.
INDIA. It was reported that, in accordance with the
request of the Association, the Federation of Master Cotton
Spinners had appointed a Sub-Committee who had decided to
recommend that the Federation should appoint one or two of
their members to discuss with representatives of the Associa-
tion the question of the establishment of buying agencies
and ginneries in certain districts in India.
COTTON IN THE SUDAN.
The monthly report of the Sudan Centra] Economic
Board, for March 1911, gives the following information con-
cerning cotton-growing in the Sudan in the last few years
The production in the several years 1906-10 has been as
follows: 1906, 2,300 tons value £50,000; 1907, 4,400 value
£103,000; 1908, 5.400 value £89,000; 1909, 3,900 value
£65,000; 1910, 8,700 tons value £235,000.
Information is given further to the effect that excellent
reports are being received of the past cotton crop in the
Tokar district, Red Sea Province. The export of cotton
lint to Liverpool from this district, during March last,
amounted to about 115 tons, and this obtained a price of
93d. per tb. It is expected that the total Tokar crop will
amount to about 6,200 tons of unginned cotton.
The Board of Trade Journal for May 25, 1911, from
which the above information is taken, states that the recent
report by Sir E. Gorst on the affairs of the Sudan for the
year 1910 shows that the cotton crop was good and that
high prices were realized, so that it is likely that native
cultivators will turn their attention to the growing of
a higher class product. During last season, 51 per cent. of
the Sudan cotton was flood-grown, and about 40 per cent.
rain-grown; thus about 91 per cent. of the cotton is produced
by natives who are not in receipt of Enropean assistance.
A NEW TEST FOR TUBERCULOSIS.
The Report of the Board of Commissioners of
Agriculture and Forestry, of the Territory of Hawai,
for 1910, gives the following account of a simplified
test for tuberculosis in animals. It is known as the
intra-dermal tuberculin test :—
This comparatively new method requires only two visits
to each dairy (instead of eight); it does away entirely with
the thermometer and the taking of temperatures (the work
done so far has required the use of more than a gross of ther-
mometers, at $1:00 apiece); it can be applied to any animal
of whatsoever age, class or condition and under any or all cir-
cumstances, whether favourable or unfavourable; it is so
manifest in its appearance, and so simple in its application
that the veriest simpleton can translate it, and, at the same
time, it excels the subcutaneous test in that its effectiveness
cannot be circumvented for illegal purposes in obscuring
thermal reactions by the administration of febrifuges.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. ; 263
The intra-dermal test was first reported on by two
French scientists, Moussu and Mantoux, at the Sixth Inter-
national Congress on Tuberculosis. It consists simply in the
injection of a few drops of a special concentrated kind of
tuberculin into one of the two folds of skin (sub-candal folds)
which are found under the tail when it is lifted. The skin
at this place is very thin, soft and pliable, and what is most
important, denuded of hair. The authors claim that in
animals affected with tuberculosis the injection of a small
dose (approximately 3 drops) of strong tuberculin would
cause a more or less pronounced swelling of somewhat vary-
ing character of the injected fold, while the other one, which
is conveniently there for comparison, remains unchanged.
This test has, during the months of November and December,
been applied to nearly 200 animals, many of which had
previously been tested with the subcutaneous test, and con-
sequently were known to be either sound or tuberculous. In
every instance the results obtained with the new test proved
identically the same as the previous ones, and when supported
by post mortem examinations the diagnosis was invariably
confirmed.
While this method of testing has been given but scant
attention by either official or private veterinarians, I believe
this is to be due ina large extent to the fact that a third
method, known as the cutaneous test, was introduced about
the same time and has been universally declared impractical
by those who have published their experiences with it. The
two methods resemble each other in several respects, but
principally im the fact that the diagnosis does not depend
upon a thermal reaction, but upon the local changes which
develop in the reacting animals at the place of application or
injection.. Another fact which may have tended to obscure
the intra-dermal test is, that the article describing it in the
proceedings of the International Congress on Tuberculosis
appeared in French only, and it was not until Drs. Baker
and Ward of California called attention to it at the meeting
of the Veterinary Medical Association In San Francisco in
September last that it was decided to give it a trial here,
Undoubtedly many other veterinarians have by this time
experimented with it, and even though the International
Commission on Bovine Tuberculosis discourages the use of
any but the subcutaneous method for the present, this is, as
stated, probably due to the fact that not enough attention
has been given to it and that the immense importance of its
superiority as a convenient and economic diagnostic agent
for tuberculosis in animals has not been realized. The intra-
dermal method is equally well adapted for diagnosing tuber-
culosis in hogs, tuberculin in this case being injected in the
lower lobe of the ear or just behind and below the ear where
the skin is thin. A typical swelling and discoloration of
the unpigmented skin takes place, and is generally so well
marked that the animal does not need to be confined or
restrained for examination.
The Semz-annual Report of Messrs. Schimmel & Co.,
dated April 1911, gives a note on work in which the influ-
ence was investigated of certain volatile substances upon the
development of germinating grains of corn. It was found
that the vapour of thyme, wild thyme, or eucalyptus oil,
quickly stopped germination. When the grains were exposed
to the vapour of turpentine, rosemary oil, or menthol, the
seedlings continued to grow for some time before death.
The development was impeded by citronella oil, lavender oil
and thymol, but the germs were not destroyed. Camphor,
clove and some other oils did not show any effect.
264
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
ommissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s, 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
Agricultural Hews
: - . = 3 a _
Vor. X. SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 1911. No. 243.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Contents of Present Issue.
The editorial of this issue gives an account of the
International Agricultural Institute. Its object is to
indicate in a broad manner the purposes for which this
Institute has been formed.
Under the heading Sugar Industry, on page 259,
an interesting note is given, which describes shortly
a new method that is being employed for filtering cane
juices.
Pages 262 and 263 contain an account of a recent
meeting of the British Cotton Growing Association.
A test for the existence of tuberculosis in animals,
that has been devised comparatively recently, is de-
scribed on the latter of the above-mentioned pages.
The subject of peculiar methods of pollination,
which has received treatment in the last two issues of
the Agricultural News, is continued under the heading
Insect Notes, on page 266. On this occasion, a descrip-
tion is given of the manner of pollination of the
Smyrna fig.
Page 267 contains particulars of the awards at the
International Rubber Exhibition, to exhibits from the
West Indies and British Guiana.
The Fungus Notes will be found on page 270.
In this issue, they have for their subject The Bracket
Fungi.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Avcust 19, 1911.
Nature Teaching and Hygiene in Elementary
Schools, British Guiana.
The report of the Inspector of Schools, British
Guiana, fur the year 1910-11, shows that Nature
Knowlecge is an «-ptional class subject in the element-
ary schools of the Colony, which is taught to pupils of
any age. For assistance in teaching, Blackie’s Tropical
Readers and Nature Teaching are employed, but are
intended only to be used by the teacher, and to indicate
in a general way the subjects that must receive atten-
tion. Up to the present, the teaching is not quite
satisfactory, partly on account of the fact that teachers
have not entirely grasped its object, and because of
difticulties in holding the examinations. In reporting
on the subject, the Inspector of Schools draws attention
to the fact that Nature Teaching in schools should
have as close a relation as possible to the work that
most of the pupils will take up in after life.
In regard to school gardens, the difficulties are
mentioned of conducting a tair examination at different
times of the year, and or obtaining a proper judgement
as to the efticiency of the work. Some doubt is thrown
upon the supposed usefuluess of keeping notes of school
garden work. It is interesting that, in some of the
Indian Mission Schools, industrial work is taken up
instead of school gardening: in three cases instruction
is given to the boys in basket-making, in the making
of fans and sieves, and the preparation of the raw
material for hammock ropes: while the girls learn
cotton-spinning, and the making of hammocks and
hammock ropes.
Hygiene is. obligatory, and the teacher is
allowed a wide range of subjects, although it is
intended that he should muke the teaching as prac-
tical as possible. The report states that there has been
a large diffusion of knowledge on the subject during
past years, but that little of the teaching is being
applied in practice—a circumstance that does not by
means apply to British Guiana alone.
OED oe
The Fibre of Calotropis spp.
The Journal d Agriculture Tropicale for June
1911, p. 190, points out that there has been
uncertainty for some time concerning the true nature
of the fibre which has been wrongly called ‘Coton
Akund’. It draws attention to the fact that this
fibre is obtained trom plants of Calotropis spp.,which do
not belong to the family in which cotton is placed,
Nevertheless, it is being imported, together with silk
cotton or kapok.(from HMriodendron anfractuosum),
especially in Germany, in connexion with the attempt
to incorporate fibres other than cotton in cotton tex-
tiles, in order to reduce the European dependence on
American supplies of cotton.
The use of the fibre of Calotropis for making tex-
tiles is not new, tor samples of it, spun with cotton, and
alone, were shown at the London Exhibition of 1862,
It was designated under its Indian name ‘ Mudar ’; its
Javanese name is kapok, and it has been thus confused
with the other fibre just mentioned. It is obtained
Vou. X. No. 243.
THE AGRICULTURAL : NEWS.
to
a
or
from the piants Calotropis procera and C. gigantea,
the former of which occurs in the West Indies, and is
known as French cotton. The fibre is obtained from
the stems of these species, and difticulty is caused in
its working, on account of the fact that the long fibres
show weakness at the parts which were originally
situated at the internodes.
Tt does not seem that there is any marked differ-
ence between the two species of Calotropis mentioned;
they have much the same habitat. In India the fibre
of Calotropis is usually designated as Madar silk.
+
Rainfall in Antigua, 1910.
The statistics of the rainfall in Antigua for 1910,
prepared by the Superintendent of Agriculture for the
Leeward Islands, show that the precipitation in that
year amounted to 34°77 inches.
The average rainfall in the island for the thirty-
seven years, 1874-1910, is 45:03 inches, so that the
precipitation for last year was 10°26 inches below the
average. This is the lowest rainfall for the last twenty
years, with the exception of that in the year 1905, when
the average total rainfall recorded was 31-40 inches.
A
Effect of Nitrate of Soda on the Flow of Ceara
Latex.
In the Agricultural News, Vol IX, p. 107,
reference was made to experiments in connexion with
the flow of latex from Ceara rubber trees that
are described in Bulletin No. 19 of the Hawan Agri-
cultural Experiment Station. Attention 1s also given
in this Bulletin to the effects of nitrate of soda on the
flow of latex.
In an experiment described, the capacity to yield
of a group of trees was tested by means of uniform
tapping. Nitrate of soda was then applied to two of
the groups of trees, while a third was left as a_ control.
In the case of three trees receiving }-lb. of nitrate of
soda each, the yield of dry rubber was 2°3 oz; from
a similar number receiving }-tb. of nitrate of soda, it
was 13 oz.;and from the three control trees, 1-2 oz.
The manner of application of the nitrate of soda was to
place it in the soil at a depth of 5 or 4 inches, and at some
distance around each tree. There was a good rainfall,
and it is stated that the effect of the nitrate of soda
upon the flow of latex was exhibited within twenty-
four hours.
Further experiments have been carried out, and it
is concluded from all the trials that the flow of Ceara
latex may be temporarily stimulated by applying
nitrate of soda.
The Planters’ Chronicle for April 15, 1911, gives
a description of similar experiments earried out on
estates in Southern India. In one of these the results
were not very conclusive, but it was indicated that the
application of nitrate of soda caused an increase in the
flow of latex and yield of rubber. In another case,
more elaborate trials appeared to show that, under the
conditions of the experiments, the best quantity of
nitrate of soda to apply is }-lb. per tree; this increased
the yield of wet rubber from 1 oz. 102 drs. to
2 oz. 53 drs. per tree, in eight tappings, and the yield
of dry rubber was increased by 5 drs. per tree in the
same time. Mr. Rudolph D. Anstead, in reporting
these experiments, expresses agreement with the con-
clusion that further work is required before any
decision can be made as to the proper means of
manurial treatment. with nitrate of soda for Ceara
rubber trees.
A
The Production of Hydrocyanic Acid in Leaves.
The production of hydrocyanic (prussic) acid in
parts of plants, such as the germinating seeds, stems
and leaves, has received attention in the Agricultural
News from time to time. In the case of the last, an
interesting review is given of recent work, in the
Annual Reports of the Progress of Chemistry, for
1910, issued by the Chemical Society, p. 214.
The investigations have shown that the action of
chloroform and similar anaesthetics on leaves is to pro-
duce hydrocyanic acid, the action being most rapid at
high temperatures. It was found that, in such experi-
ments, solutions of the substances may be employed
instead of the compounds themselves, as water has no
influence in causing the production of hydrocyanic acid.
An extension of the trials has shown that many other
substances than chloroform, such as ammonia, carbon
disulphide, various alcohols, benzene and acetic acid,
will produce the effect.
It appears that the action arises as a result of the
concentration of the contents of the cells of the leaves,
and it is suggested that the experiments will eventu-
ally provide an explanation of the significance of the
possession of ethereal oils and scents by various plants.
+ ae
Tapping Experiments with Ceara Rubber in
Uganda.
The results of two months’ (February and March)
tapping of twelve Ceara (Manihot Glaziovii) trees
belonging to the Mabira Forest (Uganda) Co., Ltd., are
contained in a Supplement to the Uganda Official
Gazette for May 15, 1911. The details show that,
whereas the trees tapped on the pricking system gave
a decrease of 59°51 per cent. in the second month, those
which were tapped on the paring system, with no
pricking, yielded an increase of 24°23 per cent,
The total amount of dry rubber obtained from six
trees by paring was 299:15 gm., which is equivalent to
24:93 gm. per tree per month, or an average of 299-15
gm. per annum; so that assuming a constant yield of
this nature, the rubber given by each tree during
a year would be 0°66 tb.
Further work will determine if the yield is main-
tained during the year, and it may be mentioned in this
connexion, that February was a very dry month and
that the rainfall for March was below the average.
The circumstance that is most likely to possess the
greatest influence in the matter is the effect on the
trees of continuous tapping.
266.
INSECT NOTES.
THE POLLINATION OF THE
SMYRNA FIG.
The Insect Notes in the last two numbers of the Ag7v-
cultural News described remarkable relationships that exist
between certain plants and the insects which act as pollen
carriers, and thus ensured the development of the ovary and
the fertility of the seeds. These instances were chiefly of
interest on account of their biological features and not
because of any economic bearing which they possess.
The present article, however, gives the principal facts of
a relationship between flower and insect which is quite as
remarkable as those already described. and it has an added
interest in that a very large fruit-growing industry, the culti-
vation of Smyrna figs, is entirely dependent upon it.
The following notes on the fertilization of the varieties
of Smyrna figs by the minute gall-making insect (Blasto-
phaga grossorun) are taken from the account given in Les
Insectes, by Henneguy.
Blastophaga occurs naturally in the inflorescence of the
wild fig or Capri fig, as it iscalled. From time immemorial
the people of the Orient have provided for the fertilization of
the cultivated fig by placing in the branches of the latter, at
the time of flowering, twigs of the Capri fig bearing ripening
fruits. It was not, however, until within the past few years
that the importance of Blastophaga grossorum as a pollen
carrier was recognized,
The Capri fig produces three generations of fruits per
year. ‘The first of these called Mammee, ripening in April, are
developed from flowers of the previous autumn, having remain-
ed attached to the tree during the winter. The fruits of. the
second generation are called Profichi; these ripen in June.
Those in the third generation, ripening in August and Septem-
ber, are called Mammoni. At >the time when the fruits of one
generation are ripening, the flowers of the next are just
coming into bloom; for instance, at. Naples in April, the
Mammee are nearly ripe and the Profichi are in flower at the
time that the cultivated figs are in bloom for the first crop
of fruits which ripen in June and July. itis at this time
that the cultivators remove the wild Mammee fruits, which are
nearly ripe, and distribute them through the branches of the
cultivated fig.
The inflorescence of the wild fig contains a very large
number of male or pollen-bearing flowers, while that of the
cultivated fig contains almost entirely female flowers. In
the former of these there occur immense numbers of a minute
Hymenopterous insect—the Llastophaya grossorum already
mentioned, ‘the insect is developed in the minute gall at
the base of the flower where the egg has been inserted into
the tissues of the inflorescence by the female parent, with the
aid of her piercing ovipositor.
On the completion of their life-cycle, the female insects,
which are winged, leave the inflorescence of the wild fig well
covered with the pollen from its male flowers, and proceed to
a neighbouring inflorescence. If this latter chances to be
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. Aucust 19, 1911.
one of the cultivated figs, its fertilization is provided for by
the pollen adhering to the body of the insect. The object of
the visit of the insect to these flowers is, of course, the
depositing of eggs to provide for the new generation, and she
accordingly introduces her eggs into the ovaries of the flowers.
When these eggs are deposited in the tissues of the wild fig,.
they pass through a normal cycle of growth and another
generation of insects is produced; but when this egg-laying
occurs. in the cultivated or Smyrna fig, the insects do not
develop, this perhaps being due to the rapid growth of plant
tissue which destroys the egg or the very young larva. In
addition to the pollination of the cultivated fig, there seems
to be a direct effect on the growth of the inflorescence
resulting from the irritation caused by the punctures of the
ovipositor of the insect. The combined result of the pollina-
tion of the flowers causing the normal seed to develop and of
the punctures of the females in egg-laying is to produce
a fleshy, sugary fig, which is not to be obtained in any other
way.
This process of introducing the wild figs among the
branches of the cultivated figs is known as caprification.
Some botanists consider caprification as useless, since in some
countries, and with many species and varieties of figs, excel-
lent fruits are produced without this cperation. It has been
well proved, however, that the Smyrna fig, which is the
standard of excellence, can only be produced in its best
quality by this process.
Dr. L. O. Howard, in the Year/ook of the United States
Department of Agriculture for 1900,- presents an article
entitled Smyrna Fig Culture in the United States. In this
he gives an account of the early attempts, in Cali-
fornia, to produce figs of the Smyrna varieties, possessing the
same excellent qualities as those grown in Oriental countries.
Dr. Howard shows how the usefulness of caprification was
discovered, and how the important part played by Blasto-
phaga was thoroughly proved. It was not until the fruit
growers of California had succeeded in importing Blastophaga
and establishing it on Capri fig trees already growing there,
that they were able to produce satisfactory Smyrna figs.
AGRICULTURAL LECTURES IN ANTIGUA.
The following list of lectures in connexion with the
Courses of Reading of the Department, which are being
delivered in Antigua, has been forwarded by Mr. H. A. Tem-
pany, B.Sc., Superintendent of Agriculture of the Leeward
Islands : —
Lecturer.
Mr. T. Jackson
Mr. P.T. Saunders,
M.R.C.V.S., Veterinary
Officer to the Imperial
Department of Agricul-
ture
Mr. T. Jackson
Mr. V. M. Weil, B.Sc.
Date.
July 31
August 7
Subject.
Elementary Botany
Some Common Un-
soundnesses in Work-
ing Stock.
14 Elementary Botany
» 28 Soils and Manures
Sept. 4 1) MEDS 3
25 Insects and Fungi
Insecticides and Fun-
gicides (at the Botanic
”
” ” 3)
s] Mr. H. A. Tempany B.Sc.
October 2
Mr, T. Jackson
Station)
,, 23 Bacteria in relation to
Agriculture Mr. H, A. Tempany B.Se,
Vot. xX, No: 243:
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 267
INDUSTRY.
RUBBER
AWARDS AT THE INTERNATIONAL
RUBBER EXHIBITION.
The following information concerning the awards
for exhibits from the West Indies and British Guiana,
at the International Rubber Exhibition, is taken from
the West India Committee Circular of July 18, 1911:-—
Mr. J. N. Kelway Bamber, F.1.C., of Ceylon, Mr. Por-
ter, of La Zacualpa Rubber Plantations in Mexico, and
Mr. ©. Luxmoore Marshall, who kindly undertook to judge
the West Indian exhibits at the International Rubber Exhi-
bition, have made the following awards :.—
Silver Cup offered by the West India Committee for the
finest specimen of Plantation Rubber—Mr. Hodgson, Planta-
tion Noitgedacht, British Guiana.
Silver Cup offered by the West India Committee for the
finest specimen of Balata—The Consolidated Rubber and
Balata Estates, Ltd.
Silver Cup offered by Messrs. Booker Bros., Mc.Con-
nell & Ce., Ltd, of the West India Committee, for the best
exhibit by a West Indian Botanic Department—The Depart-
ment of Agriculture of Trinidad and Tobago.
Silver Cup offered by Mr. W. Middleton Campbell, Chair-
man of the West India Committee, for the best West Indian
comprehensive exhibit—The Permanent Exhibition Com-
mittee of Trinidad and Tobago
Mr. Kelway Bamber submitted the following report
regarding the West Indian exhibits :—
I had the honour of being invited to assist in the
judging -of the West Indian exhibits at the International
Rubber and Allied Trades Exhibition and would like to add
a few remarks re the various samples of rubber shown.
The Jamaica exhibit of the Castilloa variety was almost
entirely in the form of thin, dark-coloured sheets, containing
small fragments of bark, etc. These could easily be improved
upon by more careful straining and washing of the latex and
coagulating the thick washed cream on tightly stretched
muslin or fine cloth free from loose hairs and’ protected from
dust. From the statistics the rate of growth of the trees
appears very good, and if the yield of latex and rubber is
satisfactory and the rubber can be put on the market at
a reasonable cost, there should always be a demand for this
product.
The Dominica exhibit of Castilloa showed greater varia-
tion, and some of the thick biscuits were very strong, and of
good colour. In one case the rubber had a strong medicinal
smell, and, as far as possible, the addition of chemicals should
be avoided. Some of the Para exhibits from this Colony were
rather tacky and pitted, showing faulty methods of prepara-
tion, the pitting being due to bacterial development in the
latex during coagulation, with the liberation of bubbles of
gas, which are enclosed in the rubber, and~burst on rolling.
Every precaution should be made to ensure absolute cleanli-
ness, of all utensils, etc., used in the manufacture, the same
eo] 2 2
as in a dairy. A little formalin in the washing water is
advantageous, and Condy’s fluid can be sprayed over the
floor daily. Formalin as purchased contains 40 per cent.,
and one part of this solution in forty parts of pure water
gives a ]-per cent. solution, sufliciently strong for all practical
purposes, Ca
Some excellent Castilloa was shown in the Trinidad and
Tobago section, including sheets formed by the new separator
method, and several good specimens of block. Some of the
latter were too thick, manufacturers requiring block not more
than 1 inch thick, as this can be placed in their machinery
without cutting, and impurities can be more easily detected.
In the British Guiana section some excellent Para
biscuits were shown, quite equal to any from the East; also
good specimens of balata. The Sapiwm Jenmani rubber could
probably be improved in the manufacture, as it was a little
irregular. The whole exhibit in this section was very com-
prehensive, and well illustrated the possibilities of the Colony.
The same may be said for the Dominica and Trinidad and
Tobago exhibits, the latter being exceptionally good and
complete. The numerous photographs and well illustrated
pamphlets give one an excellent idea of the condition of
growth of the various rubbers shown, and the possibilities of
extension in the rubber industry.
THE EXTENSION OF THE RUBBER
INDUSTRY IN PARA.
H. M. Consul at Para reports that three Laws (Nos.
1,179, 1,180 and 1,181), of date May 17, have been enacted
in the State of Para, for the protection and extension of the
rubber industry and trade, and of agriculture generally. The
first Law authorizes the Government to grant favours, includ-
ing exemption from taxes except those on exports, for
a period not exceeding fifteen years, to persons undertaking
to establish, in the town of Para, factories for the refining of
rubber, or agreeing by new and improved methods to wash,
rectify and purify india-rubber, so as to permit of the export
of one grade only, of the finest quality.
The second Law authorizes the Government to enter
into agreement with the Government of Amazonas, and the
Federal Government, for the contraction of a foreign loan, of
ten years’ duration, not exceéding £6,000,000, at a maximum
interest of 5 per cent., upon the responsibilities of the two
States, and the endorsement of the Federal Government; this
loan is to be used to protect the production of rubber. To
provide for the interest and amortisation of the loan, an addi-
tional tax of 400 reis per kilog. (about 3d. per tb.) of rubber
exported is established. ‘The Government of Para is also
authorized to enter into agreement with the Government
of Matto Grosso, with a view to the establishment of this
additional tax upon the product of that State also.
Should it not be found possible to raise the loan above-
mentioned,- the State Government is authorized to contract
one up to £3,000.090, with interest at 5 per cent., upon the
responsibility of the State, and guaranteed by the additional
export tax
The third Law authorizes the Government of the State
to guarantee a maximum rate of annual interest of 6 per
cent. upon a capital of £3,000,000, to be emitted in series
during thirty years, to an agricultural mortgage bank, to be
founded in the town of Para.
H. M. Consul points out that, whether the security of
the Federal Government has been or will be accorded in con-
nexion with the proposed loan of £6,000,000, is not yet
known. (Lhe Board of Trade Jourwal, June 22, 1911.)
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Avucust 19; 1911.
The exports of rubber from Ceylon during March 1911
were 5,393 cwt., as compared with 2,065 cwt., in 1910. For
the nine months ending March 1911, they were 37,511 ewt.;
whereas during the similar period in 1909-10, they amounted
to 16,498 ewt.
The Bulletin of Agricultural Statistics of the Inter-
national Institute of Agriculture, Rome, Vol. II, p. 59, gives
revised figures of cotton-planting and production in India for
the season 1910-11. The area planted was 22,364,143 acres,
and the production 4,102,000 bales of 400 tb. each.
In the St. Vincent Government Gazette for May 11,1911,
the particulars are given of an Ordinance to amend the Land
Settlement Ordinance, 1899, No. 7 of 1911. This Ordinance
passed the Legislative Council on April 25, 1911, and may
be cited as the Land Settlement (Amending) Ordinance, 1911.
The quantity of desiccated cocoa-nuts exported from
Ceylon in 1910 was 28 million pounds. In the previous year
the exportation was 27 million pounds. The average exporta-
tion for the last ten years is 18,500,000 tb., so that the
shipments for 1910 were more than half as great again as
this.
A report furnished by the Agricultural Instructor,
Tortola, states that a much increased area of cotton was
planted in the Virgin Islands during Jast month, and that
there is still a demand for seed. An increasing interest is
being taken in regard to lime-growing, and the same is true
of sugar production.
It is estimated that, at the end of last year there were in
East Sumatra thirty-six British companies raising plantation
rubber, and it is supposed that these represent a capital of
about £4,000,000. Estimates for the area of land leased to
these companies give this as about 445,000 acres; nearly one-
ninth of this has been planted in rubber.
In the Grenada Government Gazette for July 13, 1911,
there is published an Ordinance to amend the Agricultural
Products Protection Ordinances, 1906 and 1909; this passed
the Legislative Council on June 16, 1911. Its purpose is to
regulate the sale and possession of cotton, and it may be cited
as the Agricultural Products Protection Ordinance, 1911.
The distribution from the Antigua Botanic Station dur-
ing July included the following plants and seeds: cocoa-
nuts 70, mahogany 55, miscellaneous 122, cotton seed 43 Ib.,
sweet potato cuttings 700. In the nursery, seeds of Eucalyptus,
Casuarina and other plants were sown, and plants of Manzhot
dichotoma, as well as of other economic kinds, were potted.
Among the exports from the Philippine Islands, hemp
takes the largest place, and the amount shipped in 1910 was
worth £1,432,358. This is a decline from the export of last
year, which was valued at £1,520,000. The decrease has
taken place notwithstanding the fact that the average price
for the product has practically maintained the same value
during the two years.
It is reported from Nevis that, to the end of iast
month, about 500 acres of cotton had been pianted. The dry
weather has, however, interfered seriously with the establish-
ment of the crop, up to the present, so that it is doubtful that
the expected increase of the area in cotton-growing in Nevis
will take place in the present season. Itis estimated that the
output of lint for last season is at least 335,000 hb.
H. M. Minister at Panama reports the publication of
a Law No. 5 of 1911, ordering the National and Mortgage
and Loan Bank to set apart $100,000 (about £20,500) of its
capital for loans that will increase the sugar industry in the
Republic. Another Law, No. 42 of 1911, authorizes the
Government to enter into contracts caleulated to stimulate
the sugar industry. (Zhe Board of Trade Journal, June 22,
1911.)
According to the St. Croix Avis for July 5, 1911, an
Ordinance for St. Croix, prescribing measures against diseases
of the cotton plant, was passed unanimously by the Colonial
Council at an Ordinary Meeting held on May 15, 1911. The
draft of the Ordinance, which was sent to the Government
for approval, provides among other matters, for the pulling
up and burning of old cotton plants by a certain date, to be
fixed in each year.
Teysmannia, Vol. XXI, p. 47, contains an account of
an experiment in which teosinte (Huchlaena mexicana) was
crossed with maize, in Java, for the purpose of obtaining
a hybrid which would show greater fertility and resistance
to chlorosis, the latter being a disease commonly attacking
maize in Java. The experiment was a failure, as, although
hybrids were obtained from it, these did not give any
greater yields, and possessed no inereased resistance to
chlorosis.
The Egyptian cotton worm campaign is now in progress,
and will last until the end of August, the official date of the
closure. If by that time the plague is not definitely destroyed
in certain provinces, the mudirs and governors will advise the
Ministry of the Interior, and the campaign will be continued
until September 30. Four European Inspectors have been
engaged from the staff of the Khedivial Agricultural Society,
to aid in the surveillance of the work against the cotton worm.
(The Zexrtile Mereury, July 8, 1911.)
The Eighth International Congress of Applied Chemistry
will be held at Washington and New York in September 1912,
from the 4th to the 13th of the month. In selecting papers
for reading and discussion, preference will be given to those
which are mainly of international interest; all papers must
reach the Secretary not later than July 1, 1912. Information
concerning the Congress may be obtained from the Honorary
Secretary to the British Organising Committee for the Inter-
national Congress of Applied Chemistry, Society of Chemical
Industry, Palace Chambers, Westminster, S.W.
Vor. X. No. 243.
STUDENTS’ CORNER,
AUGUST.
Seconp Perron.
Seasonal Notes.
During the present quarter, favourable weather will see
the planting of limes. In this work, state what precautions
should be observed with reference to the preparation of holes
for the reception of the plants, the lifting and removal of
plants from the nursery, and in regard to the packing and
transportation of plants, in order that they may suffer as
small a loss as possible. Past experience has shown that the
planting out of limes should entail a loss of less than 2 per
cent. of the plants; where this is greater, it is indicated that
the work is not being properly carried out, in one or more par-
ticulars. Discuss the treatment that should be given to the
unoccupied land between the plants, and state the advantages
of the employment of green dressings for growing on such
lands. The green scale and black blight are especially likely
to attack young plants which have been planted out recently,
but have not yet become completely established. In order
to deal with such attacks, the plants should be sprayed.
What mixtures would you suggest as being most useful for
the purpose? It is easy to understand that natural enemies
cannot be relied upon to keep these pests in check, under the
unnatural conditions that obtain through the introduction of
a large number of plants of the same kind, regularly planted in
the same area. As the plants grow, the conditions will gradu-
ally approximate to those which obtain in nature, although
they necessarily remain artificial, to a certain extent, under the
surroundings that are required in the case of cultivated plants.
In an established plantaticn, the pests and their parasites
have already obtained a natural footing, and their incidence
has regular relation to the season and the extent to which each
form of life is being parasitized by its enemies. It is evident,
on the other hand, that in plantations that have just been
made no such regular balancing of the extent to which each
form of life exists can obtain; these forms have not yet been
sufficiently introduced, and time will be required for them to
be brought in and to exert their natural influence upon one
another.
Where it is intended to plant crops on undeveloped
land, the character of the wild vegetation growing on such
land will often serve as a useful indication of the kind of
cultivation to which it is best suited. This cannot, however,
be taken as an unfailing index of the fact. In a recent
number of the Agricultural News (Vol. X, p. 193), the effect
of the soil in the distribution of plants was considered editor-
jally. It was shown that this distribution, in nature, is not
so much a matter of the establishment of plants in those sur-
roundings which they find congenial, as of the effects of com-
petition, whereby a plant may be found in a, particular habitat
because it is capable of ousting nearly all other plants from
that position, or becauseit has been forced to take that place,
as being the only one left to it, if it is to flourish at all, In
obtaining information as to the suitable.crops for a given
area, much more dependence is to be placed on the character
of the soil, and of the rocks on which it rests, the depth of the
former, the slope of the land, and to climatic conditions,
including the amount of rainfall and the prevalence of winds.
As is evident, in regard to the last-mentioned, the conditions
may be modified by the provision of wind=breaks, which are
often employed for the purpose of increasing the agricultural
utility of areas of land.
THE. AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 269
In relation to the kinds of plants found in definite areas,
it does not require much observation to show that the char-
acter of vegetation varies. considerably, even within small
areas, where differences exist in regard to such matters as tlie
depth of the soil, the water-supply and the slope of the land.
On exposed hillsides, the plants thatare most usually found
possess devices for preventing transpiration from becoming
too rapid. Among these are the reduction of the leaves to
spines, as in the prickly pear; the provision of a thick epider-
mis with few stomata, as in the Agaves; and the bearing of
thick, fleshy leaves or of small leaves covered with downy
hairs. In sheltered valleys, on the other hand, the plants
are most likely to possess large, thin leaves, presenting
a great area for transpiration; an example of such a plant is
cacao, ;
Questions for Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS,
(1) Give a description of, and name as far as you can,
the plants growing (a) in a moist, shady ravine; (b) on a dry,
wind-swept hillside,
(2) Describe carefully methods for the cross-pollination
of flowers.
(3) Write an account of the structure of a bulb, such as
an onion, illustrating your account by means of sketches.
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS.
(1) Describe a way in which a pasture may be rendered
free from ticks.
(2) Explain exactly how you would distinguish between
a rhizome, a true stem, and a true root.
(3) Give an account of the distribution of the plants in
an area of ‘bush’, or forest land, on which you have made
observations.
FINAL QUESTIONS.
(1) Describe broadly what happens to an ovale, after
fertilization has taken place.
(2) Write an account of the differences in the conditions
in a plantation newly planted, and one in which the trees
have attained maturity, illustrating your answer by means of
a permanent crop with which you are familiar.
Economic Conditions in Hayti.—In Hayti the en-
tire population is agricultural, there being no mines or indus-
trial undertakings of any importance. Agriculture, as practised
in Hayti, consists of the collection of coffee berries from trees
which grow wild, and the cultivation, with the aid of a sort
of bill-hook, of small plots of ground for the sustenance of
the peasant owner and his family. _A certain amount of
sugar-cane 1s grown, from which raw sugar is made, but the
quantity produced does not suffice for the needs of the popu-
lation, and the greater part of the sugar used is imported,
although in the time of the French the export amounted to
some 170,000,000 Ib. The Government estimates the popu-
lation at 2,500,000, but this is a mere guess, as no census has
ever been taken. The wage for unskilled labour may be put
at 1 gourde a day, the value of which depends on the rate of
exchange. In 1910 a gourde was worth about 10d. Public
health in 1910 was as good as can be expected from the way
people live in Hayti, in open defiance of all laws of sanitation
and hygiene. The number of British subjects in Hayti is
probably about 1,200, of whom about 500 are at Port-au-
Prince. With but two or three exceptions they are natives
of the West Indies, and in poor circumstances. (Diplomatic
and Consular Reports, No, 4638, Annual Series.)
(270
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. AvuGust 19, 1911.
FUNGUS NOTES.
THE BRACKET FUNGI.
This group of fungi belongs to the big division known as
the Basidiomycetes, charcterized by the production of two or
four spores on a specialized hypha known as a basidium (see
Agricultural News, Vol. 1X, pp. 94 and 158); the group is
called the Polyporaceae. The family belongs to the Order of
the Hymenomycetes, in which a definite fructification is pro-
duced having a special reproductive portion, or hymenium,
made up of basidia closely crowded together. In the family
in question the hymenium lines the cavity of numer-
ous circular or polygonal tubes or shallow depressions
in the substance of sporophores varying much in colour,
size, shape and consistency, but all characterized by the
occurrence of the tubes lined with the hymenium.
The Polyporaceae are closely connected with the Agarica-
ceae or toadstool family, in which the hymenium is_pro-
duced on special gills running radially across the under
surface of the sporophore. In the Polyporaceae, the sporo-
phore, or fructification, may be umbrella-shaped like a toad-
stool and have a central stalk; or it may possess a stalk
attached to one side of the cap; or again the whole sporopkore
may be stalkless and project at right angles from the substra-
tum like a bracket; or, finally, it may lie flat on the substratum
with the hymenium turned upwards. In the first three cases,
the hymenium is always borne on the under surface of the
sporophore. As has been stated already, these sporophores
may vary also in consistency: they may be fleshy, coriaceous
or woody, while many of them live for many years and
periodically produce a new layer of tubes over the surface of
the older layers. The tubes themselves vary largely in width and
depth, and the spores they contain may differ in colour. It is
by means of these and similar differences that the genera
and species are separated from one another.
The family is an important one for two reasons. In the
first place, the majority of the species live as saprophytes on
wood, and, in consequence, are often responsible for a dry rot
of timber. In the second, some of them, notably members
of the genera Polyporus and Fomes, are wound parasites on
many different kinds of trees. In the genus Polyporus, the
fructification may have a central or lateral staik, or may
occur as a bracket; it is, however, always more or less
fleshy when fresh, though it becomes hard when dry. In
the genus Fomes, it may have a lateral stalk, or may be in
the form of a bracket or hoof, but it is always of a woody
consistency from the first.
In order to illustrate what has been said, one or two
species may be considered in somewhat greater detail. One
very common bracket fungus, both in temperate and tropical
countries, is Homes lucidus (Leys.), Fr. The sporophore pos-
sesses a lateral stalk, which may be as much as 4 inches long,
or may be reduced toa broad basal tubercle, so that the frue-
tification appears as a bracket. When the stalk is present
it is usually more or less erect, irregularly cylindrical in shape,
polished, and varying in colour from bright chestnut to almost
black. The apex of the stalk is at first white and conical,
but later it grows out into a broad cap or pileus, whose upper
surface is yellowish-red, reddish-chestnut, deep red or almost
black; it is polished like the stalk, and usually marked with
concentric furrows. When the sporophore is immature the
margin is swollen, white and fibrous, and is not polished:
while the varnished portion immediately behind it is then
yellow, and the colour slowly deepens into that of the main
part of the cap. The lower surface is white, and contains
the tubes bearing the brown spores, which are ejected
as a dust of the sate colour. The substance of the sporophore
is brown and fibrous. Several caps may fuse together during
growth, and their outline then becomes irregular. Single
caps are usually circular, or kidney-shaped, when stalked, and
semicircular when the stalk is reduced; they vary in size from
a diameter of 2 or 2 inches and a thickness of 3-inch, to
a diameter of 20 or more inches and a thickness of 4 inches.
This fungus occurs on several trees in temperate count-
ities, and has been regarded as a wound parasite on oaks. In
Ceylon, it causes root disease of the cocoa-nut palm and
grows on other palms, while it is associated, as well, with
bamboos. It is also known to be parasitic on the roots of the
mango and on those of the flamboyante (Poinciana regia),
while it is saprophytic on dead stumps of many other trees.
(See Petch. Cirewars and Agricultural Journal of the Royal
Botanic Gardens, Ceylon, Vol. IV, No 24.) In India, it has
been considered as probably parasitic in several instance
on forest trees, while it is recorded by Butler as the probable
cause of a root disease of the areca palm (Areca Catechu).
In the West Indies it has been recorded on dead wood, from
Trinidad, while Stockdale found it on dead lime trees in
Dominica. Recently, it has been observed in large quantities
on dead and dying lime trees, in Montserrat and Antigua,
the fructifications being at a height of 6 inches to 3 feet
above the ground. The evidence at least suggests that it
may have been responsible for the death of the trees. It
was also found in the former island on a dead trunk of the
hog plum (Spondias Jutea), lying among the lime trees.
Other species of Fomes known to be parasitic in the
tropics are /, semitostus, Berk., which causes the well-known
root disease of Para rubber in Ceylon and Malaya, and F. aus-
tralis which has been known to cause the death of Acacia
decurrens, in Ceylon. All these species are root parasites,
and probably commence their attack by spreading from old
tree stumps.
Another fungus, Pora hypolateritia, Berk., causes
a root disease of tea in Ceylon. This fungus has a fructifi-
cation which is red when mature, and is spread out as a thin
crust on the substratum, with the hymenium upwards. It
may occur on the surface of the soil near a dead tea bush,
or closely adpressed to the dead stem, or partly on both.
(See Petch. Root Diseases of Tea, Circulars and Agricultural
Journal of the Royal Botanie Gardens, Ceylon, Vol. V,
No. 11.) Like the species of Fomes, it commences its attack
from dead stumps.
Members of the family Polyporaceae appear to be very
common in the West Indies. As has been indicated, they
vary much in colour, size, shape and consistency, but may
all be recognized as belonging to the family by means of the
characters given above. Several oceur in connexion with
dead or dying trees in such a way that there is at least
a suspicion that they are responsible for the damage observed.
A further knowledge of their numbers and identity would
possibly give rise to results of considerable economic
importance,
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
Mr. F. W. South, B.A., Mycologist on the Staff of
the Imperial Department of Agriculture, returned to
Barbados by the R.MLS. ‘Atrato’, on the 9th instant,
from the Northern Islands, where he had been making
investigations into the fungus diseases of various crops.
Vor. X. No. 243..
GERMAN ASSISTANCE TO RUBBER
GROWERS.
In the India-Rubber Journal for May 20, 1911, there
is an account of the first Annual Report of the Kautschuk-
Centralstelle, which was inaugurated on April 1, 1910.
The account shows that the Kautschuk-Centralstelle has
for its object the assistance of rubber-producing Colonies,
through the medium of scientific investigations for the
solving of problems with which these are confronted from
time to time. In pursuance of this, investigations have
been carried out in regard to coagulation, the effect of soils,
the thinning out of trees, tapping methods, and the chemical
and technical examination of raw products, which are also
manufactured into various goods in order to find out the
purpose for which they are most suitable. In reference
to the last part of the work, it has been proposed to create
standard brands for rubber and to draw up the necessary
regulations in connexion with these.
Among the work during the year have been investiga-
tions into the distillation products of the Urucuri nut
(Attalea excelsa) which is burned to provide the smoke
employed in the curing of Para rubber. [Experiments are
also being carried out with Masseranduba wood (MWimusops
elata), and there has been an enquiry into the chemical com-
position of Funtumia latex and of the serum which is yielded
by this.
It is recommended that latex sieves should always be of
hair, or if metal sieves are used they should be well tinned and
of very fine mesh. Material is being sent for examination in
connexion with the rubber that is contained in the unripe
fruit of Castilloa. Several enquiries have been received con-
cerning the possible use of the banana plant for giving
rubber, and the reply was made that this matter did not
include any question of the collection of rubber.
New designs of tapping knives for Funtumia and Hevea
have been made, and it is thought that the instruments
constructed according to these may, with modifications, be
used for the Manihots. It is interesting that the booming
of several so-called artificial rubbers, particularly of a sub-
stance obtained from soy bean oil, was emphatically de-
nounced by the Centralstelle.
The physical work has been connected mainly with the
testing of the viscosity of rubber. In the article from which
this information is taken, details of the scope of the work on
samples of rubber are given. Among the results of more
general interest that have been obtained are the following:
the use of Purub for coagulating Ceara latex has not shown
superiority to that of acetic acid; herring-bone tapping was
found best, in Togo, for Ceara rubber; in regard to this rubber
again, samples containing a high proportion of albuminous
substances were found to vulcanize very quickly; rubbers can
be\ obtained from Funtumia, in German plantations, which
compare in value to first class Para and Congo; Purub did not
show any superiority to guiacol as a coagulant for rubbers
received from West Africa; with boiled latex, the addition of
hydrochloric acid before heating gave the best results, while
those from tanning used in the same way were the worst;
coagulation of Hevea latex with acetic acid was found to be
better than that with Purub; many coagulants that are being
recommended from various sources were examined, and the
caution is given that care should be used as regards the indis-
criminate employment of such substances, where there is no
knowledge of their composition; lastly, trials were made for
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
_ of American cotton.
271
the improvement of inferior rubbers, compensation for the
loss of material being obtained from the higher price of the
final product.
THE SHOEING OF HORSES.
A series of leaflets is being issued by the Animals’ Friend
Society, York House, Portugal Street, Kingsway, London.
The first of these, among the Farmyard Series, deals with
errors in the shoeing of horses, and has been prepared by the
editor of arm and Home.
It is pointed out, first of all, that there is no economy
in the use of heavy shoes, with the idea that they will last
a long time, chiefly because their weight causes inconvenience
to the animal, and a certain output of nonproductive energy,
which has to be supplied in the food. The general rule is
given: ‘that no horse should be fitted with a shoe that will
last more than a month or five weeks, and that the shoes
should be replaced, as nearly as possible, every month.’
Attention is drawn to the fact that the foot of the horse
is a living structure which is continually growing, and shed-
ding the worn-out parts which are replaced with new mater-
ial. The horn of the horse’s foot is in the nature of a toe-
nail. It is kept in a pliable condition, and prevented from
cracking, by the moisture which it contains. In order to
prevent this moisture from escaping, the foot is provided with
a kind of varnish. The paring and rasping that are often done
by the smith in shoeing remove this varnish, so that the
horn of the foot dries up and such conditions as sand-crack
are produced. As a matter of fact, there is no need for par-
ing and scraping, because the horny fibres break off after they
have been growing for a time, to make room for the constantly
new supply by which this part of the foot is preserved in
a moist and supple condition.
The leaflet concludes with a description of errors that
are made in the treatment of the frog, and in the fitting on of
hot shoes.
Cotton and Sugar in China.—The amount of
raw cotton annually imported from India varies with the
rate of exchange between silver and gold and with the price
The Chinese cotton is much whiter
and freer from seed and leaf than the Indian, but Indian
cotton is imported for the mills in China, when exchange is
sufficiently favourable, in order to get a better length of
staple. Indian cotton is also imported to make up for
searcity of Chinese cotton when, on account of high prices
of American cotton, more Chinese cotton than usual is
shipped to Japan. It is to the latter cause that the increase
of 18,000 ewt. in the import of cotton in 1909 compared to
1908 is to be attributed. The export of raw cotton increased
by 24,000 ewt.
The import of foreign sugar is to some extent an index
of prosperity, and from this point of view the increase in
1909 is encouraging. To judge from the returns of New-
chwang, the only port of Manchuria of which the statistics
are as yet to hand, the increased import is, as might be
expected, especially noteworthy in the Manchurian provinces,
whose natural resources are being developed more rapidly
than those of any other part of the Empire. Ninety per
cent. of the actually foreign sugar imported in Newchwang
in 1309 was Hong Kong refined sugar, the balance being
Japanese. The production of beet sugar in North Manchuria
has not yet affected the market. (From Diplomatic and
Consular Reports, No. 4556 Annual Series, pp. 12 and 15.)
London.—TxE
bo
MARKET REPORTS.
West Inpia CIRCULAR,
August 1, 1911; Messrs. E, A. Dr Pass & Co.,
July 21, 1911.
CoMMITTEE
ARRowRooT—2d. ,
Bartara—Sheet, 3/4; block, 2/7} per tb.
Breswax—47 10s. to £8 10s. per ewt.
Cacao—Trinidad, 50/6 to 63/- per cwt.; Grenada, 51/-
to 57/6; Jamaica, 49/- to 56/-.
CoFrrrE—Jamaica, 62/- to 120/-.
Copra—West Indian, £25 5s. per ton.
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 12d. to 17d.
Fruit—No quotations.
Foustic—No quotations.
Gincer—49/- to 64/- per ewt.
HonEy—28/- to 38/-.
IstnGLass—No quotations.
Lime Jurce—Raw, 1/3 to 1/9; concentrated, £18 5s.; Otto
of limes (hand pressed), quiet.
Loc woop—No quotations.
Mace—(uiet.
Nurmecs—Quiet.
Pimenro—Common, 2,),d.; fair, 2}d.; good, 2;%d. per tb.
Rusgser—Para, fine hard, 4/83; tine soft, 4/43; fine Peru,
4/4 per Tb.
Rum—Jamaica, 1/6 to 5/-.
Sucar—Crystals, 15/6 to 18/-; Muscovado, 11/6 to 14/6;
Syrup, 11/- to 14/6 per ewt.; Molasses, no quotatioas,
New York,—Messrs. Gittespiz Bros. & Co., July 28,
1921,
Cacao—Caracas, 1lgc. to 12c.; Grenada, 11e. to 124c.;
Trinidad, 112e. to 12c. per. tb.; Jamaica, 10c. to 11c.
Cocoa-Nuts—Jamaica, select, $29°00 to $30°00; culls,
$17:00; Trinidad, select, $29°00 to $30-00; culls,
$17°00 per M.
CorrEE—Jamaica, 13}c. to 14jc. per tb.
Gincer—9c. to 12c. per tb.
Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 53c.; Antigua and Barbados, 48c.
to 50c.; St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. Kitts, 46c.
to 48c. per Ib.
Grape-Fruir—Jamaica, no quotations.
Limes—No quotations.
Mace—45e. to 52c. per th.
Nourmecs—110’s, 9jc. per Ib.
Orances—Jamaica, no quotations,
Pimento—4%c. per tb.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 4°36c. per tb.; Muscovados,
89°, 3°86c.; Molasses, 89°, 3:6lc. per tb., all duty
paid,
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., August 7,
1911.
Oacao—Venezuelan, $12°00 to $1225 per fanega; Trinidad,
$11°60 to $12°10.
Cocoa-Nut O11—75ec. per Imperial gallon.
Corrrr—Venezuelan, 15$c. per tb.
Corra—3'75 per 100 tb.
Dxuat—$3'90.
Onrons—$2'50 to $2°75 per 100 lb.
Peas, Sprir—$5°80 to $5°90 per bag.
Porators—English, $3°25 to $3°50 per 100 th.
Rice—Yellow, $4°70 to $4:75; White, $5°30 to $5°40
per bag.
Svuear—American crushed, no quotations.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
Avcusr 19, 1911.
Barbados,—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., August 9,
1911; Messrs. T. S. Garraway & Co., August 14,
1911; Messrs? Leacock & Co., August 4, 1911;
Messrs. E. Tuorne, Limited, August 14, 1911.
Cacao—$10°'50 to $11°50 per 100 tb.
Corton Srep—$22'40 per ton; meal, $1°50 per 100 th.;
2% per cent. discount. ;
Corton Sxep Or (refined)—47e. per gallon.
Corton Srrp Om (for export)—dle. per gallon (in bond).
Hay—$1°30 to $1°40 per 100 th.
Manvures—Nitrate of soda,
$6000 to $635:00; Cacao
manure, $42°00 to $48°00; Sulphate of ammonia
$75-00 to $76°00 per ton.
Motasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$1°75 to $2°37 per 100 th
Peas, Sprir—$5°65 to $5°75 per bag of 210 tbh.; Canada
$2°75 to $4:25 per bag of 120 th. ;
Poratoes—Nova Scotia, $2°50 to $450 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam, $4°85 per 190 th.; Patna, no quotations;
Rangoon, no quotations. :
Sucar—No quotations.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wierinc & Ricsrer, August
5, 1911; Messrs.
July 21, 1911.
SANDBACH,
ParKER & Co.,
ARTICLES.
Arrowroot—St. Vincent!
Bartata— Venezuela block
Demerara sheet
Cacao—Native
Cassava— }
Cassava STARCH—
Cocoa-NUTS—
CorrrE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
Daat—
Green Dhal
Eppors—
Motasses— Yellow
Ontons—Teneriffe
Madeira
Preas—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Potators—Nova Scotia
Lisbon
Porators-Sweet, B’bados
Rice—Ballam
Creole
TANNIAS—
Yams— White
Buck "
Sucar—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
Timber —Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
1 Cerca
Messrs. WIETING
& Ricurer.
$10:00 to $10°25
per 200 th.
No quotation
70c. per tb.
lle. per tb.
96e.
$6°50 to $7-00
$12 to $16 per M
16c. per tb.
19c. per tb.
103c. per tb.
$3°65 per bag of
168 Tb.
$3°50
96c.
None
de.
$5°65 per bag
(210 tb.)
$3-90
8c. to 20c.
96c. per bag
No quotation
$5:00 to $5-25
96e.
$3°00
$324
$3°25
$3°75 to $3°80
32c. to 5dc. per
cub. foot
$3°75 to $6:00
per M.
$1°80 to $2:00
per ton
Messrs. Sanp-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$10-00 per 200 tb.
Prohibited
6de.
12c. per tb.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
selected
ldc. per th.
19c.per tb.
10c. per tb.
$3°75 per bag of
168 tb.
4c. to 5c.
dsc.
$5°65 per bag
(210 tb.)
No quotation
$350
No quotation
$5°25 tu $5'50
$3°25
$4°00 to $4°25
None
32c. to 55c. per
cub. foot
$4:00 to $6:00
per M.
No quotation
$2°75 to $300
3°
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
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Vor. X. No. 243. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. Avucusr 19, 1911.
THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE
aR ee
Ohlendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—For Sugar-cane and general use
Ohlendorff’s Special Sugar-cane Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cocoa Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cotton Manure
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, high grades,
Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers.
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO:—
THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS.
London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C.
Barbados Agents : James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
SPRAYING MACHINES. JUS ISSUED,
We have in stock some Spraying Machines manu-| A NEW @ ND RE-EN LA RG ED
factured specially for spraying cotton or cocoa plants, MPITION 7
Fitted with improved Nozzle, IDI TLON OF
ALSO PURE ARSENATE OF LEAD. NATURE TEACHING.
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CONTENTS.
Introduction. Soil,
Varieties. Climate.
Propagation:— Shade,
Selection. . Preparing the Land.
Stock for Inarching Planting.
and Budding Cultivation.
Tnarching Fertilization or Manuring,
Budding, Pruning and Sanitation
TWELVE (12) PULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS.
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Von. X. No. 244. BARBADOS, SEPTEMBER 2,
1 LO ICRU
CONTENTS.
PAGE. PaGE.
sritish Guiana, Trade and Insect Notes :—
a Commerce of, 1910-11 281 The Mango Weevil a5 Pte
Calcium Cyanamide as Light and the Growth of
a Manure, Use of ... 281 Trees ... 273
Manuring and Meat Pro-
duction Ess seo 200
Canadian National Exhibi-
tion, St. Vincent and
the Virgin Islands at 287) Market Reports... ... 288
Cassava from Réunion ... 276 Non-proteid Bodies, Use
Cotton Notes :— of, by Animals... 281
Caravonica Cotton 278 Notes and Comments ... 280
Cotton in Algeria... 278 Periodicity in Yield of
West Indian Cotton 278 Plantation Crops... 280
Dominica, Green Dressing Pine-Apple Growing and
ALHENIS A eae SapetRRC Lie Manganese Soils’ ... 276
Fibre Plant, New ... ... 285 Rubber Latex, Acetic Acid
Fiji, Sisal Fibre-Cleaning Coagulation of... ...
Iss. 22. o-- «-. +. 283! Rubber Supply to’ the
Fungus Notes :— United Kingdom ., 279
The Die-back Fungus of Students’ Corner ... ... 285
Para Rubber and of Sugar Industry :-—
Cacao... ... ... ... 286 Sugar in Cuba in 1910 27
Gleanings ... ... ... ... 284 West Indian Products ... 28
Growth of Stems, Effects West Indies in Canada,
of Compression on ... 281 1911 <2. eeeeeeereeOO
Light and the Growth of Trees.
2)
Se od
[SN REES, like all other green plants, require
}L light, in order that they may produce material
for the new growth without which they
cannot remain alive. This makes it evident that,
where a large number of trees are existing together,
the extent to which their requirements are satisfied in
the matter of light determines the number that are
standing on a unit of area, as well as the manner of
growth in those which continue to live. The importance
of the proper supply of light to trees has been recog-
nized first, in an organized, practical manner, in forestry,
and it will be well to give short attention to a recent
publication* which presents particulars of the latest
ce msiderations and results belonging to the subject.
In this Bulletin, reference is first made to the ways
in which plants are affected by light. They are influ-
enced by this in the building up of food materials, and
it is also responsible for the structure, form and colour
of the leaves, and the form of the stem and of the crown
of the tree. In collections of trees, as in forests, the
growth in height, the rate of thinning out and of
natural pruning, the character of the smaller plants
growing under the trees, and the vigour of the younger
trees, are all matters that are determined by the supply
of light. It is the recognition of this fact that has
stimulated enquiry into the subject, in order that those
responsible for forest work may be in possession of
accurate information concerning the light required by
trees, when growing together.
It must be remembered that plants are subjected
to two kinds of iight—direct and diffused, and that the
proportion of the former is increased as the equator
is approached, while they both decrease in amount
with increase of latitude. Height above sea-l-vel
also affects the ratio of these two kinds of light:
the greater the altitude the less is the amvunt
of diffused light, and the larger the quantity of
that which is direct. As far asa plant in any given
position is concerned, this is illuminated by light
which reaches it in different ways, the kinds being
overhead light, which is the strongest, side light, light
*Bulletin 92 of the Forest Service of the United States
Department of Agriculture, entitled Light in Relation to Tree
Growth.
274
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. Seprember 2, 1911.
reflected from surrounding surfaces, and that reflected
from the ground. The first of these influences the arrange-
ment of the leaves on the branches, their position,and the
manner in which the branches are developed. ‘he side
light stimulates the growth of the buds that are borne
on lateral branches; its effect is often seen in the devel-
opment of the branches on the side of an opening in
a wood or forest. All these must be considered in rela-
tion to the illumination of any individual plant, and
attention must be given to the fact, as well, that trees
rarely receive the total daylight, for this is lessened in
amount by the shading caused by the foliage of the
plant itself and by neighbouring trees.
In dealing with the behaviour of different kinds of
trees, under varying conditions, regard is had to their
tolerance of shade, or as it is often termed merely, their
tolerance. Trees which endure shade well are said to be
tolerant, while those needing full light are termed in-
tolerant. Most trees, even in the tropics, will thrive in
full light, particularly if they have grown under this
condition from the time of planting out. Different
plants, in the open, do not however employ the same
amount of light; they are enatled to use the quantity
that suits them best by placing their leaves in such
a position, relative to the source of light, as to regulate
the amount falling upon them; or the density of their
erowns may be increased so as to produce a deeper
shade for the lower and inner branches: or the structure
of the leaves may be altered, even, in order to lessen
their power of assimilation. Tolerance, nevertheless, is
not a fixed quality, in regard to any one kind of tree,
since plants may change some of their characters in
relation to their environment; while the latter cannot
have any effect upon the amount of light which is
required inherently.
After treating of these matters, the Bulletin men-
tioned makes short reference to the work of Lubimenko
and of Grafe, which has shown that the amount of
assimilation carried on by the leaf is influenced directly
by its anatomical structure and by the properti¢s of the
specialized portions of the protoplasm (chloroplasts)
containing chlorophyll, in their cells. This work has
also led to other interesting conclusions, among which
are the fact that the regulation of assimilation takes
place, in medium diffused hght, mainly through the
influence of the first-mentioned cause, while the proper-
ties of the chloroplasts have their greatest effect in light
at great and small intensities; and that the latter cause
determines the stage at which the most useful amount
of assimilation takes place.
Consideration is given to experiments that have
been carried out for the purpose of ascertaining the
most usual cause of the death, or poor development, of
undergrowth in forests and woods. ‘These have shown
that the state is not caused by insufficient light alone,
but by the competition of the roots of the large trees:
the etfect of the latter is to lower the water content of
the soil to such a degree that the smaller plants are
prevented from flourishing. This serves to explain the
ettects of thinning, in closely growing plantations,
whereby the lessened competition fur water among the
roots permits of increased growth on the part of the
plants that remain.
As regards the intensity of light needed at differ-
ent stages of growth, it is a general fact that most
trees exhibit tolerance when they are young, and
that as they become older they require more light,
while the differences between various species in this
respect become more marked. The demand for light
also changes with the season; more is wanted for
flowering and fruiting than at other times. These
matters are such as might be expected, when it is
considered that an increase in the rate of formation of
tissue entails an enhanced rate of assimilation, and thus
a greater degree of illumination.
There are several methods of comparing the
amount of tolerance exhibited by trees of different
species. Among these are observation of the density
of the crowns, of the rate of natural pruning and thin-
ning under similar conditions, of the rapidity of growth,
of the ability of seedlings to flourish in the shade, and
the determination of the ratio between the heignt of
a tree and its diameter. One of the most useful of these
methods is the second, namely observation of the
rapidity with which self-pruning of the lower branches
takes place. As regards the last, the ratio is usually
termed the relative height of the tree; its usefulness
depends on the fact that the greater the tolerance of a
tree, the less is it likely to increase in height in a
manner disproportionate to the rate of growth of its
diameter. Thus in the case of trees that have died
under shade, the relative height is represented by a
comparatively large number.
It will be well to mention the effects of shading
on fhe leaves of plants, as they are given in the work
under consideration. In the first place, it causes well-
marked changes in the anatomical structure; secondly,
as is well known, it prevents the leaves from assuming
their natural green colour. Further, shaded leaves
show a smaller tendency to the production of a erumpled
Vou. X. No. 244.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
275
eee
surface, and of hairs, than those in bright light, while
the veins of the former are less strongly developed.
Lastly, shaded leaves are usually thin and limp, and do
not possess the dense structure of those that have
received a normal supply of light.
Enough has been said to show that the supply of
light to plants is of much importance in relation to
their life-history, and that this is the case to such an
extent as to influence them in the direction of making
changes in their structure in order that they may adapt
themselves to the particular circumstances of the illum-
ination in which they have to grow.
is being recognized for forest plants, and there is no
reason why it should receive less attention in relation
This importance
to plants, such as cacao and limes, raised in orchard
cultivation, and to the proper provision of shade trees
for plants growing under artificial conditions.
SUGAR INDUSTRY.
SUGAR IN CUBA IN 1910.
The crop of the 1909-10 season amounted to 1,800,000
tons or 100,000 tons in excess of the estimates. A compara-
tive table of the crops for the last two years is appended :—
Year. Mills Cane Sugar, Sugar, Molasses,
Operating. ground, percent. tons. gallons.
tons.
1909 170 13,951,998 10°90 1,521,818 60,331,307
1910 175 16,173,378 11°23 1,817,544 74,011,482
Trustworthy estimates of the production of sugar for the
1910-11 season set the figure at 12,241,000 bags (about
1,750,000 tons). The accuracy of these figures, based on the
working of 170 mills now in operation, depends on the con-
tinuance of favourable weather during the cutting season,
which extends from December until June. It is not antici-
pated, however, that the price will reach the high figure of
the past season, the shrinkage in value being estimated at
£4,000,000.
The estimated amount of sugar grown for home consump-
tion for the past three years is: 19035, 62,827 tons: 1909,
69,706 tons; 1910, 71,185 tons.
Of the remainder, almost the entire amount is exported
to the United States, and, indeed, the sugar industry of Cuba
is slowly passing into foreign, principally United States,
hands.
The trade with the United States is fostered by the
Reciprocity Treaty between the two countries, by which
Cuban sugar imported into the United States receives prefer-
ential treatment. The American Sugar Trust controls a num-
ber of important plantations in the island.
A certain number of refineries has been established and
that branch of the industry is now practically in a position to
supply local requirements, as is revealed by the statistics of
the importation of refined sugar, which shows a decrease in
imports from 8,227 ewt. in 1905 to 425 cwt. in 1910,
_ The average retail prices in Cuba for the year 1910 were
for white granulated sugar 34d. per lb, and for second qual-
ity sugar 2d. per lb. The average price for molasses at the
mill during the same period was 1:70d. per gallon. The
average wholesale price of sugar of the standard grade of
96° test, warehoused for export, for the past three years, has
been : 1908, 11s. 6d. per ewt.; 1909, 10s. 6d. per ewt.; 1910,
lls. 43d. per cwt.
The exportation to the United Kingdom has increased
from none in 1908 to no less than 119,418 ewt. from the
1909-10 crop. This was probably due to the shortage in the
European beet sugar crop, and a corresponding increase is not
anticipated in the exportation of the present year.
Canada is making a bid for Cuban sugar, and the Legis-
lature of that country has made a provision allowing Cana-
dian refineries to import Cuban sugar up to 20 per cent. of
their total output on the same terms as sugar from the Brit-
ish West Indies
During the month of March, in order to bring the coun-
try into line with the requirements of the Brussels Sugar
Convention of 1902, the Cuban Government reduced the
import duties on raw sugar to $1:00 per 100 kilos., and on
refined sugar to 75e. per 100 kilos. The question was one of
vital importance to the Cuban sugar industry, which, although
chiefly dependent on the United States market, is able to
deal, as long as the European market is open, at the price
fixed in that market.
The industry is in a thoroughly thriving condition. The
soil is of such fertility that the canes will continue produc-
tive without renewal for a period unknown in other countries,
and the industry is consequently of such a profitable nature
that foreign capital is very readily attracted to it.
The prosperity produced by the recent crops has caused
large purchases of modern machinery, which lead to- great
economies in production, and consequently increased profits.
As there are still profitable openings in this industry for
British labour and capital—at present there are only five or
six British plantations in the whole island—a short account
of it may not be out of place.
The average production per acre is 12 bags, or 3,900 Db.
The usual course with planters is to arrange with a mill to
take their cane, receiving in return 55 to 60 per cent. of the
value of the sugar produced therefrom. This averages £10
to £12 peracre. The remainder, together with the second
grade sugar and the molasses, goes to the mill. Sugar is
a sure crop, itis little affected by the cyclones, requires but
little skill or attention, and the mills are ready to assist small
planters with advances, implements, etc. The ploughing for
spring sowing is done in January, February and March, and
the planting in April and May, and the autumn planting in
August or September. Satisfactory sugar land may still be
bought at £4 to £10 per acre. (Diplomatic and Consular
Reports, No. 4695, Annual Series.)
The report of the Royal Commission appointed to
enquire into the question of the. erection of additional
central sugar factories in Queensland contains the recom-
mendation that two such factories shall be erected, having
a capacity of 10,000 tons and of 5,000 tons, for the season
of 1915. It is also recommended that, under certain
conditions, a third factory shall be built, having a capacity
equal to the latter of the two just mentioned, and further
that for the season 1914, another factory, with a capacity of
8,000 tons shall be built. The question of the future
erection of sugar factories is to be left to the State
Treasurer.
276
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SEPTEMBER 2, 1911,
FRUITS “AND, PRUIV SeR EES.
PINE-APPLE GROWING AND MAN-
GANESE SOILS.
This subject has received much attention of late, par-
ticularly in Hawaii, and an opportunity is given to present
further information concerning it by the publication, in the
Hawaiian Forester and Agriculturist for June 1911, of an
article dealing with the matter, in relation to the soils of
Wahiewa in the Hawaiian Islands. It is stated that pine-
apple plants growing in this soil are stunted, likely
to be attacked by pests and diseases, possess a sickly appear-
ance, and are wanting in the healthy green colour that
attends a normal content ef chlorophyll in the leaves. The
admission is made thai these conditions may be due to cir-
cumstances other than the presence of an excess of manganese
in the soil, among these being lack of drainage, root rot, and
deleterious substances in liquid manure; but it is agreed that
the manifestation of untoward conditions in this case is due
to the effect of the manganese compounds in the soil.
teference is made to the fact that manganese is widely
distributed in soils, but always exists as compounds. The
subject is complicated by the considerations that manganese
dioxide can lose oxygen and give rise to manganous salts, and
that it can combine with such substances as lime to form
compounds, call manganites, which decompose somewhat
easily under ordinary conditions.
Attention is called to the circumstance that citric acid has
been found capable of dissolving considerable amounts of man-
ganous hydroxide, and that acids, generally, can dissolve the
oxides of manganese. I’urther, various water plants have been
shown to be able to absorbcombined manganese from water con-
taining compounds of that element, manganese dioxide being
deposited in the epidermis of the leaves. Other work, carried
out more especially in Japan, has demonstrated that plants
other than pineapples exhibit a toxie condition when they
are subjected to the action of manganese salts in large
amounts. The results of these investigations are applied to
pine-apples growing in Wahiawa soils, particularly in view of
the large acidity of the plant, although it is doubtful if man-
ganese dioxide could be deposited in the pine-apple in a way
similar to that in the case of water plants, in view of the
high citric acid content of the former
Trials have shown that sngar-cane can be grown success
fully on manganese-containing soils which could hardly
support pine-apples, and this fact suggests that there must
be some considerable difference between these two crops, in
relation to their absorption of substances from the soil. The
matter receives elucidation when the ash of each of these
plants is analyzed, for it is seen that the pine-apple takes up
much more manganese than the sugar-cane, while at the same
time, the proportion of ash to the total weight of the plant
is much greater in the case of the former. The circumstance
may be due to the greater acidity of the plant, but the
important matter is that, where manganese is present in the
soil, this will naturally be absorbed to a much greater
extent in the case of pine-apples than in that of sugar-cane.
As has been indicated, the formation of manganites from
manganese dioxide, with basic substances such as lime,
requires due consideration, Several such bodies are formed,
with lime, and they are all very poisonous to plant life,
An interesting illustration is given, in which a heavy
dose of quicklime was applied to a field of soil possessing
a high manganese content, where pine-apples were growing,
when the plants practically ceased to grow, lost nearly all
their chlorophyll, and had to be removed. The circumstance
would point to the formation of some highly poisonous com-
pound, through interaction between the lime and the manga-
nese compounds in the soil, and provides an example in which
the application of lime was not beneficial, as is usually taken
to be the case, but quite otherwise.
The article concludes with the suggestion that, with
present knowledge, it may be assumed, at any rate tempora-
rily, that the poisonous effect observed with pineapples grow-
ing in the manganese soils of Wahiawa is due primarily to
the action of caleium manganite, and secondarily to that of
other salts and acids upon this bedy.
CASSAVA FROM REUNION.
In L’ Agriculture Pratique des Pays Chauds tor July
1911, particulars are given of an analysis of ‘manioc en
cossettes ’ exported from Réunion, which was made at the
Colonial. This is a product obtained by drying the
cassava and exporting it in the form of small ‘cakes’. The
figures are as follows :—
Jardin
Per cent.
Water 11:70
Starch $415
Nitrogenous matter Peo
Ash 1-70
The cassava was stated to be well prepared and free
from large fibrous bundles, and to be considered as a product
of very good quality.
Vou. X., No. 244.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 27
Ti
GREEN DRESSING TRIALS IN
DOMINICA.
The following article comprises an account of recent
trials with green dressings made at the Agricultural
School, Dominica, which has been prepared by the
Assistant Curator of the. Botanic Station. In forward-
ing the acconnt, the Curator states that the first-men-
tioned, namely Tephrosia candida, is the most promis-
ing of all the green dressings that have come under the
observation of the Dominica Agricultural Department.
TEPHROSIA CANDIDA. Seeds of this green dressing were
received from the Commissioner of Agriculture in October
1910. On November 2, they were sown ‘in drills 3 feet
apart, on a light open soil, the previous crop having been
yams. No soil was received for inoculation, and the plot was
not in any way specially prepared. Germination was good
and even. Growth at first was somewhat slow, The plot
was weeded on three occasions—early in December, late in
January and early in March. After the last date, further weed-
ing was unnecessary, the ground being covered over. The
plants continued to grow in height for several months, and it
was not until the first week in August that flowers appeared,
on a few of them; the average height at this date was slightly
over 6 feet. The ground under them was perfectly clean
from weeds, being covered by a light layer of decayed Jeaves.
This is one of the most promising of green dressings,
especially for rubber cultivations; and if experiments show
that it can survive topping at about 3 feet from the ground,
for cacao and limes, as weil The saving in the weeding
expenses resulting from its use would be very considerable.
Once this green dressing has become established, it keeps
the soil clean for many months.
It is hoped that it will seed plentifully, and that sup-
plies of seeds will be available for planters.
TEPHROSIA PURPUREA. Seeds of this green dressing were
received from the Commissioner of Agriculture during Febru-
ary of this year. Together with the seeds was sent a bag
containing a small quantity of soil in which the plant had
been successfully -grown in the East, with the object of sup-
plying the special variety of the nodule organism that lives
in symbiosis with 7’. purpurea.
Both the seeds and the soil were sown together, on Feb-
ruary 17; a few seeds, however, were put in without the soil,
as acontrol. Unfortunately, only seven holes germinated,
and six of the seven were in the part of the plot which had
been inoculated.
The growth of leafage was at first very Sparse, and con-
tinued so until the first flowering took place, which was early
in May—eleven weeks from the date of sowing. The plants
continued to spread, bearing flowers and seeds nearly all
the time. At present (August) they are covered with
flowers, have a spread of about 3 feet, and are between 2 and
3 feet high. The seeds that have already matured have been
sown, and further experiments will be carried out with this
green dressing.
As far as one is able to judge at present, 7’. purpurea is
not nearly-as valuable as a green dressing as the last-men-
tioned species of Tephrosia, namely, 7’. candida.
JERUSALEM PRA (Phaseolus trinervis). A small quantity
of seed of this green dressing was received from the Commis-
sioner of Agriculture early in February of this year. It was sown
on February 10, in drills 3 feet apart,in a fairly loose soil, the
previous crop having been soy beans. The soil was not in any
way specially prepared. ermination was somewhat uneven.
The plot was twice weeded—on March 28 and May 12; no
further weeding was required. Phaseolus trinervis has a very
marked creeping habit of growth, and any unevenness which
appeared at first was soon concealed by the growing plants.
It is a vigorous grower, under conditions in Dominica, and
when last examined in the middle of August, showed no signs
of flowering. The growth is very thick, and, on an average,
2 feet high; the plant is very effective in keeping down weeds,
and has already occupied the ground six months.
As a cover crop, it isa valuable addition to the few really
good plants available for this purpose. Its twining habit,
however, is somewhat unfavourable when 1t is growing among
young limes and cacao, unless care is taken to keep the vines
away from the trees themselves.
In the middie of the plot, the leaves of a few of the
plants were attacked by a minute red spider, which does con-
siderable harm to the plants. Those attacked have been
removed and destroyed, with the hope, in this way, to pre-
vent the spread of the pest to other parts of the plot.
CHICK PEA (Cvcer arietinum). Seeds of this green
dressing were obtained from Ceylon, by the Commissioner of
Agriculture, and a small quantity forwarded in May for trial
in Dominica.
The seeds were sown in drills 3 feet apart, on May 30;
the previous crop was the Bambarra ground nut ( Voandzeva
subterraned).
The seeds germinated fairly evenly, but failed to grow
more than a few inches, when the roots were badly attacked by
a fungus, followed by mealy-bugs. The plants made an
attempt to preduce seeds, flowering during the first week
in July five weeks from the date of sowing. Later, the
leaves, flowers and young pods (containing one or two seeds)
were attacked by a green caterpillar.
It is quite evident that Cicer arietinum requires condi-
tions very different from those obtaining in Dominica, for
its successful cultivation.
CYAMOPSIS PSORALIOIDES. Seeds were received at the
same time as those of the last-mentioned plant, but though
carefully sown in well prepared land, they unfortunately failed
to germinate.
With reference to the tio plants dealt with first,
above (Tephrosia candida and T. purpurea), it may
be mentioned that accounts of the results of similar
trials, made in St. Lucia, are given on page 245 of the
current volume of the Agricultural News, and on
page 284 of this number.
The Proceedings of the Agricultural Society of T'rinidad
and Tobago shows that the amount of cacao shipped from
Trinidad during June last was 5,215,414 tb. and that the
quantity exported during the present year was 35,100,943 tb.
In 1910, the exports, up to the end of June, were
39,277,699 tb.
278 THE
AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SEPTEMBER 2, 1911,
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date August 15, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
No business has been reported in West Indian Sea
Islands during the past fortnight, spinners being quite indif-
ferent about adding to their stocks, until there is some
demand for yarn.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending August 12, states that there has been no change
since the last report.
COTTON IN ALGERIA.
The Journal d Agriculture Tropicale for May 1911,
p. 133, contains an article by M. C. Riviere, Director of the
Experiment Station of Algiers, in which the author criticises
the conclusions reached concerning the cultivation of cotton
in Algeria, in a recent report issued by ]’Association Coton-
niére Coloniale.
M. Riviére states that for some time he has considered
that the climate and labour conditions in Algeria do not lend
themselves to the obtaining of satisfactory yields from the
gotton plant, and that this opinion is the result of observations
extending over forty-three years. Since 1853, the growing of
cotton in the country has been encouraged by the lrench
Government, and it appears to be a fact that any develop-
ment of cotton-growing in Algeria has been due to the stimu-
lus and artificial support given by means of bounties, prizes
and official encouragement of every kind. It is considered
that, when these large subsidies and favours are withdrawn,
the growing of the plant will cease immediately and com-
pletely.
Cotton can probably be cultivated successfully in a few
restricted localities, and on certain irrigated lands, but it is
well known that the area in the country which ean be irri-
gated during summer is very limited. On the other hand, any
success with the crop in dry lands is always doubtful.
There are other influences unfavourable to the cultivation
of cotton in Algeria; among these are spring frosts, rain and
hail toward the end of the year, and the advent of unexpected
dry seasons. Turther, during the long, rainless Summer, the
development of the plant ceases, unless it can be watered
regularly. With respect to this, irrigation in summer and
autumn is not always possible, for want of water; or if it can
be carried out, it is available only for small areas of land.
Even irrigation itself is unfavourable in certain districts, on
account of the saltness of the water that has to be used. As
regards labour for the harvest, this is very difficult to obtain,
aud this fact has always interfered with cotton-growing in the
country. Lastly, under the special conditions, sufficient
manure is never produced on ithe farm to keep the soil in
proper condition for growing cotton.
Figures are given to show that the production and value
of the cotton grown have steadily decreased since 1907, and
the conclusion is reached that if this annual culture, which
does not offer any practical difficulties under proper cireum-
stances, has remained in a stationary condition, if not one of
decrease, there is something to show that good causes exist
for this state of affairs, which should be considered.in assessing
the value of tlie cotton plant to the country.
CARAVONICA COTTON.
In the AgNcultural Journal of India, Vol. V, p. 248,
there appears an article by G. A. Gammie, F.L.S., Imperial
Cotton Specialist for India. This reviews the results of trials
with Caravonica cotton in various parts of the world, and
attention is first given to experiments in the Sudan, which it
was decided to discontinue, because the plants did not make
satisfactory growth, and the yield was inferior to that from
Egyptian cotton. Further, the writer gleans information
from articles concerning the subject, that have appeared in
the Indian Trade Jowrnal and the Tropical Agriculturist,
‘The former shows that attempts to grow the cotton were made
by several small growers in the vicinity of Cairns (Queens-
land). ‘'lhree varieties were tried, and it was demonstrated
that these are not constant in their characters, and that all
are liable to insect attacks when the plants are young.
Dealing with the second reference, it is shown that this
is in the nature of an account of a long interview with
Dr. Thomatis, thé originator of the cotton,in which it is claim-
ed that the hybrids had required only five years to become
established. Criticism is given of several of the statements
that were made during the interview, and it is shown that,
although good results are alleged to have been obtained in
Australia, Caravonica cotton has continually proved a failure
in India; while even in the former country, the only claim that
could be made at the time of writing was that the cotton is
being grown (as’ has been stated) by several small holders
near Cairns, The article concludes with the following
Statements: —
The tree cotton which will succeed as a field crop bas
sull to be discovered, and until it is really found and certified
to be a success by responsible and disinterested men, the
public in general will be well advised to withhold their finan-
cial support from well-meant, perhaps, but visionary schemes
of amassing rapid fortunes from tree cotton cultivation
Vou. X. No. 244
RUBBER INDUSTRY.
COAGULATION OF RUBBER LATEX WITH
ACETIC ACID.
An interesting article in the India-Rubher Journal. for
May 27,1911, by Mr. W. Crossley, F.1.C., draws attention to
the fact that much has yet to be learned concerning the pro-
cess of coagulation of r ibber latex, in spite of the good work
that has been done so far in connexion with the matter.
The article goes on to- consider various circumstances
relating to such coagulation by means of acetic acid,
and shows that research into the literature of tbe sub-
ject indicates a large variation in the quantity of acid that
has been considered hy different autborities to be necessary
for the purpose. After giving examples in illustration, it
presents the results of recent experiments that have been
performed with latex from Sumatra, This, unfortunately,
had been diluted to a considerable extent, but was normal in
other respects. The experiments show that, ignoring the
coagulating effect of the acids present naturally in the latex,
1 part by weight of acetic acid coagulated 1,176 parts by
volume of latex. Allowing for the acid already present, it
was found, further, that the true coagulating power of
1 part by weight of the total acid was 575 parts by volume
of latex. These results are not of general application,
for as has been indicated, the latex used in the trial had been
diluted to an unknown extent. The point of interest is that
the action of the naturally occurring acid probably explains
the large discrepancy in the amounts of acetie acid that are
recommended by different authorities for coagulation. The
dilution of latex to different degrees, and the extent of time
during which this has been kept, between collection and
examination, form sufficient causes for the obtaining of results
that are not in agreement.
The article mentions the well-known fact that, if the
amount of acetic acid is either too large or too small,
imperfect coagulation results, and attention is further drawn
to work, by Parkin, which led to the following conclusion:
‘the percentage of acid necessary is proportional only to the
original volume of latex present, and is independent of its
dilution with water.’ Experiments carried out by the writer
of the article support this statement, and the latter is shown
by him to hold good through a very long range of values. In
the work, the assumption is made that the coagulating
powers of the naturally occurring acids and of the acetic acid
are equal. Further investigations are required to determine if
this is true,
In regard to the maximum quantity of acid that is
required for the purpose of producing satisfactory coagulation,
details and figures are given of a test in which this was found
to be 10°4 times the minimum amount, and an experiment is
described further, which demonstrates that the factor obtained
by dividing the maximum amount of acid by the minimum
is not a constant, ‘for with the same volume of latex,
and a fixed maximum amount of acid, the maximum
amount of acid allowable increases with the dilution.’ The
matter also explains why addition can be made of a large
excess of acid over the minimum required (as far as complete
coagulation is concerned), if the latex has been diluted; on the
contrary, it is less safe to add a large amount of acid when
the work is being done with normal, undiluted latex,
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
279
Concerning to the adsorption of. acetic acid when it is
used -to coagulate Hevea latex, the writer does not find evi-
dence that this takes place to any great extent, and details of
trials are given which support this view of the matter. If
there is any chemical action while coagulation is taking place,
it must be constituted in the combination of the acid with
one or more substances in the latex, to form compounds
having an acid reaction, As far as adsorption is concerned,
the writer, prefers to consider this as referring to such acid
as can only be removed from the precipitated colloid with
great difficulty, and an experiment is given to show that
a small amount of the acid is actually precipitated in this way.
The article concludes by a consideration of the effect of
the quantity of acid employed for coagulation on the protein
content of the finished rubber. It was found that the
larger the amount of acid, the greater the quantity of protein
found in the rubber, and this shows that, under present con-
ditions, it is preferable to use the minimum quantity of acid
that will produce complete coagulation. The subject is pur-
sued by the performance of an experiment in which Hevea
latex was repeatedly shaken up with fresh quantities of water,
when it was found that the proteid content could be reduced
to a certain degree, and that rubber was obtained which
possessed an exceptionally light colour. No further evidence
is required to demonstrate the fact, at least, that the colour
of rubber is largely influenced by the way in which it is
prepared.
THE SUPPLY OF RUBBER TO
UNITED KINGDOM.
The following table shows the imports of rubber to the
United Kingdom in 1909 and 1910:—
THE
1909. 1910
Origin. Cwt. £ Cwt. a5
Gambia sta ta 221 3,379 103 2,268
Sierre Leone 866 13,607 1,076 26,385
Gold Coast... ... 23,276 272,370 28,730 482.328
Southern Nigeria... 8,112 94,044 20,351 316,655
Northern Nigeria —~ _ 50 905
Natal 1,021 1,661 808 1,622
Zanzibar ae 125 12,845 528 13,339
East African Protee-
torate 1733 47,005 2,989 94,600
India a8, (03090 23,292 6,164 £4,286
Straits Settlements 53,855 1,412,241 81,451 3,039,523
Federated Malay
States .. 11,198 385,798 34,110 1,504,403
Ceylon ve ee LIV17 348,183.>20:796 880)575
British Borneo ... 5 81 —s-1,681 43,528
British West
Indies 37 603 105 LWA
Other British
Possessions 2,193 9,454 3,688 24,851
Total, British
Possessions 118,049 2,624,563 202,630 6,517,245
Total, Foreign
Countries 582,013 11,513,641 674,339 19,579,544
700,062 14,138,204 876,969 26,096,789
(From the Supplement to The Chamber of Commerce
Journal, July 1911.)
280
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. SepreMBeER 2,
1911:
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens fur naming, should be addressed to the
ommissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. <A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s. 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
Agricultural dlews
Vor. X;
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1911. No. 244.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Contents of Present Issue.
In this number the editorial deals with Light and
the Growth of Trees. This is a subject that is possibly
of more importance in temperate climates than in the
tropics, on account of the smaller intensity of illumina-
tion in those latitudes. Is deserves study, nevertheless,
in the tropics, because of its importance in relation
to the growing of trees collectively, in plantations, and
to the provision of shade plants and trees.
Under the heading Sugar Industry, on page 275,
information is given concerning the production of sugar
in Cuba, in 1910.
An account of interesting trials of green dressings
that have been made recently in Dominica is presented
on page 277. Similar experiments, undertaken in St.
Lucia, receive attention in this number of the Agri-
cultural News, on page 284, and more particularly in
number 242 of the present volume.
On page 279 there appears an abstract of a useful
‘article, concerning the coagulation of rubber latex with
acetic acid.
The Insect Notes, in this issue, present an illus-
trated article on the mango weevil (Cryptorhynchus
Mang fer{e).
An article entitled Manuring and Meat Production
is given on page 283, ‘{'his presents the conclusions of
work, in relation to the subject, that has been conducted
continuously, through a long period of years.
The West Indies in Canada, 1911.
As was stated in a former issue of the Agricul-
turul News (No. 235), the illustrated booklet entitled
“The West Indies in Canada, 1911’, has been published
for the Canadian National Exhibition that is being
held in Toronto at the present time.
The bovklet presents the same features as those of
the Jast edition, and the statistical details have under-
goue the necessary revision. The illustrated portion
was printed on calendered paper, as in that edition, on
account of the. improvement that has been effected by
the use of superior paper for the half-tone illustrations.
-S__ —
Periodicity in Yield of Plantation Crops.
Observations made fur the purpose of regulating
the times and extent of tapping, on rubber estates, have
drawn attention to the expected fact that the yields of
such crops do not remain constant throughout the year,
but vary in relation to ditferent conditions. In the
India-Rubber Journal, Vol. XLI, No. 12, p. 16, the
subject is considered at some length, in an article, where
it is pointed out, firstly, that while in most parts of
Malaya, where the climatic conditions remain virtually
the same throughout the year, the monthly returns
from the trees are fairly constant, the matter is very
different in the case of those paris of Ceylon where
Hevea is grown, and where there is amarked dry period
from January to April. In the latter case, during this
period, the yield of latex, as well as that of dry rubber,
is smaller, per tapping. ‘The figures that are available
show that this is not the case in regard to the second,
smaller dry season; this is probably- because of the
increase in age of the trees, and in that of the number
which is being tapped.
Interesting figures relating to rubber production
in Ceylon are given, which support the contention that
the advent of the dry season causes a reduction in out-
put trom the trees. The conclusions from these are
complicated by the fact that heavy rains interfere with
tapping operations to such an extent as to decrease the
output during the time that these are being received.
It is pointed out that, even in Malaya where, as
has been said, the variations in the climate during the
year are smaller than in Ceylon, there is a decrease in
the amount of tapping during February and March
because it is believed that the trees, while losing their
old leaves and producing new foliage, give a smaller
yield of latex and receive benefit froma rest. This is
probably true, on account of the decreased turgidity of
the cells, owing to the lessened transpiration through
the loss of the old leaves. A further cause of irregular-
ity is the rapid increase in transpiration on account of
the appearanee of the young leaves.
‘The matters considered in the article give rise to
the conclusion that, when the Hevea trees growing ‘in
the East have reached maturity, there will always be
a decline in the rubber exports from that part of the
world during February and March, and this notwith-
standing the custom of regular tapping which has been
adopted on the majority of the estates.
Von. X. No. 244.
The Effects of Compression on the Growth of
Stems.
In recent years, interest has been taken in the
effect of stresses, in various directions, on the manner
in which plants grow. With reference to such work,
an investigation is described in the Botanical Gazette
for 1910, p. 257, in which experiments were made with
woody and herbaceous plants for the purpose of ascer-
taining the effect of causing compression, along the
length, of upright stems. It might be thought that
such compression would result in an increase in the
strength of the stem and in the tissues mainly respon-
sible for that strength, owing to the stimulus that may
be caused by the stress. There was, however, no
indication that this is the case, as far as the woody
stems are concerned; while in the young herbaceous
stems the increase of strength during growth was actu-
ally smaller than the normal.
It was found that there was no effect im the
direction of causing differences in the shape of any of
the elements of the stem, except where the compression
was very large, and out ofall proportion to the strength
of these elements.
—————E ae __
The Trade and Commerce of British Guiana,
1910-11.
During this period the total trade of this Colony
with the United Kingdom was 43°75 per cent. of the
whole trade; that with Canada was next, with 20°16 per
cent. The proportion of commerce with parts within
the British Empire was 48 per cent. Among foreign
countries, the United States had the largest trade with
the Colony, the amount being 19°16 per cent. of the
whole.
According to the Annual Report of the Comp-
troller of Customs, of British Guiana, for 1910-11,
from which these figures are taken, the import trade
with the United Kingdom increased by 2 per cent.,
namely to $4,001,095, the increase being chiefly due to
larger importations of milk and machinery, and linens,
cottons and wollens.
The returns for the trade with Canada show that
the Dominion enjoys 8°23 per cent. of the whole import
trade of the Colony, the actual amount being S689,178.
The import trade with Canada is increasing, chiefly on
account of larger receipts of flour and. potatoes. As
regards exports to the Dominion, these were 5589,300
less in value than in 1909-10, sugar being responsible
for the decrease, as the exportation fell by 5,735 tons.
There was also a decrease in the value of the
exports to the United Kingdom; it was $802,258 less
than that for the previous year, the decrease being in
gold, cacao, diamonds, cattle food, citrate of Jime, rum
and sugar. As regards balata, copra, hides, kola nuts,
crabwood, lumber and greenheart timber, there were
increases. The value of the exports to the United
States suffered an increase, being greater by $287,525
than that for 1909-10, cocoa-nuts, citrate of lime,
crabwood, lumber, sugar and timber being chiefly
responsible.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 281
The Use of Calcium Cyanamide as a Manure.
Recent experiments with this manure appear to
indicate that care should be exercised in its application
to crops and trees in cases where little or no information
exists at present in regard to its possible effect on their
growth. The Bulletin of the Bureau of Agricultural
Intelligence and Plant Diseases of the International
Institute of Agriculture, for November 1910, p. 87,
gives an account of trials that were made with calcium
cyanamide on young and old olive trees, the quantities
employed being from about 1 th. to 6} tb. per tree. The
manure was employed in two ways, namely, by scatter-
ing it on the surface of the soil to an extent correspond-
ing to the spread of the branches, and by burying it in
a furrow around the trees at a distance of 16 to 20
inches. In the result, the plants which had received
more than | tb. of the manure showed early signs of
withering; this commenced in the leaves at the top, and
continued until the trees were leafless, weakening the
plants to such an extent that no fruit was borne in the
following year.
It would appear that the quantities of calcium
cyanamide that were applied were excessive, particu-
larly in relation to the kind of soil in which the trees
were growing; this was a poor, sandy soil, containing
little humus.
rr pr
The Use of Non-proteid Bodies by Animals.
It has long been the custom to state in a general
way that the only nitrogenous food bodies that are of
use to animals, in building up their tissues and produc-
ing energy, are those of a proteid nature. For some
time, also, work has been undertaken by various inyesti-
gators for the purpose of determining the value of
nitrogen compounds that are not of a proteid nature in
the nutrition of animals. A review of such work, in
which the experiments were made with ruminant
animals, is given in the Annual Reports on the Progress
of Chemistry, for 1910, issued by the Chemical Society.
The method of investigation adopted was to feed
lambs in such a way tuat their requirements in regard
to nitrogen were supplied by asparagine and ammonium
acetate—bodies which are of a proteid nature in no
respect. It was shown, asa result, that these snbstances
could be changed by the bacteria of the intestines into
protein, in such a way that they can take the place of
part of the protein required for maintenance. It was
not demonstrated, however, that there was any produc-
tion of flesh from these non-proteins, but that they are
capable of increasing the formation of flesh, when fed
with protein, by taking the place of a proportion of the
latter that would be used for maintenance.
The results are supported by other experiments,
made with milch cows, which have shown moreover,
that proteids formed by bacterial action from non-pro-
teid bodies may be utilized for the production of milk.
The general effect of such work has thus been
to show that proteids may be formed in the intestines
from non-proteid bodies, and that they are capable
of assisting in maintenance and milk formation.
282 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SEPTEMBER 2, 1911.
Liss
AL \\\oe SS
A
INSECT NOTES.
THE MANGO WEEVIL.
The Bureau of Entomology of the United States
Department of Agriculture, has recently issued a Circu-
lar (No, 141, June 20, 1911) giving an account of the
mango weevil (Cryptorhynchus mangiferue) and the
injuries that it causes to mangoes. There is great dan-
ger that this sect may be introduced wherever mango
seeds are imported for planting, and though mangoes
are not grown from imported seeds to any extent, 1f at
all, in the West Indies, the very serious results likely
to follow the introduction of the mango weevil into
these islands render it desirable that all readers of the
Agricultural News should be in possession of the
known facts regarding it. Consequently, the circular
mentioned above is partly reproduced herewith.
It may be of interest to mention that the mango
weevil belongs to the same genus as the Jacobs or
Scarabee of the sweet potato (C. batatae). Another
insect of this genus is common in St. Vincent as
a borer in cultivated crotors (Codiaweum spp.), and
still another was reported some years ago as a similar
pest in orange trees (Fig. 13) in Grenada (see Agricul
twral News, Vol. I, p. 280). A brief account of the
mango weevil in Hawaii has already been given in the
Agricultural News (see Vol. V, p. 90).
Fie, 13. Orancre Bark WEEVIL.
Beetle, about natural size. Grub, one-half natural size.
The most serious insect pest of the mango in oriental
countries is the mango weevil (Cryptorhynchus mangiferae,
Fabr.) This weevil is related to the boll weevil, and this,
aside from its well-known destructive work on the mangoes,
is sufficient indication of its undesirability. It is probably of
Indian or at least of oriental origin, and has already obtained
foothold in most of the important mango-growing countries,
being carried readily with seed for planting. It now inhabits
all the mango regions bordering on the Indian Ocean and
adjacent islands, and occurs throughout the East Indies,
including the Philippines and other groups of South Pacific
islands. It has gained foothold similarly in South Africa
and Madagascar and numerous other points. Fortunately,
this country [the United States] is so far free from this pest,
and if it can be kept out, the mango industry which it is
hoped to develop in Florida and perhaps in the other warmer
parts of this country can be given a very great advantage
over other mango-producing regions of the world.
As has been indicated already, this mango pest belongs
to the weevil family. The egg is deposited in the fleshy part
of the fruit, and the young grub burrows at once into the
seed pod and develops in the seed to a pupa, and finally to
the adult weevil or beetle. The green mango soon heals up
over the egg slit, and there is very little, if any, exterior
indication of infestation. The weevil or beetle is about
j-inch long, and dark brown in colour. It remains in the
seed for some time, and may thus be easily distributed
with seed for planting, or with the ripened fruit.
Protected as it is within the seed pod, and, in fact, with-
in the seed itself within the pod, it is not possible to destroy
it by fumigation with any certainty. The only means of
determining infestation is in opening the seed pod and remov-
ing the paper-like covering of the seed itself, when normally
the gnawing and excrement and discoloration due to the work
of the larvae and weevil can be noted. Therefore, all seeds
introduced for planting in this country, in regions where
mangoes are grown, should be opened in this manner, and all
that indicate infestation should be burned. As a matter of
further security, all the apparently sound seeds should be
germinated in a box under a wire screen, so that any weevils
which may occur in seeds which show no visible sign of
infestation may be retained and destroyed. The danger is
particularly great where, as is now the case, mango seeds are
being imported for planting in regions in Florida where fruit-
ing mango trees occur. Where there are no mango trees, or
trees of fruiting age, the danger is perhaps negligible, as no
other food plant is known for the mango weevil. Still, if
large numbers of these weevils should be introduced and
liberated, they are long-lived, and might easily be carried on
railway trains to regions where they might find lodgment.
It is, therefore, desirable in any case to observe all the pre-
cautions indicated.
It has already been stated that this mango weevil is the
principal enemy of the mango practically wherever this fruit
is grown. Inthe Hawaiian Islands, Mr. D. L. Van Dine,
formerly Entomologist of the Hawaii Agricultural Experiment
Station, reports that, during the first year of his examination,
he found 60 per cent. of the mangoes infested, and the fol-
lowing year from 80 to 90 per cent., in some instances as
many as four larvae being found in a single seed. While the
mango weevil destroys, primarily, the seed of this fruit, it is
also believed by growers to hasten the maturity of infested
fruit, and thus to increase the percentage of fallen mangoes.
Inasmuch as this insect passes its entire development
within the seed, it is beyond the reach of insecticides and
fumigation, and the only remedy which the bureau is able to
advise to prevent it from becoming a pest in the United
States is to collect and destroy all the fallen or supposedly
infested mangoes.
It is most urgently important now, however, for Florida
to keep this weevil out. Mango seeds are now probably being
imported into Florida by various growers, and the danger of
such importation should be thoroughly understood, and
whatever authority the State may have to prevent or control
such importations should be put in operation.
Von. X. No. 244.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 283
MANURING AND MEAT PRODUCTION.
A note on work relating to this subject, carried out
by Professor Somerville was given inthe Agricultural
News, Vol. VIII, p. 361. More lately, the results of
fourteen years of this work have been issued as a sup-
plement to the Journal of the Board of Agriculture,
Vol. XVII, No. 10, and it is from this that the foilow-
ing conclusions are taken:—
1. Cake of various sorts was fed to sheep on pasture at
eleven centres, and in no instance was the outlay on the cake
recovered in the increased mutton produced by the sheep in
the season when the cake was consumed.
2. In the latter part of the grazing season sheep getting
liberal allowances of cake did not increase in weight to
a greater extent than those getting no cake, but which were
grazing pasture improved by liberal dressings of basic slag.
3. The residual values of cake were occasionally higher
than is usually estimated, but, in comparison with basic slag,
cake residues had a poor ameliorative effect on the pasture.
4. Even when both direct and indirect effects of cake
are taken into account, the original outlay was not recovered
at two of the three main stations. This result was confirmed
at such of the minor stations as were concerned with this
problem.
5. It would appear to be bad practice to feed cake on
pasture containing much clover, as the nitrogen in the cake
residues has a tendency to repress the clovers by stimulating
the non-leguminous plants.
6. Common burned lime, used alone at the rate of 4 tons
per acre, has proved very ineffective; but smaller dressings of
ground lime, when added to a phosphatic dressing, have some-
times been justified.
7. Basic slag, applied as a single dressing at the rate of
3-ton per acre, has generally proved a most effective agent in
improving the feeding value of pasture, and its effects are
not nearly exhausted at the end of nine years.
8. It has proved much more profitable to apply a heavy
dose of basic slag as a single dressing, than to divide it into
two equal portions and apply these with a three years
interval.
9. A repeated dressing of basic slag has, however, had
a marked effect in some cases, and the productiveness of
slagged pastures that are showing signs of exhaustion can be
rapidly improved in this way. The action of a repeated
dressing appears to be more rapid in many cases than the
action of the first dose.
10. Basic slag put on in the middle of June had much
more effect than the same quantity applied in winter.
Whether this result is of general application can only be
determined by further experiments. d
11. Where a direct comparison has been made between
the effects of equal quantities of phosphoric acid derived
from basic slag and superphosphate respectively, the fornier
manure has always produced the greater amount of live-
weight increase. When the cost of the manure is taken into
account, the profits from the use of basic slag have always
been mnuch greater than those from superphosphate.
12. Potash added to a phosphatic dressing generally
resulted in the production of more live weight increase, but
this increase was not a profitable one. The expediency of
using potash on pastures—as contrasted with meadows—
therefore, receives no support from these experiments,
13. The addition of moderate dressings of sulphate of
ammonia or nitrate of soda to land already treated with phos-
phate has increased the yield of herbage, but has, as a rule,
reduced the yield of mutton. The use of nitrogenous
manures on pasture would, therefore, appear to be bad
practice,
14. Dissolved bones compare badly with basic slag and
superphosphate. This is doubtless due to two reasons: (a)
the slower action of part of their phosphates, and (b) the
presence of nitrogen. But the nitrogen of dissolved bones,
being less active than that of sulphate of ammonia, the gene-
ral effect on the sheep of the dissolved bones, has been better
than that of a mixture of superphosphate and sulphate of
ammonia. The use, however, of dissolved bones on pasture
would seldom appear to be justified, and especially so as their
phosphoric acid costs more than the same substance in basic
slag.
SISAL FIBRE-CLEANING IN FIJI.
The machines used at the stations are made by Death
& Ellwood of Leicester, England. That such machines clean
the fibre very well will be seen from reports upon the
fibre prepared in Suva by one of them. They are said by the
makers to turn out 6-10 ewt. of fibre in a day, requiring
3-4 h.p.
They are provided with rollers which grip the leaves and
crush them before they come under the action of the beater-
knives. The direction of motion of these rollers may be
reversed by pressing a conveniently placed foot-lever. To
clean leaves, this lever is pressed and two leaves are fed in,
butt ends first. When half cleaned they are withdrawn and
the point ends are then presented to the rollers, the fibre of
the cleaned half being held by the operator.
In common with all hand-fed machines, much in the
way of output, depends upon the operator. With these
machines an increase in the speed does not mean an increase
in the output in exact proportion, because the time taken to
reverse the leaves and to feed in fresh ones remains the same,
whatever the speed.
It is important that the butt ends are cleaned first, for
some of the fibre does not reach to the tip of the leaf and it
would be drawn through during the second part of the clean-
ing, if the point ends were treated first. For the same reason,
care should be taken that not more than one half of the leaf
is cleaned during the first part of the process. A careless
operator in this respect can cause the loss of much fibre.
Machines are usually adjustable for different fibres, and
should be set so as to clean the fibre perfectly but without
damaging it. Of course with less perfect cleaning, the appar-
ent yield of fibre will be greater, but the value will be con-
siderably reduced. (From Sisal Hemp im Iiji, Bulletin No. 1
of the Department of Agriculture, Fiji.)
THE
AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. SepremBer 2, 1911.
GLEANINGS.
A report received from the Curator of the Botanic Sta-
tion, Dominica, shows that, during July, flowers were
setting favourably for the cacao crop. The lime crop was
normal, and there had been heavy shipments of the green
fruit during the month.
It is reported by the Imperial Trade Correspondent at
Durban, that an estimate by the Natal Sugar Planters’ Asso-
ciation gives the production of sugar in the Colony for the
year ending May 1912 as 95,000 tons. The total for the year
1910-11 is reckoned at 75,000 tons.
In the British Medical Journal for 1910, p. 1145,
a paper is given in which the experience of the author is
described in relation to the use of bananas for feeding infants.
This has led to the recommendation that the fruit should be
used for the purpose in the form of the flour, made into gruel
or a decoction.
According to the Trinidad Mirror for August 22, 1911,
L’Entente Réepublicane of Martinique states that machinery
has arrived recently in that island, which is being obtained
for the purpose of extracting the juice and essential oil from
limes. This points to the commencement of a new industry
in Martinique.
The number of bales of cotton imported into the United
Kingdom during the twenty-six weeks ended June 29 was
1,999,461. Of these 7,466 bales were British West Indian,
4,049 British West African, 15,835 British Kast African, and
45 bales foreign East African. (From 7he Board of Trade
Journal, July 6, 1911.)
It is stated by the Agricultural Superintendent of
St. Kitts, that the young cotton in the island is generally
healthy and vigorous. There is about the same area in this
crop as was the case last year. On two estates, cotton is
being’ picked from the early planted fields, and one bale has
already been shipped.
With reference to the article on page 245 of the last
issue but one of the Agricultural News, dealing with T'ephro-
sta candida and 7’. purpurea as green manures, information
has been received, from the Superintendent of Agriculture,
St. Lucia, that the plants of the first mentioned species, under
trial at the. Experiment Station, have attained a height of
8 feet, and that they are flowering, the flowers being 1 inch
in diameter, and of a pure white colour.
The crop of sugar produced in Madeira was larger in
1910 than in any previous year, being estimated at 68,000
tons, with a value of about £245,000. More attention is
being given on the part of growers to the employment of
artificial manures in sugar production, and the imports of
these are steadily increasing.
Notice is being given that the Dominica Agricultural
Department is offering for sale to planters, for cultivation
in the island, 6,000 seedlings of the Para rubber plant
(Hevea brasiliensis) at the rate of 2d. per plant. Applications
for these were to have been received by the Curator of the
Sotanic Station by the Ist inst.,. and the plants will be
ready for distribution early in next month.
According to an abstract in the Bulletin of the Bureau
of Agricultural Intelligence and of Plant Diseases, of the
International Institute of Agriculture, the area of cotton in
Greece in 1908 was 223 acres. From this a crop of 210,058 b.
was obtained; while the yield rose to 219,538 tb. in 1909
notwithstanding the fact that the area in cotton was reduced
to 200 acres. During last year, there was upwards of 608
acres under cotton, in Greece.
The export of rubber from Ashanti, in 1910, was 1,257
tons, valued at £293,320. ‘This is a decrease by 62 tons
from the quantity shipped in 1909, but the value has largely
increased. The fall in the exports of rubber is entirely due
to the lowering of prices toward the end of the year, and
very large quantities came in, early in 1911. The exports of
cacao amounted to 1,914 tons, valued at £80,588, compared
with 1,790 tons in 1909.
The Zeitschrift fiir Angewandte Chemie, Vol. XXIII,
p. 2279, givesa paper which shows that calcium cyanamide
containing free lime decomposes on treatment with water, and
that the consequent rise in temperature causes a loss of nitro-
gen; the same effect results from the presence of calcium
chloride. The suggestion is made that the addition of fatty
matters which would absorb heat on melting will prevent
this decomposition and the consequent loss of nitrogen.
Another advantage that arises from the admixture of calcium
cyanamide with such bodies is that it may be more conven-
iently used as a manure, on account of the fact that it is not
so easily blown about by the wind.
The Mxperiment Station Record of the United States
Department of Agriculture, for May 1911, presents an
abstract describing work which has had for its object
the. finding of means to keep pollen alive until it is
wanted for experimentation. The principle of the method
described is the enclosing of the pollen in air-tight
glass vessels containing water-free calcium chloride. In
detail, the pollen is placed in a glass vessel about 2 inches
long and 1-inch wide. This is plugged with wadding
and placed in a larger vessel about 5} inches deep and 3
inches wide, containing a layer of water-free calcium chloride
just over linch deep and covered with a layer of wadding
about 4-inch thick. When in use, the larger vessel is tightly
closed and should only be kept open during the short inter-
vals when it is desired to introduce or remove tubes contain-
ing pollen.
Vou. X. No, 244.
STUDENTS’ CORNER,
THE
SEPTEMBER.
Frrst PErtiop.
Seasonal Notes.
Discuss the ways in which soils are formed from rocks,
and make observations on the soils and the underlying rocks
in a district with which you are familiar. A useful manner
of obtaining knowledge of the subject, at first hand, is to
examine areas of soil in different situations, and to com-
pare the soil in each case with the rock on which it is
lying. If this is done in a district where the rock beneath
the soil shows distinct variations in character, or where the
ground is sloping or hilly it will often be made evident
that the soil is not always derived from the rock under-
lying it, but that it has been carried from the places where it
was formed originally, or that it has been made from material
that has been transported in a similar manner. Give an
account of the ways in which soils and soil-making materials
are carried from one place to another, It sometimes happens
that such removal of materials causes a soil to be formed
from rocks of more than one kind. Of what advantage may
this circumstance be to the plants growing ina soil having
an origin of this sort? How do you account for the fact
that soils may be found which contain stones of a fairly
large size?
Make a review of the ways in which the pollination of
flowers takes place, Distinguish carefully between pollination
and fertilization, and mention any ways in which steps are
taken to increase the amount of natural fertilization, in
relation to a given crop, in order that a greater number of
fruits may be obtained eventually. State, in general terms,
what happens to a pollen grain when it reaches the stigma of
a flower of the same kind as that from which it originated,
under conditions favourable to the accomplishment of the
purpose for which it was intended. Describe carefully an
experiment by which it may be shown that pollination is
necessary for the formation of fruit, with seeds. Mention
any direct commercial uses to which flowers are put.
The most obvious directing influence that has effect in
deciding what kinds of plants may grow in a district or coun-
try is that of climate. Illustrate, in a general way, the man-
ner in which climate decides what type of vegetation shall
flourish in the different regions of the earth. What is meant
by the acclimatization of plants, and in what ways is this
most usually effected? Of what use is such acclimatization
to the agriculturist! A certain district, or country, is noted
on account of its ability to produce some special agricultural
product in a superior form. Discuss the economic effect of
the successful introduction on a large scale, into another
country, of the plant from which this product is obtained,
and state the nature of the observations and precautions that
will have to be made and taken, in the country of its adop-
tion. In dealing with questions of this kind, it must be
remembered that the increased production of a given article
leads to the lowering of its market price and to the finding
of a larger number of uses for it, and that the cultivation of
a plant on an increased scale, through its introduction into
new countries, often necessitates the greatest care for the pre-
vention of its destruction by pests and diseases, in those
countries. .
AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 28:
or
From year to year, to the agriculturist in any given
district, the changes of season are a more important matter
than the circumstances of the general climate. In the tropics,
ditferences in the amount of rainfall at the various periods
of the year form the most powerful cause operating in regard
to the changes undergone by plant life during its course.
Under continental conditions—that is in the case of countries
surrounded by, or situated on the borders of, large areas of
land —the changes in the course of the different years usually
take place with more or less regularity, and this is often true
of islands, particularly where there are high kills. In other
circumstances, however, the rainfall varies greatly in different
years and in different seasons ; that is to say, the agriculturist
faced by such circumstances is never sure as to the adequacy
of the rainfall for the coming year, or of the way in which
this will be distributed throughout that period. Instances
of such conditions may be derived from experience in the
West Indies, and it will be useful to discuss the matter from
the point of view of the diversification of agriculture, of the
use of manures, and of the rotation of crops.
Questions for Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS.
(1) Give, with diagrams, an account of the structure of
any flower that is pollinated by insects.
(2) How are plants enabled to make use of the water
which falls upon the soil and passes into it /
(3) Distinguish between climate, season and weather.
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS.
(1) Write an account of the changes in the life-history
of any given plant throughout the year.
(2) Compare the floral organs of maize with those of
the cocoa-nut palm.
(3) State in what ways a soil may derive its properties
from the rock from which it was formed.
FINAL QUESTIONS,
(1) Show how the agricultural operations throughout the
year, in your district, are related to the changes of season.
(2) Give a method of classifying soils, and state the
name, in the case of each different kind, of one plant or group
of plants at least that is particularly suited to it.
(3) What are the methods most commonly in use for
obtaining new markets for an agricultural product, and
increasing its consumption !
A New Fibre Plant.—Der Pjlanzer for April 1911
gives a note on a new fibre plant which has been found in
German East Africa. This bears a fruit composed of two
elongated follicles, like that of Funtumia, but shorter and
thicker, and containing seeds with fine, silky hairs, The plant
bearing the fruit is a liane, and is determined as Chlorocodon
White. Samples of the seed-hairs were sent for examination
to the Aktien-Spinnerei, at Chemnitz, and at the same time
seeds were sown for the purpose of obtaining information as
to the rate of growth and yield of the plant. It has since
been reported from Chemnitz that the fibre is very valuable,
and that a larger sample of it was required.
It remains to be ascertained if the plant can be
cultivated profitably. Seeds sown at Amani, German East
Africa, for trial, have germinated successfully, and it is
recommended that experiments with the plant should be
made in other places,
286
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS SErpTeMBeR 2, 1911,
FUNGUS NOTES.
THE D1IE-BACK FUNGUS OF PARA RUBBER
AND OF CACAO.
In an article in the Agricultural News, Vol. X, p. 78,
attention was called to a few of the fungi which are parasitic
both on cacao and on rubber plants. Amony these was includ-
ed Lasiodiplodia theobromae—the die-back fungus well
known as a cacao parasite in the West Indies. Recently,
important investigations on the life-history of this fungus and
on its parasitism have been conducted by Mr. C. K. Bancroft,
Mycologist on the Staff of the Department of Agriculture of
the Federated Malay States. The results of these investiga-
tions have been published in Bulletin No. 9 of that Depart-
ment, entitled The Die-back Fungus of Para Rubber and of
Cacao. These are of considerable importance, as they not
only do much to clear up the confusion in the nomenclature
of this fungus, but throw considerable light on its method of
attacking its host and on the factors governing the extent of the
damage caused. A short summary of this work is given below.
The die-back fungus is distributed throughout practically
the whole of the tropical zone. It occurs in the West Indies,
tropical America, San Thomé, tropical Africa, Ceylon, the
Malay Peninsula, the East Indies, the Philippines and Samoa.
It is found on a very large number of host plants, though it
is of greatest importance as a parasite on cacao and Para
rubber, since on many of the others it would appear to be
inostly only saprophytic. Bancroft records it on dead shoots
of coffee, cocoa-nut, camphor, Castilloa elastica, and on dead
stems and roots of tapioca, or cassava.
The symptoms of the disease on Para rubber are those
usually associated with die-back, though it is worthy of note
that in early stages it is rarely found that more than one or
two shoots are affected simultaneously. Infection usually
takes place first on a branch at a point varying in distance
from its apex. The terminal portion dies first, owing to the
stoppage of its food supplies, and the disease then spreads
downwards towards the base of the branch. When the trunk
is reached, the fungus may continue to extend to the roots.
Frequently, however, if the tree is healthy, the spread of the
fungus in the branch is checked before it reaches the trunk,
and growth is continued by a healthy shoot arising below the
dead portion of the branch. The disease may also be arrest-
ed in its course, upon reaching the trunk of the tree. When
it spreads down the trunk, all the branches above the point
of entry die from want of food, and eventually the tree is killed.
The wood is the part in which the spread of the fungus
principally takes place. This is turned to a uniform grey
colour, owing to its presence, while in the parts less
affected the change of colour takes place in the medullary
rays, which are turned brown. After the wood is dead,
the outer tissues still yield some latex, but these die
eventually; the bark becomes greyish in colour and peels off,
while the cambium layer is reduced to a black mass. In
cases where the growth of the fungus is slow, and where
infection has occurred on an older part, a cankered appear-
ance may be produced. It is worthy of note that the line
of demarcation between healthy and dead tissue in the wood
is often fairly definite, but that the hyphae of the fungus
actually extend for a distance of 4 or 5 inches below the
point where the wood can be seen by the naked eye to be
infected.
The ordinary fructifications of Laszodiplodia theobromae
are well known and need not be described here; they are
illustrated in the Agricultural News, Vol. IX, p. 174.
Bancroft has, however, found two other forms of spores that
> . . .
are produced by this fungus. One is the ascospore, of which
eight are formed in a definite sac or ascus, the asci being
contained in black perithecia; the other is a small colourless
spore, produced like the Lasiodiplodia spores, in a black
pycnidium ; this form belongs to the genus Cytospora. The
discovery of the ascospore form was recorded in the number
of the Agricultural News to which reference is made at the
beginning of this article, and it was mentioned there that
the name 7hyridaria tarda, given to it by Bancroft, is that
by which the fungus in all its forms must now be known.
This is so because the ascomycetous stage is regarded as the
most highly developed form of the fungus.
The perithecia containing the asci were produced on
specimens of diseased cacao branches, sent to Kew from West
Africa. They were borne on the same stromata as the
Lasiodiplodia form, and contained asci in which eight,
3-septate dark-coloured spores were produced,
On the other hand, the pycnidia belonging to the Cyto-
spora stage were produced on dead branches of Hevea, in the
Federated Malay States. They also arose on stromata which
had previously carried the Lasiodiplodia form. As has been
stated already, they produced numerous elliptical-oblong,
small, hyaline spores borne on the ends of sterigmata.
Inoculation experiments with the Lasiodiplodia spores
on Hevea plants gave rise to interesting results. In
the first place, it was found that no infection could be
produced at an uninjured surface, either of the leaf or the
stem; and that even very young leaves were not attacked,
although Ridley has claimed to have infected them directly.
(See Agricultural News, Vol. IX, p. 382.) Further, it was
observed that infection did not occur at small wounds or on
well tapped surfaces. This was the case, as long as the wound
was not deep enough to expose the wood and did not pene-
trate to the inner bark, or to the cambium. The bark tissues
possess the power of rapidly forming a corky layer, which
excludes the fungus; while the wood, when exposed, presents
a dead surface, on which the organism can grow vigorously.
Infection resulted in every case from inoculating wounds that
were deep enough to expose the wood, though the death of
the plant when it was in a healthy state did not always follow.
Inoculations on Hevea plants, with the ascospores formed
on cacao, produced the usual symptoms of die-back on the
Hevea, in each case, and eventually pycnidia of Lasiodiplodia
were formed on the dead portions of the rubber plant; these
were identical in appearance with those on cacao. This places
the identity of the fungus on cacao and rubber beyond dis-
pute. No inoculation experiments with the Cytospora spores
have yet been recorded, though further work on this form is
being undertaken by Bancroft. Finally, it may be stated
that the presence of Gloeosporium alborubrum, said by
Petch to be frequently responsible for the initial stages of
this disease in Ceylon, has never been recorded in the Malay
States.
In regard to remedial measures, Bancroft emphasizes the
need for thorough sanitation, good cultivation and careful
pruning on rubber estates, in order to check the spread of the
disease —measures long advocated by this Department for the
same purpose in regard to cacao. He also states that the
attacks of other fungi, as well as the presence of wounds and
ill-health due to physical causes, may predispose a tree to
disease; consequently, it is extremely likely that the die-back
fungus is not always the primary cause of the trouble, and
that by no means all the effects that have been attributed to
it are really due to this fungus. This is an opinion which
receives the support of this Department.
Vor. X. No. 244.
PF
WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS.
DRUGS AND SPICES ON THE LONDON
MARKET.
Mr. J. R. Jackson. A.LS., has forwarded the fol-
lowing report on the London drug and spice market,
for the month of July :—
The conditions of the markets in drugs and spices dur-
ing the month of July, though perhaps, not brisk, have been
quite of a satisfactory character, more especially when the
season of the year is taken into account, July being one of
the months when it is usual to think, if not believe, that
London is empty, and the requirements of those that remain,
are more for cooling drinks than for drugs. The continued
prevalence of very hot and dry weather, even up to the time
of writing, has to some extent verified this. The following
are the details of West Indian products which have been
offered at the fortnightly and weekly auctions during the
month :—
GINGER.
Throughout the month this article has been slow of
sale. At the first auction on the 5th, some 700 pack-
ages of Cochin were offered and bought in; 21 bags of bold
selected Calicut were sold without reserve at 84s. to 85s. per
ewt. On the 19th, the offerings amounted f6 127 packages
of Cochin, all of which was bought in at 80s. per ewt. for
medium cut. No Jamaica has been offered.
NUIMEG, MACE, AND PIMENTO.
For nutmegs there has been a steady demand. At auction
on the 5th, 72 packages of West Indian were brought
forward and sold, 78’s fetching 57d., 80’s to 88’s, 5id.,
102’s 5d. to 5}d., and 111’s to 117’s, 5d. —‘ Thirteen cases of
Penang were also sold without reserve, 65’s fetching 11d.
per tb. and 80’s 64d. to 7d. On the 19th there was again
a good demand; practically the whole consignment of nearly
700 packages of West Indian was disposed of at the follow-
ing rates —53’s 1s., 57’s 8d. to 1s., 60’s to 61’s 9d. to 11d,
70’s to 80’s 53d. to 64d., 108’s to 112’s 3{d. to 53d. = Mace
was also in steady demand during the month. At auction on
the 5th, 11 packages of West Indian were offered and disposed
of at 2s. 1d. to 2s. 2d. per tb. for good fair reddish, and 1s. 10d.
to 2s. for ordinary to fair. On the 19th, 160 packages of
West Indian were brought forward and sold, good fetching
2s. 3d. to 2s. 4d, ordinary to fair 2s. to 2s. 2d., and broken
ls. 8d. to 1s. 10d. per tb. Pimento was represented at
auction on the 19th by 75 bags, which met with a ready
sale at 24d. per tb. for fair.
SARSAPARILLA.
At the drug auction on the 13th, the offerings were as
follows: grey Jamaica 7 baies, Lima-Jamaica 14 bales, native
Jamaica 12 bales, and Honduras 2 bales. The whole of the
grey Jamaica and Lima-Jamaica were disposed of, also 11
bales out of the 12 of native Jamaica. ‘The Honduras found
no buyers; ls. 7d. per tb. was paid for the grey Jamaica, which
was an advance of ld. per Ib. on previous rates, notwith-
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 28
I
standing the quality was slightly coarse. Part of the Lima-
Jamaica was quoted at 1s 3d. per th. for good, and Is. per Ib.
for ordinary coarse. Of the native Jamaica, 11d. per Ib. was
paid for dullish red, and 7d. to 8d. for common dull and grey
mixed. At the last sale on the 27th, grey Jamaica was repre-
sented by 15 bales, which were sold at 1s. 8d. per tb. for good
fibrous, and 1s. 7d. for coarse. Seven bales of native Jamaica
were also offered, and 4 sold, 1s. per tb. being paid for fair
red, 10d. for mixed, and 9d. to 94d. for common mixed,
LIME JUICE, KOLA, TAMARINDS.
It was reported at the beginning of the month that the
supply of good quality was limited; a few packages of
fair have been sold at 1s. 5d. Later on, 4 barrels of what was
described as ‘common brown Barbados’ were offered, and
bought in at Is. 3d. per gallon, but they were afterwards dis-
posed of at this rate. ‘lowards the end of the month there
were many enquiries for good raw West Indian, for which
ls. 9d. has been paid, and as much as 2s. for refined. For
kola there has been a good demand throughout the month,
with scanty supplies. At the last auction, good dried West
Indian was held at 6d. per 1b., an offer of 53d. being refused.
On the 12th of the month, 10 packages of dry Antigua tama-
rinds were sold at 9s. per ewt., and at the end of the month
8 casks of mouldy East Indian were sold without reserve at
5s. per cwt.
ST. VINCENT AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
AT THE CANADIAN NATIONAL
EXHIBITION.
Information has been received from the Honorary Secre-
tary of the Permanent Exhibition Committee, St. Vincent,
which shows that the exhibits sent by that Committee
to the Canadian National Exhibition, opened on August
26, 1911, were comprised in the following classes: sugar,
nine exhibits; cacao, twelve; rum, twelve; fancy molasses, five;
arrowroot, forty-seven; cassava starch, six; cassava meal, two;
arrowroot meal, one; sweet potato starch and yam starch, one
each; coffee, two; pigeon peas, one; honey, one; ornamental
seeds, four; Sea Island cotton, seven; and Sea Island seed-
cotton, three exhibits; making a total of 114. The exhibits
were provided chiefly by the owners of estates; they were also
supplied by private firms and by the Agricultural Department.
With reference to the Virgin Islands, the Agricultural
Instructor reports that in this, the sixth year of representa-
tion of that Presidency at the Canadian National Exhibition,
the following samples were forwarded: cacao, coffee, sugar,
arrowroot starch, concentrated lime juice, preserved limes, and
rum, four exhibits each; cassava bread, one exhibit of eighteen
cakes; cotton, eight bags; and fancy work, twenty exhibits.
A note in the Bulletin Agricole of Mauritius, which is
published under the patronage of the Chamber of Agriculture
of that island, states in its issue for May last that the plant-
ings of Sea Island cotton in the Colony were generally show-
ing good resistance to the drought that was then prevailing; the
fields were green and the plants healthy. The statement is
made, further, to the effect that there is little room for
doubting the power of this cotton to survive untoward cir-
cumstances in the climate of Mauritius, especially as it has,
since its introduction, survived three cyclones and a drought,
almost without showing any tendency to fail.
London.—TuE
oa
MARKET REPORTS.
West Inpra ComMiIrTEE CIRCULAR,
August 15, 1911; Messrs. E. A. DE Pass & Co.,
July 21, 1911.
AkRowROOT—2d.
Batata—Sheet, 3/4; block, 2/64 per th.
BreErswax—47 10s. to £8 10s. per ewt.
Cacao—Trinidad, 50/6 to 65,- per cwt.; Grenada, 51/-
to 57/6; Jamaica, 49/- to 56/-.
Corree—Jamaica, 62/- to 120/-.
Corpra—West Indian, £25 15s. per ton.
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, no quotatiens.
Frouir—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
Gincer—49/- to 64/- per ewt.
Honey—28/- to 38/-.
IsrtycLtass—No quotations.
Lime Juice—Raw, 1/3 to 2/-; concentrated, £18 5s.; Otto
of limes (hand pressed), 5/3.
Locwoop—No quotations.
Mace—Quiet.
Nourmecs—Quiet.
Pimento—Common, 2,},d.; fair, 24d.; good, 2,,d. per tb.
Russper—Para, fine hard, 4/7; tine soft, 4/5; nine Peru,
4/4 per tb.
Rum—ZJamaica, 1/6 to 5/-.
New York,—Messrs. Gmutxspiz Bros. & Co., August 11,
LOT,
Cacao—Caracas, 11l}c. to 12jc.; Grenada, 12c. to 12hc.;
Trinidad, 11gc. to 12c. per tb.; Jamaica, 10jc. to llc.
Cocoa-Nuts—Jamaica, select, $30°00 to $32-00; culls,
$1900 to $20-00; Trinidad, select, $30°00 to $32-00;
culls, $19°00 to $20°00 per M.
CorrrE—Jamaica, 13c. to 14tc. per tb.
Gincer—9kc. to 12c. per tb.
Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 53c.; Antigua and Barbados, 48c.
to 50c.; St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. Kitts, 46c.
to 48c. per lb.
Grape-Frvuit—Jamaica, no quotations.
Limzs—No quotations.
Mace—45c. to 52c. per tb.
Nurmecs—110’s, 114c. per tb.
Orances—Jamaica, no quotations.
Pimento—4te. per tb.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 4°6lc. per ib.; Muscovados,
89°, 4°11c.; Molasses, 89°, 3°86c. per tb., all duty
paid.
Trinidad,—Messrs, Gorpon, Grant & Co., August 21,
1911.
Oacao—Venezuelan, $1300 per fanega; Trinidad, $11°90
to $12°50.
Cocoa-Nut O1r—82c. per Imperial gallon.
Corrre—Venezuelan, 15}c. per th.
Corpra—$3'90 per 100 th.
Duat—$3'90.
Ontons—$2°50 to $2°75 per 100 lb.
Pras, Sprir—$5°80 to $5:9@ per bag.
Potators—English, $2°U0 to $2°25 per 100 tb.
Rick—Yellow, $4°80 to $4°85; White, $5°25 to $5°30
per bag.
Svear— American crushed, no quotations,
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SEPTEMBER 2, 1911,
Barbados,—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., August 26,
1911; Messrs. T. S. Garraway & Co., August 28,
1911; Messrs. Leacock & Co., August 18, 1911;
Messrs. E. Tuorne, Limited, August 14, 1911.
Cacao—$10°50 to $11°50 per 100 tb.
Corron Srrp—$22°40 per ton; meal, $1°50 per 100 tb.;
23 per cent. discount.
Corron Seep O1t (retined)—47c. per gallon.
Corton Serp Om (for export)—5le. per gallon (in bond),
Hay—$1°30 to $1°40 per 100 tb.
Manvres—Nitrate of soda, $60°00 to $63:00; Cacao
manure, $42°00 to $48°00; Sulphate of ammonia,
$75-00 to $76-0U per ton.
Mo tasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$1°83 to $2°50 per 100 th
Peas, SpLit—$5°65 to $5°80 per bag of 210 th.; Canada,
32°75 to $4°40 per bag of 120 th.
Potatoes—Nova Scotia, $2°50 to $4°40 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam, $4°85 to $525 per 190 tt.; Patna, no
quotations; Rangoon, no quotations.
Sucar—No quotations.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wierine &
19, 1911; Messrs. SanpBacna,
August 18, 1911.
Nucerer, August
PARKER & Co.,
Messrs. Sanp-
ARTICLES. ees aaenss BACH, PARKER
& Co.
Arrowroot—St. Vincent) $10-00 to $10°25 |$10°50 per 200 th.
per 200 th.
Batata— Venezuela block No quotation Prohibited
Demerara sheet 70c. per th. 70c.
Cacao—Native llc. per th. Ile. per tb.
96c. No quotation
Cassava—
Cassava STaRcH—
$6°50 to $700
No quotation
Cocoa-NuTS— $12 to $16 per M |$10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
selected
CorrEE—Creole 16c. per tb. 19c. per tb.
Jamaica and Rio 19c. per tb. 19%c.per tb.
Liberian 103c. per tb. 12c. per fb.
Dxat— | $3°6U per bag of |$3'70 per bag of
168 tb. 168 tb.
Green Dhal $3°50 ——
Eppors— 96c. ——
Mo tasses— Yellow None —
Ontons—Teneriffe —— 4c. to Be
Madeira 5e. dke.
Peas—Split $5°75 per bag | $5°75 per bag
(210 tb.) (210 tb.)
Marseilles $3°90 No quotation
PLANTAINS— 8c. to 20c. =
Potators—Nova Scotia -—— $3°50
Lisbon No quotation
Porators-Sweet, B’bados
Rice—Ballam
96c. per bag
No quotation
Creole $5°00 to $525 5°00 to $5-50
Tannras— 96c. ——
Yams— White $3-00 —
Buck $3°24 Aes
Sucar—Dark crystals $3°60 $3°60
Yellow —_—— $3°75 to $4:00
White — $4°25
Molasses — None
TimBer —Greenheart 32c. to bdc. per | 32c. to 55c. per
cub. foot cub. foot
Wallaba shingles) $3°75 to $6:00 $4:00 to $6-00 -
per M. per M.
», Cordwood) $1:80 to $2:00 No quotation.
per ton
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
———
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
FOR THE WEST INDIES.
The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal.
Volume I. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d,
Volumes I, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VII, IX and X:—Price 2s, each ; Post free 2s. 8d, where complete. (III, 2; IV, 3;
and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.)
Volume XI. Nos.1, 2. No. 3, containing Fungus Diseases of Ground Nuts in the West Indies; Notes on
Ground Nuts in the West Indies; Report on a Visit to Florida; A List of the Birds of the Island of
St. Lucia; A Note on the Introduction of Birds; An Account of the Working of the Land Settlement
Scheme in St. Vincent; The Sugar Industry of the Island of Negros; and Observations on Mill Control
Experiments in Negros.
PAMPHLET SERIES.
The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially
adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work
on sugar-cane and manures. the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued up to the
present time is sixty-four. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print.
Sucar Inpustry. (14) Screw Worm in Cattle at St. Lucia. Price 2d.
Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (15) Plain Talk to Small Owners. Price 2d.
in 1900. No, 3, price 2d.;in 1901, No. 13, price 4d.; (16) Hints on Onion Cultivation. Price 2d.
in 1902, No. 19, price 4d.; in 1902, No. 26, price 4d.; (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d.
in 1904, No. 32, price 4d. (18) Recipes for Cooking West Indian Yams. Price 2d.
Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, (25) Ground Nuts in the West Indies. Price 2d.
in 1903-5, No. 40, price 6d.; in 1904-6, No. 44, price 6d.; (28) Barbados and Porto Rico Molasses. Price 3d.
in 1905-7, No. 49, price 6d.; in 1906-8, No. 59, price 6d.; (34) Notes on Rabbit Keeping in the West Indies. Price 2a.
in 1907-9, No. 62, price 6d.; No. 66, price 6d. (35) Information in regard to Agricultural Banks. Price dd.
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Vou. X. No. 244, THE AGRICULTUKAL NEWS. SepTeMBerR 2, 1911.
THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE
Ohlendorif’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano--For Sugar-cane and general use
Ohlendorff’s Special Sugar-cane Manur>
Ohlendorfi’s Special Cocoa Manure |
Ghiendorf’s Special Cotton Manure
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphesphates, high grades,
Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers.
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO:—
THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS.
London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C.
Barbados Agents: James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
COTTON SEED MEAL. JUST ISSUED,
COPION SEED MEAL. Npw aND RE-ENLARGED
FOR MANURIAL PURPOSES. EDITION OF
SPECIAL QUOTATIONS FOR LARGE
QUANTITIES. “” \NATURE TEACHING.
THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON
FACTORY, LIMITED, To be obtained from all agents for the sale of the Department's
BRIDGETOWN. Publications. Price 2s., post free, 2s, 33d.
Fons) 9 FOR, sAnE
Four thousand (4,000) Washington Navel :.
BUDDED ORANGE PLANTS. PRIME SUMMER YELLOW COTTON
SEED OLL.
LOCAL PRICE—6d. each, delivered Roseau. Sa A ‘ .
EXPORT PRIMELSTetesshifo bi Roseau Daminicn In casks or 5-gallon tins (in Bond).
Orders abroad for less than 20 Plants not} COTTON SEKD CAKK M WAL.
executed. ERNEST THORNE, LTD.,
Apply to:— Cotton Seed Oil Mills,
A. G.S. DAVENPORT, Barbados, W.L.
Bramhall Estate, Telegraphie address,
(247) Dominica.| (267) ‘Thorum.’
Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter 4, High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados.
- Vol. X. No. 245.]
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Introduction, Soil,
Varieties, Climate.
Propagation:— Shade,
Selection, Preparing the Land.
Stock for Inarching Planting.
and Budding Cultivation. |
Tnarching Fertilization or Manuring, |
Budding, Pruning and Sanitation
TWELVE (12) PULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS.
GERMAN KAL! WORKS,
P.0. Box 1,007, Empedrado 30,
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SEP 28 1911
Castor Oil Seed from
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A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW
OF THE
IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES.
GAR
CONTENTS.
PaGE. PAGE.
Zook Shelf ... . 295 Limes from St. Lucia, Re-
port on... ee eee 292
Manihot Glaziovil Latex,
Extraction of ... ... 301
Market Reports... .., 304
Calotropis, Fibre of... ... 303 | Notes and Comments ... 296
Canary Islands, Trade and Paper-Making, Materials
Commerce of, 1910 .., 299 fOr ..-. Jee eo 209
Plants, Health of, as Re-
lated to Insects ... 289
Registration and Tnporta-
tion of Stock in St.
Vincent eee. O05
St. Kitts and the Canadian
National Exhibition 297
British Imperial Council of
Commerce... ..., ... 296
Calcium Cyanamide, Im-
portance as a Manure 297
Castilloa Plants, Constitu-
tion of me oae
Weanda, (5 25 ~~: 3038
Cotton Notes :—
Trials of Cotton Varie-
ies 1 i: Bey} 4e Wtte T rear
eee ac TL Bah St Kien mth Green |
f é DttO slovetda) meester Qo
Date Palm _ 992 ~ Dre SINGS wee ae ae 293
De ; vf SPINE ee 991 | St: Lucia Schools, Agricul-—'
ae aces CWS! eee) ese te fire and Hygiene in 297
uncus Notes :— € Se Cin ae an
RecatWorhl on. Bor: Students’ Corner... ... 301
Sugar from Shredded Cane 303
2aux Mixture... ... 392 |
Gl ce vas fix 3099 | Sugar Industry :—
eae Scat: Sugar-cane Seed, Com-
Hawaii, Forestry in... 298
Influence of Leaves on
Development of Fruit 296
Insect Notes :—
An Insect New to the
West Indies 2.5.2. 298
position of... Onset
Molasses and Milk Pro-
duction eee pists
Tonkin ‘Rubber tree .., 299
Trade and Agriculture of
St. Vincent, 1910 ... 297
The Health of Plants as Related
to Insects.
(ON a short article, which appeared in the
Journal of Economic Entomology, for
April 1911 (see Vol. 4, p. 269), Mr. J. B.S.
Norton, of the Maryland State Agricultural Experiment
Station, discusses the topic indicated by the heading
appearing above.
BARBADOS, SEPTEMBER 16, 1911.
Pricg ld,’
Mr. Norton finds examples for the illustration of
his points in certain well-known conditions with
reference to insect pests in the United States. A per-
usal of this article has suggested the desirability of
a discussion of the subject along similar lines, using
as examples insects which are known to readers of the
Agricultural News.
In considering the relation of insects to plants,
the author places the health of the plant as the basis
of argument. In ordinary practical work, this feature
although important is largely lost sight of in dealing
with the question of profit and loss. Insects injure
plants, and as a result the crop is smaller or of an
inferior quality, and consequently profits are reduced,
or in extreme cases the crop is ruined and becomes
a total loss. It may thus be of interest to note the
ways in which insects affect the health of plants, but it
must be borne in mind that everything influencing
the plant adversely has also an unfavourable effect
on the net results to the planter or farmer.
The eftect of insects on the health of plants may
be of two kinds, direct and indirect. Direct injury
results when the insect actually removes portions of
the plant which are essential to growth and reproduc-
tion, or when the actual food material of the plant is
remoyed, or when the action of the insect interferes with
the physiological functions of the several parts. Indirect
injury takes place when disease-producing organ-
isms are either actually conveyed from plant to plant,
or are provided with easy means of entering into the
tissues of the plant.
Direct injury to plants is of great importance
and often very obvious.. The feeling of myriads of
cotton worms in a field of cotton destroys large numbers
290
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SEPTEMBER 16, 1911].
of leaves, which are essential for the elaboration
of raw food material, from which the structure of the
plant must be built up, and which goes also to the for-
mation of seed and lint. Plants have great powers of
recuperation, and the loss of a portion of the leaves may
be quickly remedied by the development of others—
a circumstance which, nevertheless, lowers the vitality
of the plant and makes it less able to endure further
untoward conditions. Insects that deposit their eggs
in the twigs of trees, which they girdle so that the
egg may be carried-to the ground embedded in the
tissue which shall furnish food for the larva and at the
same time protect it from its enemies, are also to be
considered under this head.
The kind of loss to the plant occasioned by the
feeding of scale insects, leaf-hoppers, plant lice, cotton
stainers and similar insects, is likewise of great imper-
tance when these insects are numerous, but it is often
not readily discovered on account of the minute size of
the insect. ‘The observer also often fails to realize the
drain placed upon the resources of the plant because of
the abstraction of food by the enormous numbers of
small insects which can be accommodated ona very
small area of its surface.
The loss of raw and elaborated food material
deprives growing tissues of their nourishment, and often
results in checking growth and producing deformities.
Discoioured and shrunken leaves often indicate an
attack of this nature, and long continued exhaustion of
the kind produces weak, under-sized plants, and
‘often even results in their death. The red maggot
lives near the delicate cambium and bast tissues
of cotton stems, feeding on the rich supply of
elaborated food, and at the same time causing
the death of the adjacent tissues. The long-horned
beetles, whose larvae live as bark borers in the trunks
of trees, exist under like conditions, and exert a similar
effect on the plants they attack.
Injury ofa direct nature to plants, from the weaken-
ing of the supporting tissues, is often very serious. Trees
affected by borers, cotton plants which have suttered from
severe attacks of red maggot, and plants which have lost
their roots from the action of insects, are rendered less
able to resist the force of the wind. They are broken
off or blown over, either losing a portion or all of their
foliage-bearing structure, or being uprooted.
The power to reproduce possessed by plants is often
greatly lessened by the attacks of insects. The flower-
bud maggot, by its attacks on the developing buds of
‘cotton plants, causes them to drop, thus preventing
the formation of tlowers and seeds. The boll worm and
the corn ear worm tunnel into the bolls of cotton
and the ears of corn, destroying the developing seed;
and, in the case of corn, these insects further interfere
with the reproductive processes by devouring the silk
of the ear, thus preventing pollination,
Grain weevils and grain moths attack Indian corn
and Guinea corn, feeding on the embryo, and ren-
dering subsequent growth impossible; or devouring the
reserve food, and in this way weakening the seedling
which develops from the planted seed.
Direct injury to plants also results from the
destruction of their organs by insects, so that the ordi-
nary physiological functions are prevented from being
performed. ‘The feeding uf the root borer destroys the
roots of the cane; this prevents the absorption of water
and mineral food constituents from the soil, and the
plant is injured, and may even die. Borers in the stem
cause injury to the woody tissue, stopping the ascent
of raw liquid food material, and to the soft bark tissues,
preventing the proper distribution of elaborated food
from the leaves to the growing cells.
The leaf-blister mite causes deformities of the
leaves of cotton, which reduce in amount the elabo-
vation of the raw food material, and other blister-form-
ing and gall-forming insects produce deformities which
interfere with normal plant processes, Leaf miners,
which live in minute tunnels under the epidermis
of leaves, reduce the extent of the action of sunlight
on the underlying tissues. When, as a result of great
increase in the amount of epidermis separated from the
subjacent green tissue, an air space is formed, and
foreign matter, composed of insect excrement and dust
accumulates,»the function of the leaf is greatly im-
paired, and it often dies prematurely.
The principal form of indirect injury to plants by
insects is to be found in the invasion of fungoid or bac-
terial diseases, which take advantage of the punctures
made by sucking insects and the tunnels which are
excavated by boring insects, in gaining entrance to the
inner tissues. Plants are, in general, protected by an
epidermal covering, which varies in thickness and
quality according to the species and to the part of the
plant on which it occurs. When the epidermis is
punctured, the soft tissue is exposed, and there can be
no doubt that an-easy opportunity is offered for the
entrance of disease-producing organisms. The moth
borer, the shot borer and the weevil borer of the sugar-
cane perforate the epidermis of the cane stalk, and it
Vor X< Nos 245;
has been held that the occurrence of these insects in
enormous numbers accounted for the unusual preva-
lence of sugar-cane diseases a few years ago. Butter-
flies and moths sometimes puncture ripening fruits for
the purpose of feeding, and the punctures provide easy
access for spores and germs of disease and decay.
Lastly, certain insects carry, mechanically attached
to the hairs of legs or body, disease-producing germs or
spores, which are likely to find suitable lodgment on
the plants visited by them,
Proof, based on experimental evidence, is not
available for many instances of the relation of insects
to the spread of the diseases of plants, in the West
Indies. It seems likely, however, to take an example,
that in the case of thrips on cacao there may be
a very definite connexion between the spread of certain
diseases and an abundance of the insect. The abrasions
made by the feeding of enormous numbers of these
minute insects would offer, so it would seem, very good
opportunities for the lodgment of spores and the
entrance of disease.
SUGAR INDUSTRY.
THE COMPOSITION OF SUGAR-CANE
SEED.
An investigation is being carried out, at the Sugar
Experiment Station, New Orleans, Louisiana, for the purpose
of obtaining information concerning the composition of
sugar-cane seed. An account of this is given in the Jnter-
national Sugar Journal tor July 1911, p. 362, and this is
employed as the source of the following particulars.
Attention is first drawn to the large importance which
the seed of the sugar-cane has gained in recent years, in
relation to the production of new varieties: it is this variation
in the plants that can be raised from such seed that has
rendered it possible to obtain the large number of varieties of
sugar-cane that are now at the disposal of the experimenter
and the planter. When such seeds are analyzed, varia-
tion is seen to be a quality of its composition as well as
of its power to produce plants. This fact may be illustrated
from the following table taken from the article in question,
in which the results of the analysis of cane seed from
different sources are given:—
Antigua. T.105. Lahaina. Hawaii 29. B.306.
Protein 6°23 838 7:44 8°64 613
Fat 1:98 1:99 1°64 1:95 1-72
Pentosans , 25:72) - 29:75; 23:00 - 25110 24:3:%
Soluble carbo- | So. aa) e : ;
reas y 1238 103 o6f 066 = 141
Lignin 12°71 12:78. 21°57 .16:04 22:09
Fibre FiglG=ane LSet at li. 22s 25:55
Ash 14:22 6:20 701 10°58 7:48
Water 1Osore I-00" 11:53 —WEO 11:28
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
291
The seeds used for analysis included both the husks and
the kernels, as well as the covering of hairs; it was found
impossible to separate the former owing to the small size of
the seed. In considering the analysis, one of the most
striking matters is the variation in the ash content and in
that of the lignin and of the soluble carbohydrates. In the
case of the last-mentioned, it is likely that the differences
can be accounted for by the fact that the seeds employed in
the investigation were of different ages.
The amount of water-soluble carbohydrates is seen to be
about 1 per cent. These were found to contain reducing
sugars, including glucose, but no sucrose was found, in spite
of the making of careful tests. It may be that the absence
of sucrose was due to its disappearance in the time that
elapsed before the seed could be analyzed. Another body
whose presence could not be discovered was methyl pentosan.
It was shown that the cellulose in the seed was ordinary
glucocellulose.
All the kinds of cane seed examined were found to
contain lignin, but this substance was not present in the
hairs covering the seed. It is intended to pursue further the
investigation, particularly in regard to an examination of
the non-carbohydrate bodies in the seed.
MOLASSES AND MILK PRODUCTION.
The use of molasses as a food for stock has received
attention several times in the Agricultural News. Further
interesting work relating to the matter is described in the
Journal of the Board of Agriculture, Vol. XVIII, p. 146
(May 1911), which presents an abstract of investigations
carried out at the Hohenheim Agricultural Experiment
Station, Germany.
The molasses was used more especially as a condiment,
and the way in which the investigations were made was
to compare the milk production, when. unappetizing food
mixtures were employed, with that when the same mixtures
were used, but with the addition of molasses. At the same
time parallel experiments were carried out with foods rich in
condimentary stuffs other than molasses.
The result of the trials was to show that the
effect of the addition of molasses, as. a condiment, to
unappetizing food mixtures was to increase the milk pro-
duction by 50 per cent., and to make it equal to that
obtained when condimentary food mixtures were employed.
This leads to the suggestion that molasses may form
a useful purpose in its addition to tasteless or unsavoury
food, with the object of making this more readily accep-
tible to animals. The matter is particularly important
as regards milk production, especially in view of the further
interesting conclusion that the more a ration is lacking in
sweet-tasting or sweet-smelling constituents, the greater is
the effect of adding molasses.
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
Mr. F. W. South, B.A., Mycologist on the Staff of
the Imperial Department of Agriculture left Barbados
on September 10, by the 8.S. ‘Korona’ for Dominica,
for the purpose of making investigations into the
fungus diseases of various plants. Mr. South will
probably return to Barbados on the 20th instant.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SerremBer 16,°1911.
PRUITS AND FRUIT @RiEES.
THE DATE PALM:
The date palm, to be successfully grown, needs intense
heat, excessive dryness of the airand absence of rain for months
at atime, especially during the growing season. Hot and
dry winds are advantages rather than drawbacks to the date
palm. ‘This palm has the power of resisting large amounts
of alkali in the soil, hence does not mind the ordinary brak
and sandy soils so frequently met with in the dry regions.
The best commercial variety is the Deglet Noor. The Rhars
is a good early date for cool climates; the plant is vigorous,
‘bears while young, and the fruit is extremely sweet and tender-
skinhed. The Teddala is also a good sort for a cool climate.
The fruit of this variety is larger than that of the Rhars. It
attains a size up to 3 inches long, is a vigorous grower and
‘prolific bearer. Soriie ‘varieties of the date require practically
no curing, but dry on the bunch quite fit for use.
The ‘proportion of male palms in commercial groves
should be one to a hundred; it is, however, advisable to have
one to fifty. d
The blooms in spring should produce six to twenty flower
clusters; each flower cluster on a female palm produces fruit.
‘A bunch bears from 10 to 40 tb. of dates. Vigorous trees
are allowed to carry eighft to twelve"bunches. * }
Seedlings aremot the best means for propagation, off-
shoots aré preferable, as they withstand more alkali in the
soil than seedlings. Also, the date does not always reproduce
true to! type from seed.
Offshoots should be set out where they are from three
to six years old, not earlier. ‘Chese should be planted in the
early summer when the soil is warm, and be kept moist con-
tinually during their first season.
In soils where a considerable quantity of alkali is present
and rises to the surface, young palms do not thrive well.
Assistance may be given them by enclosing the spot where each
one is planted with a wall of sand; into this the fresh water
should be put, and the surface covered a foot deep with grass
or straw, so as to prevent evaporation and rise of alkali.
Plants should be set out 26 to 33 feet apart, giving sixty
trees to the acre. The land between the young trees may be
cultivated, and crops taken from it, during the first ten years
Of the trees’ life.
Y Offshoots, under proper conditions, usually produce fruit
in their fourth year, and should be in full bearing in their
eighth or tenth year. Palms continue bearing up to 100
br more years of age. A good tree will produce from 60
to 200 tb. of fruit per annum.
For pollination, one twig of male blossoms extracted
from a cluster should be inserted into a bunch of female
flowers and tied thereto; this will be sufficient to pollinate the
whole bunch. -Pollen may be preserved ina cool, dry place.
and it will remain active for fully twelve months. (From the
Agricultural Journal of the Union of Nouth A frica, Vol. I
p. 678.)
REPORT ON LIMES FROM SI. LUCIA.
The following report on a case of limes sent to
England from Choe estate, St. Lucia, has beer kindly
furnished by Mr. A. E. Aspinall, Secretary of the West
India Committee, at the special request of the St. Lucia
Agricultural Department, on the behalf of which it has
been forwarded by Mr. A. J. Brooks, Assistant Agricul-
tural Superintendent. eae
These limes show a marked improvement on any from
St. Lucia which I have yet seen, and though it would be too
much to say that they are collectively as fine as any shipped
from the neighbouring lime-producing colony, many of the
individual limes are fully equal in appearance to the finest
shipped from Dominica. :
The case was unsatisfactory, being made of slats of
uneven thickness, and the box had suffered somewhat in
transit.
The trial shipment is particularly interesting in view of
the fact that the fruit arrived here during a spell of tropical
weather, the thermometer ranging from 76° to 88° in the
shade, and owing to the delay in the arrival of the Mail, was
for some reason or other not delivered with the usual rapidity
from Southampton, the case not being opened in consequence
until four days after the arrival of the Mail. In spite of this,
many of the limes are still green, which indicates that they
might have been kept even longer before shipment. The
public here -do not. understand green limes, although West
Indians know that they are preferable to yellow ones, which
are in greatest demand on the London market.
There was some inequality in the size of- the fruit, and
consequently the limes were not packed sufticiently closely
together, but the average size was larger than that of recent
shipments from Dominica. There was not a bad fruit in the
whole case. The brown paper used in packing left nothing
to be desired.
Vou. X.' ‘No. 245.
The fruit is full of juice, but the aroma is not so strong
as that of Dominica limes. I notice, however, that the
aroma of the yellow limes is stronger than that of the green.
I would advise the packing of this fruit in square boxes,
size one foot square, to hold approximately 220 limes, or in
double cases, with a division in the middle, which could easily
be sawn in two. Such cases in reasonable quantities should
have a steady salein London at prices ranging from 3s. to
4s. 6d., delivered at Nine Elms Station, London. The
Lundon market is very uncertain, and would require very
careful watching until limes are as well known by the
English public as they are in America.
TRIALS WITH GREEN DRESSINGS IN
ST. KITTS.
On pages 245 and 284 of this volume of the Agri-
cultural News, information was given concerning trials
that have been conducted recently in St. Lucia with
certain green dressing plants. The last number of the
Agricultural News (p. 277) presented an account of
similar experiments made in Dominica. Since this was
received, a report on green dressing experiments of
‘a like nature has been supphed by Mr F. R. Shepherd,
Agricultural Superintendent, St. Kitts-Nevis. In for-
warding this, Mr. Shepherd states that the results
obtained in St. Kitts, at the La Guénte Experiment
Station, are almost identical with those reported from
St. Lucia. ‘The details of the report are as follows:—
TEPHROSIA CANDIDA. This was planted on November 14,
at distances 2 feet square, and at first grew slowly, but later
on the plants developed into fine, large bushes, covering the
Jand thoroughly and keeping down al! grass and weeds. At
the present time the plants are from 5 to 6 feet high, with
laterals from 3 to 4 feet, and as yet show no signs of flower:
ing. On examination, a few nodules were found on the lateral
roots.
These plants have been growing during the last fewmonths
under very dry conditions, and do not appear to be suffering
in any way. I was surprised to find, only a few weeks ago,
that the plant is growing wild here, as I found ina garden
quite near the Station, a number of specimens growing most
luxuriantly; I am informed that it also grows on the mountain
lands.
As soon as seed is obtainable, further trials will be made
with this plant, as from what can be gathered from this
experiment, it should: prove a valuable crop for green dress-
ings.
TEPHROSIA PURPUREA. A small quantity of seed was
received from the Commissioner of Agriculture, for trial, and
also a little soil in which the plant had previously grown.
This was mixed with the seed, and sown in a plot, in March.
Jermination was very slow and irregular; but later on
most of the seed sprouted, and in about three months the
plants began to flower, when about 2 feet high. ‘They are
now bearing seed, which is being collected for further trial.
As a green dressing, they are not to be compared for foliage,
etc., with Zephrosia candida.
CYAMOPSIS PSORALOIDES. Seeds of this plant were
received from the Commissioner of Agriculture in April, and
sown at the Experiment Station on May 14. They germina-
ted well, and have produced plants from 2 feet to 3 feet
high, with distinct characters; some have bushy laterals
about 2 feet long and others are erect, without any laterals.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 293
They are at present covered with seed, which is produced in
small, straight pods growing in clusters from the stem.
The plants are very succulent and should be useful as
a green dressing. No nodules have so far been observed on
the roots. Further trials on a larger scale will be made with
this plant.
One of the matters of chief interest in relation to
the experiments in the three islands named is that
Tephrosia candida has shown itself likely in every case
to constitute a valuable plant when employed asa green
dressing.
THE CONSTITUTION OF YOUNG
CASTILLOA PLANTS.
Interesting experiments have been undertaken recently,
in Malaya, for the purpose of ascertaining the manurial
requirements of Para rubber plants. These have been fol-
lowed at the Jardin Colonial, Nogent-sur-Marne, by similar
experiments in relation to Custziloa elastica. The results of
the latter work are presented in L’ Agriculture Pratique des
Pays Chauds for June 1911, from which the following infor-
mation is taken.
The work was done with plants of Castilloa elastica one
year old, and the method employed was to determine their
mineral composition in order to obtain some indication as to
a rational course of manuring for such plants. It is pointed
out that the composition of the young plant is probably not
identical with that of the matured tree; nevertheless the
analysis of it is likely to give indications of the composition
of the ash of the adult plant. Again, it should be useful to
know what is to be found in the ash of young plants, in order
that they may receive adequate manuring for the purpose of
accelerating their growth and giving them the vigour by
which they may be able to withstand the attacks of pests
and diseases.
The following information concerning the composition of
young Castilloa trees is taken from a table given in the
article. The selected details are, in percentages :—
Ash. Dry Material. Green Material.
Water 0:00 0-00 82°67
Nitrogen 0:00 2°57 0°445
Ash 100-00 13°65 2°365
Sulphuric Acid 6:07 30°8 0-114
Phosphoric Acid 3°84 052 0:09
Lime 23°21 311 0:539
Potash 8:84 1:21 0-210
Soda 8°30 113 0-196
A scheme of manuring based on this table is drawn up,
and attention is directed to the fact that the chief bodies
that appear to be required by the plant are nitrogen, lime
and potash.
It is intended to conduct manurial experiments, based on
information of this nature, at the Jardin Colonial, and the
suggestion is made that similar trials should be made on
estates.
It is stated, for general information, that Mr. C. R.
Kennaway, of La Perle estate, St. Lucia, has for sale a pure-
bred Jersey bull, born (from imported Jersey stock) in 1906,
and imported into St. Lucia, from England, in 1907, a
294 THE
AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SepremMBer 16, 1911.
Zi AAW
Ris ome
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date August 28, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :-—
Owing to the labour troubles in Lancashire, no business
has been reported in West Indian Sea Island cotton during
the last fortnight.
Sea Island crop accounts from America are generally
favourable.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending August 19, is as follows: —
Another week has passed without any demand, and the
unsold stock is still practically held off the market. We
renew our last quotations which are nominal.
We quote, viz :
Fully Fine at 28c.=15}d. cif. & 5 per cent.
Fine 26c. = 143d.
Stains and Off Grades 20c. to 24¢. =
c.i.f. & 5 per cent.
” ’
’ »”» ”
L1}d. to 133d.
TRIALS OF COTTON VARIETIES IN
INDIA.
The Report on the Progress of Agriculture im India for
1909-10 shows that trials of exotic varieties of cotton have
been continued in that country, on Government Farms and
in the fields of cultivators. In regard to Egyptian cotton,
cultivation is being encouraged by the Government of
Jombay, by the regular supply of irrigation water at the time
of sowing, and by the granting of a rebate of one rupee of land
revenue on every acre planted in this cotton. It is stated
that the success of attempts to grow Egyptian cotton in
India will depend upon proper cultivation and the sowing of
the seed of the right kind; the avoidance of barren ground
and if possible the making of a rotation with bersim
(Trifolium alexandrinum); and the provision for the proper
preparation and disposal of cotton lint.
Fairly extensive experiments have shown that the pro-
duction is possible, under ordinary circumstances, of a good
class of American cotton, in Sind; this is because it possesses
a shorter growing period than the native cotton (Sindhi) and
can therefore be sown on inundation canals; thus opening
a very large area on which it can be grown. Recent experi-
mental trials have given yields of 825 to 900 th. per acre of
seed-cotton, and the reports on the lint from Liverpool were
favourable. It is recognized, however, that the provision of
buying agencies 1s necessary to its successful introduction.
A large adaptability to varying conditions in India has
been shown by a form of Upland Georgian received from
Cochin-China and described generally under the name Cam-
bodia. ‘This can be used for spinning higher counts of yarn
than any of the native Madras cottons, and it also gives very
heavy yields, under suitable cultivation. At Dharwar, two
years’ trials have afforded a yield of about 500 Ib. of seed-
cotton per acre, showing the high ginning percentage of 39;
good results have been obtained under a rainfall of only about
25 inches. Another type of Upland Georgian is described
under the name of Buri; this is more particularly suited to
districts of heavy rainfall, and has been raised very success-
fully. In the Punjab, Dharwar American is being largely
sown but is not continuing to oust the Deshi variety, as the
latter proved profitable in 1909. In Bnrinah, trials are being
made for the purpose of introducing a suitable cotton, and
there have been numerous private demands for Sea Island
cotton seed.
The experience with tree cottons in India has been in
accordance with what was stated in an article having refer-
ence to the subject, in the last number of the Agricultural
News (page 278), and the position is summed up shortly in
the Report by saying that experiments with tree cottons have
resulted in failure. Efforts to introduce the Bourbon cotton
into the Bombay and Madras Presidencies were disappointing,
though in one district, in Burmah, recent trials are indicating
success with Pernambuco tree cotton. As in the case of the
Sourbon cotton, trials with Brazilian, Rough Peruvian and
a few others have failed completely. Finally, in regard to
this niatter, the chief objection to the introduction of tree
cottons as field crops, as mentioned by Mr. Gammie, Imperial
Cotton Specialist, are quoted, namely: (1) the urgent water
requirements of such cottons, in their early stages; (2) the
great probability of no yield in the first year; (3) the risk of
damage by wounds; (4) the increased danger from insect
pests, as these are harboured and carried over from year to
year; (5) the imperfect opening of the boll, which is usually
accompanied by damaged cotton; and (6) the inferior yield
throughout, as compared with that of native varieties, or
a fairly large return in the first year, followed by steadily
diminishing annual yields.
A report shows that, owing to heavy rainfall during last
month, a certain amount of damage was done in St. Vincent
to cotton cultivations in different parts of the island, and
planters have found it difficult to keep the fields clear of
weeds,
Vor X. Nor 2
ae
hirsuta)
Su
> SF === @ é ss
THE PHYSIOLOGY AND DISEASES OF HEVEA
BRASILIENSIS, by T. Petch,. B.Sc., B.A., Mycologist to
the Government of Ceylon. London, Dulaw and Co., Ltd.,
7s. 6d. net.
This book must be regarded as a most valuable addition
to the literature dealing with the Para rubber tree (//evea
brasiliensis). It is evident from the simple though scientifi-
cally accurate method in which the subject matter is treated
that it is primarily intended for the planter, but the careful
descriptions of the diseases, accompanied as they are through-
out by the scientific diagnoses of the fungi causing them, are
of no less value to the plant pathologist. The sections
treating of the fundamental facts of plant anatomy and
physiology which underly all systems of tapping, and that part
dealing with the effect of different systems on the tree may
well receive the careful attention of all owners of estates,
whether private individuals or directors of companies.
Finally, the careful critical method followed by the author
in considering all the experiments which he quotes to
illustrate his points, as well as the principles contained in
the chapter entitled The Art of Experiment, should serve as
a guide to all engaged in the conduct of agricultural
research experiments in the tropics.
The style of the book is simple, lucid and definite; the treat-
ment of the subject matter is excellent. There is a marked
freedom from any casual or inaccurate employment of scien-
tific terms, while a clear-sighted and critical attitude is main-
tained throughout, which leads to the rejection and overthrow
of many prevalent but inaccurate beliefs, having no sound
basis in scientific observation, often contrary to all known
botanical facts and, generally, belonging to the category of
popular natural history. Such beliefs are not merely passed
over summarily, the reasons for their dismissal are given, and
this treatment of them serves as a good model of the way in
which published scientific statements should be criticized by
the reader; a further illustration of this is provided by the
author’s discussion of the experiments considered in the text.
The book is really constructed in two parts, The first
deals with the general structure and physiology of the plant
and outlines their significance in the consideration of prob-
lems relating to tapping and to the general health of the tree.
This matter is contained in seven chapters whose titles are as
follows: I, The Structure of Hevea; II, Latex and Rubber;
III, The Strength of Plantation Rubber; IV, Physiological
Considerations; V, Tapping Systems and their Effect on the
the Tree; VI, Tapping Experiments and ‘Their Teachings;
VII, The Art of Experiment.
The subject matter in these chapters is interesting
throughout. The description given in Chapter I, though clear
and easily understood, might perhaps have been illustrated by
a few simple diagrams. The phenomenon, usually known as
‘wound response’, is frequently attributed to a vital stimuius of
irritation produced by wounding. The author, however, after
drawing attention to the lower percentage of rubber contained
in the latex. obtained at such consecutive tappings, puts
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
295
forward another view. According to this, the phenomenon
is due to the combined effects of gravity and the infiltration
of water into the latex tubes. The removal of the latex on
the first day permits of the infiltration of water into the tubes.
This water lessens the viscosity of the latex, and the flow ob-
tained on the second day is consequently greater, while the
percentage of rubber obtained from it is lowered. Thus the
phenomenon is controlled by the factors to which the increased
flow of latex in wet weather must also be attributed.
Many other practical points of interest are discussed in this
portion of the book, such as the amount of damage inflicted
upon trees by various tapping systems, the effects of different
instruments for tapping on the nature of ' the renewed bark,
and many others, but, unfortunately, space does not permit
of their consideration here.
The second half of the book deals with specific diseases
and malformations. It is divided as follows: General
Sanitation, Leaf Diseases, Root Diseases, Stem Diseases,
Abnormalities in Hevea, Prepared Rubber, Other Fungi on
Hevea
In considering the question of protective belts, under
the heading General Sanitation, the author points out the
difficulty of obtaining any suitable crop for their formation,
and thinks that, in consequence, they must consist of useless
forest trees. But it seems that certain useful timber trees
might be employed for the purpose, especially in districts
with good means of communication. The final conclusion
reached does, however, seem true, namely, that the employ-
ment of such belts of forest is only practicable when a district
is being opened up, and that protective belts are out of the
question in most countries. Several other important points
receive attention in this chapter, such as the Removal of
Stumps, Pruning, Planting Distances and Cover Crops.
Finally, the evidence on the matter of the internal applica-
tion of fungicides is summarized, and the conclusion is
reached that at present such treatment cannot be recom-
mended.
The leaf diseases mentioned are none of them considered
to be of any great importance, and only the principal ones are
given in Chapter IX; the other fungi found on the leaves of
this plant are recorded in Chapter XIV. The root diseases
are three in number. The first is due to Fomes semitostus, Berk.;
this is a well known disease, but the author points out that
the name of the fungus should probably be Fomes Auberianus.
The second is the brown root disease due to Tymenochaete
novia, Berk., and the third is caused by Sphaerostilbe repens,
B. and Br. All of them commence their attacks, in the
majority of instances, from decaying jungle stumps.
The stem diseases are canker, due to Phytophthora
Luberi, Maubl., which also causes canker of cacao; pink
diseise due to Corticiums salmonicolor, B. and Br., formerly
known as Corticium javanicum, Zimm.; die-back, due to the
combined action of Gloeosporium alborubrum, Petch, and
Botryodiplodia theobromae, Pat., which latter is the same as
Thyridaria tarda, Bancroft (see Agriculiwral News, Vol. X,
p. 286); a disease due to Fusicladium sp. in Java; a disease
of stumps due to Botryodiplodia theobromae; a new stem
canker not previously described, caused by Coniothyrium sp.;
and a stem disease of seedlings due to Pestalozzia palmarum,
Cooke.
The whole of this section is very thorough and brings
the. information covering the diseases up to date, with the
exception of the work very recently published by Bancroft
and referred to above. All that is necessary to complete the
literature deating with the pathology of Hevea brasiliensis
is a similar work treating of its insect pests.
296
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SrepremBer 16, 1911.
Ce ee eee
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s. 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
_ Agnieattural sews
xX. SATURDEN
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
VoL. SEPTEMBER 16, 1911. No. 245.
Contents of Present Issue.
The editorial of this issue treats of The Health of
Plants as Related to Insects. It reviews various ways
in which insects damage plants, both directly and indi-
rectly, and points out that the extent of the loss from
this damage is not adequately realized.
Page 291 contains an abstract of an interesting
article that has appeared recently on the composition
of sugar-cane seed. It also presents an article dealing
with molasses in connexion with milk production.
Attention is drawn to the report, furnished in
England, on a consignment of limes from St. Lucia,
which is given on-page 292.
An account of trials with green dressings, carried
out in St. Kitts, appears on page 295. The reports of
similar experiments in other islands have been given
in recent numbers of the Agricultural News.
The Insect Notes, on page 298, present information
concerning an insect recently found to have been intro-
duced into the West Indies.
The Fungus Notes are presented on page 302.
{hey have for their subject some of the latest work of
investigation that has been conducted with Bordeaux
mixture. This tends to show that when plants are
sprayed with this mixture, the secretions of the fungi
actually dissolve copper compounds, which are absorbed,
and cause the death of the former.
The Influence of Leaves on the Development
of Fruit.
Work conducted for the purpose of ascertaining
the nature and extent of the influence of leaves on the
development of fruit is described in the Jowrnal de la
Société Nationale d’ Horticulture de France, for No-
vember 1910, in which the development of fruit on
branches of the pear tree deprived of their leaves was
compared with the normal growth. Investigation was
also made of the constitution of the fruit ubtained under
the ditferent conditions.
It was found that an effect of depriving the fruit-
ing shoots of leaves was to cause the fruit borne on
them to be lighter than ordinary fruit. In regard to
the constitution of the former, it was shown that these
contain less sugar than fruits on shoots bearing leaves.
In addition tosthis, the juice of the fruit of the former
kind contained a higher percentage of acid than that
from normal fruit,
1
British Imperial Council of Commerce.
The Board of Trade Journal for July 6, 1911,
contains an account of an inaugural meeting of the
British Imperial Council of Commerce, which was held
on July 5 at Salters’ Hall, St. Swithin’s Lane, London,
E.C., under the Presidency of Mr. Charles Charleton,
Vice-president of the London Chamber of Commerce.
After giving a list of the bodies which were repre-
sented at the meeting, the account states that the
following resolutions were adopted unanimously:—
(1) That:this meeting, representative of the Cham-
bers of Commerce, Boards of Trade, and similar organ-
izations in the British Empire, and of British Chambers
of Commerce ‘throughout the world, approves of the
formation of an organization, to be known as the ‘British
Imperial Council of Commerce’, on the lines of the
scheme contained in a report adopted by the Associated
Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom in
March 1911.
(2) Thatithe existing Congress Organizing Com-
mittee, together with its officers, be confirmed under
the new title of the ‘British Imperial Council of Com-
merce’, and that there be added thereto (a) certain
meinbers to be appointed by this meeting, and (b)
such further members as the said Council may here-
after determine to co-opt, due regard being had to the
adequate representation of the Chambers of Commerce
associated with the movement.
(3) That this meeting hereby invites each British
Chamber within the Empire and throughout the world
to appoint an additional m mber on the Council.
(4) That this meeting requests the British Imperial
Council of Commerce to take such steps to complete
its organization as may be necessary, and to appoint
committees orjto make regulations fur its future work-
ing, such regulations not being inconsistent with the
report adopted by the Associated Chambers of Cem-
merce of the United Kingdom in March, 1911.
Vou, X. No, 245.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
297
St. Kitts and the Canadian National Exhibi-
tion.
Information has been received from the Agricul-
tural Superintendent, St. Kitts, that exhibits for the
the forthcoming Canadian National Exhibition were
forwarded by the SS. ‘Rhodesian’, of the Pickford and
Black line of steamers, on August 5.
The number of exhibits sent was eighty-two, put
up in glass exhibition, jars of suitable sizes. They
comprised sugars, molasses, rum, cotton, and its by-
products, meals and starches, and preserves. In
addition, there were forwarded bunches of cocoa-nuts,
and sugar-cane and palm branches, to be employed for
the purposes of decoration.
—@“x“©@ + aa —
The Importance of Calcium Cyanamide as
a Manure.
Information that has been issued recently, in con-
nexion with calcium cyanamide, or nitrolim, serves to
show the growing importance which is possessed by
this artificial manure. As is well known, it is quickly
becoming more widely used by agricultural companies,
planters and farmers.
The increased degree to which nitrolim is being
produced furnishes a guide as to the growth of its use
by agricuiturists. In connexion with this, it is of
interest that the manufacture of this useful manure
is being carried out to the following extent in the
countries named: Norway, France, Switzerland, Canada,
Japan and Austria, by one company each; Italy and
Germany, by three companies each; making a total of
twelve companies, which are individually capable of pro-
ducing from 3,000 to 12,000 tons per annum.
Besides these existing works, others are in con-
struction for the manufacture of nitrolim in Dalmatia
(Austria), and in Bavaria (Germany). The annual
output of these will be 4,000 and 12,500 tons, respec-
tively.
——————___—
Trade and Agriculture of St. Vincent, 1910.
A report on the trade and agriculture of St.
Vincent for the year 1910 is given in the Government
Gazette for July 27, 1911. This commences by showing
that the total value of the imports and exports during
that year were £97,737 and £101,180, so that the total
trade of the Colony for the year was £198,917. In
regard to the last, this is a total increase of £22,409 on
the total trade of 1909, made up as follows: imports
£9,927, exports £12,482.
The exports from St. Vincent in 1910 comprised
live animals, food supplies, etc., £50,063; raw material
£43,060; manufactured articles £8.057. The similar
figures for 1909 were £52,212, £24,760 and £11,725.
There have thus been slight decreases under the first
and last classes, and a large increase inthe value of
raw materials exported.
The values of the principal articles of export in
1910 were: Sea Island cotton, £37,237; arrowroot,
£30,089; sugar, syrup and molasses, £5,883; live stock,
£5,424; cacao, £4,131; cotton seed, £3,684; cotton
other than Sea Island, £1,171.
It is interesting to compare the above cotton
industry exports with those of 1909, the values of
which were as tollows: Sea Island cotton £20,684,
cotton seed £1,893, cotton other than Sea Island £642.
The imports into St. Vincent from the United
Kingdom during the year amounted in value to £43,254;
this is greater, by £13,021 than that for 1909. The
value of the imports from other British Colonies was
£31,688; this is a decrease from that of the previous
year by £11,338. ;
Imports from foreign countries show an increase
of £8,243, being actually £22,784 in value; of this
increase, £5,165 is accounted for by a larger importa-
tion from the United States.
eee _____
Agriculture and Hygiene in St. Lucia Ele-
mentary Schools.
The Annual Report of the Inspector of Schools;
St. Lucia, for 1910, contains a report by the Agricul-
tural Superintendent on the teaching of agriculture in
the Elementary Schools of that island, during the year,
The examination, which is the third to be held, was
carried out, under the direction of that Officer, by the
Schoolmaster of the Agricultural School, the number
of schools dealt with being eighteen.
The number of pupils examined was 441, including
fifteen girls. In 1909 the total number was 454, but the
average per school for 1910 was greater, being 24:5, as
compared with 227 for 1909.
In comparison with the results of 1909, nine of the
schools have shown improvement, six retained their
former position, and three have gained lower marks.
The detailed account of the condition of the school
gardens, furnished by the examiner, shows that this is
generally satisfactory, though there is room for improve-
ment at some of the schools. At present, it appears
that amendment is required in the following directions:
(1) the employment of the gardens throughout the year;
(2) greater attention to the growing of native plants;
(3) the giving of Jarger prominence to the aspect of the
work having relation to nature study. Notwithstanding
these matters, the efforts of the past three years have
given encouraging resuits,and at the present time each
school possesses a useful outfit of garden tools, chosen
under the recommendation of the Agricultural Super-
intendent.
The same account contains a special report by the
Inspector of Schools on the teaching of hygiene in these
schools during the year. This shows that the subject
has been taught during 1910 in every school, from
Standard II upwards, in the Colony. Success is being
obtained, and attention is drawn to the fact that for
this to continue the subject matter must be confined to
the general rules of tropical hygiene, with as much
explanation as is required to make the learning of them
intelligent, and to create a healthy interest in them.
298
a ==
eps
= aon
AN INSECT NEW TO THE WEST INDIES.
According to information contained in a paper entitled
A Report ona Recent Addition to the Insect Fauna of the
West Indies, by Dr. A. Fredholm, which appeared in the
Proceedings of the Agricultural Society of Trinidad and
Tobago, an insect has been discovered in St. Croix and in
Trinidad which may prove to be a troublesome pest, if it
becomes established and spreads to other islands.
The insect referred to is Bartocera rubus, Linn., and the
account of its occurrence given herewiih is taken from the
paper referred to above.
Bartocera rubusis a large beetle of the Longicorn group,
commonly called the long-horned borers. It varies in size,
the body being from 29-55 mm. (1} to 24 inches) in length,
and about one-third as wide as long. The antennae are
slender, and much longer than the body, and the legs also
are long and slender.
In colour, this insect is dark-brown on the dorsal surface,
marked with reddish or yellowish spots, the scutellum being
white. The under surface is covered with a fine, greyish-
yellowish pubescence, with a wide, white stripe on each side.
The insect is a native of Asia and Eastern Africa, where,
with other species of the genus, it is of fairly common occur-
rence. There are, of course, many long-horned borers which
are native to the West Indies and other parts of tropical
countries, but this genus is not a native, and occurs only as
an introduced form.
The specimens from St. Croix were forwarded by the
Secretary of the Agricultural and Commercial Society of
Trinidad and Tobago, to Washington, where the identifica-
tion was made by experts of the Bureau of Entomology.
Mr. August Buseck, an agent of the Bureau of Ento-
mology of the United States Department of Agriculture, who
visited the West Indies in 1906, obtained two specimens of
Bartocera rubus, but as all the recorded species were at that
time known from Oriental regions, the data supplied to
Mr. Busck were doubted at Washington.
Bartocera rubus has apparently existed in St. Croix for
some three years, but the manner of its introduction is
unknown. The larva is a borer in the wood of living trees.
In the East it is known to attack trees of several natural
orders, generally those the wood of which is rather soft.
Mr. Petersen, who found this insect in St. Croix, states
that he knows it to attack avocado pear, mango, and rubber
(Ficus elastica) trees,and also a tree from which fishermen make
floats for their seines. In Trinidad this tree is known as
‘bois flot’, and the botanical name given for it is Ochroma
Lagopus, Sw.; in other parts of the West Indies, it is called
‘bombast mahoe’, or ‘down tree’.
In Ceylon, the insect was in 1870, a very serious pest of
cocoa nuts, killing large numbers of young trees. Other
trees which would probably suffer if Bartocera should become
established in the West Indies are the silk cotton tree, trumpet
tree: (Cecropia peltata), many species of Ficus, the hog plum
(Spondias lutea) and related species, the bread-fruit, and
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. SerremBer 16, 1911,
jack-fruit, and the Central
elasticd).
Introduced pests are almost certain to become more
serious in their effects in new localities than in those where
they have been long established, since their natural enemies
are not generally introduced with them, and those of similar
insects do not at once recognize the new forms as their prey.
In view of these facts, planters throughout the West
Indies should keep a careful look-out for large grubs boring
in the trunks of trees, either those which are living or those
recently dead, and when such grubs are found, steps should
be taken to rear the adult insect in order that it may be
identified, and in the event of Bartocera rubus being found,
energetic measures should be adopted for its eradication.
American rubber (Castilloa
FORESTRY IN HAWAII.
A note on the forest policy that is being adopted
in Hawaii was given in the Agricultural News, Vol.
IX, p. 87. The following additional information in
regard to the same matter is taken from the Report of
the Superintendent of Forestry, Hawau, for 1910:—
Forestry in Hawaii is a matter which concerns both
private interests and the Government. Each manager of
a corporation owning or controlling land should look to it
that his forests are well cared for, and that waste or other
land, that cannot be utilized more intensively, is planted with
trees. And the people, as a whole, through their representa-
tives in the Legislature, should make adequate provision for
the proper care and development of the forest areas belonging
to them, but managed for them by the ofticers of their govern-
ment —the forests on government land.
Specifically, as regards the government forests of Hawaii,
provision should be made by adequate appropriations for five
main branches of forest work:—
(1) For the proper maintenance and protection of the
existing native forests—through the fencing of forest reserve
boundaries, the care of the forests and their protection from
trespass by forest rangers, and a special fund, to be used only
in case of need, for fighting forest fires.
(2) For the planting of open places in forest reserves,
and of other government lands, where the growing of a forest
is the best use to which the land can be put.
(3) For the extension and better equipment of the system
of sub-nurseries and local distributing points for the giving
away of trees.
(4) For the’ introduction and experimental planting «f
economically desirable trees and shrubs new to the territory.
(5) For the general administrative and routine expenses.
of the Division of Forestry in carrying out these several’
branches of work, and in its more strictly technical investiga-
tions, such as the work being done in connexion with the
herbarium; it being understood that the allotment for this
last section should be sufficient to include provision for the
publication of results.
A report received from the Agricultural Superintendent,
St. Lucia, show that the planting of limes is continuing in
the island, and that there are indications that the cultivation
will be taken up by peasant holders as soon as they are cer-
tain of being able to dispose of their crops to the larger
producers,
Vou. X. No. 245.
MATERIALS FOR PAPER-MAKING.
The following is adapted from the conclusions
reached in an article entitled The Utilization of Crop
Plants in Paper-making, which appears in the Vear-
book of the United States Department of Agriculture
for 1910:—
There are numerous crop materials now-going to waste
that deserve utilization for the making of paper. Hitherto,
the price of wood has been so low that they could not enter
into competition with it. This condition appears to be
changing, and a point may soon be reached where crop by-pro-
ducts can be made into pulp and paper at a profit to both the
farmer and the manufacturer. There does not seem to be any
reasonable hope at the present time of producing paper stock
from crop wastes that will be cheap enough to use for print-
ing newspapers. This is due chiefly to two causes—the low
cost at which such paper can be produced from ground wood,
and the striking adaptability of ground wood pulp to the
newspaper-printing industry. .
Not only is the grinding process the cheapest method of
obtaining print paper of any character, but it also produces
the highest proportion of pulp to raw material. While the
chief chemical processes produce on an average only about
1,000 tb. of pulp per cord of wood, the yield of ground wood
pulp per cord is considerably over 2,000 tb. Although
lacking in durability, ground wood fibre, with the addition of
a small proportion of stronger and better chemical fibres,
answers its intended purpose admirably. It is light, reduc-
ing freight cost on the unprinted paper and postage on the
printed. It is opaque, printing readily on both sides of
moderately thin sheets, and, finally, it has excellent ink-
absorbing qualities, fitting it unusually well for use on the
high-speed presses of the present day.
Wood will probably be used for making news paper
long after other materials have acquired importance in many
branches of the chemical pulp industry. It should be added
that chemical pulp papers, such as books and magazines are
printed upon, consume over 1,000,000 cords more wood each
year than that consumed by the ground-wood industry.
There is some scepticism as to the failure of the pulp-
wood supplies, but this is certainly poorly grounded. During
1909 the quantity of spruce used in the United States was
less by 40,000 cords than in 1907, but the cost was
$2,000,000 greater. Present efforts in connexion with the
reafforestation of spruce and poplar are not extensive enough
to produce any noteworthy effect upon the available supply
within a generation. At the present rate of increase in
consumption, it will require between 15,000,000 and
20,000,000 cords of wood to satisfy the demand for pulp and
paper fibre in 1950. It will certainly be impossible to
furnish this from the forests. If every acre cut over each
year were reafforested it would be twenty-five or thirty years,
or possibly even longer, before the trees could attain suffi-
cient size to warrant cutting. The forests cannot recover
from the overdrafts continually being made upon them;
hence it is only a question of a limited number of years until
paper fibre must be grown as a crop, as are practically all
other plant materials entering into the economy of man.
While the conservation of only a few of the by-products of
the farms yielding paper fibre can be accomplished profitably
in the near future and only a few plants promise to be
money-makers immediately if grown solely for paper produc-
tion, it seems very probable that raw products now scarcely
considered may in a few years play an important part in the
paper and pulp industry.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 299
THE TONKIN RUBBER TREE.
This rubber-producing plant, which is of special interest
because its natural habitat is between the tropical and
temperate zones, has received attention in the Agricultural
News, Vols, VII, p. 377; and IX, p. 165. Further informa-
tion concerning it is available in the /ndia-Rubber World
for August 1, 1911, which presents an abstract of an article
in the Bulletin Economique of the Government of Indo-
China.
In regard to the coagulation of the latex from the
Tonkin rubber tree (Bleekrodew tonkinensis), sulphuric acid
has given the best results so far, being better for the purpose
than acetic acid, which appears to act on the globules of
the rubber in sucha way as to prevent their cohesion, while
hydrochloric acid is not suitable owing to its reduction of the
elasticity of the rubber obtained.
Samples of the rubber have been submitted to ecom-
mercial experts for valuation. One, which had been treated
with ether and freed from all foreign substances, was valued
at 72 to 75c. per Ib, The other sample was of native origin,
the latex having been gathered without care and coagulated
without using acid, so that the rubber contained a large
quantity of impurities; this was valued at 49}c. per tb.
Both of these valuations were made at the time when Para
was quoted at less than $1:00.
An estimate of the value of the rubber well treated
and well prepared, with Para at about $2-25 per tb. (the
price current at the time when the article was written), gives
this at $1°62 to $1:80 per bb.
TRADE AND COMMERCE OF THE
CANARY ISLANDS, 1910.
Diplomatic and Consular Reports, No. 4658 Annual
Series, shows that the export of bananas from the Canaries
during 1910 was 2,700,352 crates, as compared with
2,782,299 in the previous year. Of the other agricultural
exports, the amounts in the ease of tomatoes and potatoes
were 1,013,806 bundles and 384,703 boxes; in 1909, the
similar figures were 739,174 and 399,203, respectively.
In commenting on these matters, the report states that
the scarcity and resulting dearness of other fruits have had the
effect of increasing the demand for bananas in Italy, France
and Germany, so that a regular trade has been established
and is likely to grow in importance. The rapid increase in
this demand has caused the competition among the buyers in
the islands to become very keen, and contracts for fruit have
been made at relatively high prices. Growers have also been
able to dispose of their produce at advanced rates because of
the shortage during the early part of the winter, which caused
sellers to find difficulty in executing their contracts and thus
compelled them to give high prices. The industry has been
most successful for growers and proprietors, and enhanced
prices are being obtained for land.
The matter is different in the case of tomatoes, and up
to May, in 1910, most of the shippers suffered severe losses;
this was also the case at the beginning of the season 1909-10,
but later prospects are more hopeful. Among the causes of
the untoward conditions have been the poor quality of the
fruit and the lack of demand in England and on the contin-
ent. In the latter case, the inquiry is increasing on the whole,
but the considerable fluctuations in price make shippers chary
of sending large or regular quantities. As regards the potato-
growing industry, the trade is becoming less important
year by year.
300
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SEPTEMBER 16, 1911.
GLEANINGS.
The Board of Trade Journal for July 20, 1911, states
that the Monthly Report of the Sudan Central Economic
Board gives the total export of cotton up to the end of May
from Tokar (Red Sea Province) as about 6,680 tons. At the
time of reporting there remained about 90 tons to come in.
It is reported by H.M. Minister at La Paz, Bolivia, that
the production of rubber in that State, in 1910, amounted to
3,061 tons. The greater part of this rubber was shipped by
way of the Amazon River. The statistics show that, of the
amount exported, the United Kingdom took 1,274 tons,
Brazil 810 tors and Germany 565 tons.
It is stated that trials are being made by the Bombay
Department of Agriculture, on the Dharwar Farm, of a new
method of harvesting ground nuts. In this, the stalks of the
plants are first cut, and the nuts are then removed from the
soil with a heavy harrow. This should reduce the expense
of harvesting the nuts, and in consequence, cause the cultiva-
tion to be taken up on a larger scale.
A preliminary statement issued by the Chamber of Agri-
culture of Mauritius shows that the production of sugar in
this island in 1910-1] was 218,786 tons, as compared with
229,631 tons in 1909-10, and 192,401 tons in 1908-9. The
total weight of cane bought by factories, or ground for dif-
ferent planters, during the last crop, was 813,384 tons, as
compared with 897,425 tons in that of 1909-10.
The principal agricultural articles for export from French
West Africa in 1909 were as follows: ground nuts, 228,000
tons value £1,772,240; rubber, 4,318 tons value £1,273,480;
palm nuts, 43,369 tons value £410,560; palm oil, 21,437
tons value £573,760; gum arabic, 3,459 tons value £68,240;
maize, 9,335 tons value £28,000; gum copal, 150 tons value
£14,960. The exports also included 152 tons of cotton
worth £5,800.
Reference has been-made from time to time in the Agrv-
cultural News to the oceurrence of prussic acid in sorghum
(Agricultural News, Vols. I, p. 70; IX, p. 275; X, p. 123).
Work carried on in recent years at the Nebraska Agricultural
Experiment Station. has confirmed the existence of prussic
acid in the stalks of sorghum. In another, similar investi-
gation with corn, no trace of prussic acid was found, no
matter at what stage the plants were examined.
At a meeting of the British Cotton Growing Associa-
tion, held on August 1, 1911, it was reported that the total
purchases of cotton in Lagos, from the beginning of the
present year, amount to 5,129 bales as compared with 5,228
bales and 11,166 bales for the same period in 1910 and
1909, respectively. It is estimated by Sir Walter Egerton,
the Governor of Southern Nigeria, that the Lagos cotton crop
during the coming season may amount to 15,000 bales.
An abstract in the Bulletin of the Bureau of Agricul-
tural Intelligence and of Plant Diseases for January 1911
states that good rubber has been obtained from Huphorbia
Tirucaliu—a plant mentioned in the Agricultural News,
Vol. IX, p. 232. Itis stated that a pound of rubber may
be obtained from 3} pints of the latex, and that a plant
six years old will yield over 5 th. In East Africa, the plant
exists in thickets, near the rivers, containing 300 to 400
trees.
The production of cotton is the most important industry
of the State of Texas, from 20 to 30 per cent. of the entire
cotton crop of the United States being grown in that State.
There were only four cotton mills in Texas in 1899; there are
now seventeen, of which number fifteen are in active opera-
tion. These fifteen mills have an aggregate capitalization of
£464,375, are equipped with 2,508 looms, and 112,336 spin-
dles, and consume an average of 40,000 bales of cotton
a year. (The Textile Mercury, July 29, 1911.)
The Journal of the Royal Society of Arts for July 28,
1911, draws attention to the scarcity of cinnamon in Ceylon,
which is being brought about by the substitution of rubber
or cocoa-nuts for the plant. The deficiency is being made
good in the European market by the offer of Cassia bark, from
China, in its place. It is stated that this bark possesses
a stronger and somewhat coarser flavour than cinnamon, and
is gaining appreciation. It is estimated roughly that the area
of cinnamon cultivated in Ceylon is 45,000 acres.
Information received concerning agricultural conditions
in St. Kitts during August 1911, shows that the reaping of
the old cane crop was still being carried on, in the case of
afew estates. Both the new cane and the cotton in the
northern districts of the island were healthy, and making
good progress, but in the Valley District, near Basseterre,
these crops were being affected by the prolonged drought. As
has been indicated before, the picking of early planted cotion
has been carried on for some time, and fair returns are being
obtained.
In the West Indian Bulletin, Vol. XI, p. 207, an abstract
is given of a paper describing the sugar industry of Negros
in the Philippine Islands, in which it was shown that at the
time of writing, the methods of sugar production were
antiquated throughout the island. In connexion with this it
is of further interest that, according to the Louisiana Planter
for July 22, 1911, a large central factory, having a mill with
a daily capacity of 1,000 tons, is being put up at San Carlos,
in the middle of the sugar country of that island. It was
intended at first to introduce a 600-ton mill, but the number
of contracts signed for the provision and grinding of cane
necessitated the acquisition of the larger one.
Vou. X. No. 245. THE
STUDENTS’ CORNER, .
SEPTEMBER.
Srconp PEriop.
Seasonal Notes.
The gathering of the lime crop affurds‘an opportunity
for making observations on the relation between the yields
that have been obtained and the manures used. For
purposes of comparison, the conducting of these should only
be done in relation to plants which are similarly situated and
in a state of good health. It is probable that, while such
work is being carried out, indications will be.obtained as to
the effects of different kinds of manure in relation to insect
attacks, particularly invasions of scale insects, The results
of all such observations should be employed for the purpose
of outlining a scheme for manurial experimentation for the
coming season.
Those who work on lime estates should ascertain the
acidity of the raw lime juice, in grains per ounce, and in
ounces per gallon; the way in which this is to be done may
be explained by the Agricultural Officers. Note that the
acidity of concentrated lime juice is always expressed in
ounces per gallon. The best concentration is considered to
correspond with 95 to 105 ounces per gallon, Why is the
concentration not carried much further! Ti#‘preparing the
best qualities of such juice, it is filtered after concentration,
and this is done most successfully and quickly while it is
still warm.
In connexion with the attacks of scale insects on limes,
careful observations should be made for the purpose of dis-
covering, and gaining a knowledge of, the fungus parasites
which assist in keeping these in check. Where the attacks
of the insect are serious, branches containing parasitized scales
are often placed in the affected tree, and the process has been
been unfortunately referred to as ‘inoculation’... Discuss the
advisability of the employment or otherwise of this word in
the special connexion.
In cotton tields, a careful lookout should be kept for
initial
pests, particularly for the leaf-blister mite, ‘whose
attacks may be easily overlooked, so that time is given for
a serious spread before its discovery. What treatment should
be adopted when the presence of leaf-blister mite is ascer-
tained in the fields!’ In what way does this pest interfere
with the life-activities of the plant, and how is it spread?
Where onions are grown, careful observation should be:
made on the way in which the seed is planted and the young
plants are transplanted into the field. A useful investiga-
tion is to make an experiment to find if there is any
advantage in transplanting instead of sowing directly in the
fields. What precautions may be taken in “order to prevent
the seed from being carried away by ants, and why should
the soil in the seed boxes or nursery beds be as free as
possible from the seeds of weeds? Give an account of the
procedure in connexion with the growing of a crop of onions
and the preparation and packing of the produee for export.;
Discuss the respective merits of such plants as you have
seen grown for the provision of green dressings, including in
the discussion the time taken by the plants to reach
maturity, the insect pests by which each kind is attacked,
and the best means for controlling these pests. It is
a useful matter to consult the reports of trials with green
dressing plants in other islands, with a view to-the introduc-
tion of such among them as may appear to be best suited to
the conditions under which they are required to grow. Under
what circumstances is the application of green dressings to
AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 301
soil likely to be most successful, and in what cases may
actual damage result from such application?
Questions for- Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. iS,
(1) Givea brief account of the life- atin of three pl: vats
that are raised from cuttings.
(2) In what ways does the provision of good drainage
benefit the soil? ,
(3) Why are plants nropenated by grafting ? ?
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS,
(1) What is the nature of the losses sustained by soil
through the removal of water by drainage ?
(2) Describe, with the aid of drawings, the aoyeloumment
of any plant that you have raised from a cutting.
(3) What special care would you give to a newly Retin
plant!
FINAL QUESTIONS.
(1) Describe those parts of a stem of a plant that are of
the greatest importance in enabling it to be raised by vege-
tative means.
(2) Of what advantage is uniformity in estate produce,
and in what ways may such uniformity be obtained, ae
conditions with which you are familiar ?
(3) Describe a system of draining the land, for any crop
with which you have had experience.
EXPERIMENTS IN THE EXTRACTION OF
MANIHOT GLAZIOVII -LATEX.
Two experiments of this kind have been made recently
at Kalamu, near Boma, in the Lower Congo, with trees, in
the first case, growing in a sandy hollow. The results, which
are given in the Bulletin Agricole du Congo Belge, for June
1911, p. 355, show that in the first experiment made in the
dry season, employing 129 trees, the yield of latex was
12°9 gallons, equivalent to 32°7 Ib. of dry rubber; the
renewals of the tapping were made during twenty-nine days,
It was noticed that, during this trial, the latex was much
thicker and richer in rubber than in the one to be described.
A circumstance rarely observed in regard to Manihot was
noticed, namely a decided increase in the yield of latex
after the first four renewals of the tapping; toward the end
of the trial a gradual diminution occurred in the quantity
collected daily. A former experiment, made on the same
trees during the rainy season, gave a yield of 14°6 gallons
of latex, or 28°3 tb, of dry rubber.
The second trial was made in the dr y season, employing
242 trees, situated on a plateau possessing a clay soil with
pebbles. The tapping, repeated for ten days, gave 27°6 hh.
of dry rubber.
In the two experiments, the latex was coagulated to
form sheet rubber by the empioyment of per cent. of its
volume of ‘formol’, The rubber was kept for a quarter of
an hour in water at 80°C., then passed through the press
and well washed with water. The report of the experts to
which the samples were submitted showed that the rubber
had exactly the same appearance as that shown by Hevea
rubber from the Far East. It was valued at 2s. 5d. per bb.,
with Para at 5s. 10d.
The wounds from tapping healed normally in the case:
of most of the trees. With some, however, the bark dried.
up, and cracks were produced in it, the wounds thus formed
being attacked by insects.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Sepremper 16, 1911.
FUNGUS NOTES. —
RECENT WORK ON BORDEAUX MIXTURE.
In considering the poisonous action of copper salts on
plant organisms when they are used in the form of sprays, it
must be borne in mind that no substance in the solid form is
capable of penetrating the walls by which the living protoplasm
of practically all plants is protected, and that, consequently, in
order to bring about the death of the organism, the copper
salt must be soluble in water. Such a soluble salt is copper
sulphate, or blue stone, and it might at first seem that the
application of a solution of this substance to diseased plants
would be all that is required to kill the fungi causing the
disease. This course has several drawbacks. In the first place,
it is often found that such a solution, when strong enough to
kill the fungi, damages the host plant as well; secondly, it is
easily washed off by rain.
In order, therefore, to diminish its harmful effect on the
host plant, and at the same time to increase its adhesiveness,
it is mixed, in the preparation of Bordeaux mixture, with
lime-water, or water containing slaked lime partly in solution
and partly in suspension. As a result of this mixing, an
insoluble compound of copper is formed, which may often be
mixed with excess of lime. The Bordeaux mixture must con-
tain no copper in the form of the soluble sulphate, if injury
to the leaves of the sprayed plant is to be avoided. Conse-
quently, enough lime is always added to turn all the copper
into the solid form. The liquid containing the insoluble
copper precipitate suspended in the form of fine particles is
then sprayed on the plant, and covers the parts to be protected
with a fine film of insoluble copper compounds. The question
now naturally arises as to how this insoluble substance is
again rendered soluble, as it must be, if it is to bring about
the death of germinating fungus spores, which would other-
wise infect the sprayed plant.
There are three theories which have been put forward
to account for the manner in which the insoluble copper com-
pounds are rendered soluble; these are: (1) that the copper is
brought into solution by the action of the atmosphere, more
especially owing to the presence of the carbon dioxide in it;
(2) that the insoluble compounds are dissolved by some
substance or substances secreted by the sprayed leaves;
(3) that the copper is rendered soluble by some substance
secreted by the ‘fungus itself, which consequently brings
about its own destruction.
The first of these theories was supported by Pickering
(see Eleventh Report onthe Woburn Rxperimental Pruit Farm,
1910); but recently, further work carried out by Gimingham,
and by Barker and Gimingham, discredits this theory and
lends support to the last, namely that of the action of the
fungus itself. (Jowrnal of Agricultural Science, Vol. LV, pp.
69 and 76.)
Pickering found that the insoluble substances containing
copper formed in the preparation of Bordeaux mixture were
partly dissolved in water containing a large amount of carbon
dioxide and that copper sulphate was formed in the solution.
This naturally led to the idea that the fungicidal action of
the mixture was due to the effect of atmospheric carbon
dioxide on the insoluble copper precipitate. Furthermore,
he observed that when the mixture contained excess of lime,
no copper appeared in the solution until all the lime had been
converted into chalk by the action of the carbon dioxide.
Consequently, he recommended that care should be taken to
prepare Bordeaux mixture without excess of lime, since this
t
substance would only delay the action of the mixture as
a fungicide.
Gimingham, however, found that if the excess of carbon
dioxide was removed from the liquid, the copper was again
precipitated in an insoluble form; while as the result of
several experiments he finally concluded that it was unlikely
that the copper was rendered soluble by the action of the
atmosphere.
The possibility that the copper is rendered soluble by
secretions from the sprayed leaves was examined by Barker
and.Gimingham. ‘They found that a certain amount of
soluble copper sulphate was produced by the substances
secreted through minute punctures or abrasions on the
surfaces of the leaves. This quantity, however, was not
sufficient to account for the fungicidal action of the
Bordeaux mixture; on the other hand, it was enough to cause
scorching of the leaves in spots, and explains why older
leaves which have been longer subject to possible damage
are more liable to scorching than younger foliage, since
undamaged leaves do not appear to secrete the necessary
substances,
The same workers then turned their attention to the
possibility that the copper is rendered soluble by substances
secreted by the spores or germ tubes of the fungi themselves.
They found that spores possessing thin walls, and also the
tips of young germ tubes, do actually appear to secrete small
quantities of such substances sufficient in amount to dissolve
enough copper to cause their death. The amount of copper
dissolved depended, however, on the distance of the spore
or germ tube from the particle of copper compound near-
est to it; while the fungicidal action of the particle only
took place when this distance was very small. Another
point determined was that there was no secretion from spores
provided with a special, thick protective wall, and that these
could only be killed after the formation of a germ tube.
This makes it still more improbable that the epidermal cells
of the sprayed leaves can give rise tu the necessary secretion,
as these also are furnished with a special thick cuticle in
almost all cases.
These results have an important practical bearing on the
application of* Bordeaux mixture. In the first place, they
indicate that the mixture is of more service as a preventive
than as a remedy; this is supported by actual results. In
cases where fungi have already gaised a hold on the leaves
before spraying, the hyphae in the plant tissues will not come
jnto intimate contact with the particles of copper compound
on the sprayed surfaces, and will, therefore, not be affected.
In the second place, the film of copper compounds depo-
sited must be even and universal, for, if small untreated areas
are left, fungus’spores will be able to germinate on them 1n-
harmed, and the resulting hyphae will penetrate the inter: al
tissues underlying the fungicidal film, without coming iuto
close contact with this, and, therefore, without receiving
any check. It is because of the advantage gained by uni-
formity in the film deposited that a second spraying is parti-
cularly beneficial. Excess of lime in the mixture would
appear to have but little effect on its action, except in so far
as it increases the distances between individual particles of
the copper compounds in the film.
A final point not considered by these workers is of impor-
tance in the tropics. Frequently, extra adhesives must be
added to Bordeaux mixture when it is used in places
where the rainfall is high. The choice of such adhesives
requires care, since they might conceivably form a film over
the particles of copper compounds, such as would prevent the
secretions of the fungi from exerting their solvent action on
those particles.
Von. X. No, 245,
'CASTOR OIL SEED FROM UGANDA.
The Uganda Official Gazettee for April 15, 1911, con-
tains a supplement which presents. the results of an
examination of castor oil seed from Uganda, made at the
Imperial Institute.
Figures are given to show that, in the nine samples
examined, the yield of oil obtained by extraction with ether
varied from 47°6 to 50°3 per cent. As regards the commercial
valuation, it is stated that consignments similar to the
samples would obtain a ready sale in Kurope at a value near
that of Bombay castor oil seed, which at the time of report-
ing (February 1911) was about £12 5s. per ton, in the
United Kingdom.
Useful information is given in the report concerning
the properties. which most directly affect the value of castor
oil seed. _ Among these, the most important. is the amount
of oil contained by it; if this is satisfactory, the size and
colour of the seeds do not appear to influence their value in
commerce, provided that they are in good condition.
It is suggested that, in view of the large demand for
castor oil seed and the desire of manufacturers in the United
Kingdom to obtain supplies from new sources, the cultivation
of the plant in Uganda should be encouraged, if the price
quoted is likely. to be remunerative.
REGISTRATION AND IMPORTATION OF
STOCK IN ST. VINCENT.
The Sv. Vincent Government Gazette for July 27, 1911,
contains rules which were passed by the Governor-in-Council
on July 18 last for regulating the registration and certifica-
tion of stock in that Colony; also regulations, with respect to
the importation into the Colony of cattle and other animals,
made by the Governor-in-Council under the authority of the
Cattle Diseases Prevention Act, 1869.
The rules regulating the registration of stock provide for
the keeping of a stock register or registers, by the Govern-
ment Veterinary Surgeon, and for the entry therein, by that
officer, of full details of animals passed for registration by
a Committee to be appointed by the Administrator; the
issue of registration certificates for horses and cattle on pay-
ment of a fee of 2s. for a horse, and 1s. per head for cattle.
The horses eligible for registration are divided into four
classes, namely thoroughbred, seven-eighth bred, three-quar-
ter bred and half-bred, but power is reserved to the Committee
to exclude any horse from registration which. possesses any
defect Jikely to impair its breeding qualities. The class of
cattle eligible for registration is limited to that known as
purebred, similar power being reserved to the Committee as
in the case of the registration of horses. Further, provision
is, made for supplying the owners of registered stallions and
bulls with service forms, and the owners of mares and cows
with birth forms.
The regulations with respect to the importation of cattle
and other animals into the Colony, including Bequia and
Mustique, provide for the examination, at the port of Kings-
town, by the Government Veterinary Surgeon, of all animals
intended for importation, ‘animal’ being interpreted to mean
‘any horse, mare, gelding, foal, colt, mule, ass, bull, ox, cow,
steer, heifer, calf, sheep, ram, lamb, goat, kid, hog and pig.’
Animals which, in the opinion of the Government Veterinary
Surgeon, are suffering from any infectious or contagious
disease, which he may deem dangerous to. the health of
animals in the Colony, are prohibited from being imported;
but in the event of the Government Veterinary Surgeon
being in doubt as to whether the animal is suffering
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 303
from disease, he may permit it to be landed and im-
pounded, at the cost of the importer, in such place,
under such conditions and for such reasonable time
as may be necessary for him to satisfy himself that the
animal is not suffering from disease, or has ceased to be
a source of infection or contagion. If in the opinion of the
Veterinary Surgeon, an animal so landed and impounded is
suffering from an infectious or contagious disease danger-
ous to the health of animals in the Colony, then he may
direct such animal to be re-exported by the owner, or to be
destroyed and its carcass disposed of in such manner as he
may deem expedient. The fees payable by importers of
animals for the remuneration of the Government Veterinary
Surgeon are Is. per head for horses, horned cattle, mules and
asses, and 6d. per head for goats, sheep and -pigs.
SUGAR FROM SHREDDED CANE.
The Journal d’Agriculture Tropicale,for May 1911, gives
an account of a sample of what was apparently shredded cane
prepared by the McMullen process, which: was shown at an
exhibition held in Havana during last February.
The material in the bale exhibited is stated to have been
made up of finely pulverized sugar-cane and to have had the
appearance of sawdust. It was accompanied: by the figures
ofan analysis which showed the composition“of the shredded
cane to be as follows :— ae
Per cent.
Moisture 6:10
Sucrose BO 35
Glucose 3°42
Cellulose 35:02
Non-sugars 510
As is pointed out, this analysis shows that the quantity
of contained sugar amounts to 50 per cent. of the weight of
the bale. This formed part of the exhibits sent by the
Department of Forests and Mines, which .was one of the
sections included in the Exhibition of the Cuba Department
of Agriculture, to which reference has been made already.
THE FIBRE OF CALOTROPIS.
The last number but one of the Agricultwral News con-
tained a note on the production of fibre from Calotropis
procera and C. gigantea. In regard to the latter, further
information is presented in the Indian Textile Journal for
November 1910. This states that C. gigantea is found in
India at heights up to 3,000 feet. The plant is very hardy,
and withstands drought very successfully; it yields a fibre
which is utilized by villagers for making very strong ropes,
and by fishermen on the Indus for the production of lines
and nets. As has been indicated already, the frequency with
which the stem branches causes the extraction of the fibre to
be a matter of difficulty, and this is probably the reason why
no machine has been devised, so far, for the purpose.
In order to surmount this difticulty, caused by the pos-
session by the plant of many branches, the interesting
suggestion is made, based on experience with ramie (Boeh-
meria nivea), that Calotropis should be planted closely,
with the hope of obtaining the suppression of lateral
branches, and the production of long, straight stems. If this
method of growing the plant is successful, it might be useful
for adoption, even without the existence of machinery for
extracting the fibre; for the last could be obtained by the
peasants from the plants grown in this way muck more easily
than from the naturally grown plants exploited at present,
London.—Tse Wrst Inpia
New York.—Messrs, Gintespie Bros. & Co.,
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpvon,
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
MARKET REPORTS.
CoMMITTEE CIRCULAR,
August 29, 1911; Messrs. E. A. De Pass & Co.,
August 18, 1911.
ArrowrRoot—2!d.
Batata—Sheet, 3/4; block, 2/6 per tb.
Breswax—4A7 10s. per ewt.
Cacao—Trinidad, 53/- to 65/- per cwt. ;
quotations; Jamaica, 51/- to 57/-.
Corrrse—Jamaica, 63,6.
Copra—West Indian, £26 15s. per ton.
Corroy—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota
tions; West Indian Sea Island, no quotatiens.
Fruit—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
Gincer—49/- to 63/- per ewt.
IsincLass—No quotations.
Honty—No quotations.
Linz Jurce—Raw, 2/-; concentrated, £18 7s.
of limes (hand pressed), 5/-.
Loawoop—No quotations,
Mace—2/- to 2/7.
Notnecs— Quiet.
Poento—Common, 2,°,d.; fair, 2¢d.; good, 2;%d. per tb.
Rousper—Para, fine hard, 4/93; fine soft, 4/5; tine Peru,
4/5 per Tb.
Rou—Jamaica, Ay '6 to 5/-
Grenada, no
6d; Otto
or
August 25,
1911,
Cacao—Caracas, 11 fc. to 12$c.; Grenada, 12}c. to 128c.;
Vrinidad, 112c. to 124c. per 1b.; Jamaica, 10jc. to llc.
Cocoa-nuTs—Jamuaica, select, $30° 00 to $32: 00: culls,
$17°00 to $1800; Trinidad, select, $30-00 to $32-00;
é culls, $17°00 to $18-00 per M.
CorreE—Jamaica, 13}c. to 14c. per tb.
Gincer—%c. to 12c. per lb.
Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 53c.; Antigua and Barbados, 48c.
to 50c.; St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. Kitts, 46c.
to 48c. per lb.
Grave-Fruit—Jamaica, no quotations,
Lures—$5'00 to 36-00.
Mace—4dce. to Boe. per tb.
Normecs—110’s, 9c. per Tb.
Onances—Jamaica, no quotations.
Pistento—4}c. per tb.
Sucgar—Centrifugals, 96°,
89°, 4°50c.; Molasses,
paid,
5e.
89°,
per tb.; Muscoyados,
4°25c. per tbh., all duty
Grant & Co., September 4,
1911.
Osacao—Venezuelan, $13°60 per fanega; Trinidad, $12°50
to $13:00.
Cocoa-Nut O1L—8Ge. per Imperial gallon.
Corree—Venezuelan, 15$c. per tb
Copra—$4‘00 per 100 th.
Drat—$3'90.
On1ons—$2°50 to $2°75 per 100 lb.
Peas, Sriir—$5°80 to $5:90 per bag.
Potatrors—Hnglish, $2°00 to $2°25 per 100 tr.
Ricr—Yellow, $4°80 to $5°00; White, $5°30 to $5:40
per bag.
Svuear— Ameriean crushed, no quotations,
SErreMBer 16, 1911./
Barbados,—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., Septembe? 9,
1911; Messrs. T.S, Garraway & Co., September 12,
1911; Messrs. Leacock & Co., September 1, 1911’
Messrs. E. Toorne, Limited, August 14, 1911.
Cacao—$10°50 to $11°50 per 100 th.
Corron Seep—$22°40 per ton;
meal,
24 per cent. discount.
Corton Seep Ort (refined)—47c. per gallon.
Corron SEED Orn (for export)—5lc. per gallon (in bond). °
Hax—$1°30 to $140 per 100 tb.
Manures—Nitrate of soda,
$150 per 100 th.;
$60°00 to $65-00; Ces
manure, $42°00 to $48°00; Sulphate of emanionie
$7500 to $76°00 per ton.
Motasses—No quotations.
Ostons—$1°83 to $3:00 per 100 tb
PEas, (SPLing eo! 65 to $0°90 per bag of 210 tb.; Canada,
2°75 to $4°50 per bag of 120 th.
Potators—Nova Scotia, $2- 66 to $4:00 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam, $5:00 to $5°25 per 190 it.; Patna, no
quotations; Rangoon, no quotations.
Sucar—No quotations.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wierine & Ricurer, September
2, 1911; Messrs. SanpBacH, Parker & Co.,
August 18, 1911. ;
— Messrs. Sanp-
ARTICLES. Bosers.« WVIBTING BACH, PARKER _
: & us
ArrowRoor—St, Vincent
Batara—Venezuela block
Demerara sheet
‘Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STaRCH—
Cocoa-NuUTS—
e
CorreE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
Duat—
Green Dhal
Eppors—
Motasses—Yellow
Ontons—Teneriffe
Madeira
Pras—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Porators—Nova Scotia
Lisbon
Porators-Sveet, B’bados
Rice—Ballam
Creole
Tannias—
Yams—White
Buck
Sucar—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
TreER—Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
>, Cordwood
$1025 per 200 Nt.
No quotation
70c. per tb.
lle. per ib.
6c.
$6°50 to $7:00
$12 to $16 per M
16c. per tb.
1c. per tb.
103c. per tb.
$3°50 per bag of
168 ib.
$3°50
96c.
None
$a- 7 rat bag
(210 tb.)
$3°90
8c. to 20c.
le. to I4e. per th.
96c. per bag
No quotation
$4°90 to $5:00
96ce.
$3°00
$3°24
$3°60 to $3°65
34°10
$3:25
32c. to ddc. per
cub. foot
$3°75 to $600
per M.
$1°80 to $2:00
per ton
$10-50 per 200 ib.
Prohibited *
70c. ;
llc. per fb.
No quotation ;
No quotation
$10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
selected
19c. per tb.
19hc.per tb.
12c. per tb.
$3°70 per bag of
168 1
4c. to 5c.
5ke.
$575 per bag .
(210 tb.)
No quotation
$350
No quotation
$3:00 to $5°50
$360
$3°75 to $4:00
$4°25
None
32c. to 55e. per
cub. foot
$4°00 to $6°00
per M.
No quotation.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
FOR THE WEST INDIES.
The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal.
Volume I. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price ls. each. Post free, 1s. 2a,
Volumes IJ, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX and X:—Price 2s, each ; Post free 2s. 8d, where complete. (III, 2; IV, 3;
and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.)
Volume XI. Nos.1, 2. No. 3, containing Fungus Diseases of Ground Nuts in the West Indies; Notes on
Ground Nuts in the West Indies; Report on a Visit to Florida; A List of the Birds of the Island of
St. Lucia; A Note on the Introduction of Birds; An Account of the Working of the Land Settlement
Scheme in St. Vincent; The Sugar Industry of the Island of Negros; and Observations on Mill Control
Experiments in Negros.
PAMPHLET SERIES.
The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially
adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work
on sugar-cane and manures, the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued up to the
present time is sixty-four. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print.
Sucar Inpustry. : (14) Screw Worm in Cattle at St. Lucia. Price 2d.
Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (15) Plain Talk to Small Owners. Price 2d.
in 1900. No, 3, price 2d.;in 1901, No. 13, price 4d.; (16) Hints on Onion Cultivation. Price 2d.
in 1902, No. 19, price 4d.; in 1902, No. 26, price 4d.; (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d.
in 1904, No. 32, price 4d. 3 (18) Recipes for Cooking West Indian Yams. Price 2d.
Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, (25) Ground Nuts in the West Indies. Price 2d.
in 1903-5, No. 40, price 6d.; in 1904-6, No. 44, price 6d.; (28) Barbados and Porto Rico Molasses. Price 3d.
in 1905-7, No. 49, price 6d.; in 1906-8, No. 59, price 6d.; (34) Notes on Rabbit Keeping in the West Indies, Price 2a.
in 1907-9, No. 62, price 6d.; No. 66, price 6d. (35) Information in regard to Agricultural Banks. Price 5d.
Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, (37) Cultivation of Oranges in Dominica. Price 4d.
in 1900-1, No. 12, price 2d.; in 1901-2, No. 20, price 2d.; (38) Cultivation and Curing of Tobacco. Price 4d.
in 1902-3, No. 27, price 2d.; in 1903-4, No. 33, price 4d.; (41) Tobago, Hints to Settlers. Price 6d.
in 1904-5, No. 39, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 46, price 4d.; (48) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta-
in 1906-7, No. 50, price 4d.; in 1907-8, No. 56, price 4d.; tions. Price 2d.
in 1908-9, No. 63, price 6d.; in 1909-10, No. 67, price 6d. (45) A BC of Cotton Planting. New and Enlarged Edit on,
Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, Price 6d.
in 1902-3, No. 30. price 4d.; in 1903-4, No. 36, price 4d.; (54) Fungus Diseases of Cacao and Sanitation of Cacao Orchards,
in 1904-5, No. 42, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 47, price 4d.; Price 4d
in 1906-7, No. 51, price 4d.; in 1907-8, No. 57, price 4d.; (55) Millions and Mosquitos. Price 3d.
in 1908-9, No. 64, price 4d.; in 1909-10, No. 68, price 4d. (58) Insect Pests of Cacao. Price 4d.
ScaLe Insects. (60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them. Price 4d,
Scale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part [. No. 7, price 4d.; (61) The Grafting of Cacao. . Price 4d. ‘
Part II., No. 22, price 4d. (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition.
GENERAL.
(5) General Treatment of Insect Pests (Revised), price 4d.
The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of 4d. for the pamphlets marked 2d., 1d. for those
marked 4d., and 14d. for Nos. 40, 41, 44, 45, 49, 59, 62, 63 and 67.
The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS)’. A Fortnightly Review.
The ‘Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and
other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony, and the progress made in
Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies,
The ‘Agricultural News ’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the
local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is
2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII complete, with title page and index, as issued
—Price 4s. each.—Post free, 5s. Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no
longer be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents AU
applications for copies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department.
Agents.
The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department :—
London: Messrs. Dutav & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. St. Vincent: Mr. L. S. Mosetry, Agricultural’School,
Barbados : Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. M. A. LAwrENCcE, Botanic Station.
Jamaica: Tox Epucationat Suppty Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. BripcewaterR, Roseau,
Street, Kingston. ; Montserrat : Mr. W. Rosson, Botanie Station.
British Guiana: Tue ‘Datty CHronicie OFFICE,Georgetown. Antigua: Mr. S. D. Matong, St. John’s.
Trinidad : Messrs. Mutr-MArsHALL & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: THe Brsue AND Book Surpty AGENCY, Basseterre,
Tebago: Mr. C. L. Puacemann, Scarborough. Nevis : Messrs. Howe, Bros., Charlestown
Grenada: ‘THE Stores’ (Grenada) Limited, St. George.
Vou. X. No. 245.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Sepremper 16, 1911.
THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE
ee eS
Ohlendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—For Sugar-cane and general use
Ohlendorff’s Special Sugar-cane Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cocoa Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cotton Manure
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, high grades,
Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers.
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR
DIRECT TO :—
THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF'’S) GUANO WORKS.
London Agency:
Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C.
Barbados Agents : James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
UOTTON SEED MEAL.
CORTON SEED MEAL,
FOR MANURIAL PURPOSES.
SPECIAL QUOTATIONS FOR LARGE
QUANTITIES.
THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON
FACTORY, LIMITED,
BRIDGETOWN.
FOR SALE.
Four thousand (4,000) Washington Navel
BUDDED ORANGE PLANTS.
LOCAL PRICE—6d. each, delivered Roseau.
EXPORT PRICE—1s. each, f.o.b. Roseau, Dominica,
Orders abroad for less than 20 Plants not
executed.
Apply to:-—
A. G.S. DAVENPORT,
Bramhall Estate,
(247)
Dominica.
JUST ISSUED,
A NEW AND RE-ENLARGED
EDITION OF
NATURE TEACHING.
To be obtained from all agents for the sale of the Department's
Publications. Price 2s., post free, 2s, 34d.
FOR SALE.
PRIME
SUMMER YELLOW COTTON
SEED OIL. :
In casks or 5-gallon tins (in Bond).
COTTON SKKD CAKK MEAL.
ERNEST THORNE, LTD.,
Cotton Seed Oil Mills,
Barbados,, W.I.
Telegraphic address,
‘Thorwn.’
(267)
Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter 4, High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados.
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THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS
SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS
HAVE YOU OUR NEW BOOK ON CACAO? |
IF NOY, WRITE FOR IT TO-DAY. WE SEND IT FREE OF COST. NO CACAO)
PLANTER CAN AFFORD TO BE WITHOUT IT. |
CONTENTS. |
Introduction. Soil,
Varieties. Climate, |
Propagation: — Shade, |
Selection. Preparing the Land,
Stock for Inarching Planting.
and Budding Cultivation.
Inarching Fertilization or Manuring.
Budding, Pruning and Sanitation
TWELVE (12) PULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS.
GERMAN KALI WORKS,
P.0. Box 1,007, Empedrado 30,
Havana, Cuba.
hE ee ee
Sha ow
A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW LIBRA
OF THE
IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES, 9 cox
Vole Xe ge Nice 26:
CONTENTS
PAGE, PAGE.
Agricultural Training in Insect. Notes :—
{NATTY nas) gee eatell {nformation Concerning
Aeziculture in the Philip- Ticks: ... GReeeeee sole
pine Islands... ... 319 New Suvar-Cane Pest in
Cacao-Spraying Experi- Mauritius Beegeeessis. Ole
ments in Grenada ... 308' Lace, Increasing Use for 312
Ceara Rubber Tree, Manuring and Milk Mro-
Method of Tapping... 311 duction 326, Gad) MEO)
Market Reports “soe Mop earl)
Cotton Notes :—
Nitrate of Lime, Proper-
Contamination of Kgyvpt-
jan Cobtonrs.)) =) fees LO Mais Tansy 13
Tia ae 1 + 3 a a 0) . oe ee 2,
C Wiest are ee a G1) Notes and Comments ... 512
MODS -f ee eee agg Palay Rubber in Mexico 315
Fi . El ae it; t a avs eo Rabber, Plantation, Qual-
icus Elastica Latex, Co- F 210
5 E ity of . Tee atoll?
aculatio 209) a oe SI
rae eee of it Ane iN] Sv Waincent Land Settle-
Dats arene in Queens- ai ment Scheme ... ... 305
sk ae cane ee Cottonior Kapok ... 308
Fungus Notes :—
eee f S s’ Coren ue. n Oki
Black Rot of Natal Cit- Student rie on
rus Fruits... ... ..- 318 Sugar Industry :—
Gleanings ... ... ... ... 8316 | Sugar in Porto Rico ... 307
Imperial Department of Tuberculosis, Human and
Agriculture, Publica- Aninal aes Bee OD)
tions of ... .--- --. ol2| West Indian Products ... 319
The St. Vincent Land Settlement
Seheme.
Is
WM
ae ae
SSO title Report on the Administration of the
Roads and Land Settlement Fund, St. Vincent, an
account of the St. Vincent Land Settlement Scheme,
prepared by Mr. M. Tatham, Private Secretary to the
Hon. C. Gideon Murray, Administrator of St. Vincent.
BARBADOS, SEPTEMBER 30, 1911.
Price ld,
It will be useful at the present time to give a review
of this, with special attention to the details that are
of more general interest
5
Reference is first made to the critical condition of
ihe native population of the island, which existed at the
time of the visit of the West India Royal Commission,
in 1897.
settlements of the Crown lands in the interior, but had
Attempts had already been made to effect
not met with success. The main cause of the prevail-
ing distress was the decline of the sugar industry, and
it was increased by a disastrous hurricane in September
1898. To express the matter shortly, the outcome of
the visit of the Royal Commission was the granting of
a sum of £15,000 as Imperial aid to the Colony, in
1898, and the passing of the Land Settlement Ordin-
ance in the following year.
The most important features of the Ordinance, as
they are given in the Report, are as follows:—
(1) Land acquired by the Government for allot-
ment in small holdings to be surveyed before
allotment is made.
c ‘
(2) Certain reserves to be made, such as land
necessary for townships, roads, public build-
ings, forest and stream conservation, etc.
(3) All remaining land to be divided into allot-
ments of as nearly as possible five acres each,
no allotment to exceed ten acres without the
approval of the Governor-in-Council.
(4) In selecting applicants for allotments, priority
to be given to those prepared to pay 25 per
cent. of the value of the lot; the remainder of
the purchase money to be paid off, after an
306
interval of five years, in twelve equal annual
instalments, together with interest on the bal-
ance of purchase money then outstanding,
calculated at 3 per cent. per annum from the
date of conditional permit to occupy.
(5) Other applicants, if considered eligible, to pay
at the end of the first year one-sixteenth
part of the purchase money together with
interest at 5 per cent. per annum on the
amount of such purchase money then out-
standing.
(6) Land reserved for a township to be laid out in
house spots not exceeding 50 by 100 feet, every
allottee on an estate being entitled to pur-
chase a house spot on the adjacent town-
(House spots may also be sold or leased
not
ship.
to persons
special terms approved in each case by the
allottees on the estate on
Governor-in-Council. )
(7) Every purchaser for 16 years to reside on his
allotment or house spot.
(8) Every purchaser for 16 years to carry out all
instructions as to clearing of land, area of
cultivation, nature of products to be planted
and their handling for market, ete., given by
the Officers of the Imperial Agricultural
Department for the West Indies.
(9) On failure to comply with conditions laid down,
the Governor-in-Council to have tue power to
forfeit without any appeal, any allotment or
house spot or house erected thereon by the
Government, and all crops and instalments
already paid.
The work under the Ordinance commenced in
February 1899, at which time a Land Commissioner
was appointed. By the end of this year 4,380 acres of
land was acquired, situated in the Cumberland and
Linley valleys on the leeward coast, at Richmond Hill
above Kingstown, and at New Adelphi and Park Hill on
the windward side of the island. Of these areas part
was restored later to its proprietor on account of diffi-
eulties in coming to a satisfactory agreement. In 1900,
the work of dividing up the land was commenced in
the Linley Valley and also in the Cumberland Vailey
and at Richmond Hill. It was at the first mentioned
of these places that the most promising results were
obtained at the beginning; the same success was not
met with in the Cumberland Valley and in the less
accessible parts of the acquired land because of the
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. SEPTEMBER 30, 1911.
lack of competition and the existence of a belief that
the payment of annual instalments was preferable to
the making of an initial deposit of the purchase money.
Generally, in'the first year, progress was disappointing,
oecause of lack of enthusiasm on the part of the
peasantry. The results were more satisfactory, how-
ever, during the next year, and it was considered that
the scheme was now established in working order.
Among the efforts made in 1900 was the free distribu-
tion from the Botanic Station, of 5,660 plants, of which
3,735 were cacao plants; the planting of wind-breaks,
the construction of streets, and the erection of rest
houses for those engaged directly on the scheme, It
must be remembered that during the whole time in
which the scheme has been in existence, there has
the part of the
peasantry in certain quarters as to its true purpose and
intended results.
been some misapprehension on
The year 1901 saw the completion of the division
of the estates, acquired so far, into rural and township
lots. ‘Toward the end of this year, purchase was made
of the estates Clare Valley, Questelles and Coopers
Bay. Since this time no new land has been acquired
in the island itself for the purposes of the schi me.
The Land Sett!ement suffered no financial loss from
the eruption of the Soufriére in 1902, and notwithstand-
ing the time that had to be given by Government Officers
to special duties connected with the eruption, the ordin-
ary work of the scheme made good progress. This was
retarded, however, to acertain degree, on account of the
suspicious attitude mentioned above, the calamity of
the eruption, and a demoralizing effect of the liberal
grants made, both in the Colony and in Great
Britain, to sufferers by it. At this time, Sir Daniel
Morris, K.C.M.G., the late Commissioner of Agriculture,
drew special attention to the urgent necessity for
a careful revision of the scheme, from the point of view
of agriculture, to lessen the tendency of settlers to
regard their holdings as provision grounds rather than
lands to be planted in permanent crops. It was also
stated by Mr. Powell, the Curator of the Botanic
Station, that the critical time for success or failure had
now arrived, and that particular attention should be
given to the cultural matters connected with the
As a result, it was decided that the Agricul-
tural Instructor should give all his time to the teaching
of correct agricultural practice among the peasantry.
scheme.
By the end of 1904, the mileage of roads made
available for riding through the allotments was fifty-six,
and there were constructed in addition nineteen enl-
yerts, with other accompanying works. During 1905-6,
Vout. X. No. 246.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
307
the distribution of plants amounted to, 11,770, and
included 9,895 cacao plants and 1,406 nutmegs. The
Agricultural Superintendent furnished a report in 1907,
in which the fact was emphasized that cacao was the
As a result of the dis-
tribution of cacao plants from the Botanic. Station, the
Georgetown Experincent Station and the Linley and
Curnberland Valleys, the total number growing, inclusive
of those raised by the allottees, was at least 60,000. Plants
other than cacao in permanent cultivation were coffee,
nutmegs, cocoa-nuts and cinnamon; in addition, sugar-
cane, arrowroot, cassava, cotton, ground nuts, and provis-
ion crops were grown on considerable areas. At this
time, prizes were awarded from the Land Settlement
Fund in order to promote competition.
chief crop p'anted by allottees.
In June 1910, Union Island, some forty miles
to the south of St. Vincent, was purchased, subse-
quent to a petition from its inhabitants for inclu-
sion under the Land Settlement Scheme, and the pro-
gress since that time has led to the hope that the new
departure will meet with success.. Other further mat-
ters are connected with the fact that negotiations are
proceeding, at the present time, for the acquisition of
the Fairhall estate in order to provide agricultural
settlements for the peasantry living in ame near the
town of Calhiaqua.
At this stage the Report ends its review of the
annual progress of the work and gives attention to the
agricultural side of the scheme, using the information
supped in « recent paper by Mr. W. N. Sands,
Agricultural Superintendent, dealing with the matter,
which appeared in the West Indian Bulletin, Vol. XI,
p. 194 It is here that reference is made to the
importance of the introduction of the Sea Island
cotton industry into St. Vincent. This section
concludes with the following statement: ‘It would
be difficult to overestimate the progress which
has been made through the efforts of the Aori-
cultural Department. ‘The officers of this Depart-
ment have not only dealt with questions concerning
the best method of growing and handling different
crops. but also with those of maintaining the fertility
of the lands of the small holdings. Instruction has
been freely given in the making of drains to prevent
washing: the formation of compost heaps and manure
pens; the growing of leguminous and other plants for
green-dressing purposes; the utilization of grass and
bush as mulch for permanent crops and arrrowroot; the
rotation of crops and pasture fallowing. The advice
that has been received in these and other matters is
producing a class of small holders which is a valuable
asset to the agricultural progress of the Colony.’
The opinion is finally reached in the Report that
the results of the scheme are justifying its adoption,
and that misapprehension as to its purpose has to
a large extent disappeared. It is pointed out, however,
that success is not as yet complete, and attention is
drawn to the that the most urgent
requirement for such success is co-operation among
the peasantry. This certain extent in
the interests connected with the Government cotton
factory, and in the formation of an agricultural credit
bank in one of the districts. and there is little doubt
that the success which is being obtained with these will
lead to the taking of further measures for closer union
among the allottees under the Scheme.
circumstance
exists to a
SUGAR IN PORTO RICO, 1910.
Of the $37,960,219 of exports during the fiscal year
1910, sugar and molasses totalled $24,145,046. Since the
earliest times, Porto Rico has been noted for the quality of
her sugar-cane. The strip of level land bordering her sea-
coasts has been mainly devoted to this crop. Since the
American occupation, this industry has had a pheromenal
growth, brought about by favourable trade relations with the
United States, the installation of modern equipment in both
the cultivation and the grinding of the cane, and in modern
methods of culture. Although the cane acreage has been
increased, the greater gain has resulted from a better prepara-
tion and cultivation of the soil, and the application of fertil-
izers. ‘The greatest increase in the future production of sugar
on the island will be brought about by more intensive culti-
vation, augmented to some extent by a larger acreage planted
in cane. :
Owing to the profit of cane-growing under present con-
ditions in Porto Rico, the planter endeavours to continue this
crop on the land without rotation. This is contrary to the
best practice in agricu]ture, and, to succeed, the grower must
apply an unusual skill, or disaster will overtake him. The
first endeavour among progressive planters has been the
changing of varieties, especially the introduction of the new
productions obtained from the seed. The experiment station
has for several years been engaged in breeding new canes,
and importing those of other stations in the West and East
Indies. The aim in this work is to secure a cane of larger
tonnage, greater sweetness, and resistance to disease.
The sugar planters, realizing the importance of scientific
research in the improvement of theirindustry, have organized
their own station for the study of the questions directly affect-
ing sugar production. A tract of land has been purchased
and a statf selected. The various phases and factors influ-
encing sugar production will be studied. This station, working
in harmony with the Federal Station, will greatly profit the
industry in Porto Rico. It will also relieve to some extent
the latter station, which is endeavouring to cover many lines
of work in the large and important field of tropical agricul-
ture. (Annual Report of the Porto Rico Agricultural mes
ment Station for 1910, p.-8.)
308 THE
AGRICULTURAL NEWS.»
SEPTEMBER 30, 1911.
Si : i) , ai
FRUIVS ANDO PRUIT Seee ES.
CACAO-SPRAYING EXPERIMEN'TS IN
GRENADA.
The following particulars of the scheme fur cacao-
spraying experiments in Grenada, which has received
the approval of the Imperial Commissioner of Agri-
culture and the Agricultural Board, is taken from
a letter addressed to the Grenada Agricultural and
Commercial Society by the Superintendent of Agricul-
ture, My. G. G. Auchinleck, B.Sc.; this appears in the
Minutes of the Proceedings of that Society, 1911, p. 75.
These experiments are laid down upon two lines : —
_ (1) Spraying with copper sulphate solution to destroy
mosses growing on cacao trees.
(2) Spraying with Bordeaux mixture as a preventative
and cure for pod and stem diseases.
Both lines of work have been tried before, with satisfac-
tory results.
EXTENT OF EXPERIMENTS. Six stations to be chosen in
the island, each station to contain 600 trees, to be treated as
follows :-—
Plot A. 300. trees to be left unsprayed: yield to be
weighed for one-year, diseased pods being weighed separately.
Plot B. 300 trees adjacent to Plot A: tilled and manured
similarly to Plot A: to be sprayed with Bordeaux mixture or
copper sulphate: yield to be weighed for one year, diseased
pods being weighed separately.
OBJECTS OF EXPERIMENTS. (1) To determine whether
increase of yield*will justify the expense of spraying twice in
one year with Bordeaux mixture. (2) To ascertain whether
there is an appreciable lessening of fungoid diseases on pods
and trees following on such spraying. (3) To note whether
epiphytic growths such as mosses and pines are destroyed
effectively by Bordeaux mixture.
ESTIMATED cost. Total of £10 authorized by Agricul-
tural Board. Rorer, asa result of his experiments, finds that
}-gallon per tree is effective. This gives the following figures
per station: 300 trees need 150 gallons at 60c. per gallon.—
8s.; labour, say 4s. per 300 trees; total per station -—12s.
Allowing a maximum of 16s. instead of 12s. for one spraying
of 300 trees, each station being sprayed twice would cost
30s. per annum.
PERIOD OF YEAR FOR SPRAYING.
soon as pods are beginning to form.
two months after the first spraying.
First spraying, as
Second spraying, about
SILK COTTON OR KAPOK.
Information concerning the silk cotton tree, and
the fibre and its uses. has been given recently in the
Agricultural News, Vols. VIII, pp. 130, 279, 393, and
IX, pp. 60, 93, 259. The fullowing further particulars
are taken from the Bulletin of the Imperial Institute,
Vol. IX (1911), p. 121.
Kapok is a fine fibrous material, somewhat resembling
cotton, but weaker and more lustrous, derived from the tree
known as Lyvodendron anfractuosuz; which oceurs in the
Dutch East Indies, India, Ceylon, tropical Africa the West
Indies, Mexico and Central America. The fibres arise from
the inner wall of the capsule and surround the seeds.
The kapok tree grows at the sea-level and up to an alti-
tude of 3,000 or even 4,000 feet, but gives the best yield and
quality of fibre when situated at less than 1,000 feet above
the sea. It is said to flourish best on a porous, sandy-clay
soil, in a climate with a dry east monsoon, and to be capable
of withstanding heavy rains and resisting long periods of
drought.
The propagation of the tree can be easily effected by
meaus of either cuttings or seed. In the latter case the seed
is sown in nurseries, and is only lightly covered with earth.
If the soil is poor, it is recommended that stable manure
should be applied about ten days before sowing. The seed
should be planted in rows at a distance of 10 to 12 inches.
When the young plants are about 5 or 6 inches high they
should be no longer shaded but exposed to the sun. If the
plants do not (obtain plenty of sunshine, they grow thin and
lanky. The seedlings are planted out when from eight to
twelve months old. In Java, kapok trees are commonly
planted about 12 to 15 feet apart along the roads in the
coffee and cacao plantations. When the trees are grown in
special plantations, they should be placed about 18 feet
apart (about-144 trees to the acre), for if planted more closely
they soon interfere with one another. The trees commonly
attain a height of 50 feet, but sometimes grow to 50 feet or
even more. !
Before transplanting, it is advisable to strip off all the
leaves and to cut the stem down to a height of 14 to 2 feet,
and also to cut the chief roots so as to make stumps of them.
If the top is not cut it will usually die down te the ground.
The trees subsequently require very little attention, but the
soil must be kept free from weeds.
oe
Vor. X. No. 246.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, 309
During the early years of growth other plants can be
cultivated between the young trees. In Java it is a common
practice to grow pepper in this way, but it should not be
planted before the kapok trees are three or four years old.
The trees begin to bear in the third or fourth year, but
sometimes not till later. ‘The crop is never very large until
the sixth year. A large tree brings 1,000 to 1,500 fruits to
maturity per annum, each of which contains about 0°7 to 1:2
grammes of dry fibre. Hence, on an average a well-developed
tree may be expected to give an annual yield of ~ to 1}
kilogrammes (or about 14 to 2} Ib.) of clean fibre.
The tree flowers in April or May, and the fruits mature
at the end of October or in November. As the fruit ripens
it becomes yellowish-brown and then begins to open. As
soon as this point is reached, the fruits are gathered by
means of long bamboo poles bearing small hooks at the
upper ends. They are then left on a clean floor, preferably
of cement, and exposed to the sun in order that they may
ripen completely and open fully. The fibre and seeds are
picked out of the capsules by women and children and dried
in the sun for some days.
The seeds are usually removed from the fibre by beating
with sticks, or by means of a simple machine. A special
form of gin, resembling a cotton gin, has been recommended
for the purpose, but it must be remembered that in most cases
the kapok is only a subsidiary product, and produced in small
quantities, so that the provision of expensive machinery would
not be remunerative.
The kapok is packed in bales by means of hydraulic or
hand presses, but must not be compressed too severely, or its
resilience will be impaired, and its value consequently dimin-
ished. Each bale weighs about 80 tb. The number of bales
exported from Java in recent years is as follows: 1907, 92,874;
1908, 109,852; 1909, 87,685. '
The value of the total imports of kapok into the United
Kingdom amounted to £23,752 in 1908, and to £27,645 in
1909.
An account of the properties and uses of the fibre has
been given in this Bulletin (1905, p. 221).
A German firm has recently discovered a method by
means of which kapok can be spun either alone or in admix-
ture with cotton (see this Bulletin, 1911. p. 70).
The market price of kapok has advanced during the last
few months from 7d. to about 9d. per tb., and it is therefore
possible that the collection and preparation of this fibre for
export would prove a remunerative industry in certain British
Colonies and Dependencies.
THE WATER REQUIREMENTS OF CROPS.
Volume I, No. 10, of the Memoirs of the Department of
Agriculture in India has been received. It concludes the
account of work that has been done by Mr. J. W. Leather,
Ph.D., F.1C., Imperial Agricultural Chemist for India, in
regard to the water requirements of crops in that country.
The following facts are taken from the conclusions that are
expressed at the end of the account of the investigation.
It was found that the water content of the soil that is
necessary for the proper growth of the plant varies largely
with the nature of the soil. Under field conditions, the effect
of the plant on the water content is to cause this to be lowered
throughout a number of feet of the soil in its vicinity. This
- decrease, in the Pusa soils employed in the experiment, was
found to be more or less uniform for about 5 or 6 feet; below
this the change is smaller.
Observations were made for the purpose of finding the
lowering of the water content in a column of soil of given
dimensions. They showed that, allowing for evaporation
from the soil, the relation between this and the amount of
the crop produced is very nearly the same as that obtained
in experiments employing pot culture. It follows from this
that the observed decrease of water within the range of the
roots of a crop will give an indication of the quantity that is
required by it.
After plants growing in soil have reached maturity, the
water content is Yower than it would have been if the land
had been allowed to remain fallow. When such plants no
longer occupy the ground, there is a tendency for water to
move from below toward the drier soil, but the process is
very slow. These and other considerations show that a crop
grown during the rainy season causes the amount of water in
the upper parts of the soil occupied by the roots to be de-
creased, while that below this level contains an approximately
normal quantity. If a dry weather crop is grown in such soil,
the supply of water that is obtainable by the roots will be
defective, while it is not possible for the deficiency to be made
up by water from the soil below, even though it may be
present in very large quantities. The following interesting
general conclusion is also expressed: ‘The whole of the facts
which have been brought out by the experiments detailed in
this memoir would be accounted for if the quantity of water
which can move through a soil per unit time were dependent
on the three factors, concentration, distance and physical
character of the soil; temperature also, no doubt, has an im-
portant influence.’
The author concludes by suggesting that if a laboratory
method could be devised for estimating the capacity of the
soil to conduct water, this method would prove of very great
value to agriculture.
THE COAGULATION OF FICUS ELASTICA
LATEX.
The Journal d Agriculture Tropicale for April 1911
contains details concerning a new method of producing the
somewhat difticult coagulation of the latex of cus elastica.
This has been evolved in Java, where the tree is grown for
rubber to a large extent, the latex being usually coagulated
mechanically, by beating with a wooden spatula. This
process requires a long time and a deal of labour, and in
consequence much has been done in the direction of finding
a way in which it may be hastened.
The principle of the new method is to ‘encourage’ coag-
ulation by the addition of a coagulum obtained in the follow-
ing way. On each day, about a pint of the thickest latex is
taken, and coagulation started by stirring (not beating) it
with a wooden spatula. When this has arrived at its proper
stage it is added to the ordinary, thinner latex, when the
rubber separates out in about a quarter of an hour, instead
of the hours that are required by the method in which beating
is employed. It is on account of this action that the added
coagulant is said to ‘encourage’ (amorcer) the coagulation.
The writer of the article draws attention to the fact that
the advantage of such a method is that no foreign matter is
introduced into the latex, so that the maximum chance is
given for the production of rubber possessing its natural
characteristics, and concludes with the suggestion that trials
of the method might well be made with the latex of Castilloa
elastica.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SepremBer 30, 1911.
Hh,
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<na,
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Wii
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WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date September 11, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
Since our last report, a moderate business has been done
in West Indian Sea Islands, chiefly Barbados and St. Kitts,
at prices ranging from 16d. to 17d.
Prices are firm, but buyers are awaiting further news
from America as to the growing crop before purchasing freely.
A serious storm has damaged the Carolina Island cotton,
where about 10,000 bales are grown; but we understand that
it has not affected Georgia and Florida, where the crop
usually amounts to about 90,000 to 100,000 bales.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending September 9, is as follows:-—
In consequence of the recent severe storm throughout
the Sea Island section, the marketing of the crop will be very
much delayed, and it will probably not be before the middle
or the end of October that the receipts will be sufticient to
admit of any offerings.
The stock of the old crop cotton held over from Jast year
has been temporarily withdrawn from the market, as the
Factors are anticipating very full prices for any well-matured
sound lots. Under these circumstances, no bright cotton
of the old crop is offered under 40c., equals 22d.
CONTAMINATION IN BGYPTIAN COTTON.
Work that is being done in connexion with the introduc-
tion of the growing of Egyptian cotton into the United States
has led to the consideration of the fact that this is likely to
be contaminated by the inclusion of an undesirable type of
eotton, possessing a short, weak fibre, and called Hindi cotton.
The matter is dealt with in Bulletin No. 210 of the Bureau
of Plant Industry of the United States Department of Agri-
culture, entitled Hindi Cotton in Egypt. It is pointed out
in this publication that the presence of Hindi cotton plants
in fields, in Egypt, causes the production of hybrids, and the
consequent obtaining of a cotton mixed in character. In that
country, the possession of skilled and cheap labour has ren-
dered possible the careful sorting of the cotton by hand, before
baling, so that Egyptian cotton possesses a high reputation
for uniformity. In the United States the circumstances are
different, and the lack of cheap skilled Jabour makes it neces-
sary to give careful consideration to the existence of Hindi
cotton in Egyptian varieties, when it is desired to introduce
this cotton into that country.
w= a, C STON N OTE
In pursuance of the matter, the conclusions reached in
the bulletin to which reference is made state that the prospects
of introducing the growing of Egyptian varieties into the
United States are dependent upon the possibility of obtaining
a uniform crop, and at the same time avoiding the necessity of
sorting the lint after picking. Notwithstanding the care that
is employed in Egypt in regard to the removal of Hindi plants
from the field at the time of thinning, there is rarely any
complete elimination of the undesirable plants. This is partly
because many of the hybrids, when young, do not possess
visibly the hybrid characteristics, though later they exhibit
these by possessing white flowers, bolls pale-green in colour,
or a scant yield of inferior lint, or a relative or complete ster-
ility. It is supposed that the Hindi contamination of Egyp-
tian cotton *has increased in recent years, and this would
cause a decrease in the yield and quality of the crop, inde-
pendently of any of the other causes that have been alleged as
being responsible for the lessened production in that country.
This supposed increase may be due to the fact that Hindi
cotton possesses naked seeds, which consequently germinate
more readily than those provided with fuzz, and give plants
which are thus reckoned as the most hardy when the time
comes for thinning out. There is the additional possibility
that the characters of this cotton are prepotent over those of
the Egyptian, as is the case in regard to the later generations
of Egyptian-Upland hybrids.
The means suggested for adoption in the States for
preducing a uniform Egyptian cotton is that of particular
attention to the external characters of all the plants in the field,
and the removal of those which are undesirable, before the
time of flowering. It is expected that reversion to the Hindi
characters may continue to occur in small amounts, even under
the most careful selection, just as plants with naked seeds are
found to occur in rigidly selected Upland varieties. The
experiments~that have been made so far indicate, however,
that these reversions are not likely to produce any large degree
of contamination, in the event of the employment of the
proper methods of selection.
Owing to the heavy rainfall in St. Vincent during
August, some damage has been done to the cotton cultiva-
tion in the jsland, and difficulty has been found in keeping
the fields clear of weeds. The condition of the arrowroot
and cacao crops in St. Vincent is fair. The report of the
Government _ Veterinary Surgeon for August shows that
among fifty-seven deaths of stock there were no cases of
anthrax; in two instances the cause of death was not ascer-
tained, but no suspicion was entertained that anthrax was
present.
Vout. X.. No. 246.
A METHOD OF TAPPING THE CEARA
RUBBER TREE.
The Agricultural Journal of the Mozambique
Company, Vol. I, p. 49, describes a mode of tapping
the Ceara rubber tree (Manihot Glaziovit), which is
known as the Lewa method, as follows:—
The tree is fit for tapping when the rough and papery
outer bark has been removed. If this has not been recently
done the surface may contain dirt conveyed up the tree by
little ants, so it is therefore advisable for the tapper to carry
a stiff scrubbing brush, for the purpose of cleaning the surface.
The portion of the tree to be tapped is then painted over
with a weak acid solution-—acetic, citric, carbolic or fluoric
acid. The juice of citrus fruits, such as limes, lemons or
oranges, or seeds of the baobab tree soaked in water, will also
serve the purpose; but clean solutions only should be em-
ployed, and absolnte cleanliness practised throughout. In the
portion to be tapped, almost point-like incisions should be
made, and the latex oozes out and flows down, and. coagulates
in thin ribbons on the bark. These incisions should be made
4 inches apart, as each incision drains the latex from 1 inch to
2 inches in every direction from the wound. An ordinary prun-
ing knife is suitable, but every care must be taken that the inci-
sions do not reach the cambium layer; a very narrow chisel,
or a flattened bradawl, will also serve the purpose; but it is
better touse a knife with a guard, to prevent the incisions from
being made too deep. If the latex does not coagulate quickly,
the acid solution is not strong enough. In damp weather the
acid will be required to be stronger than in cold weather. The
requisite strength will soon be found from experience.
Formerly, when the system was first started in German
East Africa, the rubber was rolled off the tree into round
balls. It followed, of course, that particles of hark and dirt
became mixed with the rubber, and the product was conse
quently of poor quality. Latterly, however, this method has
been improved upon, and instead of the rubber being rolled into
a ball, it is now rolled off from the tree on to a small wooden
roller in such a way as to form a sheet when cut from the
roller lengthways. The latter method is a great advance
on the method of collecting in the form of balls, as the tapper
can from time to time dip the roller into a pail of water and
wash off particles of bark and dirt, and subsequently put the
sheet through a washer.
The tapper should be provided with a rough serubbing
brush, acid and a small hand whitewash brush,. for applying
the acid, a wooden roller, about 6 inches long by 24 inches in
diameter, and a pail or calabash of clean water. In addition
to the tapper it is advisable to have a second boy to follow
him to collect the rubber, for if too many trees are tapped at
a time the rubber from the first trees will not be so easy to roll
off. When rolling the ribbons off they should be distributed
over the roller as evenly as possible. It is desirable that
the sheets should not be too thick, so the rubber should be
removed at intervals according to the desired thickness. The
size of the sheets would vary, of course, according to the size
of the roller used. It is desirable that the sheets should be
of uniform thickness and size, so the rollers should be alk the
same size. The rubber should not be exposed to light more
than is possible, so whenever the roller is not in ‘use it should
be kept in.a pail of water, and the sheets that have been col-
‘tected should also be kept in water and brought in from the
THE ~AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
311
plantation twice a day, after the morning and evening
tapping.
It is stated that further experimentation is
necessary before a definite opinion as to the merits of
this method can be expressed.
AGRICULTURAL TRAINING IN ANTIGUA.
The following note on the scheme.of agricultural
training, for work on estates, has been supplied by
Mr. H. A. Tempany, B.Sc., Superintendent of Agricul-
ture for the Leeward Islands:—
At a meeting of the Antigua Agricultural and Commer-
cial Society, held on September 8, 1911, Mr. H. A. Tempany,
B.Sc., Superintendent of Agriculture for the Leeward Islands,
briefly reviewed the work that had been accomplished in
Antigua in connexion with the Examinations in Practical
Agriculture, of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, and
at the same time gave a short account of the system of cadet-
ships and junior assistants in training under the Agricultural
Department, now in practice in the Presidency.
In the course of his remarks, Mr. Tempany pointed out
that, in view of the approach of the time for again holding
the agricultural examinations, the present formed a good
opportunity for reviewing the work that had been accom-
plished since the inception of the scheme three years ago.
After recapitulating the history and the objects of the scheme,
Mr. Tempany pointed out that three preliminary, two inter-
mediate, and one final examination had been held; in all thirty
candidates had been examined, twenty for the preliminary,
eight for the intermediate, and two for the final; he empha-
sized the importance attached to knowledge of practical
planting in the intermediate and final examinations, and paid
a tribute to the large amount of time and trouble devoted to
the examinations by the planter examiners, Messrs. Spooner,
Goodwin and Roden.
With regard to the cadetships, Mr. Tempany showed
how they had been inaugurated at the instance of Dr. Francis
Watts, and the manner in which the work had been extended
and systematized. The character of the cadetships, as con-
tinuation agricultural scholarships tenable under the Agricul-
tural Department at the Antigua Grammar School and the
Botanic Station and Government Laboratory, was explained,
and the object of their institution, namely, to give boys
further training in agricultural work such as would fit them
to follow the planting profession, was pointed out. The cadets
were recruited from the agricultural pupils of the Antigua
Grammar School. In connexion with the cadetships, two
junior appointments were maintained at the Experiment
Station, and recruited from holders of cadetships from time
to time; the object of these was to provide still further
training in agricultural work. re) :
A small salary was paid to holders of these appoint-
ments who were, as part of their duties, trained to develop
a sense of responsibility and to obtain practice in the hand-
ling of labour; at the same time their knowledge of scientific
agriculture was increased, and the training character of the
appointments was never forgotten. The appointments were
only tenable for a limited term of years, so that a continuous
system of training was thus maintained. In conclusion,
Mr. Tempany pointed out that the time and energy expen-
ded on the organization and carrying out of these branches
of departmental activity would be amply justified if they
resulted in the provision of men properly equipped and quali-
fied to carry on the profession of.planting in future years, ‘
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SepremBer 30,.1911.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
eee for.naming, should be addressed to the
ommissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price ld. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s, 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
Agricultural News —
Vor. X. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1911. No.
246.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Gbatents of Present Issue.
In this number, the editorial gives a review of
arecent Report on the St. Vincent Land Settlement
Scheme. The general matters in the report alone
receive treatment; reference is made to the original for
many interesting details.
On page 308 will be found a short account of
a scheme for cacao-spraying experiments in Grenada.
A summary of a recent investigation in regard to the
water requirements of crops is presented on page 309.
On the same page, an abstract of an account is
given of a method that has been devised recently for
hastening the coagulation of the latex of Ficus elastica.
In the original article, the suggestion is made that the
method might be tried for Castilloa latex.
'
An article on page 512 consists of an abstract of
a recent paper detailing investigations of much impor-
tance that have been carried out recently, in relation to
the quality of plantation rubber.
The Insect Notes in this issue, on page 314, present
information concerning ticks, and include a note on
a new sugar-cane pest that has been discovered recently
‘in Mauritius.
The Fungus Notes will be found on page 318.
They deal chiefly with the disease’ known as the black
rot of Natal citrus fruits,
Publications of the Imperial Department of
Agriculture.
The Pamphlet Series of the Department is about
to receive additions by the publication of Numbers 69
and 70, which are shortiy to be issued respectively
under the titles Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia and
Coco-nut Cultivation in the West Indies.
The former of these has been prepared by His
Honour Edward J. Cameron, C.M.G., Administrator
of St. Lucia, with assistance from the Officers of the
Local Department of Agriculture. It contains twenty-
seven pages of letter press, affording concise informa-
tion concerning the island, and is made attractive by
the inclusion of useful illustrations. Pamphlet 70 is
also illustrated.
These will both be shortly obtainable from the
agents for the publications of the Department, price 6d.,
post free 74d.
The Increasing Use for Lace.
A note of some interest in relation to cotton pro-
duction appears in the Drapers’ Record for September
9, 1911. This states that the vogue for iace is returning
to favour, and: ‘there is no longer any doubt that
lace will play a very important part in the fashions of
the immediate future. This is to a large extent due
to the example that has been set by Queen Mary, who,
as is well known, possesses an admiration for the best
kinds of lace. The demand is also increasing on the
European Continent, and lace is coming into use to
a constantly greater extent for the adorning of after-
noon and evening gowns. The information is all the
more welcome to those in the cotton and lace industries,
as some time has passed since lace has been in fashion
to the extent desired by the producers.
It is stated that there is every indication that
a return is to be made, with the modifications natural
in such a matter, to the fashions of 1850-60— fashions
which lend themselves admirably to the dexterous use
of lace. At the present time there is considerable
ingenuity in forming unique combinations of laces, par-
ticularly for flounces, blouses, and restaurant coats.
The note concludes with the following statement:
‘Those in the know confidently predict a lace season in
1912, and with the coming of spring, lace will undoubt-
edly have arrived, and will assert itself upon garments
of every sort and kind with remarkable pertinacity.’
Tg
The Quality of Plantation Rubber.
Attention is given in the Zndia-Rubber Journal
for July 22, 1911, to the circumstance that, at the
recent Conference held during the International
Rubber Exhibition, doubts were cast by one authority
on the quality of the Para rubber seed that was
obtained by Mr. H. A. Wickham for planting in the
Kast, the contention being made that in the district
from which the seeds were collected the trees are all
yielders of what is called weak rubber. It will be
understood) that this suggestion is serious in nature,
as it would inter that the large area of land in the Mid
.East. which has been acquired for rubber planting at
Vor. X.- No. 246.
/THE. AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 313
the expenditure of very large sums of money has-been
planted with trees that can only yield a low grade
rubber.
It is evident that, since thirty-five years have
elapsed since these seeds were collected, there has been
sufficient time for the better trees in the district to
have been destroyed by the careless methods of tapping
that were employed up to a few years ago; while the
inferior trees that are left are only now receiving atten-
tion for collecting. There is the further matter of the
assertion by Mr. Wickham that the seeds were obtained
by him from trees yielding rubber of the best quality.
The circumstances were sufficiently important for
it to be decided that tests should be made, at the Exhi-
bition, of rubber from the two sources; and to state the
results shortly, it was found that a sample of plantation
rubber sent as an exhibit from the Botanic Gardens,
Singapore, and coagulated on a revolving stick by
means of smoke, gave almost identical results, on being
suitably tested, as those obtained from a sample of fine
Para. The differences, as a matter of fact, were so slight
that they would probably disappear, for all practical
purposes, under a large number of tests. The statement
is made that it may be concluded, ‘as the result of these
most interesting experiments, that when Malayan
plantation rubber is prepared in the same way as
Brazilian rubber, the two substances are indistin-
guishable in quality, and that there is a strong prob-
ability that they are the product of one and the same
species of Hevea.’
In presenting the results, a warning is given
against concluding that the only way to coagulate Para
rubber, in order to obtain the best product, is the
employment of the method of smoking, and attention
is drawn to the fact that a sample of such rubber,
obtained with the aid of acetic acid, gave even better
tests than those which have just been mentioned.
>
The Properties of Nitrate of Lime.
The Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society
for May 1911 gives, as one of the contributions from
the Wisley Laboratory, an article on calcium cyana-
mide and nitrate of lime; part of this has reference to
the properties of the latter manure. Attention is drawn
to the fact that commercial nitrate of lime is a pale
brownish compound, free from smell, and at first finely
granular. The amount of calcium nitrate present is 75
to 77 per cent.; the rest is water and a very small
amount of other substances. As is well known, nitrate
of lime is very soluble in water; not only this, but it
possesses in a marked degree the property of absorb-
ing moisture from the air.
In connexion with the last mentioned property,
-an experiment was devised for the purpose, of com-
paring it in this respect, with caletum cyana-
- mide and nitrate of soda. For the purpose, weighed
quantities of each substance were placed in small open
dishes standing over water, under bell jars—an arrange-
-aent which gave the best chance for water to be absorb-
‘ed. The dishes and their contents were again weighed
after forty-eight and 120 hours of exposure to the mois-
ture-laden atmosphere. At the end of the first period,
100 parts by weight of the calcium cyanamide, the
nitrate of soda and the mitrate of lime had increased
respectively to 102°7, 105°8 and 115°6; while at the end
of 120 hours the similar figures were 158°7, 2269 and
247.2.
It is thus seen that nitrate of lime absorbs water
from’ the air very readily indeed, the effect being to
produce a sticky mass in the place of a granular sub-
stance. The possession of this preperty makes it difti-
cult to apply the manure to the soil unless it is used
immediately after the packages are opened. The diffi-
culty appears to have been partly met in some instan-
ces by mixing the manure with ashes before spreading
it abroad. ;
A matter to be remembered is that if superphos-
phate is mixed with nitrate of lime, the mixture should
be made use of immediately; for if it is kept, its manu-
rial value decreases owing to the chemical actions that
take place.
I
Manuring and Milk Production.
The Agricultural News, Vol. X, p. 283, contained
an article which presented the results of experiments
that had been carried out for the purpose of ascertaining
the effect of certain kinds of manure on the produc-
tion of mutton. In the Journal of the Board of Agri-
culture for January 1911, aitention is given to
similar experiments that were made at the Midland
Agricultural and Dairy College; with the object of
obtaining similar information with respect to the way
in which pastures should be manured, under the condi-
tions of the experiment, in order to increase the pro-
duction of milk. The special manures employed were
superphosphate and sulphate of potash.
The soil employed in the trials was of a strong,
clayey nature, and, on account of indications of a lack
of lime, both the manured and the control plot were
given a preliminary treatment in the form of an appli-
cation of 10 cwt. of ground lime per acre. The manurial
treatment consisted in the application of 4 cwt. of
superphosphate and 14 ewt. of sulphate of potash per
acre. The procedure followed was to graze two cows
on each plot for a fortnight; after this they were changed
over, so that those on the manured plot now fed on the
unmanured plot, and vice versa. hese changes con-
tinued for five months; thus each lot of cows visited
each plot five times. The yield of milk was only
observed during the second week of each fortnight, in
order to enable the cows, at every change. to get used
to the fresh conditions of pasture.
In the result, the condition of the manured plot was
so much better than that of the other, that a third cow
was kept on it during the latter part of the experiment,
-and a gain, due to the use of the manure, was obtained
to the value of 13s. per acre. It is held that this gain
would have been even greater in practice, as in the
experiment, the yield from the cows suffered periodically
from their removal to the inferior pasture, so that time
was required for this to be made-up before the effect
of the improved conditions could be shown.
t
314
INSECT NOTES.
INFORMATION CONCERNING TICKS.
In the Yearbook of the United States Department
of Agriculture for 1910, an article appears which is
entitled Some of the More Important Ticks of the
United States, by W. D, Hunter and F. C. Bishopp.
The cattle tick of the United States, or the North
American fever tick as it is commonly called, is Mar-
garopus (Boophilus) annulatus, Say, which is closely
related to the common cattle tick of the West Indies,
Margaropus (Boophilus) australis, indeed, the latter
is classed by some authors as merely a variety of the
former. On account of this relationship, the following
note, which is copied from the article mentioned above,
is given:—
The well-known transmittor of splenetic or Texas fever
of cattle, Margaropus annulatus, Say, in importance far
exceeds any of the other ticks found in this country. It has
received attention in various departmental publications, and
will consequently be given but brief notice in this paper. It
is found throughout the Southern States. The original
northern limit of its range in the eastern part of the country
corresponded rather closely to Mason and Dixon’s line. The
work of eradication which has been undertaken recently has
reduced the infested area considerably. Closely allied forms
occur in other parts of the world, where they transmit diseases
of cattle which are very similar to, if not identical with, the
splenetic fever which occurs in this country.
This tick causes a direct loss of at least $40,000,000
a year in the United. States; indirectly the damage is much
greater. Although primarily.a factor connected with cattle
raising, the importance of this species extends far beyond
that industry. Jt practically inhibits the proper utilization
of live stock and thus prevents a rational system of agricul-
ture. In this manner the whole structure of the South is
affected and its development held back. A better system of
agriculture and rapid development are sure to follow the
eradication of the tick.
There are two peculiar features of the life-history of this
tick. It is practically restricted to cattle asa host, and it
does not fall to the ground for the purpose of moulting.
These two peculiarities render the conirol of the fever tick
a comparatively simple matter. Its failure to exist on other
hosts renders it practical to free areas of its infestation in
a comparatively short time by the simple device of keeping
the cattle out. Likewise the dipping or greasing of cattle is
a certain and ecoriomical method. Both of these means are
being practised by the Bureau of Animal Industry of the
Department of Agriculture, which has undertaken extensive
work which will ultimately relieve the South of a most
important obstacle to development.
The cattle ticks of the West Indies do not seem
to be very well known, and it would be of advantage if
readers of the Agricultwral News would collect and
forward to this Department specimens of any ticks they
may come across on cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, fowls, or
any other domestic or wild animals, in order that
identifications might be obtained. Ticks may be
enclosed alive in small card boxes, or preserved in
dilute (70 per cent.) spirit, and forwarded through the
Agricultural Officers in each island, The ticks: from
each host should be enclosed separately.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. !
SEPTEMBER 30, 1911.
Mr. W. A. Hooker, of the Bureau of Entomology
of the United States Department of Agriculture, has
published in the Jowrnal of Economic Entomology
(Vol. II, p. 403) a paper entitled The Geographical
Distribution of American Ticks, from which the follow-
ing list of the West Indian species is largely taken,
a few records of the distribution being added from the
material of this Department.
The cattle tick (Margaropus australis) occurs in
St. Kitts, Antigua, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Barbados
and Trinidad.
The gold tick, or St. Kitts tick (Amblyomma
variegatum), is recorded from St. Kitts, Antigua and
Guadeloupe.
The fowl tick (Argas miniatus) is known to
occur in Antigua, Martinique, Barbados and Trinidad.
The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
is recorded from Antigua and Dominica, and in Barba-
dos a tick identified as Boophilus sp. has been found on
a dog. Another tick, Amblyomma dissimile, has a gen-
eral distribution in the West Indies, being known in
Antigua, Barbados and Trinidad.
In addition to the species mentioned above, Hooker’s
list includes two species, Amblyomma hirtum and
Hyalomma aegyptiwm from Guadeloupe, and three
from Trinidad, Dermacentor nitens, Hyalomma longi-
rostre, and Rhipicephalus sp.
It will be seen that no records are given for the
occurrence of ticks in St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada,
Montserrat, Nevis and the Virgin Islands. It is not
likely that this'list represents the distribution of ticks
even in those islands from which species are recorded;
a little collecting will probably demonstrate the
occurrence of most of these species in other islands
than those reported; and if plarters and others would
forward specimens with notes on the host on which
they are found, a much more complete and useful list
might be prepared.
A NEW SUGAR-CANE PEST IN
MAURITIUS.
The Bulletin Agricole of Mauritius for July last contains
a brief note on the occurrence of an insect pest attacking the
roots of sugar-cane plants in Mauritius. The insect is a beetle,
the larval stage of which occurs in the ground, where, by
feeding on the roots, the larvae inflict very serious injury on
the growing canes. It has not been identified, but it is be-
lieved to be a recently introduced form, and, as the first attack
was observed near the Pamplemousses Gardens, it is inferred
that the introduction may have occurred in connexion with
imported plants. Collecting the larvae was tried at fir-t as
a remedial measure, but as this did not appear to be sutis-
factory more drastic means of control were employed. ‘The
canes were dug, and by the use of kerosene (pétrole) they and
the soil were thoroughly burned. This seems a very severe
- practice, but if it has the effect of completely destroying
a serious pest before it becomes widely distributed, it will be
well justified.
It is suggested by the editor of the Bulletin Agricole
that the occurrence of this pest is another argument in favour
of legislation to prevent, as far as possible, the importation
of insects which are pests to agriculture.
Vor. X. No. 246.
HUMAN AND ANIMAL TUBERCULOSIS.
The Royal Commission appointed to enquire into the
relations of human and animal tuberculosis have recently
issued their final Report (Cd. 5761, Price 6d.) which contains
an account of the investigations eaeried out, and sets forth
certain conclusions based on the results of the Commission’s
researches.
In regard to the question whether tuberculosis in animals
and in man is one and the same disease, it is considered that
on certain points there is room for difference of opinion, but
that whether one prefers to regard bovine tuberculosis and
the cases of tuberculosis in man, which are caused by the
human type of bacilli, as varieties of the same disease, or as
independent diseases, there can be no question that human
tuberculosis is in part identical with bovine tuberculosis, The
researches of the Commission have proved that, in a consi-
derable proportion of cases of the human disease, the lesions
contain, and are caused by, bacilli which are in every respect
indistinguishable from the bacilli which are the cause of
tuberculosis in cattle. In all such cases the disease, there-
fore, is the same disease as bovine tuberculosis.
They further conclude that mammals and man can be
reciprocally infected with tuberculosis, and that a consider-
able amount of the tuberculosis of childhood is to be ascribed
to infection with bacilli of the bovine type, transmitted to
children in cow’s milk.. The danger to the adult human
subject appears to be substantially less.
In the interests therefore of infants and children, and
for the reasonable safeguarding of the public health generally ,
the Commissioners urge that existing regulations and super-
vision of milk production and meat preparation should not
be relaxed, that on the contrary Government should cause to
be enforced throughout the kingdom food regulations planned
to afford better security against the infection of human
beings through the medium of articles of diet derived from
tuberculous animals.
More particularly, action in this sense is urged in order
to avert or minimize the present danger arising from the con-
sumption of infected milk. And in this connexion it is
pointed out that bovine tubercle bacilli are apt to be abun-
dantly present in milk as sold to the public when there is
tuberculous disease of the udder of the cow from which it
was obtained. This fact is generally recognized though not
adequately guarded against. But these bacilli may also be
present in the milk of tuberculous cows presenting no
evidence whatever of disease of the udder, even when
examined post mortem. Further, the milk of tuberculous
cows not containing bacilli as it leaves the udder may, and
frequently does, become infective by being contaminated with
the faeces or uterine discharges of such diseased animal.
Measures for securing the prevention of ingestion of living
bovine tubercle bacilli with milk would greatly reduce the
number of cases of abdominal and cervical tuberculosis in
children, and such measures should include the exclusion
from the food supply of the milk of the recognisably tuber-
culous cow, irrespective of the site of the disease, whether in
the udder or in the internal organs. (The Journal of
the Board of Agriculture, Vol. XVIII, p. 405.)
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
PALAY RUBBER IN MEXICO.
Palay rubber is obtained from the plant Cryptosteyia
grandiflora, which is commonly known in Mexico under the
names Clavel Aleman and Clavel de Espaiia; it is a native of
India, and was introduced into Mexico a few years ago as an
ornamental plant.
An interesting article in the India-Rubber Journal tor
May 20,1911, deals with the plant, and it is from this that most
of the following information is taken. The most striking mat-
ters in regard to Cryptosteyia grandiflora, which it may be
said has been introduced into several of the West Indian
Islands, are the ease with which it is propagated, its rapidity
of growth (3 to 6 yards in a year), its power to resist drought,
and lastly its ability to grow again even when it has been cut
back severely. Anyone who has broken off a leaf or twig
ot Cryptostegia grandifiora has been made aware of - the
presence of an abundant white latex; this is stated to contain
a quantity of rubber which amounts to 2 per cent. on the
weight of the fresh plant. It is considered by some author-
ities that the most economical method of extracting the latex
would be to submit the whole plant to pressure; this method
is not practicable at present, on account of the fact that the
sap of the plant becomes mixed with the latex and prevents
the rubber from coagulating. A sample of the stems and
leaves from Mexico, examined in California, is reported to
have afforded a rubber of the best quality.
The author of the article quotes Wright as stating that
the rubber is of fair quality, containing about 80 per cent. of
caoutchouc. He also gives a quotation from Sir George
Watts (in The Dictionary of the Economie Products of India,
p. 561) to the effect that the plant is: ‘an extensive climber,
fairly common on the western and southern tracts of India,
and is stated to have been repeatedly cultivated with a view
to the utilization of both its milky sap and beautiful fibre;
so long ago as 1893 the rubber prepared from it was repor-
ted on in England as “hardly equal to Ceara rubber from
Brazil, although its general qualities are very encouraging”.’
Particulars are given of three samples of Palay rubber
that were examined at the Imperial Institute; these came
from Madras, Jalaun and Bombay, and gave the following
percentage analyses:—
Madras.
Jalaun. Bombay.
Moisture 24:7 5°5 36
Caoutchouc 67°4 (ond 64:3
Resin 59 85 101
Insoluble impurity 2-0 61 —
Albuminoid matter — — gy)
Insoluble matter (including ash) = — — 141
Ash = — 82
In regard to plants grown in Mexico, an examination
made by the writer showed that the dry leaves contained
3-4 per cent. of caoutchouc and 1°5 per cent. of resins. The
percentage of caoutchouc in the dry stems was 4:0, that in
the latex 37:0. The crude rubber from the coagulum gave:
caoutchoue 85:0 per cent., resins 8°8 per cent. Reference is
made to the fact that, besides rubber, the plants yield a strong
fibre. It is of interest also that the latex is emetic and the
leaves very poisonous, although the special alkaloid is
unknown.
In concluding this information it may be mentioned
that another Cryptostegia has also been introduced into the
West Indies, namely C. madayascariengis. This, like the
former, possesses a vine-like habit; it is the source of the
rubber known as Lombiro.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SEPTEMBER 30, 1911.
a:
GLEANINGS.
Vhe distribution of plants from the Dominica Botanic
Station during last month amounted to a total of 16,065.
This included limes 7,887, vanilla 7,740, cacao 318, grafted
mangoes 28, budded citrus 23, and miscellaneous 69.
ee
In connexion with the onion-growing industry of Antigua,
St. Kitts and Montserrat, it is of interest that 2422 Ib. of seed
has been distributed in these islands from the Antigua
Agricultural Department for the planting of the coming crop.
The Board of Trade Journal for August 17, 1911, states
that the cotton crop of Turkey for the last season amounted
to 32,000 bales. The coming crop is estimated at 35,000
bales. So far, the quality of the cotton from Turkey has
shown little variation.
According to the Journal of the Royal Society of Arts
for August 25, 1911, an industry of recent growth in Italy
is the extraction of an oil from tomato seed. This was form-
erly thrown away, but the oil is now beginning to be in steady
demand for soap-making. In its properties, tomato-seed oil
resembles somewhat that from cotton seed.
The area planted in sugar-cane in Java in 1910 was
312,000 acres, as compared with 301,134 in 1909 and
289,744 acres in 1908. From these areas there were pro-
duced, respectively, 1,280,300, 1,241,726 and 1,241,885 tons
of sugar. The number of factories working in each of the
three years mentioned was 182, 181] and 177.
A copy of a Special Colonial Hardware, Dairy Machin-
ery, and Agricultural Implements catalogue of the Swedish
Chamber of Commerce in London, 5, Lloyds Avenue, E.C.,
has-been received. bis contains matters of interest to
agriculturists, and will be supplied free to applicants who
mention the Agricultural News when requesting it to be
forwarded.
A note appears in Bulletin No. 208 of the Bureau of
Plant Industry of the United States Department of Agricul-
ture, on a sample of Sea Island cotton grown from seed
planted in Trujillo, Honduras, in the latter part of August
1909. The plant which produced the seed is stated to have
measured 104 feet in height and to have been bearing 78
bolls and six blossoms.
An account, based on information in the Uganda Offictal
(fazette, of tapping experiments with Ceara rubber in
Uganda was supplied in the Agricultural News, Vol. X, p. 265.
Since that time the useful information has been given in the
issue of that paper for July 15, 1911, to the effect that
the trees with which the trials were, made had an average
age of two anda half years, and an average girth, 3 feet
from the ground, of 13 inches.
A report received from Montserrat shows that cotton is
by this time well established throughout the island, although
at the time of writing rain was becoming necessary, particu-
larly in the windward and northern districts. The effect of
the want of rain is to cause premature ripening of the earlier
cotton. Picking of this was commenced at the end of last
month. It is of interest that pests are not particularly in
evidence, although leaf-blister mite is met with in a few places
and cotton stainers are probably more prevalent than usual.
Reference has been made in the Agricultural News from
time to time to the National Dairy Show at Chicago. Inform-
ation is now received from the National Dairy Show Asso-
ciation that the United States Agricultural Department
intends to make an exhibit at the Show. This will take the
form of enlarged photographs, prepared by officers of the
Department during their inspection trips in dairy districts,
and will include illustrations of the interior and exterior of
buildings used in the production and marketing of milk and
milk products.
The imports and exports of the Turks and Caicos Islands
for 1910 were valued at £24,202 and £24,461, ‘as against
£25,262 and £18,936 in 1909, respectively. The exports in
salt fell from £15,732 to £14,889, in spite of favourable
prices, the small shipments being due to the disastrous floods
in November 1909, which did more damage to the industry
than the hurricane of the preceding year. The exports of
sisal rose in value from £608 to £7,351, while those of sponges
increased from £953 to £1,316. (From Colonial Reports—
Annual, No. 681.)
The Bulletin of the Imperial Institute for 1911, p. 105,
contains an article dealing with the nuts of the dum palm
(Hyphaene thebaica) which shows that these have been tried
for making buttons, in the place of the vegetable ivory, from
Phytelephas macrocarpa. The buttons made were of an
inferior quality and their manufacture would not appear to
be profitable. |The suggestion also exists that the nuts may
be turned to make small balls, suitable for bagatelle and
other games, but their shape and the large cavity in them
render them unfit for the purpose. MY
With reference to the percentage of oil in ground nuts,
it is stated in the Report on the Progress of Agriculture in
India for 1909-10 that investigations have shown that there
is no relation between this and the variety. The percentage
appears to be determined by the conditions under which
a given variety has been grown, rather than by the nature of
the variety itself. Further investigations are being made in
order to determine if there is any connexion between the oil
content of the ground nut and the amount of cultivation that
is given to the plant during its growth.
It is reported by the Agricultural Superintendent,
St. Lucia, that the alterations made at the station in con-
nexion with the new scheme of agricultural training have
been completed. The old office building is now to be used
as a class-room for agricultural pupils, while an extension has
been made to this to form a new office for the Agricultural
Superintendent: These changes, together with improvements
that have been carried out in the grounds have added to the
picturesqueness of the station and have made it more fitted
for the work that is) conducted there.
Vout. X. No. 246.
STUDENTS CORNER.
OCTOBER.
First PERIOD.
Seasonal Notes.
In cocoa-nut plantations, it must be decided during the
growing of the plants as to whether the soil between them
shall be occupied by green dressings, in order that it may be
given proper cultivation and be enriched in nitrogen, or
whether the space shall be used for the production of catch
crops during such time as elapses while the trees are attaining
maturity. In either case, care should be taken not to allow
the plants to grow too near to the palms, and in cultivation
caution should be exercised in order to prevent any damage
to roots by the implements employed, AJ] dead leaves which
fall, and are still seen to be infected with pests or diseases,
should be carefully buried in the soil, as by this means the
spread of pests will be lessened, and the soil benefited
by the return of useful plant food. In regard to the space
around the trees, this should be kept clear of weeds, and the
light cultivation thus given will be all that is required. Where
catch crops are raised, those parts of the plants that are not
required for consumption, and commercial and similar uses,
should be buried in the area in which they are grown ; this
lessens the amount of soil exhaustion consequent on their
being raised.
It should be remembered that if the best returns are to
be obtained from a cocoa-nut plantation, manuring should be
continued after the plants commence to fruit. The principal
manurial bodies required are potash and phosphorus, as the
fruits are largely composed of these. Soil exhaustion owing
to the production of the nuts may be lessened by burying all
such parts of them as are not required. Finally, proper
manuring in a cocoa-nut plantation will cause the trees to
attain that vigour which is needed for the combating of the
enemies, both of a fungus and insect nature, that are likely
to attack them. 4
Discuss the rations that are required by (1) growing cattle,
(2) working vattle, and state how these may be supplemented
by the employ ment of by-products on an estate, under condi-
tions with which you are familiar, It should be remembered
that animals at work require what is called a wide ration to
supply energy, that is to say their food should contain
a comparatively large proportion of carbohydrates. Young
growing cattle, on the other hand, necd a narrow ration; in
other words, the food should be fairly rich in nitrogenous
bodies. In the feeding of stock of all kinds, special atten-
tion is requisite in order to ensure that this is done at the
proper time and that the food is supplied in the required
amounts. With reference to the provision of water, animals
fed on a narrow ration require more of this than those whose
food is less rich in nitrogen. A point of importance when
consideration is being given to these matters is that water
functions chiefly as a carrier of the food bodies employed in
the nutrition of the animal, so that an inadequate supply of
this results in insufficient nutrition.
AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 317
Questions for Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS.
(1) Give an account of the constituents of the atmos-
phere that are of the greatest importance to plants.
(2) How is the quantity of nitrogen\in the soil main-
tained by natural means alone !
(3) Give a general description of «the way in whitch
water travels through plants?
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS,
(1) How would you demonstrate, by means of a simple
experiment, that water is absorbed by plants?
(2) On what constituents of the airin the soil are plants
most dependent !
(3) What are the most general causes of denitrification
in soils ?
FINAL QUESTIONS,
(1) Give an account of the measures that are taken, on
an estate with which you are familiar, to maintain the nitro-
gen content of the soil, and supply particulars of any way in
which you consider that these measures may be improved.
(2) State broadly how the presence in a soil of the roots
of a crop affects the composition of the air contained in the
soil.
(3) How would you show that water travels upwards
from the roots through the wood of a tree, and not through
the region outside of the cambium layer!
FRUIT-GROWING IN QUEENSLAND.
Considerable attention is being given to agricultural
education in Queensland, a well- equipped agricultural college
with grounds and farm of 1,692 acres having been established
some years at Gatton, 60 miles from Brisbane. The climate
seems to be particularly suitable for fruit-growing, the orange,
pine-apple, and olive all doing well. The Queensland orange,
when well developed, isa very fine fruit. The tree is a rapid,
vigorous grower and very productive, and when grown under
favourable conditions and properly looked after is easily kept
free from disease. The sweet orange, ripening as it does
from April to September, or at a time when the oranges of the
Northern Hemisphere are out of season, is a valuable fruit
for export to London, especiaily as it is a good carrying fruit
when gathered at the right stage and properly handled and
packed. The Queensland season, being earlier than those of
the other colonies, would permit export from one or two
months earlier than the season of the southern colonies, and
Queensland is able to place her fruit on the home markets at
a time when they are practically bare of oranges.
The pine-apple is grown to perfection and produced
profitably at a low rate when grown on sittable soils. With
the improved methods of over-sea carriage, there is no reason
why pines should not be shipped to Europe successfully, and
return a fair profit to the shipper. Olives also do well in
Queensland, especially on, and to the west of, the Darling
and Peak Downs, and though they will thrive near the coast,
both the trees and fruit are much more liable to the attacks
of insects than when grown further inland. Olives do well
in any deep, well- drained soil, especially such as is naturally
rich in lime, and when the trees are well established they will
stand considerable hardship. ueensland has been pronoun-
ced very suitable for the production of the olive on a large
seale, (Information received from the London Correspondent
of the North Queensland Herald, 70a, Basinghall Street, E.C.)
318
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SeprempBer 30, 1911.
FUNGUS NOTES.
BLACK ROT OF NATAL CITRUS FRUITS.
Some interesting results, arising from an investigation
into the cause of a black rot of various citrus fruits in Natal,
have recently been published in Science Bulletin No. 4, of the
Transvaal Department of Agriculture, entitled On the Struc-
ture and Life-History of Diplodia natalensis, n. sp., by
I. B. Pole Evans, M.A., Plant Pathologist to the Transvaal
Department of Agriculture. As this fungus is somewhat
similar to the West Indian die-back fungus of cacao, some
account of it and of its effects on the fruit may be of interest.
EXTERNAL SYMPTOMS OF DISEASE, The disease first ap-
peared on lemons shipped to the Transvaal from Natal, but
subsequent investigations showed that it could occur on all
forms of citrus fruits. The account of its symptoms, as given
by Pole Evans, is as follows:—
‘The first evidence of disease is a translucent or
watery appearance of the rind, usually around the stalk
end of the fruit. This is quickly followed by a soften-
ing, and gradual brown discoloration of the affected tissue.
The brown discoloration, when it has once appeared,
spreads very rapidly and uniformly over the whole fruit,
which then becomes distinctly sticky to handle, while at the
same time a greenish-brown liquid exudes from it where it
comes into contact with anything on which it is resting. Very
soon after this a dark olive-green to black discoloration appears
at the stalk end, and from thence encroaches over the whole
fruit, until it is converted into a black, mummified mass, with
a very wrinkled and shrivelled surface.
‘Fruit in this condition, if left exposed to a dry atmo-
sphere, soon dries out, and remains indefinitely a hard body,
exceedingly light in weight, but retaining to a considerable
extent its original form and shape. The loss of weight in the
fruit can be detected almost as soon as the brown discolora-
tion appears. When a dry lemon is cut open, the whole of
the pulp has become absorbed, and nothing remains but a dark,
fibrous mass of tissue.
‘The pips and radiating septa are usually covered with
a dull greyish growth. On examining the external black
discoloration more closely with the naked eye or with a hand
lens, it is seen to be due to the formation of a number of
small black patches under the epidermis of the rind. As
these dark masses increase in number they run one into
another and coalesce, so that the whole surface takes en a
homogeneous dark colour.
‘Tf affected fruit is kept under moist conditions, a very
different state of affairs occurs. The surface very soon be-
comes studded with innumerable tufts of hyphae, at first
greyish-olive in appearance, but which later on turn darker
coloured and then eventually completely invest the fruit with
a dark felt-like mycelial growth.’
CAUSE OF THE DISEASE. ‘The disease is due to a species
of Diplodia, believed by Pole Evans to be different from any
previously described, to whieh he has given the name
Diplodia natalensis, The fungus produces scattered pycnidia
beneath the rind of infected fruits. The spores are biseptate,
dark olive-brown in colour, and very similar to those of the
cacao die-back fungus, except that they are marked with
bands running along their length. In artificial cultures,
under damp conditions, the pycnidia are produced in small
hummock-like protuberances covered with a thick felt. of dark
olive-green hairs; this is similar to the manner in which
those of Vhyridaria tarda‘are produced under similar condi-
tions. The resemblance between these two fungi is strong,
though there are some points of difference.
INFECTION EXPERIMENTS. These left no doubt that
the fungus Diplodia natalensis was the cause of the disease
described. They further showed that the fungus was capable
of living on apples and peaches, and of producing character-
istic pycnidia upon these at the end of ten days, although
there was no formation of these organs on infected lemons at
the end of fourteen days. In fact on lemons and oranges,
pyenidia only occur on the black sclerotial bodies found in
the infected fruit after such bodies have passed through
a resting period of two months. If after this, the fruits are
exposed to the right conditions of temperature and moisture,
pyenidia will develop.
Another set of inoculation experiments on lemons gave
rise to some points of interest. It was found that infection
occurred on placing spores of the fungus upon the stalk
scar, both when this was punctured with a sterile needle
and when it was left untouched. Furthermore, it was obser-
ved that spores placed on a slightly wounded or abraded sur-
face of the rind could cause disease, but that they could not
do so when the rind was intact. Another point revealed by
the experiments was that in many cases there was an incu-
bation period of from ten to fifteen days between the date of
infection and that of the first appearance of the disease.
Thus fruit apparently quite sound might be packed in a ease
and develop the disease in transit.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES. The chief source of infection is
the mass of spores formed in the pyenidia arising on mummi-
fied fruit left lying about the orchards. The principal means
of reducing the prevalence of the disease must, therefore, lie
in destroying, by heat, the fungus contained in all such mumi-
fied fruits, which must be carefully collected and removed
from the orchards for the purpose.
A fungus very similar in appearance and_ possibly
identical with that found in Natal has recently been shown
to cause gumming of citrus and peach trees in Florida. An
account of the inoculation experiments carried ont to deter-
mine this was published in A/ycologia, Vo). IIIf, p. 151,
under the title A Gum-Inducing Diplodia of Peach and
Orange, by H. S. Fawcett and O. F. Burger. It was shown
by cross-inoculation that the fungus on citrus caused
gumming on peach trees, and vice versa. The same
fungus also occurred on rotting fruits of orange and
grape fruit, while inoculations with it caused softening and
decay of oranges, lemons and apples, in the space of one
to two weeks. In the case of the two former fruits, it was
only necessary to place the mycelium on the stalk end to
induce decay, while the fungus could subsequently be reco-
vered from the diseased fruit. The authors are of the opinion
that the Diplodia causing the gumming may well be the same
as D. natalensis; though the point is not yet establishe lL.
An interesting saprophytic fungus of frequent occurrence
in the West Indies is Hirneola polytricha, Mont., closely
related to the Jew’s ear fungus, found on the elder, in
temperate countries. The fructitications of the local
species are roughly ear-shaped, and are attached to the
substratum by a very short stalk. They are of a gelat-
inous consistency when moist, but become rigid and horny
when dry. ‘The upper surface is blue, and possesses a bloom
like that of purple grapes. The surface underneath is greyish-
brown, and very hairy. The fungus is common on dead cacao,
on wooden posts, and on all dead wood. It occurs on Para
rubber in Ceylon, and has been seen on Barbados evergreen
(Ficus sp.) killed by Hutypa erumpens, Massee
«
Vony xX. No, 246:
WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS.
DRUGS AND SPICES ON THRE. LONDON
MARKET.
Mr. J. R. Jackson. A.LS., has forwarded the fol-
lowing report on the London drug and spice market,
for the month of August :—
August 1911 will be a memorable month in the history
of commerce and trade, not only of the Port of London, but
also of Liverpool, Manchester and other leading towns, owing
to the unsettled state, and subsequent strike, of dock labour-
ers and carmen generally, which was immediately followed
by the almost general strike of railway men.
The holiday season had already begun when these
troubles arose, so that, taken together, there was almost
a deadlock of trade, coupled with the uncertainty of the dura-
tion of the strike and the consequent stagnation of business,
through the difficulties attending the transit and delivery of
goods. Besides all this, the remarkable drought that has
prevailed in England all through the months of July and
August, and is still being continued at the time of writing,
into September, has had a serious effect not only on the
usual vegetable crops, but also on those furnishing drugs,
both ef home growth, as well as those of Germany, Russia
and other places in the European Continent, where the
drought has also prevailed, and whence supplies are import-
ed into England.
With the Jabour troubles suspended, or, it is hoped,
ended, it is anticipated that the autumn will see a complete
revival of trade and commerce
The following details refer to West Indian imports dur-
ing August: —
GINGER,
This article has been in very slow demand during the
month. At the spice auction on the 16th, some 680 packages
of Cochin and Calicut were brought forward, only 40 of
which were sold, realizing 42s, per cwt. for washed rough
Cochin. The remainder were bought in at the following
prices: good small Calicut 75s., medium cut 85s., and bold
brown rought 50s. At later auctions the offerings were all
bought in. Jamaica has been unrepresented.
NUTMEGS, MACE AND PIMENTO.
At the sale on the 23rd, 115 packages of West Indian
nutmegs were sold at the following rates: 83's, 44d.; 89's
43d. to 5d.; 93’s to 99’s, 43d. to 5d.; 100’s to 140’s, 44d. to
47d. At the auction on the 30th, 219 packages were offered
and sold, 60’s to 71’s fetching 9d. to 10d., 76’s to 94’s 5d. to
64d., 96’s to 114’s 4}d. to 5}d. Mace was represented at
the same auctions by 26 packages on the 23rd, which realized
2s. to 2s. 3d. for good, and. 1s. 10d. to 2s. 1d. for broken.
‘On the 30th, 88 packages were offered and disposed of at
Ys. ld. to 2s. 4d., broken realizing 1s. 9d. to 1s. 11d.
Pimento has been very quiet, the offerings for the most part
being bought in at 23d. per bb.
ARROWROOT.
At auction on the 23rd, 35 barrels of manufacturing
St. Vincent were offered and bought in at 23d.; at the same
sale 50 cases good Natal fetched 9d. per tb.
) )-SARSAPARILLA.
At the drug auction on the 24th, 12 bales of grey
Jamaica and 8 bales of native Jamaica were offered and sold,
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 319
the former fetching 1s. 7d. per tb. for fair and slightly coarse,
and the latter 1s. 1d. for fair red; while for palish red 1s, was
paid, for dull red, mixed, 10d. to 1ld., and for common dull
7d. to 8d. per tb.
LIME JUICE AND TAMARINDS.
In reference to the scarcity of lime juice on the market,
it was reported at the beginning of the month that 91 pack-
ages had arrived from Dominica, and that business had been
done up to 3s. per gallon for refined, and 2s. per gallon for
raw West Indian, for early delivery in September. Quite at
the end of the month it was announced that quantities were
coming in more freely from Dominica and Jamaica. Of tama-
rinds, 12 casks of Nevis were offered at auction on the 23rd,
and sold at 10s. for ordinary dark juicy.
AGRICULTURE IN THE PHILIPPINE
ISLANDS.
The removal, under the United States Tariff Act of
August 1909, of the export duties upon Philippine produets
imported into the United States, has undoubtedly done much
to stimulate the cultivation of sugar, cocoa-nuts, tobacco, etc.,
but it cannot be said that, speaking generally, the agricultural
conditions in these islands are very satisfactory. In an address
delivered before an agricultural conference held in February,
1910, the Governor-General stated that the great obstacles in
the way of agricultural progress were ‘rinderpest, locusts,
roads and titles’. Rinderpest indeed, which destroyed so many
thousands of the water buffaloes (carabao) which are used as
draught animals throughout the islands, caused incredible
losses to the farmers, and gave agriculture a severe check.
The inaccuracy, and often the absence of title deeds, make
it difficult for the farmer to raise money to effect necessary
improvements, and the badness of the roads in the country
districts makes the transportation of his products to market
a difficult and expensive matter. Another urgent requisite
has been an improved system of irrigation, but important
works are now in progress, and this defect will soon be reme-
died.
A further difficulty is the scarcity and unreliability of
native labour. This is, indeed, probably the greatest obstacle
in the way of larger investments of American and other
capital in agricultural enterprises. A large company in the
Island of Mindoro complains that, while it requires labourers
by the thousand, it can only obtain a few hundreds.
The re-admission of Chinese has been very strongly urged
in many influential quarters, and, from the point of view
of the plantation owner, this would be, no doubt, highly
desirable. he etticiency of the Chinese labourer, however,
as compared with the Filipino of the same class, is such that,
were the former to be freely admitted, he would soon practi-
cally monopolize the labour market. In addition to this, it
is probable that the strong feeling in the United States
against the importation of Chinese into the Philippines, par-
ticularly with the free importation of Philippine products into
the former country, would effectually prevent Congress from
sanctioning any such measure. The importation of labour
from Java has also been suggested, and it is certain that,
unless a proper supply of labour is forthcoming, compara-
tively little can be done to develop the vast resources of the
islands. (Diplomatic and Consular Reports, No. 4607 Annual
Series, p. 16.)
THE AGRICULTURAL
London.—TuHr
MARKET REPORTS.
West InpIA ComMITTEE CIRCULAR,
September 12, 1911; Messrs. E. A. De Pass & Co.,
September 1, 1911.
ARROWROOT—2id.
Batata—Sheet, 3/4; block, 2/4 per th.
Brerswax—&7 10s. per cwt.
Cacao—Trinidad, 59/- to 66/- per cwt.; Grenada, 5a/-
to 60,6; Jamaica, 54/- to 59/-.
CorrrE—Jamaica, no quotations.
Corpra—West Indian, £28 10s. per ton.
Corron-——Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 16d. to 17d.
Fruit—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
GINGER—49/- to 63/- per cwt.
IstnGLass—No quotations.
Honey—28/6 per bri.
Line Jurce—Law, 2/-; concentrated, £18 5s. to £18 1LUus.;
Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/- to 5/3.
Loc woop—No quotations.
Mace—2/- to 2/8.
Nurmeas—43d. to 83d.
Pinrento—Common, 2,3,d.; fair, 2id.; good, 2°;d. per tb.
Russper—Para, tine hard, 4/8}; fine soft, 4/6; Castilloa,
4/3 per ib.
Rum—Jamaica, 1/6 to 5/-.
Sucar—Crystals, 16/6 to 21/9; Muscovado, 12/- to 16/-;
Syrup, 12/9 to 16/9 per ewt.; Molasses, no quotatioas,
New York.—Messrs. Ginteseik Bros. & Co., September
8, 1911.
Cacao—Caracas, lfc. to 12$c.; Grenada, 12$c. to 12$c.;
Trinidad, 11Zc. to 124c. per tb.; Jamaica, 10#c. to lle.
Cocoa-Nuts—Jamaica, select, $33°00 to $34°U0; culls,
$20-00 to $21-U0; Trinidad, select, $34°00 to $36:00;
culls, $20°00 to $21:00 per M.
CorrEE—Jamaica, 134c. to 15c. per th.
Gincer—%c. to 11}ec. per Ib.
Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 53c.; Antigua and Barbados, 48c.
to 50c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 46c. to 48c.
per lb.
Grave-Frvuir—Jamaica, no quotations.
Limes—$5 50 to $600.
Mace—No quotations.
Nurmecs—No quotations.
Orances—Jamaica, no quotations.
Pimznto—43c. per lb.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 5°61ce. per lb.; Muscovados,
89°, d:llc.; Molasses, 89°, 4°86c. per tb, all duty
paid,
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., September 18,
1911.
Cacao—Venezuelan, $13°00 per fanega; Trinidad, $12°50
to $13-00.
Cocoa-Nut Oit—S7e. per Imperial gallon.
CorrrE—Venezuelan, 154c. per tb.
Copra—$4°25 per 100 tb.
Duat— $360 to $3°90.
Onrons—$1'90 per 100 Ib.
Pras, Sprit—$o°80 to $590 per bag.
Porators—English, $2°00 to $2°25 per 100 tb.
Ricr—Yellow, $5°20 to $5°25; White, $5°60 to §5-
per bag.
Suear— American crushed, no quotations,
7)
NEWS,
SEPTEMBER 30,° 1911.
Barbados,—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., September 23,
1911; Messrs. T.S. GArraway & Co.,September 25,
1911; Messrs. Leacock & Co,, September 15, 1911;
Messrs. E. THorne, Limited, August 14, 1911.
Cacao—$10°50 to $12°00 per 100 tb.
Corron SreEp—$22°40 per ton; meal, $1°50 per 100 tb.;
2% per cent. dise
ount.
Corron Sep Orn (retined)—47c. per gallon.
Corroy Seep Om (for export)—dle. per gallon (in bond),
Hav—$1°'30 to $1°40 per 100 Tb.
Manvures—Nitrate of soda, $60°00 to $65°00;
Cacao
manure, $4200 to $48°00; Sulphate of ammonia,
$7500 to $7600 per ton.
Mo.asses—No quotations.
Ontons—$1°75 to $3°
00 per 100 tb
Peas, Sprit—$5'65 to $5°75 per bag of 210 th.; Canada,
$2-75 to $4°65 per bag of 120 th.
Porators—Nova Scotia, $2°50 to $3-25 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam,
$5°10 to $560
per 190 th.;
Patna. no
quotations; Rangoon, no quotations; Garden Siam,
$487 per 164 tb.
Sucar—American granulated, $5°50 per 100 tb.
British Guiana.— Messrs. Wierine & Ricnrer, September
16, 1911; Messrs.
SANDBACH,
August 18, 1911.
Parker & Co.,
ARTICLES.
Arrowroot—St. Vincent
Batata— Venezuela block
Demerara sheet
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STARCH—
Cocoa-NuTS—
CorrreE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
DuaL—
Green Dhal
Eppors—
Mo asses— Yellow
Ontons—Teneriffe
Madeira
Preas—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Potators—Nova Scotia
Lisbon
Potators-Sweet, B’bados
Rice—Ballam
Creole
TANNIAS—
Yams— White
Buck
Sucar—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
Timper—Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
Cordwood
2)
Messrs. WIETING
5 |
& Ricwvrer.
| $10-25 per 200 fr. |
No quotation
70c. per th.
lle. per lb. |
96c.
$6°50 to $7-00
$12 to $16 per M |
l6c. per th.
19c. per ib.
| 103c. per Ib. |
| $3°4U per bag of |
168 Ib.
$3°50
96c.
None
|
8e.
le. per tb.
96c. per bag
No quotation
$4°60 to $4:75
96
C..
$3-00
$3-24
$4-0U
$4°50 to $470
$5°25 to $3°50
32c. to bdc. per
cub. foot
$3°75 to $6:00
per M.
$1°80 to $2:00
per ton
Messrs. Sanp-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$1050 per 200 tb.
Prohibited
70c.
llc. per tb.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
selected
19c. per tb.
193c.per tb.
1Zc. per tb.
$3°70 per bag
168 tb.
dc. to 5e.
P dke.
3°75 per bag
(210 tb.) |
No quotation
$3°50
No quotation
$5°00 to $5°50
$360
$3°75 to $4:00
$4°25
; None
32c. to bdc. per
cub. rote
$4:00 to $600
per M.
No quotation.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
FOR THE WEST INDIES.
The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal.
Volume I. No. 1. Out of print. Nos, 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each, Post free, 1s. 2u,
Volumes IJ, IIJ, 1V, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX and X:—Price 2s. each ; Post free 2s. 8d, where complete. (III, 2; IV, 3;
and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.)
Volume XI, Nos.1, 2. No. 3, containing Fungus Diseases of Ground Nuts in the West Indies; Notes on
Ground Nuts in the West Indies; Report on a Visit to Florida; A List of the Birds of the Island of
St. Lucia; A Note on the Introduction of Birds; An Account of the Working of the Land Settlement
Scheme in St. Vincent; The Sugar Industry of the Island of Negros; and Observations on Mill Control
Experiments in Negros.
PAMPHLET SERIES.
The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially
adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, suminaries of the results of the experiment work
on sugar-cane and manures. the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued up to the
present time is sixty-four. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print.
Sucar Inxpustry. (14) Screw Worm in Cattle at St. Lucia. Price 2d.
Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (15) Plain Talk to Small Owners. Price 2d.
in 1900. No, 3, price 2d.;in 1901, No. 18, price 4d.; | (16) Hints on Onion Cultivation. Price 2d.
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The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’. A Fortnightly Review.
The ‘Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress arid
other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony, and the progress made in
Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies.
The ‘Agricultural News ’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the
local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is
2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII complete, with title page and index, as issued
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Agents.
The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department :—
London: Messrs. Dunav & Co., 37, Soho Sauare, W. St. Vincent: Mr. L. S. Mosevey, Agricultural School,
Barbados : Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. M. A. Lawrence, Botanic Station,
Jamaica: THe EpucationaL Suppty Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. BripGEWATER, Roseau,
Street, Kingston. Montserrat : Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station.
British Guiana: Tue ‘Datty Curonicie’Orrice,Georgetown. Antigua: Mr. S. D. Matong, St. John’s.
Trinidad: Messrs. Murr-Marsnatr & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: THe Brete Anp Book Suppty AGENCY, Basseterre.
Tobago: Mr. C. L. PLAGEMANN, Scarborough® Nevis : Messrs. Howe xt, Bros., Charlestown-
Grenada: ‘TuE Stores’ (Grenada) Limited, St. George.
Vou. X. No. 246. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. SepremBer 30, 1911.
THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE
ee ee
Onlendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—For Sugar-cane and general use
Ohlendorff’s Special Sugar-cane Manure
Chiendorff’s Special Cocoa Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cotton Manure
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, high grades,
Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers.
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO :—
THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORF?’S) GUANO WORKS.
London. Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C.
Barbados Agents : James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
UOTTON SEED MbAL = gusr issuep,
COTTON SEED MEAL. , ypw aND RE-ENLARGED
FOR MANURIAL PURPOSES. EDITION OF
SPECIAL QUOTATIONS FOR LARGE
eens NATURE TEACHING.
THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON
FACTORY, LIMITED, To be obtained from a!l agents for the sale of the Department's
BRIDGETOWN. Publications. Price 2s., post free, 2s, 33d.
FOR SALE. FOR, SATE
Four thousand (4,000). Washington Navel
BUDDED ORANGE PLANTS. PRIME SUMMER YELLOW COTTON
SEED OIL.
LOCAL PRICE—6Gd. each, delivered Roseau. s See : :
EXPORT PRICE—1s. each, fo.b. Roseau, Dominica. In casks or 5-gallon tins (in Bond).
. ia ala fl 7: ,Ep gp aN ayy \
Orders abroad for less than 20 Plants eyed GON FON SEED CAKE MIEAL.
executed. ERNEST THORNE, LTD.,
Apply to:— | Cotton Seed Oil Mills,
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Bramhall Estate, Telegraphie address,
(247) Dominica.) (267) ‘Thorumn.
Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter 4, High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados,
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CONTENTS. |
Introduction. Soil,
Varieties, Climate. |
Propagation:— Shade, |
Selection. Preparing the Land,
Stock for Inarching Planting.
and Budding Cultivation.
Inarching Fertilization or Manuring
Budding, Pruning and Sanitation
TWELVE (12) FULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS.
GERMAN KALI WORKS,
P.0. Box 1,007, Empedrado 39,
Havana, Cuba. |
Gl dl gt
A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW
DEPARTMENT
OF THE
QF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES.
IMPERIAL
Vout. X. Ne. 247.
BARBADOS, OCTOBER 14, 1911.
Price ld,
CONTENTS.
PaGE, PaGE.
Agricultural Investigation, Insect Notes :—
The Spirit of Oe: Locomotion of Young
British Honduras, Agricul- Scale Insects .-. 300
ture in, 1909 . 329} The House-Fly and Man 330
: Lime and Nitrification in
Cacao, Production and i Wek Soiled " 399
Consumption of, in Sea ct oF
ag~ Litchi in Dominica ... 325
1910 ee OO = : yA
Galen Goamanidemand . Market Reports 336
Gree A ee acta 9g, Notes and Comments 328
Nitrate of Lime... 328) 5 nn, eae
: : : sae ; Nutmeg Tree, Fruiting of
Coco-de-Mer in the West ‘Male’ A
: =e ao ale ee yess O24
Indies, Trials of ... 324 feraete Pear ee
- Pen Manure, Preservation
Cotton Notes :-— 7 ay
Introduction of Cotton- ao * Ee Neaeeeyee tees = 333
GDN Sn a Pine-Apple Exportation
Growing into Nyasa- Re, me
Tadeo : 394 from Natal ... 335
os sy se) aeeeniPollen,, New eMethodm of
] 3 ] 29 ’
West Indian Cotton ... 326 Handling. & os .:. 324
Department News ... ... 322) Protozaand Soil Sickness 335
Eucalyptus Trees, Condi- Soil Bacteria, Studies of 328
tions Best Suited to 327 | Soils, Line and Magnesia
Fermented Milk . 331 in AP 300 . 328
Fungus Notes :— Students’ Corner oos
Wounds in Plants and Sugar Industry :—
Their Treatment, Sucrose and Potash in
Part I . 3a4 CaneJuice... 323
Gleanings ... ... ... ... 382! Sugar-cane Seedling
Grenada Land Settlement D.1135 in New South
Scheme PSs 134.0329: Wales :.eeeemtce fay o2e
Indian Mango Juice... ... 327! Tobacco, Sheds for Curing 329
The Spirit of Agricultural
Investigation.
o)
* HOSE who are responsible for agricultural
investigation and experimentation at the
AY present time are faced by the fact that the
field over which their energies may be expended has
largely widened in recent years.
are no longer regarded as being
Agricultural problems
comparatively small in
their scope and simple in their nature. They require
the assistance of many of the so-called branches of
science. The help of the chemist, the botanist, the plant
pathologist and physiologist, the entomologist, the
geologist and the physicist, large as it is, does not
exhaust the amount of aid that is needed by the agri-
cultural investigator.
This circumstance has led to the existence of the
worker who specializes in one or two of the many
matters that must receive attention for the elucidation
of agricultural problems. He does not necessarily go
into the field, nor need he be an agriculturist, in the
ordinary sense of the term. His work may be purely
academic; nevertheless, it is required by the practical
experimenter, who has not the time, and probably does
not possess the knowledge, to enter into specialized
scientific investigations. Further, the attitudes of the
two kinds of workers are different: the specialist directs
his gaze towards what is waiting to be found out, while
the maker of agricultural experiments gives his atten-
tion to results already obtained, in order that they may
be endowed with a practical value.
While the latter kind of investigator is a user of
existing results, if is the purpose of his work, as has
been indicated, to employ these for obtaining others
that are applicable on a larger scale. He must, there-
fore, be in possession of a definite scheme of working.
It is his duty, also, thoroughly to master the necessary
preliminaries before he proceeds to put any scheme
into operation. An important matter among such pre-
liminaries is the gaining of an adequate knowledge of
what has already been discovered in relation to the
subject. It is too often the case that ground is covered
by one investigator, in ignorance that it has been
traversed already and to an adequate degree, by
322
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Ocroper 14, 1911.
another, with consequent waste of time, resources and
energy. It should hardly be necessary to point out
that the provision of a central agricultural organization
possessing a wide knowledge of agricultural matters and
the power to direct the energies of the officers under
its charge forms the most useful means of preventing
the loss that arises in this way.
One necessity for the experimenter is the posses-
sion of the imaginative faculty. He must be able to
take a broad view of the field in which his activities
are to be confined, so that he may see plainly where
his work is required, and be able to devise the best
methods for experimentation. Without such a view,
he will be likely to make his research a matter, merely,
of attention to inconsiderable details.
He also requires patience. In agriculture, par-
ticularly, years of careful observation and many repeti-
tions of experiments are generally needed before any
dependable results can be obtained. Attention may be
drawn, for illustration, to manurial experiments, par-
ticularly with the sugar-cane and cacao, that have been
carried out during long periods in the West Indies.
Another requisite is a proper realization of the
necessity for the fair and honest presentation of his
results. As far as is humanly possible, the direction
of the experiments and the presentation of what they
appear to demonstrate in fact should be free from bias
arising from preconceived theories. There should be
no ignoring of indications contrary to existing ideas;
nor, on the other hand, should too great a stress be laid on
isolated circumstances that appear to give support to
some favourite theory. ‘Theories of the latter kind will
often have to be discarded, and there should be no
hesitation in dismissing them from further considera-
tion, once they have been proved untenable.
The advantage of the fair treatment of results
It may lead to the forming
of conclusions that are of the greatest use, although
totally unexpected. Such conclusions are of all the
appears in another light.
more value because they have been formulated after
ignorance of their existence and in the consequent
absence of bias in their favour.
In presenting reports of work, much care should be
taken that such presentation is effected with the great-
est clearness, and fairness to the evidence that is avail-
able. Where this is the case, the clearness of the
-account is of the largest use to other experimenters,
and may even enable them to elucidate useful facts in
connexion with their own work. ‘The importance of
this indirect use of negative conclusions will be evident.
Where positive results of certain application have
been obtained, they have two The first is
the obvious matter of their utilization in existing
circumstances; the second is their cmployment to
suggest other lines of work. Such results actually
have their place in a larger scheme; they comprise
a necessary step for its completion. The provision of
all the results in the scheme are in the hands of no
single investigator. One takes up the work where
another leaves it; but the conclusions reached by those
who succeed the pioneers could not have been obtained
without the existence of the preliminary conscientious
investigations.
uses.
Lastly, the use of the results of experimentation is
not confined to the line of work in which they have
their special place; it exists for other, probably quite
dissimilar, interests. It was not obvious that the observa-
tion of Cavendish, that the oxygen and nitrogen of
the air unite in the presence of an electric spark,
would be a necessary preliminary to obtaining an
artificial manure, using the nitrogen of the atmosphere;
the agriculturists of the time did not regard the work
with bacteria, of Pasteur, as the commencement of stud-
ies which would lead to the devising of proper systems of
tillage and agricultural conservation.
The agricultural investigator has before him
a large field of work. He cannot enter it alone. He
must survey i6 with an open mind, and decide which
part of it to occupy; for this he will most probably
require the guidance of those who can more easily see
how his work must be correlated with that of others.
Lastly, he will find it partly occupied with the results of
former activities. These he will employ for the conduct
of his researches, in order that he may leave at least
something of use to those who will take the place in
which he once laboured conscientiously.
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture returned
to Barbados, from duty leave in England, by the
R.M.S. ‘ Thames’, on October 9.
Mr. P. 'T. Saunders, M.R.C.V.S., Veterinary Officer
on the Statf of the Imperial Department of Agriculture,
arrived at Barbados from Antigua, on October 4, by
the R.M.S. ‘ Magdalena’.
VoL. X. No. 247.
SUGAR INDUSTRY.
SUCROSE AND POTASH IN CANE JUICE.
The International Sugar Journal for August 1911
contains a paper by H. C. Prinsen Geerligs, which is of
much interest as it demonstrates the existence of a relation
between the sugar in the juice of the cane and its content
of potash.
It is first pointed out that the observation has been
made several times to the effect that, although the quantity
_ of exhausted molasses obtainable from a given variety of
cane varies considerably, yet the composition of the
molasses, and especially the amount of potash in it, does not
differ much, from sample to sample. Cane juice of a high
purity gives exhausted molasses very similar in its composi-
tion to that from juice with a very low purity.
Further, analysis makes it evident that the ratio of
potash to dry substance in exhausted molasses varies little,
although the quantity of molasses obtainable exhibits con-
siderable differences. ‘For example, in the case of juice of
75 purity yielding 24 times the quantity of molasses which
is produced by juice of 90 purity, the potash content of the
latter is by no means 2} times that of the former ; and this
is only what may be expected if both had contained at the
outset the same ratio of potash to dry substance content.
As, however, this potash content does not differ, we are
compelled to admit the fact that, generally, a cane juice of
low purity is more charged with potash saits than a juice
having a high quotient of purity.’ This, combined with the
fact that the purity is influenced mainly by the glucose
content, leads to the conclusion that the glucose in a ripe
cane is accompanied by a fixed proportion of potash salts, so
that the latter keep back in the cane juice a quantity of
glucose which does not disappear during the ripening of the
cane, and thus the quotient of purity is lowered. If the
potash salts possess such an action, a ripe sugar-cane with
a high potash content must contain a high percentage of
glucose. Actual investigations have shown this to be true
in the case of the beet.
The matter is complicated by the fact that differences
in purity are brought about by the soil conditions, climate,
the manures employed and the variety of cane; the degree of
maturity of the cane also entails differences which are likely
to cause confusion. The work of the author, combined with
the results of others, shows that there is no perceptible
change in the content of potash in the juice while the cane
is ripening. It thus follows that if there is any relation
between the proportion of potash and that of glucose, it must
be correlated with what is termed the natural glucose in the
cane, namely that which depends on the variety and condi-
tions of climate; but not with what is called the accidental
glucose, which is present through imperfect maturity or
over-ripeness.
In the investigations, analyses were made of juices from
estates dealing with canes possessing a juice with a high
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
323
purity, and similarly with those grinding canes with a low
purity. In the same way the experiments were extended to
different varieties of cane, choosing for comparison those
giving juice of the highest purity and those in which this was
very low. In the result, the indication was obtained that, in
the case of rich and pure canes, the juices contained little
potash; whereas where the purity uf the juice was low, large
quantities of potash were always found. The same was
demonstrated to be true of the varieties chosen to exhibit
large differences in purity.
It therefore follows that canes posses:ing the largest
power to absorb potash from the soil gave juice with the low-
est purity, and that conversely, the available sugar was largest
in amount from canes absorbing the least potash. It is,
naturally, not intended that these statements should discour-
age the employment of potash manures among planters, for
these are necessary in order that the plant may have an
adequate supply of its essential food bodies in the soil.
It is pointed out that while sugar-cane seedling produc-
tion and selection have given canes with a larger weight,
there has been no increase in the sugar content, but rather
a decrease in many instances. The practical import of the
investigations is then expressed, namely that more attention
should be given in seedling cane production to the sucrose
sugar content, and that a useful indication of this is afforded
by the determination of the extent to which potash salts ar
present in the juice. :
Sugar-cane Seedling D.1135 in New South
Wales.—A bright, light purple-coloured cane, introduced
by the Colonial Sugar Refining Company, from Fairymead,
Queensland.
So far as growing trials of this cane have progressed,
D.1135 proves best as a two-year-old plant cane, but is of
uncertain sweetness, and somewhat difficult to trash. As
a ratoon cropper, it is reported to develop poorly. It is an
exceedingly straight grower, carries a dark olive-green leaf
of attractive appearance, and has few dead staiks as a two-
year-old crop.
On the Richmond River, it is questionable whether this
cane is likely to prove the continued success that D.1135 has
been found to be in other parts of the State. Here its sugar
density appears to be greatly influenced by weather and soil
conditions. In this respect it cannot be relied upon, as can
the two more largely grown varieties, Malabar and Mahona.
As the true character and value of D.1135 have not as
yet been fully demonstrated, this cane should be given
a further and more extended trial. (The Agricultural Gazette
of New South Wales, Vol. XXII, p. 516.)
A report from Montserrat states that ample rains have
fallen during September, throughout the island, and that the
outlook for the cotton crop has improved considerably. Lt is
thought that this will not be quite up to the average, but as
the area in cotton cultivation has increased, the total output
will be fairly large. Cotton-picking has commenced at least
a month earlier than it did last year. In the districts that
have suffered severely from drought, as well as in some others,
leaf-blister mite is more prevalent than it has been for many
years. The cotton worm has not caused much trouble, while
angular leaf spot has not been present to the extent of last
year, and the flower bud maggot has not been reported.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Ocroper 14, 1911.
FRUITS AND FRUIT TREES.
THE FRUITING OF A ‘MALE’ NUTMEG
TREE.
The following interesting note has been received
from Mr. J. C. Moore, Agricultural Superintendent of
St. Lucia:—
One of the staminate nutmeg trees at the Botanic
Gardens in St. Lucia has produced a single fruit. On examin-
ation, the fiuit appeared to be quite normal in development,
the seed beiny of the usual size and containing an embryo,
and surrounded on the outside by the usual scarlet aril, or
mace. The tree bas never been observed to bear fruit before,
and frequent search for flowers showing abnormal structure,
and for any indications of a tendency to develop other fruits,
has given negative results. The tree is about twenty years old.
This is the first instance of a staminate nutmeg tree bearing
fruit that has come under my observation, and it would be
interesting to know if there is any record of similar observa-
tions elsewhere.
TRIALS OF THE COCO-D#-MER IN
THE WEST INDIBS.
In July 1908, three germinating nuts, in each case, of
the double cocoa-nut or coco-de-mer (Lodoicea sechellarwin)
were distributed by the Imperial Department of Agriculture
to the Agricultural Departments in St. Lucia, Dominica,
St. Vincent, and Grenada. Since that time, reports as to the
progress of the trials have been received from the Agricul-
tuial Departments in the different islands, and the informa
tion available is recorded here as it may be of interest to
readers of the Agricultural News.
In St. Lucia, the trials resulted in failure, and none of
the plants have survived.
The best results have been obtained at the Botanic
Gardens in Dominica, where two of the three germinating
nuts are reported to be making good growth. In sending
the information, the Curator of the Botanic Station states
that with care and attention the trial is likely to be suecess-
ful. At the time of writing, each plant possessed one fully
developed leaf and the second leaf was appearing in each
case.
The ience in St. Vincent has been similar to that
in St. Lucia, and no plants have been raised.
In Grenada only one plant has survived, the others
having died shortly after being planted out. This specimen
expe
is not healthy and only possesses two leaves, while another
leaf which has just appeared seems to be somewhat
dwarfed. In making the report, the Superintendent of
Agriculture gives it as his opinion that the conditions at the
Grenada Botanic Gardens are too dry for the plant.
A NEW METHOD OF HANDLING
POLLEN.
This is described by a writer in the American
Breeders’ Magazine, Vol. HU, p. 52, and is as follows :—
In the spring of 1908, having large numbers of apple,
peach, plum and other blossoms to cross and self-pollinate,
I was greatly hindered and suffered many losses by the fail-
ure to have sufficient pollen at hand at the critical period.
The usual method of collecting a fresh supply at each opera-
tion was very slow and clumsy. After trying every possible
way of collecting and preserving pollen I accidentally found
a very simple method, which during three seasons has proved
almost ideal.
Empty quinine capsules seem to meet the requirements,
under almost all circumstances, for gathering and_ storing
pollen, and they are convenient to use. These capsules can
be obtained at all drug stores at a very slight cost. In most
cases the smaller sizes will do. Anthers of the desired female
parent are selected as near the bursting point as possible, and
scarped or cut intoa capsule. The capsule can then be lettered
or numbered with Indian ink, or a small slip of paper may be
inserted with a note as a record. These capsules can be thrown
loosely into a small box, or arranged to suit personal taste.
In a few hours the anthers in the capsule will burst, and
a shake will scatter the pollen, which will adhere uni-
formly over the gelatine walls inside the capsule, where it
can be transferred to the stigma with the usual brush or thin-
bladed knife. I have found a knife the better tool, as an abun-
dance of pollen can be gathered on its point for transference,
and it is instantly cleaned. Pollen can thus be very quickly
applied to flowers having pistils of a suitable size, such as
peach, plum, ete.
Pollen in these capsules is available at a moment's notice,
regardless of outside conditions. A large supply is on hand,
and in compact shape. A capsule once filled will often last
the entire season. The length of time that pollen will retain
its vitality when so enclosed is surprising. These capsules
Vou; Xe “No: 247:
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 325
are small and light, and can be mailed without trouble. Thus
the plant breeder can extend his field of operations by using
pollen gathered, for instance, in California, and mailed across
the continent.
Pollen from almost every flower with which I have worked
can be stored and successfully used from these capsules, with
the exception, perhaps, of that from some of the Cucurbitaceae.
Some pollen from this family seems to be so very moist and
sticky that it does not readily separate from the anthers
when they are cut before bursting, and it does not adhere
satisfactorily to the capsule walls.
Fic, 14. Frurrinc Brancues or THE Lircut (Dominica).
THE LITCHI IN DOMINICA.
The illustration on this page is a reproduction of a pho-
tograph taken by Mr. J. Jones, Curator of the Botanic
Station, Dominica, of clusters of fruits of the Litchi (Vephe-
lium Litchi), grown at that Station. The tree on which the
fruits were borne was presented to the Dominica Botanic
@ardens some years ago by Mr. Justice Pemberton.
In forwarding the photograph, Mr. Jones draws attention
to the fact that the litchiis a native of South China, and that
the fruit is much esteemed by the Chinese. The fruits when
ripe are bright-red in colour, and their appearance at the time
of ripening, together with that of the dark-green pianate
leaves of the plant, makes the tree very attractive. Mr. Jones
states further that, though the plant grows well in the West
Indies, and maintains a healthy appearance, it is evident that
the climatic conditions are not entirely suitable, for fruits are
produced once only in a period ‘of six or seven years,
The litchi is closely related to the akee (Blighia sapida).
The fruit is a nut containing one seed surrounded by a fleshy
aril, which is the part eaten; while in the akee the edible
portion is the swollen aril and stalk of the seeds.
THE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
OF CACAO, IN 1910.
The following figures of the production and consumption
of cacao during last year, and in the two preceding years, are
taken from the Journal d’ Agriculture Tropicale for July
1911, p. 223, which reproduces them from Gordian, where
they are given provisionally. The quantities are in metric
tons (2,205 bb.).
The world’s production of cacao was:—
1908. 1909. 1910.
Ecuador 32,120 31,560 34,480
St. Thomas 28,730 30,260 36,580
Brazil 32,960 33,820 28,230
Trinidad 21,740 23,390 26,140
British West Africa 14,260 22,470 25,090
Venezuela 16,300 16,850 17,530
Dominican Republic 19,010 14,820 16,620
Grenada 5,160 5,440 5,250
German Colonies 2,740 3,870 4,800
Ceylon 2,840 4,070 3,570
Java 2,380 2,470 2,500
Hayti 2,710 2,120 2,200
Fernando Po 3,000 2,730 2,110
Surinam 1,700 1,900 2,040
Jamaica 2,690 3,210 1,760
French Colonies 1,420 1,370 1,500
Cuba 830 1,940 1,250
Belgian Congo 610 770 850
St. Lucia 610 700 650
Dominica 490 600 550
Costa Rica 340 230 300
Other countries 1,000 1,000 1,200
Totals 193,620 205,250 219,200
The world’s consumption of cacao was :—
1908. 1909. 1910.
United States 42,620 53,380 50,310
Germany 34,350 40,720 43,940
France 20,440 23; 250 25,070
England 21,050 24,260 24,0380
Holland 15,820 19,390 19,190
Switzerland 5,820 6,680 9,090
Spain 6,530 5,980 5,520
Austria-Hungary 3,710 4,250 4,960
Belgium 4,550 5,010 4,790
Russia 2,590 2,930 3,700
Italy 1,430 1,620 1,890
Denmark 1,200 1,520 1,600
Canada 1,080 1,170 1,520
Sweden 970 1,140 1,008
Norway 470 740 850
Australia 700 750 770
Portugal 170 210 200
Finland 90 90 110
Other countries 1,500 1,800 2,000
165,140 194,870 200,590
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
: OctToBER 14, 1911,
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date September 25, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
Since our last report, West Indian Sea Islands have been
in good request and the sales amount to about 330 bales,
including St. Kitts 163d. to 19d., Nevis 17d., Montserrat
163d. to 18d., St. Eustatius 17d. to 18a., Anguilla 16d.,
Barbados 16d. to 17d., St. Croix 16d., and St. Vincent 15d.
to 18d.; also stains at 84d. to 94d.
Spinners are purchasing the better qualities, owing to the
reported damage to the Carolina crop, for which the market
has not yet opened in Charleston. Meanwhile, the best
Floridas and Georgias do not seem to have been affected, as
they are offering freely at 13d. to 14d. for the New Crop.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending September 9, is as follows:—
In consequence of the recent severe storm throughout
the Sea Island section, the marketing of the crop will be very
much delayed, and it will probably not be before the middle
or the end of October that the receipts will be sufficient to
admit of any offerings.
The stock of the old crop cotton held over from last year
has been temporarily withdrawn from the market, as the
Factors are anticipating very full prices for any well matured
sound lots. Under these circumstances, no bright cotton
of the old crop is offered under 40c., equals 22d,
THE INTRODUCTION OF COTTON-
GROWING INTO NYASALAND.
There has been received recently, Bulletin No. 1 of 1911,
of the Department of Agriculture of the Nyasaland Protecto-
rate, which deals with some problems connected with the
introduction and cultivation of exotic cottons in Nyasaland.
This pays attention to the problems that have required solu-
tion in connexion with cotton-growing in that country, rather
than to the statistics of production.
‘ Itis pointed out, first of all, that cotton cultivation in
Atfrica cannot be compared with that in such countries as
America. In the case of Africa, the grower is uncivilized,
and trammelled by tradition and primitive methods; so much
so, that it is hard to make him understand why he should
grow a crop that does not directly provide food for him, The
fact that the women are desirous of obtaining the bright
cloths which have so great an attraction for them serves as one
of the chief inducements for the men to grow cotton, in order
to obtain the money necessary for the purchase of such
materials. It is to be considered that the effects of the exten-
sion of cotton-growing in Africa are to increase the supply of
raw material for Europe, and at the same time to enhance the
demand for manufactured cloth from Europe.
In regard to the climatic conditions in Nyasaland for
cotton-growing, it has been found that Egyptian cotton should
not be grown at elevations greater than 2,000 feet, while
American is suited to districts lying at an altitude between
2,000 and 4,000 feet. In dealing with these matters, a fact
is stated that should be more generally realized by cotton
growers, namely, that no one making experiments in a new
country, or where cotton is being newly introduced, should
expect to obtain large yields in the first years of the trials,
It should be considered satisfactory if a gradual increase is
gained.
Conditions of transport in Nyasaland make it possible
to grow cotton profitably within 40 miles of the railway; out-
side of this distance there is little profit unless the seed-
cotton can be ginned where it is grown, in order to lessen the
cost of porterage. It is natural that the native does not
wish to carry his cotton a great distance in order to sell it.
He usually conveys it in crates each containing about 70 Ib.
of seed-cotton, and receives jd. to 1d. per Ib., the price being
dependent on locality; such a quantity of cotton will usually
give about 20 Ib. of lint for export. The first requirement
for a large extension of cotton-growing in Nyasaland is the
provision of more railways, to supplant the slower and more
expensive native porterage.
As in the West Indies, experience in Nyasaland has
shown that the only method of discovering the most suitable
seeds for planting is by making careful experiments; the
success or failure of the industry depends on the suitability
of the seed. Both Uganda and Nyasaland suffered at the
time of the introduction of cotton. growing by the importation
of several different kinds of seed by private individuals. The
result was much confusion and a lively appreciation of the
fact that the question must be considered thoroughly, both
from the point of view of climate and of commerce. It is
hardly necessary.to mention that the untoward state of
affairs would not have existed if the countries under discus-
sion had possessed agricultural officers capable of giving good
advice and provided with suitable experiment stations.
Attention is drawn to the fact that careful consideration
of the conditions in the American cotton belt have led to the
conclusion that the United States will be able to supply the
demand for most of the short-staple cotton for many years,
but that there will eventually be a shortage from this source in
regard to long staple Upland. It is the latter fact that affords
Von. X.
some of the greatest encouragement for cotton-growing in
Nyasaland and Uganda. It is pointed out that Nyasaland
already possesses an excellent long-stapled cotton, described in
Manchester as Nyasaland Upland. In 1909 samples from the
crop of this were valued by the Chairman of the British
Cotton Growing Association at 2d. to 2d. per Ib. on the
price of Middling American.
In treating of the control of insect pests and diseases,
the Bulletin points out that the existence of an agricultural
department with power to regulate the importation of planting
material into the country would probably have prevented
the introduction of certain insects and fungi which have now
to be controlled. In regard to the organization of a native
cotton industry, great importance is attached to the employ-
ment of cotton inspectors and native overseers to travel con-
stantly among the villages in order to give information con-
cerning the proper growing and preparation of the crop that
it has been decided to establish.
It is considered that the prospects of cotton-growing in
Africa are very good, and that there is little chance of a set-
back if the American cotton boll weevil can be kept out of
the Continent. In token of the progress that has been made
in Nyasaland alone, the following vatues of the exports for
the years mentioned are given, in conclusion: 1903 £3,
1904-5 £5,914, 1907-8 £13.999, 1908-9 £28,355, and for
the first eleven months of 1910-11 £52,853.
THE CONDITIONS BEST SUITED TO
EUCALYPTUS TRESS.
The native home of the valuable eucalypts is in the
warmer portion of Australia and a few of the adjoining
islands. The question of hardiness to frost is of para-
mount importance to the growing of Eucalyptus in the conti-
nental United States, because the range of the tree is there
determined by its ability to endure cold. In Hawaii, how-
ever, the question cf frost hardiness is not of great conse-
quence because, outside of the summits of the three highest
mountains in the islands, the temperature everywhere in the
territory is sufficiently high for the growing of Eucalyptus.
Several species of eucalypts have been planted within
the last three years on the west’ slope of Haleakala, on the
island of Maui, at an elevation of between 6,000 and 6,500
feet, and a number of them are doing very well, notably the
peppermint gum (Z7. amygdalina), the blue gum (Z. globulus),
the mountain ash (2. stberiana), and the broad-leaved iron-
bark (EZ. siderophloia). Here the temperature is almost
never lower than 35°F. How much higher than 6,500 feet
these trees would grow it is difficult to state, but there is no
reason to believe that the temperature would be too low for
a proper growth of the eucalypts at elevations as high as
7,000 or 8,500 feet, since the thermometer rarely drops
below 32° F.
The temperature and moisture conditions most favour-
able to the growth of Eucalyptus in Hawaii are an abundant
rainfall, say between 50 and 100 inches per year, and
a rainy season alternating with plenty of strong, warm sun-
shine. Prolonged rain suddenly followed by intense sunshine
and heat is injurious, especially to seedlings.
The eucalypts are intolerant of shade, and require
plenty of light for their proper development. When given
too much light, however, the eucalypts will branch out
immoderately and will then not be of much value as a timber
tree. The trees in their seedling stage can endure more
shade than the older trees, and the very young seedlings
require a certain amount of shade for their growth. When
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 327
all are planted at the same time, the eucalypts can grow in
dense stands, and the trees will then form straight, cylindri-
eal trunks. They will not grow, however, planted in the
shade of other trees.
Most of the eucalypts have well developed root systems,
and asa rule are not easily thrown down by ordinary winds,
but the foliage of many of the gums is affected by strong
winds, and few species can therefore thrive in windy situations.
The trees seem to suffer more by constant than by unusually
strong winds, and the ordinary trade wind in an exposed
situation will be more harmful than an occasional kona
storm. The foliage of blue gum (Z. globulus) and of red gum
(#. rostrata) is particularly sensitive to strong winds.
Sugar gum (#. corynocalyr) and peppermint gum (Z.
amygdalina) can stand much wind, though the trees will
often lean to leeward and are then unfit for straight timber.
The swamp mahogany (#. robusta) is generally considered
sensitive to strong winds in California, but in Hawaii it is
found to grow straight and of good form even in the most
exposed situations.
The eucalypts, asa rule, prefer a very moist soil and
respond readily to irrigation in dry situations. Swampy
land, however, is not favourable to good growth, especially if
the roots of the trees are constantly flooded. The red gum
(Z. rostrata) is probably the least exacting in this respect,
and will thrive in wet swamps. Swamp mahogany (2. robusta),
blue gum (#. globulus), and the bastard mahogany
(#. botryoides), will also endure excessive moisture. The
sugar gum (#. corynocalyx), on the other hand, is the most
intolerant in this respect.
Unlike agricultural crops, trees are not fastidious as to
the quality of the soil on which they grow. There is hardly
a soil so poor as not to be able to support some tree growth.
The chemical composition of the soil is of little importance,
provided its physical composition is favourable. The physi-
cal composition of the soil is important because it determines
to a Jarge extent the amount of available soil moisture.
A deep, loose, moderately fine-grained, sandy loam, is the
best for most species of eucalypts, as it is for almost all other
forest trees.
The following trees require good soil for their proper
growth: blackbutt (#. piludaris), red gum (E. rostrata),
manna gum (2. veminalis).
The trees which are least fastidious as to their soil
requirements are peppermint gum (2. amygdalina), yate
(ZL. cornuta), red mahogany (LH. resinifera), swamp mahogany
(#. robusta), and red ironbark (#. sideroxylon). (From
Bulletin No. 1 af the Hawaii Division of Forestry, entitled
Eucalyptus Culture in Hawaii, p. 5.)
Indian Mango Juice.—We have received from the
Oriental Cannery Co., Honovar, India, a sample tin of this
preparation of which we have formed a very favourable
opinion. It is of semi-solid consistency, and the colour and
taste that of the best ripe mangoes. [tis excellent served
as a sauce with blanc-mange, etc., and could also be used to
make ices, or simply mixed with milk to form ‘mango fool’,
or used alone, in place of mango fruits for dessert.
Accerding to the report on it from the Lancet, it is stated
to be practically free from sugar, and to possess antiscorbutic
properties, while the British Medical Journal states that it
is free from preservatives, and the material appears to consist
of nothing but the pure pulp with its natural juice.
It can therefore be confidently recommended as a very
satisfactory means of enjoying the mango fruit at any time
or place. (The Tropical Agriculturist, Vol. XXXVII, p. 38.)
EDITORIAL NOTICBS.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
peer for naming, should be addressed to the
ommissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. <A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 8 of the cover.
The Agricultural News :
post free 2d.
2s. 2d.
Price 1d. per number,
Annual subscription payable to Agents,
Post free, 4s. 4d.
Agricultural
Vou, s SA’ PURDAY,
Sews
nO.
NO 247.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
OCTOBER 14,
Contents of Present Issue.
The editorial in the present issue deals with the
subject of The Spirit of Agricultural Investigation. Its
purpose is to show 1n a Broad way how Sach investiga-
tion should be undertaken, and the manner in w hich
the resulis should be presented and interpreted.
Page 323 contains an abstract of an interesting
article that has appeared recently, dealing with the rela-
tion between the content of sucrose and that of potash
in cane juice.
The matter on page 324 includes information con-
cerning the recent fruiting of a‘ nutmeg tree in
St. Lucia, and in connexion with trials of the coco-de-
mer, or double cocoa-nut, that have been made in some
of the islands of the West Indies.
male’
Among other matters, page 325 gives an illustrated
Wg
note on the Litchi in Ditinics
The Insect Notes, on page 530, include articles
dealing respectively with the House-Fly and Man, and
the Locomotion of Young Scale Insects.
Page 331 contains an article which deals with
the present position as regards the employment of fer-
mented milk in certain complaints and diseases.
On page 334, there appears the first of two articles
on Wounds in Plants and Their Treatment. In the next
number of the Agricultural News, remarks will be
ymade on some other forms of wounds and their treat-
‘ment, and a few points having a general connexion with
tthe subject will also be considered.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS
Ocroper 14, 1911.
Studies of Soil Bacteria.
Work that has been undertaken during the last
two years in connexion with the study of soils and soil
bacteria receives attention in the Bulletin of the
Bureau of Agricultural Intelligence and of Plant
Diseases tor January 1911, p. 48. One of the con-
clusions that have been reached is that certain soil
bacteria favour the formation of nodules on the roots of
leguminous plants such as serradella (Ornithopus
sutivus). The action of the bacteria is to cause the
enlarvenent of the nodules, whereby a greater quan-
tity of nitrogen is produced than if the etfect had been
that of the nodule organisms alone
Further work has been connected with the d2com-
position of rocks to form soil, and it is vow demonstra-
ted that leguminous plants can extract a much larger
amount of plant food from unweathered rocks than can
plants belonging to the Grass Family.
a
Lime and Magnesia in Soils
The Rural Californian, Vol. XXXLV, p. 358, con-
tains a report of observations made for the purpose of
determining the causes of a certain type of malnutri-
tion in orange and lemon trees. One of the signs of
this malnutrition is the existence of what is termed
mottled leaf, in such plants. The conclusion was that
the condition was due to the presence of large amounts
of magnesium in the soil, in proportion to the lime.
Analyses were made both of healthy and unhealthy
leaves, when the former were fonnd to contun an excess
of potash and phosphoric acid, while they were deficient
in lime. Analyses of the soil in which the piants were
growing correlated the condition of unhealthiness with
the presence of the excess of magnesia over lime.
The reason for the excess of potash in the leaves
appeared to be connected with the circumstance that
the plants were not obtaining sufficient lime from the
soil for their needs, so that they absorbed abnormal
amounts of potash for the purposes of the neutralization
of the acids in them.
+
Calcium Cyanamide and Nitrate of Lime.
The Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society
or May 1911 (to which reference was made in the last
number of the Agricultural News, p. 313) contains
an account of experiments in which the above men-
tioned manures were compared with nitrate of soda
and sulphate of ammonia. In the experiments, the
land received a dressing of superphosphate and kainit;
the quantity of nitrate of soda applied per acre was
4 ewt., while the amounts of the other manures yielding
nitrogen were at such a rate that each plot was in
receipt of the same weight of that element. The crop
employed was turnips, and the results showed that
there was little to choose between the different man-
ures as sources of nitrogen.
Notes on trials of these manures
haye been given
several times in the Agricultural
News. .In the
Vor. X. No. 247.
present volume, they are to be found on pages 57, 168
and 232.
DD oe
Lime and Nitrification in Wet Soils.
Bulletin No. 37 of the Experiment Station of the
Hawaiian Sngar Planters’ Association contains an
account, among other matters, of work undertaken for
the purpose of ascertaining the effect of various forms
of lime on nitrification, in a rich, acid soil, in a wet
district. It was found that nitrification was increased,
and Jarger amounts of lime and potash soluble in water
were recovered in the drainage water, when calcium
was added as the oxide, carbonate or sulphate. Of these
the last was most effective in all three directions.
A further result of interest had reference to the
connexion between the acidity of the soil and nitrifica-
tion. The investigations showed that the calcium
compounds dissolved in the water of the soil seem to
exercise a greater control than acidity, as regards nitri-
fication.
The nitrification of ammonium sulphate was
increased in rate by the use of soluble phosphoric acid
and sulphate of potash, as manures.
In the same connexion, another interesting result
was that, when the rate of nitrification was increased,
there was usually also an increase in the amount of
lime contained in the drainage water.
4
Agriculture in British Honduras, 1909.
Colonial Reports—Annual, No. 667, dealing with
conditions in British Honduras during 1909 has been
issued recently. It shows, first of all, that the amount
of mahogany shipped was 10,673,881 feet, of which
6,860,549 feet was the produce of the Colony. During
1908 and1909, the export of cedar increased considerably.
There was a decrease in the number of bananas shipped,
but on account of the increasing demand in the United
States for plantains, the number of this fruit exported
increased from 939,000 in 1908 to 2,255,500 during the
year under review. The latter circumstance is welcomed
by planters, who prefer to grow plantains rather than
bananas, because the former are hardier, and less likely
to be rejected for shipment.
A record was made in the number of cocoa-nuts
shipped. With rubber, on the contrary, the exports
were the Jowest since 1897. The quantity of chicle
(for chewing gum) exported was greater than in the
previous year; of the total amount a little over 33 per
cent. was produced in the Colony. There was a decrease
in the exports of sarsaparilla, and a slight improvement
in that of tortoiseshell: The amount of logwood taken
by the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the
United States was 6,134 tons, the largest customer
being the United Kingdom, with 3,786 tons.
The exports of cacao increased from 29,174 th. to
39,868 Ib. Sugar was made by fifty mills, of which
fourteen were worked by steam, two by oil engines, and
the rest by cattle; with the exception of 36 tons, all the
sugar made was consumed in the Colony. During the
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
year three saw mills were in operation. In regard to
marine products, the sponge fishery produced 4,322 tb,
ae
Sheds for Curing Tobacco.
In Lhe Journal of the Department of Agricul-
ture of Victoria for August 1911, an account is given
of sheds that are suitable for curing tobacco, This
commences by pointing out that such sheds should be
built in positions where advantage may be taken of the
prevailing winds; while at the same time it is not
desirable that the site should be very exposed. The
soil beneath should be dry and well drained.
For the production of bright leaf, the shed should
be small, and under the conditions, a square shed meas-
uring 16 feet x 16 feet, four floors high, has been found
convenient; in the circumstances described this holds an
acre of tobacco. The lowest floor should be 9 feet from
the ground, and this as well as the others should be pro-
vided with poles 4 inches in diameter running from
end to end; the use of the poles is to carry the sticks
on which the tobacco is hung. ‘The second floor should
be 3 feet 6 inches above the first, and the third the
same distance above the second. In the space below
the roof two rows of tobacco may be hung.
For heavy tobaccos larger sheds are required, and
if the leaf is to be partly air-cured, arrangements
should be made so that the shed can be widely opened
or tightly closed. Such a shed is described which,
under the conditions, will hold about 1 acre of tobacco.
OE
The Grenada Land Settlement Scheme.
The Superintendent of Agriculture of Grenada has
forwarded an account of a meeting which was held
under the Grenada Land Settlement Scheme, at the
Experiment Plot established in connexion with this at
Morne Rouge South. The Superintendent of Agricul-
ture, the Secretary of the Agricultural and Commercial
Society, Mr. A. E. Steele, and the Land Officer, Mr. H.
H. Walwyn, were present.
The purposes of the meeting were to give the
peasants information concerning the growing of ordin-
ary crops and green dressings, and to explain to them
the use of the Experiment Plot. Such work is particu-
larly necessary on account of the errors made by them
in regard to agricultural operations, notably the
mistake of burning bush on their allotments each year
before planting, and thus quickly exhausting the soil.
At the meeting, an address was given by the
Superintendent of Agriculture, chiefly with reference
to the use of green dressings, and practical demonstra-
tion was made of the existence of the nodules on the
roots of leguminous plants. The information was em-
ployed to show how and when such plants should be
baried, and why they are preferable as green dressings
to ordinary crops.
An examination was made of one of the allot-
ments, after the meeting, and the crops were found to
be in good condition, particularly maize, which had
reached a height of about 9 feet and was bearing well.
330
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
Ocroper 14, 1911.
INSECT NOTES.
THE HOUSE-FLY AND MAN.
In previous numbers of the Agricultural News (see
Vols. VII, p. 26; VIII, p. 238; IX, p. 298) articles have
appeared dealing with the house-fly (Jfusca domestica, Linn.).
A Farmer’s Bulletin (No. 459) issued recently by the United
States Department of Agriculture entitled House Flies, by
L. O. Howard, Chief of the Bureau of Entomology, gives an
excellent account of the house-tly, and describes several other
similar insects which are often found in houses.
The house-fly breeds in manure and decaying organic
matter, where the eggs are deposited and the larval and pupal
stages are passed. ‘he adult insect often flies directly from
its filthy breeding place into houses, where it settles on or in
food materials. Other flies which occur in houses have similar
habits, breeding in the same or similar situations, and are
also carriers of filth.
The greatest importance attaches to the house-fly on
account of its ability to carry disease germs. The name
typhoid fly has been given to this insect, and is now common-
ly in use in the United States, in order that the people
generally may constantly be reminded of the dangerous char-
acter of this familiar insect.
According to Dr. Howard, flies are not only a factor in
the distribution of typhoid and other intestinal diseases, such
as Asiatic cholera, dysentery and infantile diarrhoea, but
they are believed to aid in the dissemination of tuberculosis,
anthrax, yaws, ophthalmia, small pox, tropical sore and
parasitic worms. In the case of certain of these diseases,
actual laboratory proof exists as to the agency of the insects,
and in other cases the circumstantial evidence leads almost to
certainty.
In discussing remedies and preventives, Dr. Howard
gives the results of experiments in the control of flies. One
of the most satisfactory methods employed consists in enclos-
ing manure from the stables in a tight vault each day and
scattering over the surface a shovelful of chloride of lime.
The manure is removed from the vault about once a week.
In agricultural districts the problem of fly control is more
difficult, but cleanliness and the use of chloride of lime and
kerosene will do much to reduce the numbers.
In applying measures for fly control to the conditions in
West Indian towns and villages, the greatest possible degree
of cleanliness would be of first importance. he satisfactory
disposal of all garbage in such a manner as to prevent the
breeding of flies is a necessity. This might be accomplished
by burning, burying,or by treating with lime or chloride of lime.
The greatest care is necessary in disposing of manure
and all excrementitious matter, especially in the case of human
excrement during the occurrence of typhoid fever in any
locality. On estates, much could probably be accomplished
by carefully cleaning up all garbage and rubbish and adding
these to the manure pile, which might be thoroughly covered
with mould once each week. Kerosene as a contact insecti-
eide is fatal to the larvae and pupae of flies, and has a distinct
value in treating privy vaults where these are not cleaned out
frequently.
On estates where flies are abundant and the treatment
of their breeding places is found to be difficult, dwellings, or
at least kitchens and dining-rooms should be made inaccessi-
ble to flies by means of screens at doors and windows, in order
to protect food from these pests. If everyone would remem-
ber that flies live, grow and reach maturity in filth, and that
where opportunity offers the winged adults make their way
directly from their filthy breeding places to food which they
contaminate always with uncleanness and often with disease,
the necessity for fly control might be more thoroughly
realized. This realization should be assisted by the knowl-
edge that flies also visit all sorts of loathsome sores, and
frequently carry the causative organism to healthy individuals.
LOCOMOTION OF YOUNG SCALE
INSECTS.
In an article bearing the heading given above, which
appeared in a recent number of the Journal of Economie
Entomology (Vol. IV, p. 301) Mr. H. J. Quayle, of the
Agricultural Experiment Station, Berkeley, California, gives
the results of experiments on the powers of locomotion of
the young of the black scale (Sazsset/a oleae, Bern.), the red
or orange scale (Chrysomphalus aurantii, Mask.), and the
purple scale (Lepidosaphes beckii, Newm.), which represent
the most serious insect enemies of citrus trees in southern
California,
The experiments showed that the wind is not likely to
dislodge the active young of scale insects and thus greatly
aid in their distribution, nor are these tender animals able
by their own powers of locomotion to travel over the surface
of the soil, under ordinary conditions, in sufficient numbers to
account for serious and rapid spread throughout an orchard,
The means of spread of scale insects are described in
the following paragraphs taken from the article referred
to above :—
‘The distribution of scale insects over long distances is
effected mainly through the interchange of nursery stock,
and over the same general community by birds and active
insects, chiefly, together with the agency of man in his usual
cultural operations, while in the spread from tree to tree
or to nearby trees, aside from the above factors, the power
of the insects to transport themselves must be taken into
consideration, ‘The wind is another factor which may aid
certain insects in distributing themsetves, either by blowing
them directly or with a leaf or light twig upon which they
may be resting. Such insects as winged plant lice and
the males of scale insects have frequently been observed
to be wafted by a gentle breeze or aided in their flight
through its influence. Experiments with a foot bellows
showed that young black scales are not very readily
dislodged from a twig, but once dislodged might be
carried a short distance as they fell. Twigs having numerous
active young scales had to be brought to within about six
inches of the mouth of the bellows before any of the insects
were dislodged. It thus requires a stronger wind than usually
blows to have any effect on the scales on the tree, but once
dislodged the wind might carry them to an adjoining tree, if
the foliage of the different trees were in close proximity......
‘The experiments recorded here represent but a few of
the total number made, but they will serve to show how they
average. In the case of the black scale, it was shown that
about 4 feet of ordinary orchard goil is about the limit that
will be traversed by the active young. Under favourable
conditions they might, therefore, through their own powers
VOL Xe, Nos 247%
of locomotion, make their way from one citrus tree to another,
or toa second or third tree away. But the number thus
travelling would be exceedingly small, as compared with the
total. These records were made on soil with an ordinary
mulch, Tests were made on their powers of travelling over
compact soil, and they invariably showed very much greater
progress. A compacted irrigation furrow enabled even the
young red scale to travel two or three feet, while in a loose
mulch this scale makes practically no progress. The young
red scale, in attempting to ascend a small particle of earth,
falls back again, and this is repeated time after time. The
same is almost as true for the young purple scale. Where
there is a fine mulch, therefore, the chance of the young red
or purple scale reaching an adjoining tree is practically
negligible.’
FERMENTED MILK.
There has recently been much interest in the use of
various forms of fermented milk in certain diseases, and even
for the alleged purpose of retarding the changes that take
place in the human system on the approach of old age. This
interest has led to a consideration of the whole matter by the
Bureau of Animal Industry of the United States Department
of Agriculture, and the consequent issue of Circular 171 of
this Bureau, from which the following abstract has been made.
Fermented milks are formed by an acid fermentation in
which lactic acid is produced from the sugar in the milk, the
process being brought about by bacteria, or when alcohol is
formed as well, by bacteria and yeasts together. The
preparations of fermented milk are usually introduced
from Southern Russia, Turkey and neighbouring countries,
and are sold as specially prepared milk, or in the form of
tablets or powders in capsules; the latter may be either
taken directly, or added to milk, in order to produce the
required fermentation,
When dealing with the claims made for fermented milks,
it should be remembered, first of all, that they possess a high
food value, though this is sometimes reduced below that of
ordinary milk by the partial or complete removal of the fat.
As is well known, Metchnikoff has put forward the opinion
that the lactic acid in such milk is capable of controlling
putrefactive changes in the intestines, and thus prolonging
life by the prevention of the action on the body of the dele-
terious substances that are produced by such changes. In
support of this, attention is drawn to the fact that those
peoples using fermented milk are generally long-lived. Their
longevity may, however, be due to the fact that such races
ustially follow a healthy outdoor life, and employ a simple
diet. These healthy conditions are themselves sufficient
to reduce the amount of auto-intoxication, or self-poisoning,
that is the result of the undue accumulation of poisonous
substances arising from putrefactive changes in the intes-
tines. The evidence of the production and absorption of
such substances often consists in an uncomfortable feeling of
indigestion and headache; the socalled ptomaine poisoning
may even be caused,
In considering the facts, it must be realized that,
while the digestive tract of human beings is normally free
from bacteria at birth, these soon gain access and under ordin-
ary conditions remain harmless and probably in some cases
aid digestion. It is of interest that the bacteria producing
_auto-intoxication are anaerobic, that is to say they cannot
grow in the presence of air; while the harmless kinds can
live either with or without air, The theory of the action of
‘fermented milk as a remedy for auto-intoxication is that the
introduction of lactic acid bacteria causes conditions to arise
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 331
in which the poison-producing bacteria can no longer exist.
There is no doubt that an improved state of health often fol-
lows the exhibition of fermented milk, and cases of this are
on record, The action may be due to the power of the lactic
acid in the milk to reduce the activities of the putrefactive
bacteria, or it may arise from the growth in the intestines of
bacteria that are capable directly or indirectly of suppressing
the other forms. As far as the first of these suggestions is
concerned, it is well known that many bacteria cannot grow
in an acid medium. It must be remembered, however, that
the normal condition of the intestinal contents is alkaline,
and that any large increase of the acidity would interfere
seriously with the digestion. As a matter of fact, it does
not appear to be probable that the acidity of any kind
of fermented milk is sufficient to inhibit bacterial
activity. With reference to the second suggestion, namely
the introduction of acid-forming bacteria which multiply
at a great rate in the intestines, the evidence that
such a condition can be made to arise is by no means
conclusive It is in relation to this that the claims for
the possession of large acid-forming qualities is made for the
micro-organism that has come to be known as the Metchnikoff
bacillus, the bacillus of Massol, or Bacillus bulgaricus. In-
vestigations in connexion with this organism have given
conflicting results and, in the words of the Circular: ‘It
must be admitted that up to the present time the investiga-
tions have not conclusively demonstrated that it is possible to
establish the lactic acid bacteria in the intestines with any
permanency.’ In regard to other observations, indications
have been received that fermented milks may possibly
contain substances possessing an antiseptic action in regard
to certain bacteria, so that the ingestion of these controls the
development of the latter.
In concluding the discussion of the claims made for
fermented milks, it is stated that, although exaggerated
claims have been made for such milk, there is no doubt that
their use has been followed in many cases by an improve-
ment in health. It is probable that this improvement results
from the change in diet which their employment entails, and
in any case, before it is decided to consume large quantities
of such milk, the opinion of a medical man should be taken
as to whether thisis advisable under the given circumstances.
The following information concerning the various forms
of fermented milk is abstracted from the Cirewlar:—
CULTURES IN TABLET AND CAPSULE FORM. These are
sold in addition to the fresh forms of fermented milk, and
are claimed to be pure and active cultures of Bacillus
bulgaricus. The examination.af several preparations has
shown that this claim is by no means always justified, An
easy method of testing the purity and activity of such dried
cultures is to keep about half a pint of milk in a bottle closed
with cotton wool, at or near the boiling point, for at least an
hour, to let this cool, and then to add two or three of the
tablets. The milk is then kept at a temperature near blood
heat for a night, when if Baci/lus bulgaricus is present, it
will have curdled, with a sharp acid taste and the formation
of whey.
BULTER-MILK. This is obtained by churning milk
or cream for butter-making; it is often, however, sitply
sour skimmed milk in which the curd has been broken
up by churning or stirring. Directions are given in the
Circular for various preparations of butter-milk.
OTHER FORMS. These are Kefir (from the Caucasus),
Kumiss (from European Russia and Central and South
Western Asia), and Yoghurt (from the countries bordering
on the eastern Mediterranean). For interesting details con-
cerning these, reference is made to the Circular, ,
c
332 THE
AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Ocroper 14, 1911.
Information received from the Agricultural Superin-
tendent, St. Lucia, shows that tbe cacao crop of the island
promises to be good, but will probably be somewhat late in
the Soufricre District. It has reached its best development
in the district of Fond St. Jacques.
It is reported from H. M. Legation at Buenos Aires that
the first export of raw cotton, amounting to 200 tons, from
the Argentine Republic, recently took place. Statistics show
that at present about 4,340 acres of Jand is in experimental
cotton cultivation, in the Argentine.
According to Diplomatic and Consular Report, No.
4639 Annual Series, the total production of sugar in Réunion
for 1910 was 39,000 tons., as compared with one of 39,500
tons in 1909. The amount of vanilla exported last year was
42 tons; in 1909, 1908 and 1907, it was 593, 70, and 48}
tons, respectively.
Among the agricultural exports from Mexico during the
year 1909-10, the following had the values stated: henequen
(sisal hemp), £2,255,657; coffee, £817,364; timber, £254,428;
raw tobacco, £67,602; dyewoods, £43,626. These are all
decreases on the values for the previous year, except in the
case of timber and dyewoods.
It is satisfactory to be able to report that good rains
fell in Nevis toward the end of last month, and that the pros-
pects for the coming season are probably better than those
recently formulated. The cotton crop had not yet been
established at the end of September, but many hundred acres
liad been planted, chiefly during the last week of the month.
——————
In the Agricultural News, Vol. X, p. 247, a description
was given of a transplanting spade, based on information
contained in the issue of Zhe Mield for May 20, 1911. Since
this, Zhe eld, in the number dated July 1, 1911, states
further that the address of the inventor and supplier of the
implement, the price of which is about 25s., is Forster Dostal,
Kéllein, Oesterr-Mihren, Austria.
The year 1910-11 was one of general prosperity for
Burma. Some depression resulted from unsuccessful specu-
lations in rice and in investments, but it need not be antici-
‘pated that this will have an enduring or widespread effect.
The rice crop, always a ruling factor in the trade of Burma,
was a good one, and remunerative prices were obtained. Well
established industries, such as the oil, timber and hide trades,
continued to flourish, and newer enterprises, notably mining
and rubber-planting, have made a sound beginning, which
augurs well for the future development of the country. (Zhe
Board of Trade Journal, August 3, 1911.)
In St. Kitts during September, the cane crop in the
Valley District was still suffering from drought, though in the
Northern District conditions were more favourable. Useful
rains had been received, but much more was needed for the
proper growth of the canes, Cotton was making good progress
generally, though a certain amount of loss had resulted from
attacks of the cotton worm.
The distribution from the Botanic Station, Antigua, dur-
ing last month included 4,443 limes, 86 mahogany plants and
194 miscellaneous plants. The work included the supplying
of numerous shrubs and trees to take the place of those in
the Station as well as of some that had been planted on
Arbor Day, which had perished from the effects of the recent
drought. Advantage has been taken of the improved weather
conditions in Antigua to plant cotton, sweet potatoes and
other crops.
A bulletin of the condition of crops in Egypt on
September 1, received from the Departmeut of Agriculture,
shows that in regard to cotton there has been an increase of
parasites, but that the strenuous Government operations have
resulted in making the third brood of cotton worms small
and distributed in widely scattered batches. The attacked
plants have now made a good recovery but the crop is at
least ten days tate, and a continuance of warm weather was
desired for the control of the boll worm. Small patches
infected with plant lice have been reported.
The HLuperiment Station Record of the United States
Department of Agriculture fer June 1911, p. 609, contains
a reference to a method which has been devised by N. Caro
for determining the nitrogen in combination as cyanamide
and dicyandiamide. The method is based on the fact that
cyanamide may be precipitated as a compound of silver from
an ammoniacal solution; while dicyandiamide is also precipi-
tated from the filtrate as a silver compound, by the addition
of potassium hydroxide. In both cases the determination of
the nitrogen in the precipitates is made by means of the
Kjeldahl method.
At the recent meeting of the British Association, Sir
Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G., brought to the notice of the
3otanical Section a branch of the Japanese Euonymus
(Euonymus japonica) which was attacked by the disease
Oidium. This disease has been spreading steadily in England,
and Sir Daniel expressed it as his opinion that, unless pre-
cautionary measures are taken, the plant will cease to exist.as
an ornamental shrub in the South of England. Ile also
made reference to the measures for the control of wiseases
of imported plants that exist in the West Indies, pointing
out that similar measures might well be adopted by the
British Government.
The Report on the Progress of Agriculture in India for
1909-10, p. 42, refers to the fact that the cultivation of sugar-
cane in Malabar is practically unknown and that this, as well
as the details of making jaggery, have had to be taught to
the people from the beginning. New varieties of cane have
been introduced, and attention is drawn to the fact that the
increased profits to the cultivators through the employment
of new canes are larger than the whole cost of the local
department of agriculture. Among the new canes reference
is made to the introduction of one of the Barbados seedlings,
which is stated to possess a very high sugar content and to
be a most valuable acquisition to India.
Vor. X. No. 247. THE
STUDENTS’ CORNER,
OCTOBER.
Second PeErrop
Seasonal Notes.
During the time of the lime crop, which will probably
continue until the end of December, measures should be taken
for the suitable protection of drains in the cultivations, as
well as of neighbouring streams, in order to prevent the fruits
from being washed away at the time of heavy rains. In going
through the plantations, note should be made of trees that
are producing excessively heavy crops, and these should be
carefully observed, in order to determine the effects on the
plants of a large production of fruit. Such a condition is
likely to weaken the trees, and interfere with their power to
bear an adequate crop during the next season. It will be
well to apply to each of such plants a dressing of 8 oz. of
sulphate of ammonia. Where this treatment has been adopted
observations should be made in order to determine the exact
effect, if any, of the manure. Why is it that some lime trees
produce more fruit than others, even when they are all of the
same age! How are attacks of scale insects related to the
production of fruit, and the power of the tree to resist adverse
circumstances?
Fruits which have ripened and dropped to the ground
should be collected as soon as possible. Before they are used
for making lime juice, that is to say, previous to placing them
in the mill carrier, they should be washed, in order to remove
small stones and grit. What are the chief objections to the
presence of such foreign bodies !
In regard to the concentration of lime juice, careful
notes should be made with reference to all parts of the pro-
cess. These will include information in relation to such
matters as the kind of fuel used, the amount required and
the citric acid content of the juice.
The present is the time for sowing lime seeds, in order
to obtain plants for setting out during next season. It
should be noted that lime plants usually come true to seed.
If it were otherwise, the adoption of such a method of plant-
ing would be dangerous, and it would be necessary to employ
some method of propagation by vegetative means. Discuss
the matter in relation to such a crop as cacao or cotton.
The grafting of cacao should commence at the present
time, and the work will be done as far as possible in sheltered
spots in order to give the best chance for the raising of suc-
cessful plants from the grafted material. Where a cacao
drier is used, it should be examined in order to make sure
that it will be ready for use, and in an efficient condition
when it is required. The fermenting boxes should also be
overhauled. During this part of the season the strictest
outlook is needed for cacao diseases. Obtain as much informa-
tion concerning these as possible, not only from descrip-
tions, but what is more important, in the plantations
themselves, and note what measures are taken for their
prevention and control.
In the Students’ Corner on page 301 of this volume of
the Agricultural News, paragraph 2, last line but «wo, it
should be stated that lime juice may be filtered after coming
from the still, instead of after concentration; in the latter case
filtering would be a difficult matter, and inadvisable for other
reasons. The usual course is to permit the juice to settle
while it is yet hot from the still.
Questions for Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS.
(1) What is meant by the rotation of crops, and what
are its chief advantages!
AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
335
(2) Mention the precautions that should be taken in
pruning plants.
(3) State what classes of insects are broadly recognized
by the agriculturist, in relation to their power to damage
crops.
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS
(1) State the differences
catch crops.
(2) For what purposes are plants pruned?
(3) Give an account of the measures to be adopted for
the control of any two insect pests of different kinds.
between ‘rotation crops and
FINAL QUESTIONS.
(1) Discuss a suitable rotation of crops in a district
with which you are acquainted.
(2) Compare the results of frequent light, and occasional
heavy, pruning for cacao. Discuss the advisability of prun-
ing limes.
(3) State exactly how you would deal with an outbreak
of any insect pest upon which you have made observations.
THE PRESERVATION OF PEN MANURE.
The chief methods adopted for the storage of manure
may be designated as the box, pit and heap systems, and this
classification covers in a broad sense all the methods gene-
rally adopted. In the box system, the animals are placed in
a loose box, with a thick bed of litter, to which the waste
fodder is added daily. The dung of the animals is trampled
into and intimately mixed with the litter, which also absorbs
the urine. In course of time the whole is trampled into
a compacted mass, and by thus excluding excess of air, the
fermentation is kept within bounds. In the pit system, the
animals are placed on a hard floor, and the dung, urine and
waste litter is daily thrown into a pit dug in the soil of the
yard, and made as water-tight as possible. Dry earth is
sometimes thrown on at intervals, in order to absorb excess
of liquid, and often in very dry weather water is added, so
as to keep the mass at the requisite degree of moisture. In
the heap system, the animals stand on a hard floor, and the
dung and litter are daily collected and thrown on a heap in
the open. Sometimes in this case earth is also added.
These three systems were under trial on the Government
farm at Bellary for many years, and the average results ob-
tained may be taken with confidence. These show clearly
that, from the same number of cattle, for the same length of
time, and under the same conditions, the manure given by
the box system is much greater in amount, and contains
a greater proportion of all the manurial ingredients, and the
value of the manure produced far exceeds that of the others.
Compared with the pit system, the heap system has given
somewhat better results, but this only occurs when the heap
is carefully protected from heavy rains and from strong winds.
If these precautions are not taken, then the losses caused by
the rain washing out the soluble ingredients, and the wind
removing solid particles, can become very serious, and consi-
derable loss to the cultivator ensue. Further, if the heap is
allowed to become too dry, the heat produced by the decom-
position may become so great as to cause the destruction of
part of the manure.
In the case of the pit system, the great source of loss is
due to the liquid portion of the manure draining away, and
the use of too small an amount of litter. These defects can
readily be remedied. (From Leaflet, No. XIV (1911) of the
Madras Agricultural Department.)
334
FUNGUS NOTES.
WOUNDS IN PLANTS AND THEIR
TREATMENT.
PART I.
Under the term Wound is included any destruction or
removal of the living tissues of plants, whether by natural or
artificial means. All plants whose aerial structures endure
for any length of time are provided with a hard, dry outer
covering layer, which serves to protect the inner tissues from
the attacks of other plants, such as fungi, and of some, at any
rate, of the members of the animal kingdom. In trees
and shrubs belonging to the great class of Dicotyledons,
this covering is known as the bark. It arises through
the activity of a special layer of growing cells situated in the
cortex. This layer gives rise to two kinds of cells. On the
inside new living cortical cells are formed, on the outside
cork cells are produced. These have special walls which are
impervious to the passage of water, and, in consequence, the
cells outside of them die. The mass of dry, thick-walled cells
serves, however, to protect the inner tissues, since it is resist-
ant tothe attacks of bacteria and fungi, which can destroy
readily the soft-walled living cells. Soft green plants and
parts of plants are protected by the outer thick walls of the
cells composing the skin or epidermis, but this protection is
not so thorough as is that afforded by the bark.
It will now be apparent that the chief danger to plants
attendant upon wounding, is the exposure of the inner unpro-
tected tissues to the attacks of parasites, which may ultimately
cause their death. In order to obviate this, dicotyledonous
plants attempt to recover the wound with bark, and the
degree of success attendant upon this endeavour depends
largely upon the size of the wound, its nature, and the general
conditions to which the plant is subjected. The covering is
formed by the growth of the cambium at the edge of the
wound, by which means a plate of tissue is produced which
extends totally or partly over the exposed surface. his
plate is known as a callus,
Natural wounds are those caused by the falling of leaves,
fruit or twigs, when these are purposely cut off by the plant
itself. They do not form a source of danger to the tree, since
prior to the fall of the parts removed, a special corky layer
is produced over the inner tissues, which their disappearance
would otherwise leave exposed.
Artificial wounds are due to several causes, among them
may be mentioned the action of wind, of animals of all kinds
including man, and of other plants, such as fungi. They
comprise all wounds made in pruning or in removing diseased
tissue.
INTENTIONAL wouNnpbs. Under this head are included all
wounds made in pruning or in removing dead or dying parts
of plants, Such wounds are often necessary for various
reasons, though it is undoubtedly a great mistake to prune
more than is absolutely required for the best growth and
development of the plants; or in the case of trees grown in
cities, for the convenience of the general public. In the case
of permanent crops in particular, such for example as cacao,
limes and Para rubber, the extent of the pruning given should
never be greater than is shown by experience to be inevitable,
and the operation itself should be conducted with all due care.
In the old days, before the principles underlying careful
pruning were fully understood, little attention if any was
paid to the methodemployed. At the present time, however,
certain fundamental principles are fully recognized. In the
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. Octoper 14, 1911.
first place, it has been found that trees can entirely cover
over any wound,-caused by the removal of a branch up to 4
inches in diameter, if it is cut off so that the exposed wood
presents a smooth surface flush with, and parallel to, the bark
of the trunk. Small branches should, therefore, be removed
with a saw as close to the surface from which they arise as is
possible, the cut passing through the bulge at the base of the
branch. The surface may then be furnished with one of the
protective coverings which are described below. This pre-
vents the entry of organisms causing disease, until the bark
has entirely covered the wound.
When a large, heavy branch has to be removed, it is not
safe to commence sawing it away directly. If this is done, the
branch often breaks from its own weight and tcars a large
portion out of the stem, making an ugly irregular wound
that is difficult to protect. To avoid this, a cut should first
be made on the under side of the branch at about 1 foot
from the stem and extending nearly half-way through the
branch. Then a second cut should be made on the upper
surface about 3 inches further from the stem, and should
be continued until the branch falls off. Finally the stub
should be cut off flush with the stem. The exposed surface
must then be protected as is mentioned below.
Another kind of wound involving an actual cutting
into the tree may be necessary when diseased patches such as
are caused by canker have to be excised, or when boring
insects like the cacao beetle have to be removed. Such
excisions should be done with a chisel or gouge and a mallet;
all diseased tissue should be cut out and the treated surface
smoothed off and covered.
COVERING WouUNDs. Various preparations have been
recommended for protecting cut surfaces. One of those in
most general use is, perhaps, tar. Ordinary coal tar is the
only form that can be recommended; Stockholm tar is too
thin and evanescent. Tar has, however, one drawback,
namely that ic kills the tissues round the edge of the wound
and thus delays healing, while it also kills portions of the
bark if it is allowed to drip on to them. A better substance
is resin oil, which does not appear to exercise any harmful
effect on living tissues. The drawback to this is that it
cannot be seen easily what wounds have, and what have
not, been treated. This difficulty may be overcome by
mixing 4 parts of the oil with one of tar, when the tar
renders the treated wounds readily distinguishable. (See
Agricultural News, Vol. VIII, p. 61.) An excellent substance
for covering wounds that are expected to heal over entirely is
a mixture of 2 parts of clay and one of cow dung, with the
addition of a little hair. If the entrance of wood-boring
beetles is feared, a few drops of carbolic acid should be added
to the mixture. Another covering substance that has given
good results is white paint, while Vetch suggests the applica-
tion of the sediment formed when Bordeaux mixture is
allowed to stand; this should be applied in a layer about
Linch thick. Yet another mixture is stated by Petch to have
been recommended in Germany as a cheap protective for large
wounds, and has been subjected to experiment there. It
consists of 500 grams of melted white resin, 500 grams of
wood, tar, 125 grams of printers’ varnish (linseed oil varnish),
and 60 grams of spirit.
Large wounds caused by the removal of big branches or
the excision of cankered areas cannot be expected to heal over
entirely. Petch suggests the following treatment in such
cases, Round the edge of the wound over a strip 1 inch
in width, which is likely to become covered by the wound
callus, the mixture of clay and cow dung should be applied.
The central portion should then be covered over with tar,
resin oil, or one of the other substances mentioned above.
Vor. X. No, 247.
PINE-APPLE EXPORTATION FROM
NATAL.
Experiments have been made recently in connexion with
the exportation of pine-apples from Natal to England, and
they are given attention in the Agricultural Journal of the
Union of South Africa, Vol. II, p. 83. The account shows
that the purposes of the experiments were to ascertain the
best means of packing and forwarding the fruit and to gain
some knowledge of its market value. It is pointed out that
the time which elapses between the picking of the fruit and
its arrival in the London sale rooms is at least twenty-three
days, and if the exportation of pines from all districts suitable
for growing them is considered, the time extends to thirty
days.
It is stated that the trial shipments have been proraising
in some respects, and disappointing in others, Their
spasmodic nature fits them merely to indicate the lines upon
which further extensive trials should be made. The experi-
ments were conducted with the small ‘Natal’ pine-apple and
the larger ‘Cayenne’ variety, usually known as the ‘Small’
and the ‘Queen’. The former has been recognized recently
by Mr. Fawcett, the late Director of Agriculture in Jamaica,
as the ‘Ripley’.
In regard to the practical work entailed in harvesting
and exportation, it was found, first of all, best to cut the
bottom bracts from the fruits instead of tearing them away
in the usual manner. Another matter of importance is that
the pines were never placed in heaps or allowed to come into
contact with one another in any way. ‘The fruits were cut
at aplace 14 to 2 inches along the stalk, the cut being
made straight across. There was no advantage in
sealing or singeing the cut ends. The pineapples were
sized and graded when being packed; it is advised that
at least two grades should be made, and defective pines
should never be shipped. For ventilated hold shipment it
was necessary to employ single-layer boxes; these are
equally suitable for use in cool chambers, but in this case
double-layer boxes, provided that they hold not more than
one dozen fruits weighing 1? to 24 t., may be employed.
The fruits are always packed in alternate positions, whether
the package has one or two layers.
For shipments in ventilated holds, closed boxes should
be used, as it has been found that the free access of air
causes the fruit to acquire an unsightly, leaden-grey colour.
The material best recommended for packing is well shredded,
thoroughly dry and white maize husks. Of the readily avail-
able material, wood wool of the quality usually employed in
packing crockery was found to be best, while the fine grade
wool preved to be disadvantageous. When wood wool is used
it should be placed above and below the fruits, and in such
a way as to protect them from contact with the sides of the
boxes ; the packing should be tight in order to prevent bruising.
A matter which is not essential, but which is useful, is the
wrapping of each pine in a couple of layers of soft paper,
and it is suggested that the crowns should also be wrapped
when the fruits are being shipped in a ventilated hold. The
fruits, before wrapping, should be carefully brushed in order
to remove any grit and sand that may be adhering to them.
A final matter of more general interest is that the treatment
of pine-apples with preservatives containing formalin proved
to be most disastrous,
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 33
i) |
PROTOZO& AND SOIL SICKNESS.
The Annual Report of the Porto Rico Agricultural
Experiment Station for 1910 (issued on July 17, 1911)
contains an article by Oscar Loew, Physiologist at the
Station, in which the question is considered as to the suggested
connexion between the smallest forms of animal life found
in the soil (Protozoa) and the inability of the soil to produce
crops (soil sickness). It is pointed out that it is difficult to
discover these protozoa under the microscope, but that they
can be easily seen after a nutrient solution has been added
to the soil, and a short time has been allowed to elapse.
The suggestion is made that some of the protozoa may be
encysted in the soil, particularly in dry seasons, and that
they develop afresh in the food supplied by the nutrient
medium employed. One of the best ways of demonstrating
their presence is to make cultures of the soil in the usual way
for the nitrogen-fixing organisms (Azotobacter), A method
of determining the presence of protozoa and Azotobacter is
reproduced in the report as follows:—
‘For sake of convenience the test for both Azotobacter
and protozoa may be mentioned here. A conical flask of
about 100 c.c. capacity, provided with a cotton plug and
containing 15 to 20 c.c. of glucose nutrient solution, free
from nitrogen compounds, and 5 grams calcium carbonate, is
sterilized and then about i0 grams of the carefully collected
soil is added. After shaking well the mixture is left at 16°
to 25°C., protected against the direct rays of the sun, for
one to three weeks. The glucose nutrient solution men-
tioned contains 10 per cent. glucose, 0°2 per cent. mono-
potassium phosphate, and 0:02 per cent. magnesium sulphate.
A film of Azotobacter cells, gradually turning brownish, will
appear, accompanied by various other microbes and by
protozoa.’
Attention is drawn to the theory of A. D. Hall, based
upon the work of Russell and Hutchinson (see Agricultwral
News, Vol. IX, p. 33), that the protozoa in the soil are injur-
ious because they prey upon the bacteria that change organic
nitrogen compounds into compounds of ammonia, and thus
make them available. The criticism is made that it was not
stated in the paper by the authorities mentioned above, in
which their work was described, whether the increase of
ammonia after disinfecting the soil was observed immediately
after treatment or after several days, when the number of
microbes began again to increase. Doubt is also thrown on
the circumstance as to whether all the protozoa were killed by
disinfecting. The obtaining of an increase of ammonia imme-
diately after disinfection would make possible another explan-
ation than that of Hall, for some experimenters have observed
an increase of soluble organic matter in the soil after treat-
ment with antiseptics. The suggestion is made, further, that
the influence of protozoa in relation to soil sickness can only
be properly estimated when their relative numbers at different
levels have been ascertained, and when more is known of the
extent to which they are capable of affecting the multiplica-
tion of the bacteria.
To summarize, it is indicated that, while Loew agrees
that Hall’s theory may be correct in special cases, it does not
serve as a general statement, and other possible causes of soil
sickness than the action of protozoa are brought forward, such
as: (1) the reduction in number of the beneficent organisms
through large increases in the total number; (2) an unhealthy
increase in the number of certain injurious microbes of fer-
mentation and denitrification; (3) the presence of injurious
parasitic organisms, which eat away the fine roots and root
hairs of the plants, thus inhibiting their power of absorption
from the soil; and (4) the existence of various harmful kinds
of soil bacteria, both non-parasitic and parasitic.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Ocrosper 14, 1911.
London.—Tuse
MARKET REPORTS.
CoMMITTEE CIRCULAR,
September 26, 1911; Messrs. E. A. De Pass & Co.,
September 1, 1911.
Wurst INpIA
ARRowRrooT—22d. to 3hd.
Batata—Sheet, 3/4; block, 2/3 per tb.
Bereswax—87 10s. per ewt.
Cacao—Trinidad, 58/- to 65/- per cwt.; Grenada, 55/-
to 60/6; Jamaica, 54/- to 59/-.
Corrrr—Jamaica, no quotations.
Copra—West Indian, £28 per ton.
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 15d. to 19d.
Frouit—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
GincER—49/- to 63/- per ewt.
IstncLass—No quotations.
Honey—28/6 per bri.
Lime Jurce—Raw, 2/-; concentrated, £18 lus. to £18 15s. ;
Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/.
Loawoop—No quotations.
Macre—2/- to 2/8.
Nutmecs—43d. to 83d.
Pinento—Common, 2,%,d.; fair, 2¢d.; good, 2,°;d. per th.
Russer—Para, fine hard, 4/103; fine soft, 4/63; Castilloa,
4/4 per th.
Rum—Jamaica, 1/6 to 5/-.
New York,—Messrs, Ginuesriz Bros, & Co., September
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., October 2
99
22° 1911,
Cacao—Caracas, 12c. to 13c.; Grenada, 123c. to 13c.;
Trinidad, 124c. to 13c. per th.; Jamaica, 11jc. to 12}c.
Cocoa-Nuts—Jamaica, select, $33°00 to $37°00; culls,
$20°00 to $2100; Trinidad, select, $35:00 to $37:00;
culls, $20°00 to $21°00 per M.
CorreE—Jamaica, 14jc. to 15$c. per tb.
GinceR—9c. to 115c. per Ib.
Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 58c.; Antigua and Barbados, 48c.
to 50c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 46c. to 48c.
per lb.
Grave-Fruit—Jamaica, $3°75 to $4°25,
Limes—$5 75 to $6750.
Macre—4dc. to 52c. per th.
Nurmecs—110’s, 104c. to 10fe.
OrancEes—Jamaica, $1 625 to $2°00 per box,
Prento—43c. per tb.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 5°75c. to 5°86c. per lb. ; Musco-
vados, 89°, 5°25c. to 9'56c.; Molasses, 89°, 5c. to 5*11c.
per fb., all duty paid.
—I)
1911.
Oacao—Venezuelan, $13°00 per fanega; Trinidad, $12°50
to $13-00.
Cocoa-Nut O1r—88c. per Imperial gallon.
Correre—Venezuelan, 16c. per tb.
Corra—$4°75 per 100 th.
DxHatr—$3°90.
Ontons—$2°L0 to $2°25 per 100 tb.
Peas, Sprir—$5°80 to $5°90 per bag.
Porators—English, $2°00 to $2°25 per 100 th.
Rice—Yellow, $5°50 to $5°60; White, $5°75 to $6°00
per bag.
Svucar—American crushed, no quotations.
Barbados,—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., October tl,
1911; Messrs. T.S. Garraway & Co., October 9
1911; Messrs. Lracock & Co., September 29, 1911;
Messrs. E, Trorne, Limited, October 11, 1911.
Cacao—$10°'50 to $1
2°50 per 100 tb.
Corron SEED—$26-00 per ton; meal, $1°50 per 100 th.;
23 per cent. disc
ount.
Corron Seep Or (refined)—60c. per gallon.
Corron Seep Om (for export)—54c. per gallon (in bond).
Hay—$1°30 to $1°40 per 100 th.
Manvres—Nitrate of soda, $69-00 to $65:00; Cacao
manure, $42°00 to $48:00; Sulphate of ammonia,
75°00 to $76°00 per ton.
Motasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$1°75 to $3°
00 per 100 tbh
Pras, Sprit—$5'75 to $5°85 per bag of 210 Ib.; Canada,
$2°75 to $4:°65 per bag of 120 tb.
Porators—Nova Scotia, $2:00 to $3°25 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam, $5°10 to $560 per 190 tt.; Patna, no
quotations; Rangoon, no quotations.
Sucar—American granulated, $6°00 per 100 th.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wierine & Ricurer, September
30, 1911; Messrs.
SANDBACH,
August 18, 1911.
PARKER & Cou
ARTICLES.
ARRowRrooT—St. Vincent
Batata— Venezuela block
Demerara sheet)
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STARCH—
Cocoa-NuTS—
CorrrEE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio)
Liberian
DHat—
Green Dhal
Eppors—
Mo asses— Yellow
Onrons—Teneriffe
Madeira
Pras—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Porators—Nova Scotia
Lisbon
Potators-Sweet, B’bados
Rice—Ballam
Creole
Tannias—
Yams— White
Buck
Sucar—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
Timber —Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
Cordwood
”
Messrs. WIETING
& Ricurer.
No quotation
70c. per th.
lle. per tb.
60c.
$600
| $12 to $16 per M
16c. per th.
18c. per tb.
103c. per tb.
$340 per bag of
168 Ib.
$3°50
64e.
None
de.
$5°75 per bag
(210 th.)
$3°75
10c. to 20c.
1gec. per tb.
88c. per bag
| No quotation
$4°60 to $4:75
$1-08
$2-16
$240
$4:00
$4°50 to $4-70
$5°2d to $3°50
32c. to 5dc. per
cub. foot
$3°75 to $600
per M.
$1°80 to $2:00
per ton
$10°50 per 200 ft.
Messrs. Sanp-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$10°50 per 200 td.
Prohibited
70c.
lle. per tb.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
selected
19c. per tb.
19}c.per th.
1zc. per fb.
$3°70 per bag of
168 tb.
4c. to 5c.
dhe.
$5°75 per bag
(210 tb.)
No quotation
$3-d0)
No quotation
$5:00 to $5°50
$360
$3°75 to $4:00
$4°25
None
32c. to 55c. per
cub. foot
$400 to $600
per M.
No quotation.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
FOR THE WEST INDIES.
The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal.
Volume I. No. 1. Out of print. Nos, 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price ls. each. Post free, 1s. 2d,
Volumes IJ, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX and X:—Price 2s. each ; Post free 2s, 8d, where complete. (III, 2; IV, 3;
and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.)
Volume XJ. Nos.1, 2. No. 3, containing Fungus Diseases of Ground Nuts in the West Indies; Notes on
Ground Nuts in the West Indies; Report on a Visit to Florida; A List of the Birds of the Island of
St. Lucia; A Note on the Introduction of Birds; An Account of the Working of the Land Settlement
Scheme in St. Vincent; The Sugar Industry of the Island of Negros; and Observations on Mill Control
Experiments in Negros.
PAMPHLET SERIES.
The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially
adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work
on sugar-cane and manures, the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued up to the
present time is sixty-four, Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print.
Sucar Inpustry. (14) Screw Worm in Cattle at St. Lucia. Price 2d.
Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (15) Plain Talk to Small Owners. Price 2d.
in 1900. No, 38, price 2d.;in 1901, No. 13, price4d.; (16) Hints on Onion Cultivation. Price 2d.
in 1902, No. 19, price 4d.; in 1903, No. 26, price 4d.; (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d.
in 1904, No. 32, price 4d. (18) Recipes for Cooking West Indian Yams. Price 2d.
Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, (25) Ground Nuts in the West Indies. Price 2d.
in 1903-5, No. 40, price 6d.; in 1904-6, No. 44, price 6d.; (28) Barbados and Porto Rico Molasses. Price 3d.
in 1905-7, No. 49, price 6d.; in 1906-8, No. 59, price 6d.; (34) Notes on Rabbit Keeping in the West Indies. Price 2d.
in 1907-9, No. 62, price 6d.; No. 66, price 6d. (35) Information in regard to Agricultural Banks. Price 5d.
Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, (37) Cultivation of Oranges in Dominica. Price 4d.
in 1900-1, No. 12, price 2d.; in 1901-2, No. 20, price 2d.; (38) Cultivation and Curing of Tobacco. Price 4d.
in 1902-3, No. 27, price 2d.; in 1903-4, No. 38, price 4d.; (41) Tobago, Hints to Settlers. Price 6d.
in 1904-5, No. 39, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 46, price 4d.; (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta-
in 1906-7, No. 50, price 4d.; in 1907-8, No. 56, price 4d.; tions. Price 2d.
in 1908-9, No. 63, price 6d.; in 1909-10, No. 67, price 6d. (45) A BC of Cotton Planting. New and Enlarged Edition.
Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, Price 6d.
in 1902-3, No. 30. price 4d.; in 1903-4, No. 36, price 4d.; (54) Fungus Diseases of Cacao and Sanitation of Cacao Orchards,
in 1904-5, No. 42, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 47, price 4d.; Price 4d.
in 1906-7, No. 51, price 4d.; in 1907-8, No. 57, price 4d.; (55) Millions and Mosquitos. Price 3d.
in 1908-9, No. 64, price 4d.; in 1909-10, No. 68, price 4d, (58) Insect Pests of Cacao. Price 4d.
Scare Insects. (60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them. Price 4d,
Scale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part I. No. 7, price 4d.; (61) The Grafting of Cacao. Price 4d.
Part II., No. 22, price 4d. (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition.
GENERAL. (69) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d.
(5) General Treatment of Insect Pests (Revised), price 4d. (70) Coco-nut Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 6d.
The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of 4d. for the pamphlets marked 2d., ld. for those
marked 4d., and 14d. for Nos. 40, 41, 44, 45, 49, 59, 62, 63, 67, 69 and 70:
The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’. A Fortnightly Review.
The ‘Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and
other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony, and the progress made in
Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies. ;
The ‘ Agricultural News’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the
local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is
2s, 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII complete, with title page and index, as issued
—Price 4s. each.—Post free, 5s. Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can on
longer be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents All
applications for copies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department.
Agents.
The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department :—
London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. St. Vincent: Mr. L. S. Mosevey, Agricultural School,
Barbados : Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. M. A. Lawrence, Botanic Station,
Jamaica: THe EpucationaL Suppty Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. BripcewatTeEr, Rosean,
Street, Kingston. Montserrat : Mr. W. Roxson, Botanic Station.
British Guiana: Tur ‘DatLy CHRONICLE’ OFFICE, Georgetown. dnogua: Mr. S. D. Matong, St. John’s.
Trinidad : Messrs. Murr-MarsHaty & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts: Toe Brsue AND Book SuppLy AGENcy, Basseterre,
Tobago: Mr. C. L. PLacemMann, Scarborough. /‘evis : Messrs. Howei, Bros., Charlestown
Grenada: ‘Tue Stores’ (Grenada) Limited, St. George.
Vou. X. No. 247. THE AGRICULTUKAL NEWS Octoser 14, 1911.
THE BEST MANURES FOR COL IAL USE
Qh! endorff’s Dis solve 1 Per u Tian Suan0 —-For Sugar-cane and general use
Ohlendorif’s ee einen Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cocoa Manure
Ohlendorif’s Special Cotton Manure
=)
=>)
3
fou)
a
(er
cD
co
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, high
Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO :—
THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS.
London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.O.
Barbados Agents : James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
LOLTON SEED MEAL. JUST ISSUED.
COTTON SEED MEAL, npw snp RE-ENLARGED
FOR MANURIAL PURPOSES. EDITION OF
SPECIAL QUOTATIONS FOR LARGE
QUANTITIES. NATURE TEACHING.
THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON
FACTORY, LIMITED, To be obtained from all agents for the sale of the Department’s
BRIDGETOWN. Publications. Price 2s,, post free, 2s, 34d.
FOR SALE. “FOR SALE.
Four thousand (4, 000). Washington Navel =
BUDDED ORANGE PLANTS. PRIME SUMMER YELLOW COTTON
SEED OIL,
LOCAL PRICE—6d. each, delivered Roseau. adie i : P
EXPORT PRICE—I1s. each, f.o.b. Roseau, Dominica. Incas Sollon tins (i Bou)
Orders abroad for less than 20 Plants not COTTON SEED CAK! MEAL,
executed. - ERNEST THORNE, LTD.,
Apply to:— Cotton Seed Oil Mills,
A. G.S. DAVENPORT, Barbados, W.I.
Bramhall Estate, Telegraphic address,
(247) Dominica.| (267) ‘Thorum.’
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THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS |
mame eer ==
HAVE, YOU ‘OUR. NEW, BOOKMON CACAO?
| |
IF NOT, WRITE FOR IT TO-DAY. Wk SEND IT FRE OF COST. NO CACAO!
PLANTER CAN AFFORD TO BE
GON TEN Ts.
Introduction.
Varieties,
Propagation:—
Selection.
Stock for Inarching
and Budding
| Inarching
| Budding,
TWELVE (12) FULL PAGE
ILLUSTRATIONS.
GERMAN KALI WORKS,
P.0. Box 1,007, Empedrado 30,
WITHOUT IT.
Soil.
Climate.
Shade.
Preparing the Land,
Planting,
Cultivation.
Fertilization or Manuring.
Pruning and Sanitation
Havana, Cuba.
e
»,
j
A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW
OF THE
IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES.
Vou. X. No. 248.
BARBADOS, OCTOBER 28, 1911.
CONTENTS.
Pack, PaGE
Agricultural Research in Gleanings ... Bea, 2) «-- 348
England . oe. ee 341] Grenada, Trade and Agri-
Agricultwial Work, Defin- culture of, L9L0-11 ... 345
ite Purpose in... ... 3387 | Insect Notes :—
Calcium Cyanamide and | Mosquito-Destroying
Nitrate of Lime 544 Bish <:. @eepeeeel ye. 1046
Continuity in Agricultural } The Control of the Ar-
Matters so de boot!) gentine Ant 346
Corn Pollination, New | Lime Juice Investigation
Method of ... 340 in Grenada 340
Cotton in the Transvaal,
Manures and Nitrification
Cultivation of ... 345 | in the Lighter Soils 344
Cotton Notes :— Market Reports 352
India and the World’s Notes and Comments B44
Cotton Supply ... ... 343] Priprioca: «a Perfume
Recent Special Meeting Plant... ees B45
of the British Cotton Rice and Beri-beri ... . 345
Growing Association 342) Rubber Cultivation in the
Sakellarides Cotton 343 | Congo... Beaten ses OF
West Indian Cotton 342 | Salt in the Congo, Produc-
Department News... ... 351 tion of ne 344
Departmental Reports ... 347 | Students’ Corner 349
Fungus Notes :— Sugar Industry :—
Wounds in Plants and Sugar-cane Growing in
Their Treatment, Roypt.:.. Br uest oan GOO
Part IL 350 | West Indian Pioducts ... 351
The Definite Purpose in
Agricultural Work.
SN a recent issue of the [x
fy Peecorrd of the United States Department of
9 Agriculture (Vol. XXV, p. 1), there occurs
eriment Station
a thoughtful editorial note on the miscellaneous char-
acter of station publications, in which attention is
drawn to the lack of precision that exists in the nature
Price ld,
of many of the publications issued from experiment
stations, and the evils that result therefrom.
It is pointed out that. in the developments that
are now taking place in the United States, the func-
tions of various organizations are becoming more defined
and specialized; that it is the duty of certain organiza-
tions to undertake the imparting and dissemination of
agricultural knowledge in its widest sense—a function
expressed in the article referred to by the phrase
Extension Work; while it is the concern of the experi-
ment stations to carry out investigations, research and
experiment, without having the necessity pressed upon
them of popularizing their work and bringing it to the
close attention of those for whom it is done
It is argued that the publications of various de-
partments or organizations should tend to make this
distinction: but it is complained that, so far from this
being the case, most of the publications tend to mask
the distinetion, and mislead the public as to the nature
and functions of the institutions from which they
issnc. The complaint is definitely stated in the
following way: ‘Lhe number of publications [of the
experiment stations] has greatly increased, but in the
majority of cases this increase is not made up of
accounts of the station’s activity as a research instititu-
tion.
informational bulletins and circulars, which relate to
the extension department rather than to the experi-
These are merged in the general
It consists largely in the number of popular and
ment station proper.
station series in a manner which often gives a wrong
impression.’
With the large areas and wide interests covered
by the Department of Agriculture of the United States
and the various organizations connec‘ed th>rewith,
338
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
Ocroper 28, 1911.
there is little doubt that such an effort at specialization
as is here suggested will be of immense service in
economizing the energies of those engaged in the var-
ious duties and in informing the public tur whose b-ne-
fit these organizations or institutions exist, of the
real nature of the duties they profess to undertake. In
this way the public is enabled to judge more accurately
of the value of the work that is done, and incidentally
to form a clear idea of the needs of the institutions and
to ensure the proper appropriation of funds, and of
other means of support and management.
To scientific! workers in agriculture, the specializa-
tion aimed at would prove to be of great assisiauce.
The immense volume of agricultural literature renders
if impossible for any individual to deal with more than
a very limited portion, and there is always the fear that
some important point may escape notice; while the feel-
ing also exists that valuable time may be lost by expert
workers in reading much material having solely for its
object the presentation of well-known, established facts
in aform that will render them attractive and ultimate-
ly serviceable to-less informed readers.
What is said with regard to publications may in
a great measure ‘apply to the institutions themselves.
Under the large conditions of the United States, it is
possible to ask for a marked degree of specialization in
the work of various institutions dealing with agricul-
tural matters in their different phases; hence, as time
goes on, an increasingly complete severance of such
functions as teaching and investigating, and of speciali-
zation in these branches themselves, may pe expected.
With large communities and complex conditions, spec-
ialization is an essential feature of development; but one
which, if carried to extremes, brings concomitant disad-
vantages.
In turning attention to colonial and particularly
West Indian conditions, it is readily seen that these
preclude specialization in any high degree; indeed,
a feature of colonial life is its requirement of ability to
cope with a wide range of conditions and circumstances
and to perform functions that, in older or larger com-
This
phase was largely in evidence in the United States
munities, would be assigned to special experts.
until quite recently, but appears, at least in populous
centres, to be passing away. It is a state that still
exists to a considerable extent in communitics in the
West Indies.
This condition is reflected in the work of local
Departments of Agriculture in the West. Indies, with
their associated Botanic and Experiment Stations.
Popular conception, rarely precise, demands of these
most diverse duties—duties that fuctuate largely
from year to year with the changes in local conditions
aud needs. These institutions are reguired to com-
bine the functions of experimenting in the introduc-
tion of new crops and new methods or the improvement
of old ones: of performing the duties known as exten-
sion work, that 1s to say the efforts at popularizing and
applying the knowledge so gained: while at the same
time they are called upon to centres for
the distribution of plants and seeds needed for local
industries, thus undertaking many of the functions
which in larger places devolve upon commercial
nurserymen.- Further, they are regarded as the
repositories of information concerning local agricultural
industries, and particularly as regards difficulties or
troubles that may arise, as for example, in connexion
with pests or diseases, or imperfect methods of dealing
either with soils or products. There is the added fact
that in the majority of cases the work is carried on in
surroundings having the nature of parks or gardens,
regarded by the public as places of resurt for pleasure
and recreation.
act as
No doubt this must be accepted as essential to the
particular stage of development; but what is implied
by the conditions should be clearly evident to the minds
of those responsible for maintaining and working agri-
cultural institutions under these circumstances. As has
been indicated, the state of evolution of the experi-
ment station in the West Indies necessitates its employ-
ment in several
different needs.
in it carefully to discriminate between the purposes
various directions «und for many
It is therefore the duty of the worker
for which it is employed; while those for whom it exist
should be able to take a broad view of the range of its
activities, in order that they may appreciate the fact
that its work cannot be
limited set of interests.
made subservient to any
The matter under discussion required this digres-
sion from the consideration of the purposes fulfilled in
the issue of publications, to that of the many-sided
work of the experiment stations. To return to the
former, it is expedient, in this place, to ind-eate the
functions of the chief publications issued by this Depart-
ment. In these an attempt is made to attain, at least
in some degree, the specialization which is requested
in the publication named at the commencement of this
article. This present journal, the Agricultural News, has
for its particular object, to state. it shortly, that which is
epitom:zed in the expression Extension Work; while the
West Indian Bulletin purports to deal with matters
Vor. -X." No. 2485: THE
of more precise scientific or administrative interest.
In another direction, the Annual Reports of the several
Botanic and Experiment Stations are confined to state-
ments of the work accomplished during the periods under
review; there is little attempt in these to undertake the
function that has been termed Extension.
In view of the general considerations above,
it should be evident that, as the work of agricul-
tural investigation must derive its scope from its par-
ticular object: in the same way, it is expedient that
those who issue agricultural publications should make
their contents consistent with their purpose. If these
matters are kept well in mind on the part of the work-
ers in connexion with agricultural investigation, much
of the misunderstanding that is evidenced frem time to
time by those for whom they work will cease to exist
and there will be a corresponding increase of sympathy
between the adviser and the advised.
SUGAR-CANE GROWING IN EGYPT.
The following account of the way in which the
sugar crop is produced in Egypt is taken from Vol. IT
of the Teat-book of Egyptian Agriculture, issued by
the Ministry of Education, Egy pt:—
First “year sugarcane follows either winter berseem
[Trifolium alexandrinum| or bare fallow in-ordinary rota-
tions, but in some cases the land is left fallow from the
preceding crop of wheat.
A common rotation is: first year, sugar-cane; second
year, sugar-cane; third year, berseem followed by doura
[maize or sorghum); fourth year, wheat with or without
doura following.
Another rotation practised which is less severe on the
Jand is: first year, sugar-cane; second year, berseem with or
without doura; third year, bare fallow (or wheat).
Cane may be left three years in the land, but in the
third year the yield is small and the profit much reduced
unless the plants are well tended and manured,
Cane, like cotton is almost always followed by berseem,
to enable the land to recover somewhat from the exhaustive
effect of the cane crop.
The plant is invariably propagated by cuttings in Egypt,
the best for the purpuse being the tops of second year canes.
These are poorer in sugar and therefore less valuable for
sugar extraction, but give canes of greater vigour and with
a higher percentage of sugar than do the lower parts of the
stems. Generally, however, the whole of the stem is used.
This point is worthy of notice in the present position of
sugar cane cultivation.
The land must be ploughed to a good depth, two or
three times, zaahatfed [by dragging a balk of timber over it]
and ridged 70-90 cm. {2 feet 4 inches to 3 feet] apart. Very
deep ploughing to a depth of 60 cm. [2 feet| as practised in
AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
339
many sugar-cane growing countries does not seem necessary
or profitable in Egypt.
The canes intended for seed purposes are stripped of their
leaves and cut into lengths containing three or four nodes.
The amount necessary is about 80 kantars per feddan [about
7,580 Bb. per acre].
The commonest method of planting is then to place these
pieces end to end, in the bottom of the furrows A plough
is then run up the ridges, splitting them, so that the soil
from the ridges falls over and covers the pieces of cane in
the furrows. Water is at once applied, and again after twenty
to twenty-five days.
Sowing usually takes place in February and March. The
earlier date is in Upper Egypt and the later in Lower Egypt.
In parts of Upper Egypt, however, particularly to the south,
sowing often takes place after the winter crop is off; but this
practice is not to be recommended, as it throws the harvest
late, and exposes the crop to damage by frosts.
When the shoots are about 30 cm. [1 foot] high, the
land is ridged again, so as to Jeave the shoots on the tops of
the ridges. This is done by ploughing between the row and
then fassing {hoeing].
Another method of sowing is to ridge as before, water,
and press the canes in the mud lengthwise, by the feet. Sub-
sequent fassing brings the cane to the middle of the ridges,
as in the case of the cotton plant. The after-management of
the cane crop consists in lightly fassing after each watering
when the land is dry, and keeping down weeds. The crop is
watered every twenty to twenty-five days until August, when
the plant begins to ripen. When the rise of the Nile occurs
two or three very heavy waterings are given with the red
water, and then water is applied sparingly, and for the last
month or six weeks none is applied.
Too little water in the summer will result in a crop with
short nodes, and a consequent reduction in yield. ‘loo much
water at high Nile, cr near the ripening, results in a cane
poor in sugu. The effect is particularly felt if water is given
less than a month before ripening. By it, ripening is retarded
and the sugar content much reduced.
The yield of cane varies considerably. On poor Jand, or
if the land is not heavily manured after the first year crop,
the second year crop or khilfa shows a great diminution and
a third year crop will rarely pay under these conditions.
The crop is very exhausting. For this reason it is usual-
ly heavily manured where possible with farmyard manure.
A common dressing is 20 cubic metres per feddan [1,\, acre].
This is applied in two dressings, one on ridging and the other
fassed in at the last fassing.
This is sometimes omitted with first year canes but is
essential to success with second year canes.
Talfa [a marl or clay containing nitrate of soda] and
koufri [manurial matter from ancient villages] are commonly
applied to the crop where available, but the quantities vary
greatly.
The effect of artificial manures is a little uncertain at
present and their use seems not thoroughly understood.
Nitrate is recommended at the rate of about 100 kilogrammes
per feddan [210 bb. per acre].
Harvesting takes place in November ull January accord-
ing to district, time of sowing and climatic conditions. The
canes are cut by a hook, and ten to twelve men will harvest
an average feddan in one day. The cane should be sent to
the factory as soon as possible after cutting as it begins to
deteriorate.
Before sending to the factory the cases are trashed, i.e.
the lower leaves are stripped off. Some cultivators do this
before they are ripe, to improve ripening.
340
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Octoper 28, 1911.
<4
<A
FRUITS AND FRUIT ¢?REES.
LIME JUICE INVESTIGATION
IN GRENADA.
Particulars have been forwarded by Mr G. G. Auchin-
leck, B.Sc., Superintendent of Agriculture, Grenada, of
investigations that have been carried out by him in relation
to the juice from thick-skinned and thin-skinned limes, pre-
pared in Grenada, and to samples of the juice from Carriacou.
The results obtained are as follows :—
Source of juice. Sp. Gr. at 29° C. sine aod,
; oz. per gal.
Grenada thick-skinned
: 102923 11°79
limes
os thin-skinned 1:0298 1552
limes
Carriacou No. 1 1:0332 1608
“3 No. 2 1:0339 1t*25
In giving these results, Mr. Auchinleck points ont that
in order to concentrate these juices to a content of 100 oz.
citric acid per gallon they would have to be boiled as
follows :—
Grenada thick-skinned 85 to 1
5 thin-skinned 63 to 1
Carriacou No. 1 64 to 1
co? MEN GUS 53 tol
A NEW METHOD OF CORN
POLLINATION.
Under this heading, an article in the American Dveed-
ers’ Magazine, Vol. 1], No. 1, describes what appears to be
a handy method of corn pollination. In such work the chief
difficulties arise in regard to preventing the access of foreign
pollen to the silks, particularly that which is bound to Le
carried on the hands or instruments of the operator.
In employing the method, the first requisite is to cover
the tassel and the silk with paper bags; 10-Ib. Manila
paper bags of the kind obtainable at groceries are useful for
the purpose. In each case the mouth of the bag is carefully
gathered round the stalk and pinned with a long, strong pin.
It is necessary that the covering of the tassel should be done
before tlie anthers have protruded, and that of the silk before
this has begun in the Jeast to appear outside of the husk.
The best time for pollination is when the silks have
grown toa length of 5 or 6 inches, having remained in the
bag the whole time. As the silks appear successively, com-
mencing from ‘the base of the cob, pollination 6f the whole
ear extends over some time; in nature this is from a week to
ten days. It ‘follows that, in ordinary artificial pollination,
the pollen must be applied two or three times in order that
as many ovaries as possible may be fertilized. It is believed
that by employing the method to be described, one pollina-
tion, only, is necessary, and that the access of foreign
pollen is entitely prevented. a
The method depends on the use of a common insect
powder ‘gun’ or spring blower for applying the pollen to the
silk. The most handy kinds are those which can be
separated in halves for the purpose of being filled. It is
useful to have'the nozzle of the blower cut down to a length
of 4-inch and drawn out to the size of the original aperture,
in order that’ any anthers. which clog it may be pushed
back with a pin.
For the ‘work of pollination, anthers and pollen are
obtained from a bag which has been used to cover one of the
tassels; these are emptied into the blower, whichis quickly
closed. ‘he latter is then used for blowing the pollen on to
the silk to be pollinated, the bag covering the silk being
quickly removed and replaced. After use, it is necessary
thoroughly to clean the blower from any remaining pollen.
For this purpose, it is left for about a quarter of an hour in
95 per cent. alcohol. In order to prevent the aleohol from
dissolving the varnish on the fabric of which the upper part
of the blower is partly made, this should be boiled in paraftin
wax until bubbles cease to rise from the fabric. The impreg-
nation with wax not only prevents injury from the alcohol,
but renders the blower more nearly air-tight.
It is evident that, among the advantages of such an
apparatus used in this way are: speed of action; easy and
complete sterilization of the apparatus; the avoidance of the
waste of pollen: and the provision of a means of directing the
pollen exactly where it is wanted. ;
In actual practice, two operators have been employed
simultaneously in the work. One of these removes the bag
from the tassel, empties the pollen into the blower, and then
holds the bag beneath the tassel in order to catch any pollen
that may fall while pollination is being done. The work of
the second operator is that of pollinating alone; he is careful
not to handle the pollen bags, or to use his hands for any
purpose that would enable pollen to become rubbed on them.
As soon as pollination has been effected, what remains in the
blower is emptied into the bag that was over the tassel, and,’
as bas been stated, the bag from the silk is replaced imme
diately. It is useful.to use three blowers: one for the pollinas
Vou. X.. No. 248.5
tion at the time, another which is drying after sterilization,
and a third that has just been used and is lying in the alcohol
for sterilization. If the work is done in the way described,
it is possible for two men to pollinate eighteen plants in an
hour without any risk of the access of foreign pollen. This
risk may in some cases be minimized further by detasselling
all plants whose pollen is not required.
RUBBER CULTIVATION IN THE CONGO.
The following particulars regarding the cultivated rubber
industry in the Congo State have been furnished by H. M.
Consul at Boma.
The experimental cultivation of Hevea brasiliensis, Fun-
tumia elastica and Manihot Glaz/ovii is being continued on
a much enlarged scale on the plantations already in existence,
and extensive new areas are about to be brought under culti-
vation. A number of the larger plantations, equipped with
mechanical appliances for coagulating‘the latex, are being
devoted to the exclusive cultivation of Hevea brasiliensis;
while many of the smaller plantations, entailing useless outlay
in their upkeep, have been abandoned. About 1,000 hectares
(2,470 acres) have recently been planted with Hevea. These
plantations occur at Musa, Likimi, Dundusana, Mobwasa and
Yambata in the Bangala district, Waka and Woma in the
Equator district, Kambuya and Avacubi in the Stanleyville
district, and Bokala in the Middle Congo. Of Vuntunua
elastica, or the Ireh rubber tree, the most common in the
Congo, there are some 3,461,000 trees, of which the greater
part is reported to be thriving satisfactorily. The older
trees of seven to nine years that have been tapped have
yielded a rubber of good quality, that commanded a price in
the Antwerp market ranging between 17 and 20 frances per
kilog. (6s. and 7s. 3d. per tb.), The present yield of the six-
year-old trees is said to be 100 grammes, which would repres-
ent a return of 623 kilogs. per hectare of 625 trees.
Hevea brasiliensis, first introduced into the Congo by
private initiative, is now being adopted by the Government
as a most promising plant, adaptable to the climatic condt-
tions and inferiority of soil, and maturing rapidly. The
Government has planted 30,000 trees of this species, and
has ordered seven extensive areas in the Bangala and
Equator districts to be brought under cultivation.
In view of the higher prices commanded by Manchot
Glaziovii and the advantages that are claimed for this tree
over Funtumia elastica, the Government has ‘decided to give
extensive impetus to its cultivation. his rubber experimen-
tally produced in the Congo, has fetched 23 francs per kilog.
(about 8s. 4d. per tb.) in Antwerp, on account of its excellent
quality. Up to the present, experiments with Manchot Glazi-
ovii have been conducted at some twenty Government posts,
the plants numbering about 185,200; the results are consid-
ered to be encouraging.
Experiments are also in progress with other species of
rubber plants such as Castilloa, various species of Munihot
and Ficus, as well as a latex-yielding Euphorbia introduced
from Central America. Attention will also'be given to the
old rubber lianas, of which some 11,000,000 are known to
exist. It is believed that lianas will yield an appreciable
quantity of rubber in the space of a few years, but that the
upkeep of plantations of less than 50,000 lianas will not pay.
As soon as the tapping of the trees becomes practicable,
it is proposed to conduct the industry on scientific lines such
as those obtaining in Malaysia, particular attention beirg
paid to the process of coagulation, washing and drying, for
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. |
341
which the most approved plant will be acquired. The smoke-
drying: system in vogue in Brazil is likewise being considered
with a view to its adoption in the Congo.
, Visiting a number of rubber plantations, including the
botanical gardens at Eala, H.M. Consul was struck by the
great number of trees that had been uprooted by the winds,
apparently on account of some deficiency in the soil that
stuuts the subsoil development of the tree. Other trees were
perishing owing to the ravages of an insect known as the
borer, while from conversations with botanists it would
appear that Funfwmia elastica does not yield much latex
after the first tapping. These signs, coupled with the fast
that though this industry is ten or more years old there have
been no exports of cultivated rubber beyond a few trial ship-
ments, seem somewhat discouraging. Hopes are now, how-
ever, being centred upon Manihot Glazxiovii, which yields an
excellent rubber; this too, however, has not yet emerged from
an experimental stage of development. (From The Board of
Trade Journal, Vol. LXXIV, p. 423.)
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH IN ENGLAND.
An article inthe Jowrnal of the Royal Society of Arts
for September 22, 1911, contains a review of the scheme
which has been devised, with the assistance of the Board of
Agriculture and Fisheries, for agricultural research in England
and Wales. The Treasury has now agreed that funds should
be allocated for the development of the scheme, and when this
is in full operation, the amount to be distributed by the Board
for agricultural research will be £50,000 a year. The scheme
provides for: (1) a system of agricultural research which will
secure for each group of the problems affecting rura! industry
a share of attention roughly proportional to its economic
importance; (2) the concentration of scientific work on each
group at one institution, or at institutions working in com-
bination; (3) grants for special investigations for which pro-
vision may not otherwise be made; (4) the grant of scholar-
ships with a view to the increase of the number of men fully
qualified to undertake agricultural research; (5) the carrying
out of investigations into problems of local importance, espe-
cially those involving the application of modern research to
local practice, and the provision of scientific advice for farmers
on important technical questions.
The importance of securing the continuity of work has
been recognized, and in connexion with this, provision has
been made for supplying permanent staffs of specialists and
experts. The groups of subjects for which grants will be
made are connected with plant physiology, plant pathology,
plant and animal production, agricultural zoology, and the
economies of agriculture. Where provision has not been made
otherwise, a sum not exceeding £3,000 will be given for the
assistance of special investigations; the conditions regarding
the grants will be defined by the Board’s Advisory Committee
on agricultural science.
On the condition that a sufficient number of suitable
candidates present themselves, twelve scholarships, of the
value of £150 per annum, and tenable for three years, aie to
be given in the present year and in the two following. There
will also be grants to certain educational bodies in England
and Wales for the purpose of enabling them to give scientific
advice to agriculturists, and to carry out experiments in regard
to matters of local interest that require investigation where
they occur. It is thus hoped to supply an expert staff com-
posed of both purely scientific and practical workers, who
will give their attention to the solution of difficult local prob-
lems, and assist in the application of science to practice.
342
THE AGRICULTURAL
: eam LITT Pa
NEWS. OcroBeR 28, 1911,
INDIAN COTTON.
WEST
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date October 9, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
Since our last report, about 400 bales of West Indian
Sea Islands have been sold at steady prices; they include
St. Croix, Nevis, Anguilla, Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Antigua,
St. Kitts, at 15d. to 16d, a few Montserrat at 17d., and
St. Vincent 174d. to 22d,
Carolina Islands are being held for 20d. and over, with-
out finding any buyers. On the other hand, the best
Florida which competes with the lower qualities of West
Indian, is being sold freely at 13d.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending October 7, is as follows:—
The receipts during the week have been 81 bales, making
the total amount to date 104 bales. This cotton has not yet
been sampled or put on the market for sale. During the
coming week it is possible that the Factors may think well
of putting on sale some of the cotton. In this event they
will sample the receipts and admit of our seeing the quality
of the crop. he old crop cotton held over from last year is
practically withdrawn from the market, being held at extreme
prices.
RECENT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
BRITISH COTTON GROWING
ASSOCIATION.
The following information concerning a special meeting
of the Council of the British Cotton Growing Association,
held in Manchester on September 13, for the purpose of meet-
ing Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G., Imperial Commissioner of
Agriculture for the West Indies, and Professor P. Carmody,
F.LC, F.C.S., Director of Agriculture, Trinidad, is abstract-
ed from the Manchester Courier for Thursday, September 14,
1911.
The object of the meeting was to consider the special
needs of the Lancashire spinning trade in regard to the finer
qualities of cotton grown at present in the West Indies, and
to give the visitors information concerning future require-
ments, as well as to obtain from them information in relation
to the progress of cotton production in the West Indies.
In the absence of the President, Lord Derby, the visii-
ors were welcomed by Mr. A. J. Hutton, Chairman of the
Council of the Association, who stated that the members of
the latter always appreciated the opportunities for holding
similar conferences, It was their desire to gain information
concerning the cotton industry in the West Indies, and at the
same time there was no doubt that the visitors were in want
of information such as could be given hy the Association,
Mr. Hutton referred to the damage done to cotton in South
Carolina by the recent storm, and gave the assurance that
whether this was as great as had been reported, or not, it
was likely that prices for West Indian cotton would be good,
Dr. Watts expressed equal appreciation, on behalf of
himself and his colleague Professor Carmody, of the opportun-
ity that the conference gave for obtaining direct informa-
tion. The object was to create interest, and by obtaining
assurance that the standards set for cotton growers were
quite correct, to assist them in gaining the best market
for their produce. He referred to the part taken by
St. Vincent in producing nearly all the superfine type
of Sea Island; in the West Indies, and thought that
St. Vincent should continue to supply this part of the
industry, while it would be best for the other colonies to
confine their attention to the grades of Sea Island lower than
this—tbat is to say, to grades which he included under the
designation Dixon Type. In continuation, Dr. Watts dis-
cussed, with statistics, the production and the possibilities of
development in Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, Antigua and the
Virgin Islands, giving information concerning the way in
which cotton is produced under the dilferent conditions, and
referring to the work of the Officers of the Department of
Agriculture, particularly in relation to the provision of assist-
ance to the small producer. After answering questions and
taking part in a discussion of details, Dr. Watts expressed
his thanks for the information that had been given, and
again emphasized the importance of the possession of reliable
information asto the standards of cotton that are required
by spinners.
The means taken to encourage cotton-growing in Trinidad
and Tobago were then discussed by Professor Carmody, who
made special reference to the work in connexion with eotton
production that had been done vy Mr. T. ‘Thornton, an expert
of the British Cotton Growing Association, who had been
formerly attached to the Imperial Department of Agriculture.
Many questions were answered by Professor Carmody, and
after a general’discussion had taken place on the cost of
producing the finer qualities of raw cotton, the conference
adjourned for a complimentary luncheon to the visitors.
After lzncheon, Mr. Hutton, in submitting the health of
Dr. Watts and Professor Carmody, emphasized the importance
of increasing the areas supplying cotton to Lancashire. He
referred to the spread of the boll weevil in the United States,
and the likelihood of its eventually reaching the Atlantie
coast, when Sea Island cotton would be no longer available
Vou. X. No. 248.
in the United States for supplying to England. In sight of
the fact that the fine spinning industry was increasing daily
in importance, this circumstance was of a serious nature, and
in view of the position, the visit of Dr. Watts and Professor
Carmody was particularly appropriate. Mr. Hutton referred
to the experimentation with cotton that had been conducted
in the West Indies, and emphasized the importance of the
assembling of a committee for the purpose of the dissemina-
tion of useful agricultural information among the British
Colonies.
In reply, Dr. Watts made acknowledgement of the great
assistance that has been rendered by the British Cotton Grow-
ing Association in relation to cotton, to the Imperia] Depart-
ment of Agriculture. He had been associated with the new
cotton-growing movement since its inception in the West
Indies, and at every stage of this the British Cotton Growing
Association had been brought into consultation; in this con-
nexion he mentioned the courtesy of Mr. Wolstenholme in
replying to the many questions that had been addressed to
him by planters and others during the time, Dr, Watts
made reference to the fact that certain islands in the West
Indies are now entirely dependent on cotton, and hoped that,
other things being equal, British consumers would give
a preference to the production of British territory—a state-
ment that was received by the meeting with acclamation.
Finally Dr. Watts referred to the Agricultural Conference to
be held next year in Trinidad, and expressed the hope that
among the delegates to this Conference, one at least would
be received from the British Cotton Growing Association.
In turn, in his reply, Professor Carmody also made
reference to the usefulness of the support of the British
Cotton Growing Association in connexion with the dissemi-
nation of information, alluding to the responsibility accepted
by those who handel on that information. He also referred
to the idea of forming a central department which should
distribute information concerning agricultural work through-
out the British Empire.
The Chairman invited Sir Charles Macara to make
observations on the matters that had come up for discussion,
and in accepting the invitation, this speaker drew attention to
the large part that had been taken in the past by the West
Indies in cotton production for England, and said that it was
pleasant to find that these islands realized fully the value of
the cotton-growing facilities possessed by them, The Lan-
cashire cotton spinners were using finer counts every year, and
the supply of cotton for these was of the greatest importance
to Lancashire. Leferring to the Agricultural Conference, Sir
Charles gave attention to a suggestion that a representative
of the operatives, as well as of the employers, might be
provided, and the Chairman stated that the Association
would be pleased to pay the expenses of such/acrepresentative.
After a vote of thanks had been given to the Chairman,
the proceedings concluded,
Sakellarides Cotton.—The Vex(ile Mercury (for
September 9, 1911) states that the discoverer of this cotton,
after whom it is named, has so far made over £100,000 by
his enterprise. During the present year it has been culti-
vated on a large scale inthe districts of Ziftna and Santa, and
has appeared to show immunity to attacks of the cotton worm.
This pest has cost the Egyptian Government, this year,
nearly £50,000 for control, and private individuals about
£100,000, the total of which sums is very small in comparison
with the value of the crop, which is estimated at
£31,250,000. ° ieg : F
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 343
INDIA AND THE WORLD'S COTTON
SUPPLY.
The following is an abstract of a paper read by
Mr. J. Howard Reed, F.R.G.S.. before the Section of
Economic Science and Statistics of the British Associa-
tion at Portsmouth, 1911. Itis taken from the Journal
of the Royal Society of Arts for September 22, 1911.
In giving this, attention is drawn to an abstract
of another paper, on cotton-growing within the Empire,
by the same authority, which was specially prepared
for the Agricultural News, and appeared in the issue
for June 24, 1911:—
Shortage of raw cotton has become an almost chronie
condition with which the cotton manufacturer has to contend.
It has produced abnormally inflated prices, given an oppor-
tunity to cotton gamblers, caused loss and embarrassment to
manufacturers, and produced distress among cotton opera-
tives. ‘Shortage’ has not been produced by a falling off
of the world’s output of raw fibre, nor by an increased
demand by Lancashire for cotton, but by an enormous
growth in the manufacture of cotton goods on the Conti-
nent of Europe, and in the United States of America.
In eighteen years prior to 1910 Britain’s demand for raw
cotton has fallen 4 per cent., while during the same period
Europe’s requirements have increased 70 per cent., and this
on aftigure much larger than ours. America, during the
same time, has increased her demand 90 per cent. and her
total consumption of fibre now exceeds that of Britain by no
less than 54 per cent. Thirty years ago the total American
crop of cotton was less than 7 million bales, but supple-
mented by the small crops of other countries, was sufficient
to supply the world’s demands and leave a. surplus each
season, keeping the price reasonable and fairly regular. Now,
with an American crop nearly double the figure just quoted,
and with increased supplies from other fields, and with the
demand of Lancashire stationary, the price of raw fibre has
doubled, and ‘shortage’ has become rampant, notwithstand-
ing the restricted time worked in the mills. The difficulty
apparentiy gets worse month by month, and unless measures
of amelioration are successfully pressed, the cotton industry
of Lancashire must decline, and ultimately be starved out of
existence. India at present produces almost half the weight
of cotton grown in the American fields, and has, roughly,
20,000,000 acres under cotton crops. Indian fibre is
however, of short staple and, therefore, very little used
in Lancashire. Britain consumed only 87,592 bales during
the year ending August 31, 1910 Many experts
believe that with properly directed effort the crop of
Indian cotton may be doubled in the course of a few
years. If this can be done, even if the staple is not
improved, it will take the- place of much long-fibred
cotton now used throughout the world, and set free for Lan-
cashire a proportionate amount of better material. The culti-
vation of cotton in India.is very primitive. The lands are
poorly tilled, inadequately mianured, and meagrely watered;
while the native farmer.is not only very unprogressive, but
is harried by. unscrupulous money-lenders, crippled by poor
seed, and handicapped by insect pests. ‘With selected seed,
longer stapled cotton can be grown, but the native ryot finds
it gives a lighter crop, and as he can, under present condi-
tions, only obtain ‘thé same priée’as for the shorter stapled
cotton, ‘he naturally soon reverts to the cultivation of short
stapled fibre. :
344
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
OeroBeR 28, 1911.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
Goatees Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover. .
The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s. 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
| Agricultural SCWs
Von. X. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1911. No. 248.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Oontents of Present Issue.
In the present number, the editorial has for its
subject The Definite Purpose in Agricultural Work.
It is treated particularly from the point of view of the
issue of agricultural publications and the work in
experiment stations.
Under the heading Sugar Industry, on page 339,
an interesting account is given of the way in which
sugar-cane is grown in Egypt.
Note of a recent investigation conducted in
Grenada concerning lime juice from ditferent sources is
made on page 340.
Page 341 contains an abstract of an account of
provisions that have been made recently for the endow-
ment and conduct of agricultural research in England
and Wales.
An account of a recent special meeting of the
Council of the British Cotton Growing Association,
held for the purpose of meeting the Imperial Com-
missioner of Agriculture, Dr. Francis Watts, C.M.G.,
and the Director of Agriculture, Trinidad, Professor
P. Carmody, is presented on page 342.
The Insect Notes, on page 346, give attention to
the measures that have been adopted in the United
States for the control of the Argentine Ant, and to
species of mosquito-destroying fish that are described
from Africa.
The Fungus Notes appear on page 350. They
contain the concluding part of two articles on wounds
in plants and their treatment, which were commenced
in the last number of the Agricultural News.
The Production of Salt in the Congo.
A recent report by H.M. Consul at Boma shows
that salt is made in the Congo from grasses growing by
the river-side. These are burned, and aiter the ashes
have been placed in a cone-shaped baskes that is used
as a filter, water is poured on them and is allowed to
drip into an earthenware vessel. A very crude form of
salt is then obtained by boiling the water until erystal-
lization takes place.
One of the uses of salt in the Congo arises from
its monetary value in that State, and 15 1s still indis-
penrsable for travelling purposes. This value will be
Jost eventually, with the increased use of money, but the
demand is likely to be maintained, as it will always be
readily bought by the natives.
1
ee
Calcium Cyanamide and Nitrate cf Lime.
Recent experiments with reference to the subject
of the value of calcium cyanamide and nitrate of lime
as manures, as compared with such other forms as
nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia. receive atten-
tion in the Hxperiment Station Record of the United
Siates Department of Agriculture, for March 1911,
p. 226. The investigations were curied ont with oats,
wheat, potatoes and beets, in a deep heavy clay loam
containing much organic matter,
With oats and wheat, sodium nitrate gave the best
yields of straw; but there was as high a yield of grain
with calcium cyanamide and nitrate of lime. Sulphate
of ainmonia gave the highest yield with potatoes, and
that from calcium cyanamide was almost as great as the
outturn when the other manures were used. Calcium
cyanamide was found to be much less effective than
sodium nitrate, in the case of beets.
-_—
Manures and Nitrification in the Lighter Soils.
In the last number of the Agricul/ural News, on
page 239, a note was given on work with soils that is
described in Bulletin No. 37 of the Hawaiian Sugar
Planters’ Association; this dealt more particularly with
the effect of lime on nitrification in wet soils. An
account of further work is included in the Bulletin,
namely that in which investigations were made of the
effect. of manures on nitrification, in a soil containing
a moderate amount of organic matter, rich in lime,
alkaline to litmus and readily drained.
Under the conditions, it was found that such
manures as double superphosphate, basic phosphate and
sulphate of potash increased nitrification, the best
results being obtained with the first two
Where nitrogen as ammonium sulphate had been
added already,,the employment of potash and phos-
phate caused a decrease in nitrification: the greatest
diminution took place in respect of double superphos-
phate. Further, the nitrification. of sulphate of
ammonia was greatly decreased by additions of quick-
lime.
Nitrogen was added both as sodium nitrate and
calcium nitrate, the amount being the same in the two
Vout. X. No. 248.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 345
eases. There was no ditference between the quantities
of nitric nitrogen formed under the two sets of condi-
tions.
Lastly, most nitrification took place with am-
moninm sulphate; the loss of lime in the drainage was
less with nitrates than with ammonium sulphate; and
there was no relationship between the amount of lime
present in the drainage water and the extent of
nitrification.
J
The Priprioca: a Perfume Plant.
The. following description of this plant is repro-
duced from the Bulletin of the Bureau of Agricultural
Intelligence and of Plant Diseases for November 1910,
p. 77: ‘The leaves of this plant when bruised give off
an agreeable but complex perfume, recalling clove, cin-
namon and bergamot at the same time, and its scent is
perhaps sweeter than that of the other plants. Priprioca
has been identified by Messrs Canis with the Mespilo-
daphne pretiosa =[Ocotea pretiosa], a tree growing
in Brazil, in the provinces of Rio de Janeiro and
Minas, in the forests of Amazonia, and in Guiana near
the Orinoco. The tree has been briefly described under
the names of Pao pretiosa, Causca pretiosa, and
medlar-bay (lawrier néfle).
Ocotea pretiosa, almost. unknown in Europe,
is said to contain in all its parts an essence which
could be employed in perfumery and for soap, as
a substitute for the essential oil of linaloe.
——=- + = *e
Cultivation of Cotton in the Transvaal
The Journal of the Royal Society of Arts, Vol.
LIX, p. 972, mentions that the development of the cot-
ton-growing industry in the Transvaal has recently been
making excellent progress. For some time past experts
have been endeavouring to induce farmers, whose prop-
erties are situated in that part of the country where
the soil and climate are such as will give the plant
a fair trial, to make tests. Many farmers who have con-
ducted these tests have been convinced that good crops
are to be obtained from their land, and that this branch
may possibly be made a profitable adjunct to their
general farming operations. ‘The efforts of the Govern-
ment experimentalists are said to have been attended
with striking results; a comparison between American-
grown cotton and some from the Rustenburg experi-
mental station has shown that one variety (Bancroft)
at least, is well up to the mark, The American yield
test gives forty-eight bolls of seed-cotton to the pound,
whereas that grown at Rustenburg yielded forty-three
bolls to the pound. This, says the Journal, is regarded
by Manchester experts as eminently satisfactory, the
more so when viewed in the light of the productions of
former years.
The question, however, that is said to be barassing
the promoters ot extensive cotton cultivation is. not so
much as to whether the cotton equals the American stan-
dard, but whether it can be made a conimercial success.
As to this, there appears to be a wide difference of
opinion. If it be true, as is asserted in-some quarters,
that the demand for no other article is so far in excess
of the supply as is the case with cotton, it seems only
reasonable to assume, concludes the Journal, ‘if the
cotton can be produced in sufficiently large quantities,
a great industry will be built up in South Africa in
time to come.’
nm 4-
Trade and Agriculture of Grenada, 1910-11.
The Annual Report of the Colonial Treasurer,
Grenada, on the Treasury and Island’ Revenue Depart-
ments of that Colony for the year 1910-11, shows that
the value of the imports and exports during the year
was £279,368, and £291,760, being an increase of
£11,152 and £6,914, respectiveiy, over the correspond-
ing figures for 1909, and <lisclosing the total trade of
the colony for the year to have been £571,128.
The exports from Grenada in 1910 comprised
principally cacao, spices, cotton and cotton seed, which
together amounted in value to 97 per cent. of the total
exports. In regard to cacao, there was a record crop
last season, and 118,667 ewt. (76,255 bags), of the value
of £259,365 were exported, being an increase of 11,539
ewts. (7,756 bags) in quantity and £10,967 in value
over these figures for 1909, this representing 88 per
cent. of the total gross exports of the Colony.
The values of other articles of export in 1910
were: spices £17,872, cotton £5,797, cotton seed
£2,221; each of these showed a decrease as compared
with the similar values for the year 1909.
The imports into Grenada for the year amounted
to £279,368—an increase of £11,132 as compared with
the figures for 1909.
>
Rice and Beri-beri.
The Annual Report of the Indian Musewm
Industrial Section for 1910-11 contains the results of
analyses made of various samples of rice in connexion
with an outbreak, in Bengal, of the disease known as
beri-beri, as it had been suggested in the previous year
that there was some relationship between the consump-
tion of white rice and this disease. Major E. D. W.
Greig, I.M.S., was placed on special duty to investigate
the outbreak of beri-beri in Bengal; during the enquiry
various samples of rice obtained were analyzed, as were
also a large number of specimens of other foodstuffs in
general use in India. As regards rice, the analyses
showed that samples of Indian rice, from which the husk
had been removed, contained 0°6 to 0°8 per cent. of
phosphoric anhydride, while the average amount found
in polished rice is 0'-4 per cent. Some samples which
had been highly polished contained no more than 0:26
and 0°22 percent. A full analysis was also made of
rice bran, or the polishings of the grain, which is re-
moved: in preparing rice for the market. In this
substance an organic phosphorated constituent was
removed, soluble in hydrochloric acid; this is of great
value. Analyses were also made of edible products
used by the Marwaris, who very seldom develop beri-
beri, and the richness of their diet in phosphorus was
very noticeable.
346
INSECT NOTES.
—_—
THE CONTROL OF THE ARGENTINE ANT.
A brief account of the Argentine ant (Iridomyrmex
humalis, Mayr) was given in the Agricultural News for April
18, 1908 (see Vol. VII, p. 122). At that time this insect
was attracting attention in the southern part of the United
States, chiefly on account of its depredations on household
supplies, and the stock-in-trade of the grocers, bakers,
butchers, ete , but it was also becoming a serious agricultural
pest. The Argentine ant fosters and protects the cotton
aphis and the pink mealy bug of the sugar-cane, with the
result that the latter insect has become a much more impor-
tant pest of sugar-cane than it was formerly, and it is feared
that the same may be true of the cotton aphis, in a few years,
For some three years or more, the Argentine ant has
been known to occur in Southern California, and in 1910
a bulletin on the control of this insect was published by
Professor C. W. Woodworth, Entomologist of the Agricultural
Experiment Station, of the University of California (Bulletin
207, October 1910).
In this Bulletin, Professor Woodworth recommended the
use of dilute poison in a syrup of sugar, placed in receptacles
in such a manner that the ants could get to it, and carry it
in a continuous supply to their nests, when it might be fed
to queens and larvae.
By this means it was found that the insects were gradu-
ally killed out, the small amount of arsenic not being sufti-
cient to poison the workers immediately, so that the destruc-
tion of the nests was retarded; but the continuous supply of
this substance fed to the young insects resulted in the final
destruction of the nest.
In an article entitled Field Work in the Control of the
Argentine Ant, which appeared in the Journal of Economic
Entomology, Vol. IV, p. 353 (August 1911), Mr. L. J.
Nickels, also of the Experiment Station of the University of
California, gives some interesting results as to the use of
the poison recommended by Professor Woodworth.
The poison bait was prepared by using 20 hb. of sugar,
6 to 7 Ib. of water and 1 oz. of sodium arsenite. The sugar
and water were heated for about three hours oyer a water
bath, and the sodium arsenite was dissolved, separately from
the sugar, ina small quantity of hot water. The syrup and
poison were then thoroughly mixed.
The poison bait was applied in the following manner.
Suitable receptacles were employed in the form of jam pots
or fruit jars with metal screw tops, entrance to which was
provided by means of four small holes in the metal cover.
A piece of sponge about half the size of the interior of the
jar was placed in the jar and saturated with the poison syrup.
The jars, thus charged, were placed in situations where
the ants were known to be abundant.
The amount of poison syrup made from the quantities
of materials mentioned above, and 10 lb. of sponges, were
found to be sufticient for charging 300 jars.
The first systematic work in the extermination of these
ants in the trials under review was undertaken in a hotel,
which was badly infested, in the city of Berkeley, California;
this was considered the most difficult situation within the area
to be operated on.’ Fifty jars were distributed throughout
the hotel; about half of these were visited by the ants,
but only three were attended to by them constantly. Within
ten weeks from the beginning of the work, the last of the ants
had disappeared. This is considered rather remarkable since
only about 4-lb. of syrup was actually consumed. The cost
of freeing this hotel of these objectionable insects was only
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
ee eee Es ee ee
Ocroper 28, 1911,
$25-00—a very small amount when tbe damage and discom-
fort formerly occasioned by the ants are taken into con-
sideration.
Similar encouraging results were obtained in dwelling
houses, groceries and bakeries, and the ants were also
exterminated in open lots within the area covered by the
experiments.
Mr. Nickels considers the facts now established, that
the Argentine ant can be exterminated on a given area, and
that it can be prevented from spreading.
The Argentine ant has never been recorded from the
West Indies, and while there seems to be very little chance
of the introduction of this insect into these islands, it should
always be borne in mind that there is a possibility of the
occurrence of this. Merchandise of all kinds may harbour the
pest, but it is considered that manure and nursery stock are
most likely to be the means by which it is introduced into
new localities, while food supplies of all sorts may serve in
this connexion. =
The Argentine ant is an extremely serious pest, and if
introduced should be dealt with most rigorously. The appear-
ance of any ant making an unusual development in these
islands should be reported, in order that it may be definitely
ascertained whether or not the insect is the Argentine ant,
since it is most important that control measures should be
adopted as soon as possible after the first infestation occurs,
MOSQUITO-DESTROYING FISH.
In the Bulletin of Entomological Research for July last
(see Vol. II, Part 2), an article appears by Dr. W. B. Graham,
Director of the Medical Research Institute, Lagos, entitled
A Fish that Preys on Mosquito Larvae in Southern Nigeria.
This fish is related to the Millions of Barbados and the
West Indies, belonging to the same family—the Cyprinodon-
tidae. It has been studied by Mr. G. A. Boulenger, of the
British Museum, who has described it as a new species under
the name Haplochilus grahami. '
Dr. Graham was led to the discovery of this fish by the
complete absence, from a swamp, of mosquito larvae. The
pools of water in the swamps seemed ideal breeding places
for mosquitoes, but there were no larvae to be found. There
was no species of fish present other than the Haplochilus.
Mosquito larvae were greedily eaten by the fish, in the
laboratory; but they did not seem to recognize mosquito
pupae as being suitable for food.
A peculiar eharacteristic of these Nigerian fish is their
power of leaping from the water to a distance of from 1 to
2 feet. Dr. Graham considers that by means of this jower
of leaping the Haplochilus is enabled to pass from one sinall
pool to another, even when the water is low and the oppor-
tunity for swimming from one to another does not exist,
It is suggested that this fish should be used in pools
free from other kinds, and in cisterns, barrels and similar
situations.
In the same number of the Bulletin of Entomological
Research, there isa note on two species of cyprinodont fishes
in Uganda, with which Mr. C. C. Gowdey, Government
Entomologist, has conducted experiments as to their capacity
for mosquito control. He finds that they devour mosquito
larvae voraciously, but he is of opinion that they will not play
such an important part in the centrol of the insect as the
Millions in Barbados, since in Uganda, he states, ‘ there are
numerous swamps and rivers overgrown with papyrus and
reed-like grasses, in which mosquito larvae are abundant, and
in which these cyprinodonts are not found and will not live,
Vor. X. No. 248.
THE
ANNUAL REPORT:: OF
AND ISLAND
JAMAICA:
DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE
CHEMIST, 1910-11.
This commences by pointing out that, while there has been
progress during the year in the work of making the efforts of
the Department conform to the requirements, of the Colony,
the matter of importance has been the completion of the Farm
School and Stock Farm at Hope. The former has maintained
a full complement of students, and the many demands for
admission have caused representations to be made to the
Government for an extension of the accommodation. The
necessary provision for the extension has been authorized,
and on January 1, 1912, there will be room at the school for
thirty-seven resident students. In regard to other matters,
a recent development has been the appointment of a Veterin-
ary Surgeon on the Staff of the Department.
The information given concerning the Hope Gardens and
Experiment Station shows that the total distribution of plants
from this centre was 144,220, of which 75,052 were free
grants; the total number of economic and ornamental plants
in this distribution was 136,254 and 19,966, respectively.
The work of the Experiment Station was chiefly of a routine
nature with sugar-cane, citrus and other fruits, provision
crops, cacao, maize, rubber and vanilla. From Castleton
Gardens the total number of plants distributed (not including
bananas, cocoa-nuts, breadfruit and cacao sold) was 17,940.
An account is given of the work at the Parade Gardens,
Kingston; this is chiefly in connexion with the cultivation of
ornamental plants. The same is true of the Kingston Street
Gardens, which have been taken over recently by the Depart-
ment. At the Hill Gardens, Cinchona, the routine attention
to the ornamental plants, lawns, walks, roads and buildings
has been maintained. Mention is made of virgen rubber
(Sapium sp.) and camphor, which are being cultivated here,
as well as of the fact that the residence was occupied during
part of the year by a Professor and a party of biological
students from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore.
Finally in regard to these matters, information is given
concerning the Bath Garden and Nursery, the Herbarium of
the Public Gardens and the King’s House Gardens and
Grounds; at the first of these the Assistant Instructor raised
and distributed 17,911 cacao plants.
In regard to agricultural experiments, it is of interest
that, with reference to sugar-cane, the most striking matter
has been the demonstration that more reliance will have to
be placed on the improved manufacture of sugar than on the
proceeds from rum. The decline in the rum industry has been
partly due to increases in the duty in the United Kingdom
and Germany and the predicted failure of an attempt artifi-
cially to force up the price of the product. A rapid extension
of the employment of seedling canes on estates is taking place,
and generally speaking, the greatest reliance is placed on
B.208, which is stated to have given 4 tons of sugar per acre
during the year, as compared with a yield of 3 tons from
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
347
White Transparent. The general adoption of this cane for
planting in Jamaica is not however advocated, on account of
its failure in certain cases; further experiments are required
to demonstrate its entire suitability. Jamaica seedling canes
are now receiving their first trials, and Nos. 70, 71 and 72
are apparently fulfilling the promise originally given by them.
An extension in the area of coffee-growing by peasants
is taking place, particularly in Manchester and St. Anns;
this is chiefly because of the rise in price of the ordinary
Jamaica grades and the steadiness of the market on account
of the Brazil valorization scheme. This crop is being increas-
ingly taken up by the small producer.
The work with bananas is chiefly concerned with the
extension of the cultivation under conditions of soil and cli-
mate that have been considered hitherto as adverse, and with
an investigation of the possibility of raising the fruit for the
spring crop, in places where there is a small rainfall from
December to April. Stringent measures are now being
enforced by the Government for the prevention of the intro-
duction of the Panama disease; these take the shape of the
prevention of the importation of banana suckers or infected
material from places where the disease is known to be present.
The citrus industry continues to be depressed, and in
regard to cacao the extension of the crop has been interfered
with by drought. There is a large demand for grafted plants
of Bombay mangoes, and the growing of this tree in suitable
positions is recommended by the Director. The attempts for
the establishment of a cassava industry, under American
direction, have failed. It is pointed out that there is appar-
ently an unlimited market for dried cassava in the United
States at £5 per ton—a price which, it is stated, would give
a satisfactory working profit to the grower in Jamaica.
The interest in rubber in Jamaica is increasing. With
respect to Para rubber, planters are advised to await the
results of the plantings made in 1905 and 1906 before
putting in this species to any large extent. Encouraging
results have been obtained in the tapping of Castilloa in
different parts of the island, and some of the yields have been
remarkably good. The question of the adoption of this
cultivation in Jamaica is considered at some length, and the
conclusion is reached that Castilloa can be grown with profit
in the island, under suitable conditions. With the assistance
of Professor Pittier, of the United States Department of Agri-
culture, it has been ascertained that the-original tree intro-
duced into Jamaica from Kew, and subsequent introductions
from British Honduras, are C’. guatemalensis. It is reported
that trees of C. elastica and of C. costaricana have been
discovered in the parish of St. Thomas.
An important position in the agricultural concerns of
the island is being rapidly attained by the cocoa-nut industry,
and for its protection the bud rot of cocoa-nuts has been
schedulel under the new Plant Diseases Law.
The succeeding part of the report presents many facts
of interest concerning agricultural education and the work of
the Veterinarian; space does not permit of detailed treatment
of these. The report of the Deputy Island Chemist shows
that 737 samples were examined at the Government Labor-
atory, as follows: ofticial 263, agricultural 59, general 201,
Sugar Experiment Station 214. That of the Government
Bacteriologist and Fermentation Chemist contains, among
other matters, an account of trials of rat virus and of the
veterinary pathological work done during the year. The
general report concludes with information as to the staff,
publications, and financial matters relating to the Department,
ww
48 THE
¢
AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
OctoBER 28, 1911.
It is reported from China that the soy bean crop in
several districts north of the Yangtse is expected to be
excellent, in spite of the extensive floods that have been
experienced over part of the area.
In regard to rubber production in French Indo-China, it
is stated that the total shipment of rubber and gutta per-
cha from Haiphong, during 1910, was 132-1 tons, as against
24-2 tons in 1909. This rubber is all obtained from
Ficus elastica.
It is reported by the United States Vice-Consul-General
in Abyssinia that the cultivation of cotton is fairly general
in that country, but that it is chiefly carried out on lands
3,000 to 4,000 feet above sea-level. No large areas of the
plant exist; the seed is sown in fields having a small acreage.
and after the first crop has been obtained the plants are cut
down and allowed to spring again for a second crop.
An estimate of the cotton crop of Eastern Bengal and
Assam for 1911-12, being the first forecast for the season, has
been received from the Director of Agriculture. The sowings
of cotton have been generally a little earlier than usual, and
the estimates for the area sown is 101,300 acres, as compared
with 99,000 acres, which was the revised estimate for the
previous year. The crop is in good condition generally,
although some damage has been done in two of the districts
by excessive rain.
A note in the Vextile Mercury for July 22, 1911, states
that sisal fibre is beginning to be exported from Portuguese
East Africa. A decorticating plant has been erected at
Quilimane, and 60 tons of fibre was shipped at the end of last
year. H.M. Acting Consular Agent for the Colony expects
that, during the year, the export of fine fibre will reach 200 or
300 tons. It is stated that an exceptionally heavy yield of
fibre, per plant, is being obtained, and that there are large
areas suitable for growing the crop.
In the Laperdment Station Record of the United States
Department of Agriculture for June 1911], p. 629, a short
abstract is given of a recent review of different’ theories
concerning the part played by latex in plants in which it is
found. Investigations are also described with a number of
plants which produce latex. By growing seedlings of such
plants in light and in darkness, and giving attention to the
fact that latex contains a number of food bodies, such as
sugars, starch, fats, and_proteid substances, the author con-
siders that latex possesses important functions in. regard
to the nutrition of plants containing it, and that it is not
to be considered as a waste product
Information has been received from the Secretary of
State for the Colonies to the effect that arrangements have
been made by His Majesty’s Stationery Office with Mr. T.
Fisher Unwin, of 1 Adelphi Terrace, London, W.C., under
which Mr, Unwin will act as sole wholesale agent for the
sale of British Official Publications outside the United King-
dom, with depéts at New York, Toronto, Melbourne, Welling-
ton, Cape Town, Calcutta, Tokio, and Leipzig, and with power
to open other depots subject to the approval of the Stationery
Office.
In the recent rains experienced in St. Vincent, the
ground provision crops of the peasantry in mountainous
places were badly damaged. Harm was also done to the cot-
ton cultivation on several estates, through the same cause.
Small pickings of early planted cotton were made in St. Vin-
cent during last month. The report of the Government
Veterinary Surgeon for September 1911 shows that the
deaths among stock were eighty-one, in three of which the
cause was not ascertained; there was no suspicion, however,
of the presence of anthrax.
It is stated in Diplomatic and Consular Reports, No.
4763 Annual Series, which deals with the foreign trade of
the Port of Santos, Brazil, for 1910, that the exports of coffee
in that year were 6,834,712 bags of 132 Ib., ascompared with
13,453,104 bags.in the previous year. As the export limit for
the crop was 10 million bags, excluding coffee from Minas,
estimated at some 500,000 bags, that is to say,a total of
about 10,500,000 bags, there was no need to place the pro-
duct quickly on the market, as had been the case in the
former year. By the end of the period under review the
price of coffee had risen 80 per cent. Interesting matters
concerning the production of coffee in Brazil are given in the
\eport.
According to the Jamaica Gazette for July 13, 1911,
four prizes, one of £2, one of £1 10s. and two of 15s,
each are offered for the best elementary school gardens
in each of the inspectors’ districts visited by them during
the calendar year 1911. In gauging the merits of
the gardens, consideration will be given chiefly to the
success of cultivation, to the usefulness of the garden for
the illustration of the instruction that is required by
the Elementary Science Code, the use that has been
made of the garden for this purpose, and the continuity of
the work during the year. Consideration will be given also
to any observations or reports made by the Instructor for
School Gardens or by the Agricultural Instructors.
The Report on the Progress of Agriculture in India for
1909-10 (to which reference has been made several times in
the Agricultural News) states that experiments conducted at
the Samalkota Experiment Station have shown, under the con-
ditions, that where castor cake has been applied as a manure,
the addition of superphosphate and potash, with or without
lime, is unremunerative. On the Bombay farms ammonium
sulphate has continued to give good results with sugar-cane,
and the Agriculttwal Department is now. definitely recom-
mending its use for that crop, having also distributed a good
deal of the manure to cultivators. Other experiments con-
ducted at Manjari have indicated the usefulness of a mixture:
of saftlower cake (from Carthamus tinctorius) and ammonium
sulphate, as a top dressing for sugar-cane; it has also been
shown that sunn hemp (Crotalarta juncea) is useful as
a green manure,
Vou. X. No, 248. THE
STUDENTS’ CORNER, -
NOVEMBER.
First PErRIop.
Seasonal Notes.
Green dressing crops are in full growth-at the present
time, and notes should have been made for the purpose of
obtaining records as to the time waich the plants take to
attain maturity. During the periol of growth, continuous
observations should be conducted in order to ascertain the
relative immunity of the different species to insect attack,
and their power of resistance to drought. In each district,
what kinds of green dressing plants are best suited to the con-
ditions that obtain; give examples of cases in which any of
them possess a special and particular use. State why green
dressing plants, when used as manure, shouldynever be buried
deeply. How is the depth at which such erops should be
covered related to the heaviness of the soil.. What are the
chief effects of the burying of green dressings in soil (1)
under favourable conditions, (2) under unfavourable condi-
tions? (See Agricultural News, Vol. VIII, pp. 225 and 241.)
Where onions are raised, note the length of time that
elapses between the time of sowing the seed and that of
transplanting seedlings, as well as that taken for the latter
to attain maturity. State which kind of onion is most par-
ticularly adapted to conditions in the West Indies, naming
its definite qualities. Why is it that every effort should be
made to produce the crop as early as possible? What kinds
of bulbs are most specially suited te the markets with which
you are acquainted? Give an account of your experience in
the drying and storge of onions, and state if you have obser-
ved any precautions in regard to these matters that largely
increase the chances of success, and decrease the likelihood
that the bulbs will be attacked by disease.
Where the cotton crop has attained sufficient develop-
ment, opportunities will have arisen, by now, for conducting
a careful examination of the plants in the field, and for the
removal of any ‘rogue’ plants that might be observed. It
might be well to allow one or two of these plants to remain
in certain parts of the field, the latter being carefully noted,
and at the end of the crop to examine the seeds and
lint of a few plants of good Sea Island cotton growing near
them, provided that both kinds have flowered together, in
order to ascertain if there are any signs of crossing between
the rogue plants and those of the good variety. A careful
watch must be kept for caterpillars, in order that the
presence of these may be detected as early as possible; for
it is well known that the cotton worm, like most insects,
is best controlled in the early stages of its existence, when
it has left the egg and is actively feeding. It 1s well to
understand, in connexion with this matter, that the use of
poisons is quite ineffective after pupation has taken place.
Notes should be made of the appearance of the cotton worm,
and of the cotton boll worm where it is possible for this to
be done, at each stage of the life-history, particularly that of
the adult moth; at the same time simple experiments should
be conducted for the purpose of ascertaining the length of
duration of the different periods in the life-history. Compare
the habits of such a pest as the cotton stainer with those of
the foregoing, with special attention to ‘the indication of
methods of control, and the existence of other food plants
upon which the pests are found. j ;
Give some account of the chief expenses involved in the
production of 50 acres of cotton, under conditions with which
you are familiar, and indicate how any by-products obtained
AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 349
from the crop may be employed towards the reduction of
such expenses.
Questions for Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS.
(1) Why do the edible seeds of .pod-bearing plants
possess a particular nutritive value? *e
(2); What are the chief differences between lime and
chalk, ‘and how would you distinguish between these com?
pounds ¢ 3
(3) Give an account of the purposes for which animals
are raised on estates.
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS,
(1) What is the chief importance of the seeds of legumi-
nous plants in relation to the nutrition of farm animals and
man!
(2) How would you make an experiment to demonstrate
the property possessed by lime of improving the texture of
clay soils?
(3) Diseuss the usefulness, for agricultural purposes, of
the offspring of a jack donkey and a mare (a mule), as com:
pared with that of a stallion horse and a jenny (a jennet).
FINAL QUESTIONS.
(1) Write an account of the value in commerce of any
two leguminous seeds,
(2) Give a description of the uses to which lime and
chalk may be placed, on an estate with which you are
familiar. :
(3) Supply statistics as to the cost of the upkeep of
any animal that is employed on estates, stating definitely for
what purposes it is kept.
CONTINUITY IN AGRICULTURAL
MATTERS.
Not only is contiguity required in dealing with agri-
culturists, but also continuity, and this is one of the weak
points in the present organization of the island [Ceylon |
from an agricultural point of view. Ifa given improvement
is to be introduced into certain districts, not only must it be
demonstrated near to the people, but it must be continuously
demonstrated. If it is demonstrated in one season to be
a success, and then taken away, the man who sees it will say
that it was removed because one was afraid (or certain) that
it would not succeed twice running. Successful results must
be shown for at least four or five seasons running before
people can be expected to imitate them, other than perhaps
one or two of the most intelligent agriculturists. For this
reason it is important to try doubtful experiments only in
Experiment Stations—and to some extent in school gardens
—and to demonstrate to the people, on the spot, only those
which are unquestioned successes. If, for example, there be
any doubt whether a new variety of some local crop be
a success, it can easily be tried all over the island by being
distributed to the school gardens, and then demonstrated to
the people in those districts where it succeeds.
In the same way, agricultural shows, as we have already
pointed out, should be continuous in any district where they
are started, or the good they do is merely evanescent. Where-
as, if they be continuous, some good may be expected to
follow after they have been held four or ,five times in the
same place. (From The Tropical Agriculturist, Vol. XXX VII,
je eltle))
350
FUNGUS NOTES.
WOUNDS IN PLANTS AND THEIR
TREATMENT.
PART II.
In the last number of the dgricultwral News some
account was given of wounds on plants. In the present
article, some kinds of accidental wounds will be discussed,
with their treatment, anda few points will be considered
which arise in connexion with the whole subject.
ACCIDENTAL WOUNDS. In temperate and cold climates,
several natural agencies, such as frost, hail and wind, are
responsible for wounds on trees, but in the tropics wind is the
only harmful factor in this class that is of any importance.
Very strong winds often break off large branches, or cause
splitting of the trunk at a fork where a large branch is given
off. Less serious winds damage young foliage and soft green
twigs, and give rise to the appearance known as die-back or
stag head. When a large limb is torn out of a tree by wind in
such a way that there is no danger of the torn surface hold-
ing water, the exposed wood should be smoothed down and
covered with one of the preparations described in Part I of
this article. If a hollow is left in which water will collect,
and there is no means of preventing this by cutting a drain-
ing channel, or by smoothing away the side of the hollow,
then the hole must be filled up with cement, and the surface
of the cement must be smoothed off at such an angle as will
enable water to run away.
Splits in the trunks of trees, which arise where two
large branches fork, may be closed up in the following
manner. An iron bolt should be driven through either branch
at some distance above the fork. A tarred wad may be pushed
through at the same time by the bolt to protect the tissues
exposed by the augur in drilling the hole for the bolts. The
ends of the bolts on the outer side of each branch should
carry a thread; on these a flat plate may be held in posi-
tion by means of a nut.° The inside ends of the bolts should be
connected by a strong chain. By screwing up the nuts the
two branches are foreed together and the split is closed. It
is advisable to apply a thick coat of tar to each of the exposed
surfaces before closing the split.
In the case of cacao or lime trees severely damaged by
wind, the question often arises whether it is advisable to
treat the damaged trees, or whether it is preferable to allow
them to be replacéd by a sucker or a new tree. This is
a question which each planter must settle for himself, under
the conditions with which he finds himself confronted.
Larger trees grown for ornamental purposes are often difficult
to replace and may be successfully treated in the manner
described above.
Abrasions are often caused by the rubbing of one branch
against another. In this case one of the branches should be
cut off and the damaged surface of the other should be treated
with some protective covering, as also should the cut end of
the branch removed. Young twigs killed by wind should be
removed by pruning.
Among the injuries inflicted by animals mention may be
made of those due to the gnawing of rats and agoutis.
Such wounds should be treated in a manner similar to that
employed for cankered areas.
Small sucking insects injure the surfaces of leaves
and green twigs and encourage the entrance of parasitic
organisms, but the remedy against them lies rather in the
destruction of the insects than in the treatment of the minute
punctures which they inflict.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
OctoBer 28, 1911.
Again, wounds may be caused by other plant organ-
isms, parasitic*fungi and bacteria. The treatment for these
involves pruning and excision, and has been considered
already in the previous part of this article.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. In dealing with the ques-
tion of wound treatment in general, it must be borne in mind
that the trees in a permanent cultivation represent capital,
and as such, are worthy of the exercise of all reasonable pre-
cautions for their protection. Careless workmen, particularly
rubber tappers, cacao pickers and men engaged in cutlassing
and forking, may well cause very serious diminution in that
capital. Every encouragement should, therefore, be given to
such workmen to attain proficiency in their work, while at
the same time very strict supervision should be exercised
over them, especially when they are engaged in tapping
rubber or picking cacao.
On large estates, much can be done to maintain the
general health of the trees, by training very carefully
a special gang of pruners, chosen for their neatness and’ care
as workmen. There is always enough work on a large estate
to employ fully at least one such gang of three or four men
throughout the whole year, and even if this class of work
should call for high wages, the money spent would be amply
repaid by the benefit to the trees; while it should be looked
upon only as a reasonable insurance against any heavy loss
of capital. The members of the gang should be trained not
merely to carry out the pruning operations necessary in all
permanent cultivations, but also to treat adequately all forms
of wounds to which trees are liable. The employment of
such a gang is very strongly advocated by Petch, in Ceylon,
and is actually adopted on some of the larger rubber estates
in the East, as wellas on certain cacao estates in Grenada,
One other point worthy of consideration is the extra-
ordinary amount of wilful damage inflicted on trees by
human beings, particularly in the West Indies. This is appa-
rently an evil which must be tolerated, since there does not
seem to be any remedy likely to have any immediate pre-
ventive effect upon it. Something may be done in course of
time by dint of carefully instilling the idea of the value of
plant life into children, and in this Arbor Day may play
a useful part, but this course must of necessity be slow
in its action. One form of damage to trees growing in
public places might, however, be prevented; namely that
caused by nailing advertisements upon them. This could he
checked by stringent legislation.
BUD ROT ‘OF THE COCOA-NUT PaLM
IN CUBA.
An interesting note on the extent of the damage inflicted
on cocoa-nuts in Cuba by the bud rot disease is given in the
Cuba Review for September 1911, p. 29. It appears that
Professor F. G. Harle has been appointed as one of the com-
missioners to investigate this disease and has submitted,
among other matters, the following information in a prelimin-
ary report (in the words of the Cuba Review): ‘The exports
of cocoa-nuts from Baracoa have dropped from 18,000,000 to:
6,000,000, that more than half of the trees are dead and that
many more are affected. The factory for making oil from
unshipped nuts that formerly operated day and night, now
operates only two days a week.
‘The disease has been virulent five years.
trees are found onall kinds of soils and all altitudes. Whole
plantations have been completely destroyed. It is a serious
calamity to the district, as cocoa-nut groves are the prime-
source of revenue,’
Affected
Vor, X. No. 248.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS.
DRUGS AND SPICES ON THE LONDON
MARKBET.
Mr. J. R. Jackson. A.LS., has forwarded the fol-
lowing report on the London drug and spice market,
for the month of October :—
With the continued unsettled state of the peace of
Europe, in the conflict that has arisen at the time of writing,
between Italy and Turkey, following so closely on the
Moroccan dispute, and the continued Industrial Strikes both
in England and on the Continent, it is not to be wondered
that the produce markets generally are in a state of dis-
organization; and when is added the effects of the long
drought of the past summer on vegetation, in causing
a serious diminution in all kinds of products both of foods
and drugs, it was to be expected that prices would in many
cases advance, which has been the case with many well-
known articles of food and medicine. Of West Indian
products the scarcity of lime juice has, perbaps, attracted
the greatest amount of attention, and a good supply put
upon the market at once, would meet with a ready sale at
good prices.
GINGER.
At the first spice auction on September 6, ginger was
represented by 100 bags only, of Japanese, which were sold
at 37s. for partly limed. On the 20th of the month, 793
packages of Cochin were brought forward, part of which
was sold, small limed fetching 70s., limed tips 55s. and
brown rough 40s. At the last auction on the 27th, 16
packages of Jamaica were offered and sold, medium, part
washed, fetching 53s. 6d. and ordinary 52s, per ewt.
Other kinds were bought in.
NUIMEGS, MACE AND PIMENTO,
At the first sale on the 6th, some 200 packages of
West Indian nutmegs were brought forward and sold
at: the followirg rates: 57’s 1s., 69’s 8d., 71’s to 74’s
6}d. to 7d. 82’s to 88's 5d. to 53d, 125’s to 143’s
43d. to 43d. A week later; the offerings of West
India amounted to 238 packages, most of which were
disposed of at slightly varying rates, 55’s fetching 1s. 3d,
59’s_ 1s. 64’s. to 67’s 63d. to 1ld.; 85’s to 89’s 53d.
to 53d.; 128’s to 132’s 43d. to 53d. Kighty-fonr pack-
ages of eastern nutmegs were also brought forward, 63’s
to 66’s fetching 2?d.; 76’s to 86’s 24d.; 102’s to 150’s 14d.
to 23d.; 44d. was paid for limed 95’s to 145’s. At the later
sales, namely on the 20th and 27th, respectively, the offerings
amounted to 43 packages of West Indian, 34 cases of
eastern, 23, packages of West Indian, and 41 packages
of eastern, all of which were sold at similar rates, Mace was
represented at the first spice auction by 60 packages, 2s. 1d.
to 2s. Sd. being paid for ordinary, and 1s. 10d. to 2s. for
broken. A week later, 59 packages of West Indian were
offered and sold at 2s, to 2s. 5d., and 28 packages of eastern
at 2s. 5d..to 2s. 6d., part wormy fetching 2s 2d. At the last
sale, mace was in very little demand, a few packages - only
being sold at slightly reduced rates, Little or no business
has been done in Pimento.
ARROWROOT.
Forvy barrels of St. Vincent arrowroot were offered at
auction on the 6th of the month, part of which was sold, 31d.
per tb. being paid for fine. A small quantity of Bermuda was
also offered and bought in at 1s. 7d. per th. A fortnight later,
15 barrels of St. Vincent were brought forward and disposed
of at the above mentioned rates. Seven kegs of Bermuda
were bought in at 1s. 6d. to 1s. Sd. per tb., while 50 cases of
good Natal found buyers at 9d. per b.
SARSAPARILLA.
At auction on the 6th of the month, the offerings were
grey Jamaica 2 bales, Lima-Jamaica 12 bales, and native
Jamaica 17 bales; the whole of the two former were sold, the
grey Jamaica fetching ls. 7d. per tb. for fair, and the Lima-
Jamaica from 11d. to 1s. for part rough, and Is. 1d. for fair.
Only 13 bales of the native Jamaica found buyers, part fetch-
ing ls. ld for good red, 10d. for fair, and 8d. to 83d. for dull
red mixed; the other part, composed of 5 bales, was sold at
10d. for dull red and yellow mixed, and 74d. for common grey
mixed. At the second drug auction on the 21st, the offerings
were: grey Jamaica 6 bales, Lima-Jamaica 4 bales, and native
Jamaica 13 bales. The whole of the grey Jamaica was sold, fair
fetching 1s 8d. per lb. and ordinary dark ls. 7d. The 4 bales
of Lima-Jamaica found buyers at 1s. ld. per tb.—a slight
advance on previous prices. Only 4 bales out of the 13 of
native Jamaica offered were disposed of; two of them were of
dull yellow, and realized 73d. per tb.; the other two were of
fair red, slightly mixed, for which 10d. per tb. was paid.
LIME JUICE, TAMARINDS AND KOLA,
The scarcity of lime juice has been commented upon in
our introductory note. In the week ending September 16,
it was reported that for fair pale raw West Indian, 2s. 3d. to
2s. Id. per gallon was quoted, but that it had been purchased
as lowas 2s. At the end of the month, a few puncheons of
good pale raw were stated to have been sold at Is. 1ld. per
gallon. In the middle of the menth Barbados tamarinds
were quoted at 15s. per ewt., and darkish Antigua at 11s.
Towards the end of the month, Kola was represented by
a good supply of variable quality. Fresh, but mouldy
Jamaica realized only Id. per lb, while for fair, but part
mouldy, 3d. per tb. was paid. For sound dried halves 3d.
was refused, a quantity of wormy and mouldy West African
was offered at 23d. per tb. but out of a total of 100 pack-
ages, 3 only were disposed of.
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
The Secretary of State for the Colonies has approv-
ed of the appointment of Mr. Harold Waterland as
Assistant Master at the Dominica Grammar School.
The work of Mr, Waterland, who has already entered
upon his duties, is that of Agricultural and Science
Master at the School.
The Report on the 1911 Census of Grenada, which has
just been issued, shows that the population of the Colony, on
April 2 last, was 66,750 as compared with 63,458 in 1901.
The reason for the small increase is given as the very large
exodus of the labouring class to the Panama Canal Zone, in
recent years.
London.—Tue West Inpia
i
MARKET REPORTS.
ComMMITTEE CIRCULAR,
October 10, 1911; Messrs. E. A. DE Pass & Co.,
September 29, 1911.
ARROWROOT—38d. to 43d.
Batata—Sheet, 3/5; block, 2/5 to 2/6 per fb.
Berswax—&7 7s. 6d. per cwt.
Cacao—Trinidad, 58/- to 65/- per cwt.; Grenada, 53/-
to 60,6; Jamaica, 53/- to 59/-.
CorrerE—Jamaica, 66/- to 96/- per ewt.
Uopra—West Indian, £28 10s. per ton.
Corton—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 15d. to 22d.
Fruit—No quotations.
Foustic—No quotations.
Gincer—48/- to 63/- per ewt.
IsrncLass—No quotations.
Honry—28/- to 32/6 per bri.
Ling Juice—LRaw, 2/-; concentrated, £18 5s. to’ £19 2s. 6d.;
Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/3 to 5/5,
Loe woov—No quotations.
Mace—2/1 to 2/3.
Nurmecs—6jd. to 8d.
PinstENTO—Common, 2}d.; fair, 2,5,d.; good, 23d.; per tb.
Rugser—Para, fine hard, 4/7; fine soft, 4/54; Castilloa,
3/11 per tb,
Rum—Jamaica, 1/7 to 5/-.
Sucar—Crystals, 19/- to 22/-; Muscovado, 15/- to 17/-;
Syrup, 15/3 to 18/- per cwt.; Molasses, no quotatioas.
New York,—WMessrs. Gritesprzr Bros. & Co., October
6, 1911,
Cacao—Caracas, 12%c. to 13c.; Grenada, 13}c. to 13%c.;
Trinidad, 12{c. to 13c. per tb.; Jamaica, 114c. to 12c.
Cocoa-Nuts—Jamaica, select, $35°00 to $36°00; culls,
$21-00 to $2200; Trinidad, select, $35°00 to $36-00;
culls, $21-00 to $22°00 per M.
CorreE—Jamaica, 144c. to 16c. per fb.
Gincen— 8 je. to 11jc. per Ib.
Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 53c.; Antigua and Barbados, 48c.
to 50c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 46c. to 48c.
per lb.
Grare-Fruit—Jamaica, $3°75 to $550.
Linres— $5°00. to $6°00.
Mace—45c. to 52c. per ib.
Noutmecs—110’s, 11ée.
OrancEes—Jamaica, $3°50 to $5 00 per box.
Pimento—43c. per th.
Svucarn—Centrifugals, 96°, 5°964c. per tb.; Muscovados,
89°, 5:463c. ; Molasses, 89°, 5:21c. per tb., all
duty paid
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., October 16,
OTH:
Cacao—Venezuelan, $12°83 to $13°60 per fanega; Trinidad,
$12°50 to $13°00.
Cocoa-Nnut O11.—$1'08 per Imperial gallon.
CorrerE—Venezuelan, l6c. per th.
Corpra—$4°90 per 100 th.
DxHatr—$3'90.
Onrtons—$2'L0 to $2°25 per 100 th.
Peas, Sprir—$5'80 to $5'90 per bag.
Potators—English, $1°80 to $2:00 per 100 th.
Rice—Yellow, $5:00; White, $5°60 to $5°65 per bag.
Svoar— American crushed, no quotations,
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS.
Ocroper 28;°1911.
Barbados,—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., October 21,
1911; Messrs. T.S. Garraway & Co., October 23,
1911; Messrs. Leacock & Co., October 13, 1911;
‘Messrs. E. TuHorne, Limited, October 11, 1911.
Cacao—$10°50 to $12°00 per 100 tb.
Corron SrED—$26'00 per ton; meal, $1°50 per 100 fb.;
24 per cent. discount.
Corton Seep O1t (refined)—60c. per gallon.
Corton Sep Orn (for export)—54c. per gallon (in bond).
Hay—$1°50 per 100 th.
Manvures—Nitrate of soda, $69°00 to $63-00;
Cacao
manure, $42°00 to $48°00; Sulphate of ammonia,
$75:00 to $76:00 per ton.
Motasses—No quotations.
Oxtoxs—$1°80 to $300 per 100 tb
Peas, SpLit—$d‘75 to $5°85 per bag of 210 tb.; Canada,
$2°75 to $4°10 per bag of 120 th.
Potators—Nova Scotia, $2°50 to $3-25 per 160 tb.
Rice—Ballam, $5°10 to $5°60 per 190 tt.; Patna, no
quotations; Rangoon, no quotations.
Sucar—American granulated, $6°00 per 100 tb.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wretinc & Ricurer, October
14, 1911; Messrs. Sanppacn, Parker & Co,,
August 18, 1911.
ARTICLES.
ArrowrooT—St. Vincent
Batata— Venezuela blocs
Demerara sheet
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STARCH—
Cocoa-NUTS—
CorrrE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
Duat—
Green Dhal
Epvors—
Motasses— Yellow
Oxtons—''enerifle
Madeira
Peas—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Potrators—Nova Scotia
Lisbon
Potators-Sweet, B’bados
Rice—Ballam
Creole
TANNIAS—
Yams—White
Buck
Sucar—Dark crystals
Yellow *
White
Molasses
Timber —Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
», Cordwood
Messrs. WIETING
& Ricwrer.
$10°50 per 200 ft.
No quotation
70c. per tb.
lle. per Ib.
60c.
$6-00
$12 to $16 per M
16c. per tb.
18c. per ib.
105c. per th.
$360 per bag of
168 ib.
$3°50
b4e
None
dic. to de.
$5°75 per bag
(210 tb.)
$375
10c. to 20c.
$2°50 to $2-75
lic. per th.
88c. per bag
No quotation
$460 to $4°75
$1-US
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$2°40
$3-90
$4°00 to $4-50
$350
32c. to ddc. per
cub. foot
$3°75 to $6-00
per M.
$1°80 to $2:00
per ton
Messrs. Sanp-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$10°50 per 200 tb.
Prohibited
70c.
llc. per fb.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
selected
19c. per te.
19¢c.per th.
1zc. per tb.
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168 tb,
4c. to 5e.
dke.
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(210 Ib.)
No quotation
$350
No quotation
$5:00 to $5°60
$360
$3°75 to $400
$4°25
None
32c. to 55c. per
cub. foot
| $4:00 to $6°00
per M.
No quotation,
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
——
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
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The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’. A Fortnightly Review.
The ‘Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and
other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony, and the progress made in
Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies,
The ‘Agricultural News’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the
local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is
2s. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII complete, with title page and index, as issued
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longer be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents All
applications for copies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department.
Agents.
The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department :—
London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. St. Vincent: Mr. L. S. Mosetey, Agricultural School,
Barbados : Messrs. Bowren & Sons, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. M. A. LAwrencE, Botanic Station.
Jamaica: THe EpucationaL Suppty Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. Brmpcewarer, Roseau,
Street, Kingston. Montserrat : Mr. W. Rosson, Botanic Station.
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Tobago: Mr. C. L. Puacemann, Scarborough. J'emis : Messrs. Howett, Bros., Charlestown
Grenada: ‘THE Stores’ (Grenada) Limited, St. George.
Vor. X. No. 248. THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. QOcroprr 26, 1911.
THE BEST MANURES. FOR COLONIAL USE
ane Weel) = ood Se
Oblendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—For Sugarcane and general use
Ohlendorff’s
Ohlendorif’s Special Cocoa Manure
Ohlendorif’s Special Cotton Manure
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, high grades,
wa
pecial Sugar-cane Manure
Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers.
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR DIRECT TO:—
THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFE'S) GUANO WORKS.
London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C.
Barbados Agents : James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
UOITON SBED MEAL | 9 gusr issvep.
COLTON SEED MEAL. yew anD RE-ENLARGED
FOR MANURIAL PURPOSES. EDITION OF
SPECIAL QUOTATIONS FOR LARGE
QUANTITIES, NATURE TEACHING,
THE BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON =
FACTORY, LIMITED, To be obtained from all agents for the sale of the Department's
BRIDGETOWN. Publications. Price 2s., post free, 2s, 34d.
FOR SALE.
PRIME SUMMER YELLOW COTTON
SEKD OLL.
SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENT. | In casks or 5-gallon tins (in Bond).
COTTON@SBEKD CAKK MEAL.
ERNEST THORNE, LTD
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Barbados, W.I,
Telegn iphie address,
(267) ‘Thorun.’
Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter 4, High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados
Vol. X. No. 249.] SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1911.
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THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
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HAVERMOO OUR
IF NOT, WRITE FOR IT TO-DAY.
NO CACAO]
PLANTER CAN AFFORD TO BE WITHOUT IT. |
©ON@imiwaESs
Introduction, Soil,
Varieties, Climate,
Propagation:— Shade,
Selection. Preparing the Land.
Stock for Inarching Planting,
and Budding Cultivation.
Inarching Fertilization or Manuring.
Budding, Pruning and Sanitation |
TWELVE (12) PULL: PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS.
NEW BOOK ON CACAO?
Wi SEND IT FREE OF COST.
GERMAN KALI WORKS,
P.0. Box 1,007, Empedrado 30,
Havana, Cuba.
NOV 25 1911
Vor. X. No. 249.
PAGE,
Agriculture in Great Brit-
Ennai IGA 65s) Geo. aco
Agriculture in the Ba-
hamas, 1910-11... :
Agriculture in the East
Africa Protectorate ... 36
Avocado Tear in the
A FOR@NIGHTLY REVIEW
OF THE
IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST
BARBADOS, NOVEMBER 11, 1911.
INDIES.
Price ld,
Gleanings ....eeemmect nas
Green Manuves, Value of
| Hevea Seeds in Grenada,
| Germination of ...
Insect Notes :—
Pest Laws in Porto Rico
| Ditferent Crops as ... 3
PAGE.
United States ... 356! Seme Insect Injuries to
Book Shelf... ... ... ... 355} Ground Nuts poo ey
Care with Il’oisonous Sub- International Agricultural
stances Used in Cotton Congress at Madrid... 349
Growing ... .. ... 361| Market Reports ... ... 368
Chick Pea in St. Lucia, | Notes and Comments 360
Trial with ... ... 357 | Queensland Timber Indus-
Cocoa-nut Growing in the | try re KOO
Virgin Islands, Pros- ! Rubber from Castilloa,
pects of 356 New Method of Ob-
Concrete
in Warm Cli-
mates, Special Uses for 3%
taining
/ Rubber in the Hondaras
Cotton Notes :— Republic 361
The British Cotton Students’ Corner 365
Growing Association 358 | Sugar Industry :—
West Indian Cotton 358} Sugar as « Catch Crop
Department News ... 354 | with Rubber w.. oot
Fungus Notes :—
Observations on Root
Diseases in the West
Indies, Part I
.. 866
| Tephrosia !’urpuvea, Glu-
coside from dod
West Indian Agricultural
Conference, 1912
Special Uses for Concrete in
Warm Climates.
( HIS subject received attention in an article
on page 323 of the last volume of the Ayri-
cultural News, where a description was given
of interesting work that had been done in Antigua in
the making of concrete posts for use on estates. Further
information regarding the matter is presented in
a useful illustrated article in the Journal d’ Agriculture
Tropicale for September of this year.
It is pointed out in this article, firstly, that the
employment of concrete, either reinforced or not, has
only been in existence—and that not to any great
extent—for abont fifteen years, notwithstanding the fact
that the properties of concrete render its use possible in
many different ways, among these being for the making
of piles, water channels, substitutes for carpenters’ work,
bridges, or even of entire buildings.
The apparatus employed for the purpose is very
similar to machines that are used in moulding ordinary
bricks, and it isarranged so that by the simple changing
of the moulds and arrangements for pugging, blocks
in many various shapes can be obtained, which may be
used in exactly the same way as cut stones. Concrete
thus employed is undoubtedly a valuable resource in
regions where there are no suitable stones and no
argillaceous material that might be used for making
bricks. his is especialiy true in view of the fact that
at the present time cement, for making concrete, is
exported to all parts of the world, and that, with proper
Ditticulties of
transport, too, are small, because cement is usually
packed in bags of such a size that they can be carried
on the backs of porters, or even by animals capable of
supporting only small weights. In regard to the other
mode of packing, namely in barrels, this is also conve-
care, it reaches these in good condition.
nient, as the barrels may, within reasonable limits, be
rolled to their destination.
The fact that the employment of suitable appara-
tus has enabled the number of ways in which concrete
may be used to be increased to a very large extent
is of the greatest importance to agriculturists in hot
LIBRA
NRW yY.
BUTANI
GCA DE
354
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. NoveMBER 11, 1911.
climates and in new countries. This importance has
been increased by the appearance on the market of
moulds which admit of the making of constructive
materials by simple pugging, alone. The article which
is being reviewed gives illustrations showing concrete
employed for making pillars on which dwelling-houses
and other buildings are raised above the ground; for
making fence posts; and as well, for forming braces to
add to the strength of these. ‘Ihe illustrations to which
reference is made have been supplied by W. Janke,
Speersort, 17, Hamburg, Germany—a firm from which
moulds may be obtained for making straight posts,
squared or mortised, to take the place of carpenters’
work. For the posts, the material used contains one
part of cement mixed with three parts of sand or of fine
gravel; from this a pug is made in suitable moulds.
For constructions that are long in proportion to their
width, it is recommended that, for reinforcement, round
rods of iron should be buried in the mixture, to the
number of three or four, for posts of medium diameter,
and of a size which depends upon the purpose for which
the posts are being made. It is stated that the price of
the moulds is not high, and that they may be obtained
in sizes and shapes to suit many purposes.
It is pointcd out, further, that by the employment
of the process described, constructive materials for seve-
ral purposes may be obtained practically at the price
on the spot of the cement and of the sand or gravel;
and of the iron as well, where this is used for reinforce-
ment. When it is considered that the constructions
obtained in this way cannot decay, are unattected
either by changes in temperature, or insects such as
ants, and that they require no keeping in repair, it is
recognized that it is advantageous for them to be em-
ployed in hot countries, wherever it is possible for this
to be done. Reference is made, in illustration, to the
expense that is entailed in enclosing cocoa-nut planta-
tions in the
concrete
ordinary way: here, the employment of
for making posts is rendered all the more
easy because of the usual proximity of the sea-coast,
and the consequent supply of sand near such planta-
A further matter is that posts used in this way
can be provided with special supports for attaching
iron wires or obstacles to climbing.
tions.
In the West Indies, concrete has been mainly
employed in the way indicated for making the pillars
used to raise buildings above the ground, and for
fences; as is stated above, the latter use is described in
the article in the Agricultural News that has been
mentioned already. Enough has been said to make it
evident that these are not the only ways in which
special, additional uses may be found for concrete, in
the tropics. The subject is worthy of the attention of
agriculturists, and its study in a practical manner
should lead to a large increase in the number of ways
in which concrete can be made useful on estates.
SUGAR AS A CATCH CROP
WITH RUBBER.
Information concerning this subject appears in the Jndia-
Rubber Journal for September 23, 1911, and it is from the
article given that the following abstract has been made.
gava. Although Dutch planters have always favoured
the employment of catch crops, particularly with such
products as coffee and indigo, it is rare to find sugar employ-
ed in the same way under rubber, for the former is considered
to be of sufticient value to occupy the ground alone. There
are, however, a few estates in the island where the sugar-
cane is nsed as a catch crop, but this area is small as com-
pared with that in which coffee is employed in the same way.
MALAYA. Ina general way, catch crops are not favour-
ed in Malaya as much as is the case in Java; in the Federa-
ted Malay States in 1909 and 1910, the area, of rnbber with
catch crops was, respectively, only 10 percent. and 6 per cent.
of the total planted in rubber. During the former year the
total area under sugar, both as a catch crop and alone, was
7,128 acres, and in 1910 this became 3,759 acres, the whole
of the decrease being due to the fact that sugar ceased to be
grown under rubber on several estates. The decrease in the
area in sugar-cane asa catch crop was accompanied by an
increase in that of coffee, employed in a similar manner. The
reasons for abandoning the sugar cultivation have not been
connected with prices for sugar, but have had relation to the
stage of growth reached by the Hevea trees.
‘The areas in which catch crops are used under rubber,
in the Straits Settlements, are decreasing, that in 1910 being
16 per cent. of the rubber area, as against 28 per cent. in
1909. Among the reasons that are given for abandoning the
cultivation of sugar-cane in this way are the circumstance
of the wearing out of machinery for sugar manufacture,
the increased size of the Hevea trees, uncertain prices for
sugar, and labour difficulties. Notwithstanding the decrease
of this nature, the total area of sugar-cane, both with and
without rubber, has increased from 3,658 acres in 1909 to
5,315 acres in 1910.
In Malaya, the distance for planting Hevea trees, when
catch crops of sugar-cane are te be raised between them, ‘is
generally 13 x 15 feet, in order to permit sufficient light to
reach the cane. ‘The latter, under the conditions, is planted
in rows about 6 feet apart, the plants being 1 foot to 15 inches
in the rows. Similar distances are employed when the prin-
cipal crop is cocoa-nuts. With either rubber or cocoa-nuts,
the canes can be raised for about three years.
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture lett
Barbados by the R.M.S. ‘Oruba’, on November 6, for
Trinidad, for the purpose of conterring with His
Excellency the Governor with regard to the prelimi-
nary arrangements for holding the forthcoming Agri-
cultural Conference in that Colony. Dr. Watts is
expected to return to Barbados by the R.M.S. ‘Thames’,
on the 15th instant.
BOOK SHELF.
A MANUAL OF PHILIPPINE SILK CULTURE.
By Charles $8. Banks. Jsswed by the Bureau of Science,
Manila.
This work commences by stating that the first attempt
on the part of the Bureau of Science, Manila, to import and
propagate mulberry silkworms in the Philippine Islands was
made six years ago, and that the intention of the manual
which is the subject of this review is to collect all data
accumulated up to the present, for the purpose of assisting
in the production of silk on a commercial scale. The
value of the work is increased by the fact that many sources
of information have been consulted in order to make use of
the experience of other writers who have laboured under con-
ditions similar to those in the Philippines. At the com-
mencement it is pointed out that cleanliness, a regard for
detail, and perseverance are the main matters required in
rearing silkworms. An interesting section follows, dealing
with the history of attempts to introduce silk production
into the Philippines.
A detailed description is afforded of the Japanese race
of the mulberry silkworm (Bombyx 7077), as well as of the
Bengal-Ceylon race, the latter of which has afforded the best
results in the Philippines. In regard to the life-history of
the silkworm, the most important feature of this is its
connexion with the feeding of the worm at the different
stages. When it leaves the egg, the larva measures ;\,-inch
in Jength: at first it remains quiescent for three to four
hours. When it begins to show activity, it should have its
first food, in the shape of the tenderest young green leaves
from the tips of the mulberry shoots, the leaves being
placed over the young larvae so as to be within reach.
When the leaves wilt, they are replaced by others laid whole
upon them: the larvae will usually reach these without
any assistance. The first stage lasts three or four days;
after this, the first moult takes place, and when this is com-
pleted the young silkworms are transferred to regular feed-
ing trays. For the youngest silkworms, the bottom of these
is usually formed of a vegetable fibre made into a coarse
mesh; for half-grown and full-grown silkworms, wire netting
of 4-inch and }-inch mesh is usually employed. For feeding
the worms in the second stage young leaves cut crosswise
into strips about +-inch wide are placed in the trays standing
over the silkworms; the latter quickly climb up through the
meshes and commence to feed. It is pointed out that mul-
berry silkworms should always be fed in this way, as it is
cleanly, all refuse is left behind, it entails no necessity for
handling the insect, and it enables the attendants to discover
quickly and remove any silkworms which appear to be weak
and cannot climb up through the meshes, and are there-
fore probably diseased. During the second stage, which
lasts for three or four days, the worms are fed regularly
every three hours, from six o’clock in the morning until nine
o'clock at night. At the period of the second moult the
length of the silkworm is about j-inch. At this stage care
must be taken to prevent overcrowding, as this is a most
fruitful source of disease. At the time of every moult the
worms cease to feed, and food should not be supplied until
after moulling is completed.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
355
At the third stage, the larva measures 1 inch in length,
and the period is from three to four days; during this
time the worms may be fed on whole leaf. In four to
five days the third moult takes place, followed by the
fourth moult, which leads to the fifth and last stage. In the
fourth stage the worms may safely be fed with fully-matured
ieaf, which has been carefully washed. Before pupating, the
silkworms measure about 2? to 31 inches. To reach this
stage they require 30,000 times their weight of food, of
which two-thirds is consumed and the rest wasted. A table
is given which shows that the larvae from 30 grams of eggs,
which usually number 35,000 to 40,000 require 1,900 to
2,300 tb. of leaves, When the insect is about to spin, it
ceases to eat, and begins to move its head about as if search-
ing for something; it is then provided with a spinning place.
The portion of the work to which attention has just been
given in some detail is succeeded by a table giving particulars
of the life-history of silkworms raised by the Department. It
is succeeded by an account of the Eri or castor silkworm*
(Attacus ricinz). In the larval stage, this insect is fed on
the leaves of the castor-oil plant (Ricinus communis), and its
life-cycle in the Philippines corresponds very closely with that
of the silkworm which has just been described. For feeding
this worm, the leaves do not require to be cnt up, and trays
of the kind used for the ordinary silkworm may be employed.
The worm is allowed to spin on finely shredded, dry banana
leaves, or on dried leaves of Jmperata exaltata or Saccharum
imdicum, arranged in a wide basket having a depth of 6 inches,
One of the advantages of the cocoon of this insect is that the
moth can leave it without injuring the silk; the latter cannot,
however, be reeled as in the case of the mulberry silk cocoon,
but must be spun by means of a special apparatus.
The interest of the information given in the manual
would tend to cause the reviewer to treat all parts of it in
the detailed manner that has just been employed. Space
does not, however, permit of this, and it must suffice to give
short attention to the main matters that are considered further
in the book. A short section dealing with wild silkworms is
followed by a very useful summary of the chief matters con-
nected with the enemies and diseases of silkworms, and it is
stated that little fearneed be entertained of outbreaks of disease
in the Philippines, as long as all eggs are inspected at the ento-
mological laboratory of the Bureau of Science, and growers are
careful not to keep dirty, crowded, or ill-ventilated silk houses.
As a measure against the introduction of diseases from other
countries, an Act was passed, in 1907, to prohibit the importa-
tion into the Philippine Islands, except by the Bureau of
Science, of silkworms, their eggs, or cocoons, or of the moth,
Sueceeding matters deal most usefuily with the silk house,
the mulberry tree (J/orus alba), the production and shipping
of eggs, and the elaboration of silk, and the manual con-
cludes with an appendix, an adequate index, and with
a series of very good plates, the value of which would,
however, have been enhanced, if they had been accompanied
by a short description of each, in addition to the ordinary
references that are made in the text.
A sufficient use has been made of part of the informa-
tion given in the manual to demonstrate the interest and
usefulness of the subjects with which it deals. This has
been made plain, further, by the information given as to the
nature of its contents; and it remains to be said that, in
view of the efficient way in which it treats of its subject,
it should be available for consultation wherever an active
interest is being taken taken in the production of natural silk,
*A good account of the Eri silkworm is also given in the
Agricultural Journal of India, Vol. TV, p. 125, ;
356
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
NovemMBer 11, 1911.
PRUITS AND FRUIT GimBeEs.
THE PROSPECTS OF COCOA-NUT
GROWING IN THE VIRGIN
ISLANDS.
In reply toa request from the Commissioner of Agri-
culture, a report has been furnished by Mr. W. C. Fishlock,
Agricultural Instructor, on the prospects of cocoa-nut growing
in the Virgin Islands.
tis stated by Mr. Vishlock, first of all, that he is con-
vinced that there are many places in the Virgin Islands where
cocoa-nuts could be planted to a moderate extent, with a fair
prospect of success. In support of this opinion, attention is
drawn to the clusters of cocoa-nut palms that are found
growing in many parts of the islands. The trees in these
clusters are generally fairly healthy and free from scale insects,
although the latter pest attacks the palms to some extent,
in the Virgin Islands. At present the trees are usually
neglected, and often badly treated, as the leaves are frequently
cut off and employed for the purpose of thatching huts. Under
such conditions, it cannot be expected that even reasonable
crops of nuts will be obtained.
As far as the market for cocoa-nuts is concerned, it
is concluded that all the nuts available at present in the
islands find sale for cash, at prices higher than
those obtainable if they were exported.
It is considered that it would be a matter of difficulty
to induce small holders to plant cocoa-nuts on any reasonable
scale. Mr. Fishlock is, however, keeping the matter before
the peasantry. He givesa quotation from a paper read recently
by him at a peasant meeting. In this he pointed out that the
existence of sandy bays, which are not used by their owners
for growing any plants, at present, affords good opportunities
for taking up cocea-nut cultivation. The estimate is made
that every cocoa-nut tree in full bearing is worth at least 4s.
per year to the peasant. In conclusion, after details have
been given as to the cultivation and protection required by
the palm, particularly when it is young, attention is drawn
to the large market that exists for the nuts in connexion with
the production of oil.
In a larger way, the conclusion is reached in the report
that, as has been stated, it would be diflicult to induce the
peasantry in the Virgin Islands to take up cocoa-nut growing
on any large scale, and that in the circumstances, the best
method of extending the production is for plantations to be
established by those in possession of capital, or by those who
are capable of realizing the possibilities of adopting the
cultivation on a large scale.
a ready
THE AVOCADO PHAR IN THE
UNITED STATES.
Among other matters, the fact that this fruit is in
season at the present time renders appropriate some refer-
ence to it in the Agricultwral News. In making this,
it may be pointed out that articles dealing with
the avocado pear, or references to it, have appeared
recently in this Journal, in Vol. IX, pp. 116 and 213
and " Vol. xX. p: 180. In the first of these, Stiaae
tion was given to the propagation of the plant and the
best kinds of fruit: the second treated of methods of exporta-
tion; and the third dealt with the avocado in Colifornia, and
presented information in regard to its cultivation. ‘The par-
ticulars in the present article are taken from the Pomona
College Journal of Economic Botany, Vol. I, No. 3 (Septem-
ber 1911). They have special relation to the avocado pear
in Florida and California, und to the characteristics that should
be shown by the fruit, for commercial purposes.
ty! In the article of which this forms an abstract, attention
is first drawn to the rapidly increasing interest in the avocado
pear that exists in those parts of the United States where it
is grown, as well as to the increasing demand in those por-
tions of the country where it cannot be produced, and where
a taste for the fruit has arisen. It then proceeds to give par-
ticulars of avocado-growing in Florida and California, and to
deal with other matters that will be mentioned later,
FLORIDA. Greater progress has been made in this State
than in California, chiefly on account of the proximity of
Cuba, where the fruit is commonly grown. The chief variety
raised is the Trapp avocado. As regards the demand, this
can only be supplied, so far, in the last half of August and
the first half of September, so that work is being done in the
growing and propagation of earlier and later varieties,
A report from oné of the firms that are interested in avocados
states that the fruits are packed according to size; sometimes
with only eighteen fruits in each case, but usually with thirty-
six, forty-five or forty-eight. In this instance, the fruit was
sent to all the eastern markets in the United States and to
Chicago and Cincinnati. In the experience of this firm, bud-
ding has been found to be the best method of propagation; and
of the buds put in, ninety-five per cent. are usually successful,
Budded trees begin to bear in the second or third year from
budding, and yield heavily in the fourth year; they show
a tendency to be dwarfed. Another firm reports that the
variety next in importance to the Trapp is the Pollock.
Vou. X. No. 249.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
357
CALIFORNIA. It has been found impossible to obtain
budded plants in sufficient quantity tor planting in orchards
in Southern California, so that, here, there are almost no
plantations of budded trees. The United States Department
of Agriculture has, however, become interested in the develop-
ment of the industry in Southern California, and has recently
supplied a large number of budded plants for trial. These
are all of the standard Florida varieties: Trapp, Pollock,
Mitchell, Baldwin, Family, Wester, Blackman and Peacock;
one variety from the Bahamas called Largo; and unnamed
varieties from Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, California, the
Canary Islands, Fiorida and Hawaii. This importation should
form a useful means of selecting choice varieties of the avocado
suited to California.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COMMERCIAL Avocapo. As
regards season, in the United States, the greatest demand
occurs during the winter months, when other fruits are scarce.
In Florida, any kinds other than winter-bearing varieties of
the avocado are rarely planted, because in summer, it is stated,
many small avocados are imported to the east coast of the
United States from the West Indies. In California it is now
recognized that the hardiest varieties will prove the most
successful, on account of the fact that, except in Soutbern
California, comparatively low temperatures are experienced
during certain parts of the year.
In the matter of yield, mature trees of the large varieties
are often known to produce 500 to 1,000 fruits in each season;
the small purple varieties are sometimes extraordinarily pro-
lific, some trees having been known to bear as many as 4,000
fruits in one season. With respect to the size of the fruit,
the mistaken opinion is often held that this should be as large
as possible; under conditions in the United States, a fruit
weighing from 15 to 20 oz. would appear to be the most
suitable.
For export, it is best for the form of the fruits to be
oval or nearly spherical; those possessing a neck require
much care in packing, and are best suited for local consump-
tion. Uniformity should exist, not only in regard to form
but with respect to size, particularly as this increases the
attractiveness of the fruit when it is exposed for sale. As
regards colour, the purple varieties have been most in favour
in California; in Florida those having a dark crimson colour
seem to be preferred
In the case of avocados for shipment, the thickness and
toughness of the skin are matters of importance. Many of
the Mexican varieties possess a thick skin, while in others it
is very thin; thickness is particularly a feature in the skins
of Guatemalan types. In the matter of flavour, it seems
that this is dependent on the percentage of fat in the flesh
of the fruit. Lastly, the seed in avocados for export should
fit tightly in its cavity, in order to prevent it from being
shaken against the flesh and thus hastening the deterioration
of the fruit; the seed should also be small, and it is hoped
that in time the availability of a seedless variety will render
the successful transportation of the fruit feasible over much
longer distances than are possible at present.
———
Attention has been drawn in this volume of the Agricul-
tural News, pp. 92 and 140, to the issue of six leaflets, by the
Permanent Exhibitions Committee of British Guiana, dealing
with the chief industries of the Colony. Another booklet in
the same series has just been received; this deals with the
gold and diamond industries, having been prepared by the
Commissioner of Lands and Mines and issued, as in the case
of the others, by the Permanent Exhibitions Committee.
——
A TRIAL WITH THE CHICK PEA
IN SE. GUCIA:
The following account of an experiment made with
the chick pea (Cicer arietinum--the Gram of Bengal)
by the Assistant Agricultural Superintendent, St. Lucia,
has been received from the Agricultural Superinten-
dent in that island:—
Seeds of this plant were recently obtained from Ceylon
by the Commissioner of Agriculture, and forwarded for trial
to test its suitability as a green dressing crop in St. Lucia.
Owing to the small quantity of seeds received they were
sown without delay to prevent the possibility of their losing
vitality or being damaged by weevils.
Small holes were made 2 feet apart, and two seeds
were sown in each hole. The seeds germinated well, but the
plants grew very weakly. Flowering began eight weeks
after sowing, the plants having at this time reached their
natural height of about 1 foot.
The development of the root system was good; it was
much branched and bearing numerous nodules, which must
have had a good nitrating influence on the soil.
The plants did not however produce good foliage, as
they made but little lateral growth, and at no period
did they cover the soil. This was somewhat disappoint-
ing, as in India, Cicer arietinum is recorded as_ being
a valuable rotation crop and of such dense growth as to kill
out weeds.
I attribute the chief cause of failure in this respect to
the fact that the seeds were sown in May, instead of Novem-
ber, the latter month being regarded throughout India as the
most suitable time for sowing. The crop then ripens in
February and March.
Seeds are being harvested from the plants, and further
trials will be made.
Cicer arietinum is the most important grain of India,
where it is extensively cultivated asa food crop. It is said
to thrive best in a moderately heavy clay loam, light sandy
soils being unsuitable to its growth
The following particulars, taken from Zhe Commercial
Products of India (Sir George Watt) may be of general
interest: —
‘The seed is extensively eaten both by men and cattle in
every part of India except Madras. The pea is often parched
and used in that form as diet, especially when cooking may
be difficult or impossible. It is in this sense frequently of
exceptional value to the Indian army. The seeds are also
steeped in water to remove the husks, then mashed up and
boiled alone or with onions, etc. (and this made into a thick
soup), or the split pea may be cooked along with rice.
Ground into flour, gram is used in various ways, such as in
the preparation of sweetmeats or biscuits.’
H.M. Consul at Tamsui, reporting on the trade of
Formosa during 1910, states that during the year a Japanese
syndicate received permission to utilize some 3,500 acres of
waste land in the Kagi prefecture for rubber-planting. The
kinds to be put in are Central American rubber, Ceara
rubber, Para rubber and Assam (Rambong) rubber, together
with bananas, pine-apples and lemons; wind-breaks will
be planted. The Government is also encouraging rubber-
planting by raising large quantities of the trees named, and
distributing them to peasants,
358 THE
AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. NoveMBER 1], 1911.
Pwo
fan renato mtn
ATT
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date October 23, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
Since our last report, about 100 bales of West Indian
Sea Islands have been sold, including Barbados 16d. to 17d..
St. Vincent 19d., Montserrat 16d. to 163d., and St. Croix
15d. to 17d., also about 50 Stains at 8d. to 9d.
The market has been firm, chiefly owing to the short
supplies, but the tendency of American Sea Islands is
downward.
The Carolina crop is expected to turn out rather more
than previous estimates and will probably reach about
6,000 bales, against an average of 10,000 to 12,000. Prices
of Carolina are quotably about 1d. down and Floridas and
teorgias are decidedly easier, the best Mloridas being cbtain-
able at 12d. pcr tb.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending October 21, is as follows:—
The receipts for the week were 165 bales, against 375
bales last year. They are composed chiefly of off cotton.
There have been no sales, consequently the market has not
yet opened and we have to omit quotations
THE BRITISH COTTON GROWING
ASSOCIATION.
The following is taken from an account received
of a recent meeting of the British Cotton Growing
Association:—
The ninety-second meeting of the Council of the British
Cotton Growing Association was held at the Offices of the
Association, 15, Cross Street, Manchester, on Tuesday, Octo-
ber 3. In the absence of the President (the Right Hon. the
Earl of Derby, G.C.V.O.), Mr. J. Arthur Hutton occupied
the chair.
Wrst rNpiEs. It was reported that Dr. Watts, the Impe-
tial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies, had
expressed the wish that the Association should be represented
at the Agricultural Conference to be held next year in Trini-
dad, and it is hoped that Mr. John W. McConnell, of the Fine
Cotton Spinners’ Association, aud Mr, William Marsland, of
the Amalgamated Association of Operative Cotton Spinners,
will be able to attend as Delegates from the Association, and
as the respective representatives of employers and operatives.
WEst AFRICA. The cotton seed which has been distributed
has now all been planted, and the Association’s staff has been
busy touring the principal cotton-growing districts; their
reports show that the districts round [badan and Lafenwa in
Lagos are suffering somewhat from drought, which is retard-
ing the growth of the young plants
In order to encourage planters to cultivate a better type
of cotton, the Director of Agriculture for Southern Nigeria
is proposing to give ont seed to a number of approved planters
in the neighbourhood of Ibadan, with a view to their earry-
ing out experiments on a larger scale under the supervision
of the Government, and the Association has guaranteed to
purchase all the seed-cotton produced in this manner at a pre-
mium of 3d. per Ib, which is equal to nearly 3d. per bb. of
lint cotton.
The total purchases of cotton in Lagos to the end of
September amount to 5,352 bales, as compared with 5,514
bales for the same period of last year, and 11,762 bales for
1909.
UGANDA. Reference was made to the difficulties in the
transport of cotton in Uganda, more especially in the districts
round Lake Choga, where an enormous quantity of cotton is
being produced, and it is impossible for the lake steamer and
the present railway service to carry more than a small per-
centage of the cotton grown. ‘The attention of the Govern-
ment has been called to this matter, and steps are being taken
with all possible despatch to order at least one more steamer
and additional lighters for service on Lake Choga.
The crop last year in Uganda amounted to about
15,000 bales; it is estimated that the 1912 crop may be from
25,000 to 30,000 bales, and that the 1913 crop may reach
50,000 bales. In order to deal with the rapid increase, the
Association is taking measures to provide additional ginning
facilities, and it is proposed to spend about £25,000 on
additional machinery and plant
It was reported that the cable between Mombasa and
Zanzibar was broken on July 11, and had not yet been
repaired; further, that the same cable was broken for
a period of three or four weeks earlier in the year. The break-
down of the cable service has proved a very serious matter, and
recommendations have been made urging the Government to
construct a line of 107 mies to connect Nimule (the present
terminus of the Uganda telegraph) and Gondokoro (the
terminus of the telegraph line in the Sudan) in order to
provide an alternative service.
SUDAN. It was reported that the experiments which
are being made in the Sudan to prove whether cotton can be
planted and harvested within the time that Egypt will allow
the Sudan to use water from the Nile have so far been
very successful. It was decided that the Chairman (Mr. J.
Arthur Hutton) should visit the Sudan during the coming
Vor. X. No. 249.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 359
winter in order that arrangements may be made to proceed
with the developments without delay, should the experiments
ultimately prove successful.
rNDIA. Some very important proposals have been receiv-
ed from the Indian Government, and it is suggested that the
Association should commence certain experiments in the
province of Sind. These proposals will shortly be considered
by a Special Committee of representatives of the Master Cot-
ton Spinners’ Federation and the Association.
INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL
CONGRESS AT MADRID.
The Journal of the Board of Agriculture for September
1911 gives a detailed summary of the proceedings at the
International Agricultural Congress held at Madrid in May
last, which is based on an article in the Journal d’Agricul-
ture Pratique, the latter publication having given the Board
permission to utilize the information placed at the disposal
of its readers. In turn, the following abstract has been pre-
pared from the article in the issue of the Journal of the
Board of Agriculture meationed.
THE
The work of the Congress was comprised in eight
sections, namely: (1) economics, (2) statistics, (3) surveys,
(4) forestry, (5) viticulture, (6) fruit culture, (7) breeding of
live stock, (8) manures. ‘lhe scheme followed was to provide
material for discussion by the reading of preliminary papers,
to discuss the conclusions in these, and to pass resolutions
based on those conelusions. For the furtherance of the work
the Permanent Commission of the Congress is responsible for
the transmission of the resolutions having an international
object to the International Institute of Agriculture at Rome.
The following paragraphs present the matters of more direct
interest that came forward in the various sections.
Economics. More than twenty-five papers were submit-
ted for consideration and the first matter to which attention
was given was the means of keeping agriculturists, both owners
and workers, on the Jand. One of the most interesting papers
had reference to the provision of housing accommodation for
labourers in connexion with the purpose mentioned. Atten-
tion was also given to agricultural education, co-operation
and agricultural credit. In relation to the last two, sugges-
tions were brought forward with respect to the organization of
credit societies, and conclusions of a general nature were
made. The importance of watersupply in Spain led to the
reading of numerous papers on the subject; the demand in
that country is for the control, by the State, of water required
for agricultural operations. Another matter which came
before this section was the interference with the water supply
for agricultural purposes by the use of water-power for
electric power systems.
statistics. In regard to this section, a series of resolu-
tions was made having relation to the following matters:
(1) the provision of an official statistical department for the
issue of information in regard to crop production; (2) the
taking of means to obtain in each country, as frequently as
possible, the prices current for agricultural products and the
quantities offered and sold at the different rates; (3) the
recommendation that the present work of the International
Institute of Agriculture at Rome, in connexion with the issue
of statistics, should be maintained and extended; (4) the pro-
vision of standards of quality of produce in different
countries, for the purpose of which the International
Institute of Agriculture at Rome should be asked to define
useful types; (5) the provision of statistics concerning the
more important crops, from the time of sowing until the
attainment of maturity.
suRvEYs. In this section, there was only the adoption
of a series of general recommendations dealing with the
advantages and disadvantages of different official survey
methods.
FORESTRY. The general conclusions have relation to
the following points: (1) the necessity for reafforesta-
tion; (2) the recognition of both protective and produc-
tive forest areas; (3) complete State control in all moun-
tainous areas owned by villages or public bodies, and
technical inspection on its part for privately owned
mountainous land within the forest zone; (4) the delimita-
tion and classification by the State of the mountainous
regions within the forest zone; (5) the provision of an
international code in regard to reafforestation; (6) legislation
for, and state support of, reafforestation; (7) the arriving at
agreements among the countries interested, in regard to inter-
national rivers: (8) the popularization of the partial substitu-
tion of forestry for cultivation, where this is desirable, by the
adoption of Arbor Day schemes and similar measures.
VITICULTURE AND FRUIT-GROWING. Besides the matters
having relation to wine-making, attention was given to the
classification and exchange of insects parasitic on forms
inimical to agriculture.
LIVE stock. The most important matter was the feed-
ing of cattle; there was also a resolution requesting uniform-
ity in regard to sanitary regulations relating to animals, and
the teaching of animal hygiene. Attention was also given to
methods of treatment of grass lands and the provision of
pure seed for pasture crops.
MANURES. The object of this section was to collect
information concerning the manures in the manufacture of
which the nitrogen of the air is utilized. The discussion of
the papers presented led to the following conclusion (in the
words of the Journal): ‘nitrate of lime and calcium cyana-
mide are nitrogenous manures well deserving the attention of
the whole agricultural world, though more experiments with
these manures must be undertaken in order to ascertain
exactly how they should be used.’ Finally, it was concluded
by the Section that nitrate of lime possesses an action similar
to that of nitrate of soda, while the behaviour of calcium
cyanamide is apparently like that of sulphate of ammonia.
The Queensland Timber Industry.—The forest
resources of Queensland are extensive, amounting to
40,000,000 acres, or 9°32 per cent. of the whole area of the
State, while 3,836,191 acres, or 0'S9 per cent. are specially
reserved by the Government for timber. The forests of
Queensland yield a great variety of woods noted for strength,
durability, and beauty. The Eucalyptus dominates the
forests, which contain ironbark, grey, spotted, and red gum,
black butt, and turpentine. The conifers, too, are numerous,
including Moreton Bay and brown, and bunya-bunya pines,
Among the brush timbers of fine grain are red cedar, beach,
tulip wood, and rosewood. In the extensive plateaux west of
the dividing range off from the coast there is but little timber,
and in the vast basin of the interior usually only stunted
Eucalyptus trees are found, The quantity of timber cut and
sawn in Queensland in the latest year for which the particulars
are available was 100,760,000 superficial feet, valued at
£660,000. (From The Journal of the Royal Society of Arts.)
360
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. November 11, 1911.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
Commissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, aud not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s, 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
Agnieultaral dews:
Vou. X. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER ll, 1911. No. 249.
NOTES AND: COMMENTS:
Oontents of Present Issue.
The editorial in this issue treats of Special Uses
for Conerete in Warm Climates. It draws attention
to different ways in which concrete may be employed,
in addition to the usual methods.
Page 354 presents an article giving information
concerning the employment of sugar as a catch crop
with rubber.
On page 356, there will be found articles of interest
dealing with the prospects of cocoa-nut growing in the
Virgin Islands, and with the present position of the
production and consumption of the avocado pear, in the
United States.
Attention is drawn to a notice concerning the forth-
coming West Indian Agricultural Conference, to be held
next year in Trinidad, which is given on this page.
The Insect Notes are presented on page 362. They
give information concerning some insects injurious to
ground nuts; and the Jegislation that exists in Porto
Rico against the importation of the pests and diseases
of plants.
The Fungus Notes, on page 366, comprise the com-
mencement of interesting articles presenting observa-
tions on root diseases in the West Indies.
A useful article that has appeared recently, dealing
with the value of different crops as green manures, is
abstracted on page 367, as much of the matter in the
information and conclusions possesses applicability to
conditions in the West: Indies.
The West Indian Agricultural Conference, 1912.
As is stated on another page of this issue of the
Agricultural News, the Imperial Commissioner of
Agriculture is visiting Trinidad, for the purpose of dis-
cussing with His Exceliency the Governor, and those
immediately interested, the arrangements for the forth-
coming West Indian Agricultural Conference, which
will be held in that Colony from January 23 to 30,
1912. “
A great deal of interest 1s being shown in regard
to this Cunferenee, both in the West Indies and in
England, and invitations io send delegates have been
issued to a number of institutions in England. Among
the institutions that have been approached in this way
are the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the Imperial
Institute, the British Cotton Growing Association, the
West India Committee, the Entomological Research
Committee and the Rotham-ted Experimental Station.
The account of a recent meeting of the British
Cotton Growing Association, given under the heading
Cotton Notes, on page 358, shows that this institution
has already nominated its delegates, and particulars
are afforded concerning the 1epresentatives chosen.
Nhe Royal Mail Steam Packet Company has kindly
placed at the disposal of the Imperial Department of
Agriculture a certain number of free passages, from
Evgland to ‘Trinidad and return, for the use of delegates
to the Conference. It is not certain at present, how-
ever, if all the delegates from England can be accom-
modated with free passages in this way.
°°
A Glucoside from Tephrosia Purpurea.
Information concerning Tephrosia purpurea has
been given from time to time in the Agricultural
News (see Vols. VIII, p. 405; IX, p. 281; and X, pp.
245, 284, 293). A further detail of interest appears in
a note bearing the above title, which is given in the
Agricultural Journal of didia tor July 1911, p. 325,
on a paper, dealing with the subject, which appeared in
the Journal of the Chemical Society for September
1910.
It is stated that 7. purpwrea is common in many
parts of India, especially in the United Provinces, where
itis often a weed. An investigation of the plant was
begun in India and finished at the Davy Faraduy Labor-
atory of the Royal Institution of London, which has
shown that the leaves of the plant contain about 24
per cent. of their dry weight of a glucoside.
The glucoside, on hydrolysis, gave rise to two
sugars—rhamnose and dextrose, and to a yellow crystal-
line substance which was found to be quercetin.
‘he importance of this circumstance is derived
from the fact that quercetin is used to a large extent
in the dyeing industry, so that it is in demand in
commerce.
The investigation showed, further, that 7. pur-
purea does not contain indican, or any other substance
yielding indigo.
Vout. X.. No. 249.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 361
Rubber in the Honduras Republic.
An article in the Zndia Rubber World for Octo-
ber 1, 1911, shows that the imports, by the United
States, of rubber from Honduras, have increased from
93,126 tb., value $55,709, in 1906, to 148,813 tb., value
$117.808, in 1910, Between these years the largest
amounts and values were 104,334 th., and $76,444, and
102,010 tb. and $65,865, in 1907 and 1908, respectively.
Information is given to show that the variation of
temperature in the highlands of Honduras is from 41
to 59° F.; in the valleys and on the coast the maximum
is 86° F. Cultivation is profitable on account of the
high fertility of the land and of the abundance of water.
The acquisition of all kinds of property, in the
Republic, is very easy, and its disposal is free from
restrictions. Grants of agricultural land are made by
the Government, and on the cultivation of these they
are freed from taxation; further, all machinery and
apparatus for any industry are exempt from all duties
and taxation.
It was pointed out at the recent Pan-American
Commercial Conference that the greater part of Hondu-
ras is completely unexplored, and that the fertile land,
well supplied with water, offers great advantages for
the investment of capital.
It is reported that a private company has obtained
a title to 3,000 acres of virgin land that is well adapted
to rubber-growing, and that planting has been conduc-
ted on a large scale. It is said that this company is to
open up an additional area of land, large enough to
contain several hundred thousand trees which will be
transplanted from large nurseries as the soil is made
available.
Tr +
Care with Poisonous Substances Used in Cot-
ton Growing.
A Memorandum has been prepared by Mr. H, A.
Tempany, B.Sc., Superintendent of Agriculture of the
Leeward Islands, and published in the Official Gazette,
dealing with the handling and storage of poisonous
substances used in the cotton industry, and indicating
the remedies in cases of poisoning by any of these sub-
stances. The Memorandum has been issued since the
occurrence of a fatal case of poisoning, which took place
through the drinking of corrosive sublimate solution
intended for disinfecting cotton seed: it has been dis-
tributed in leaflet form among cotton growers in the
Leeward Islands.
Attention is first drawn to the fact that corrosive
sublimate, Paris green and London purple, which are
extensively used at the present time in the cotton
industry, should be preserved in closed packages, and
stored in places to which responsible persons alone are
allowed access. All such packages should be clearly
labelled with the name of their contents, and marked
plainly with the word Poison.
It is pointed out, further, that the substances
mentioned are all irritant poisons, and that the symp-
toms of their presence are an acrid or burning feeling
in the throat, nausea and vomiting, violent pains in the
stomach accompanied by diarrhoea, coldness of the
extremities, and subsequent collapse.
Lastly, in cases of poisoning by these substances,
the most important point is that medical aid should be
summoned immediately. During the time that elapses
before it arrives, an emetic such as mustard and water
should be given, if vomiting is not taking place freely.
Where the poisonous agent is corrosive sublimate, the
white of eggs mixed with water or milk should be ad-
ministered at once. In the case of all the poisons,
the preliminary treatment should be followed by the
giving of demulcent drinks, such as barley water and
flour and water. If it is indicated, a stimulaat, prefer-
ably weak brandy and water, may be given; and if the
skin is cold, hot blankets should be applied. Stress is
again laid upon the fact that medical aid should be
obtained with the least possible delay.
+>
Agriculture in the East Africa Protectorate.
Colonial Reports—Annual, No. 669, dealing with
the East Africa Protectorate for 1909-10, states that as
regards the Highlands a very hopeful feeling exists
both among farmers and merchants. Progress is being
assisted by the formation of agricultural associations
and the obtaining of new markets; in addition, much
valuable information has been collected with regard to
climatic conditions, the suitability of crops to various
districts, and the diseases and pests affecting stock and
crops. Importations have been made of pure-bred
cattle, both by the Government and by private owners.
Details are given which indicate that the good pro-
gress is general. A new feature in the agriculture of
the country is the production of sisal hemp.
As regards the Coast and Nyanza basins, success
has been obtained with cotton, in favoured localities;
it seems that Egyptian cotton is most suited to the
conditions of the coast, while in the Nyanza basin the
Upland variety appears to be most fitted for cultivation.
Several of the rubber plantations are beginning to pro-
duce; they are mainly planted with Ceara, but success
is being obtained with other varieties. A great extension
of rubber-planting is expected in the near future.
Particulars are given of the experimental farms.
The work in these received interference through drought;
much attention is given at these stations to stock-rais-
ing. On the coast, satisfactory progress is being made
with Ceara and other rubber plants; heavy rains spoiled
the cotton experiments. The cultivation of cacao is
promising well, and trials are being made with many
exotic plants.
Particulars are given concerning diseases of ani-
mals, which show that east coast fever is still prevalent,
and that considerable losses have been sustained from
other diseases. It is an interesting fact that the
immunisation of pure-bred stock against Texas fever,
before it is imported from England, has been success-
ful; no fatal case has been reported among imraunised
animals. There has been a large freedom from insect
pests; while wheat growers have suffered considerable
losses through a disease mentioned as rust.
w
lor)
bo
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
NoveMBer 11, 1911,
INSECT NOTES.
SOME INSECT INJURIES TO
GROUND NUITS.
The following is abstracted from Circular 142, issued
by the Bureau of Entomology of the United States Depart-
ment of Agriculture, entitled The Indian Meal Moth and
Weevil-cut Peanuts.
Peanuts (which are better known in the West Indies as
ground nuts) are a crop of considerable importance in the
United States, the peanut industry in 1910 being estimated
to have a value of $15,000,000. Until a few years ago, this
fruit was considered almost immune from insect attack, since
the plants were affected in the field by very few insects, and
the nuts in storage were.protected by their thick shells. A
few kinds of beetles were known to be able to penetrate the
woody shells of the nuts, but the damage occasioned by these
attacks was very slight.
The advent of the mechanical thresher or peanut picker
has been accompanied by a great increase of injury by insects.
The shells of many nuts are cracked and broken, especially
when the machine is fed too fast, in an effort to accomplish
the greatest amount of work in the least time. The broken
shells allow easy access by insects to the kernel, which could
not penetrate them in their unbroken condition.
The loss occasioned to the grower and dealer has, during
the past few years, become very considerable—in fact it is
estimated that this amounted to $3,000,000 in 1910, or
20 per cent. of the total value of the industry.
The Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella, Hiibn.)
has assumed a position of first importance in this connexion,
and is chiefly responsible for the enormous amount of injury
mentioned above. Other insects which are frequently found
tu injure ground nuts in storage are: the rust-red flour beetle
(Triboliur navale, Fab.); the saw-toothed grain beetle (Sz-
vanus surinamensis, L.); the cadelle (Z'enebroides mauretani-
cus, L.); the fig moth (Hphestia cautella, Walk.) and the
Mediterranean flour moth (Hphestia kuehniella, Zell.). The
three first-mentioned of these are beetles which have mouth
parts sufficiently hard and strong to enable them to cut
through the shells of the ground nuts, but they are not often
seriously injurious. The entrance of the moths and their
larvae is made possible only when the shells are injured in
some manner,
In addition to receiving injury in the threshing machine,
ground nut shells are broken after the nuts are put into the
sacks. It is the practice to stack the sacks so high that
it is necessary for the labourers to climb up on them, and
those at the bottom are walked upon and many of the
shells broken.
In discussing the control of the Indian meal moth, the
greatest importance is placed upon methods of handling and
storing the nuts; while fumigation with carbon bisulphide
and hydrocyanic acid, and the application of high tempera-
tures are recommended as direct remedial measures when
severe attacks are experienced. Attacks by the other insect
pests already mentioned may be prevented and controlled by
the same means as those used in the case of the Indian meal
moth.
In the West Indies, ground nuts are not a very impor-
tant crop, so that the remedial measures mentioned are not
likely to be necessary, It would be well, however, for
growers of this nut to remember that broken shells give rise
directly to insect attack; and consequently that care should be
taken to harvest and store the crop in such a manner that
injury of this kind may be reduced to a minimum.
PEST+:LAWS IN PORTO RICO.
The Government of the island of Porto Rico has recently
passed an Act, (No, 45, approved March 9,1911) which
creates a Board of Commissioners of Agriculture, and amends
previous legislation, entitled An Act to Prevent the Intro-
duction into Porto Rico of Plant and Insect Diseases, and
Pests, and for Other Purposes (No. 60, approved September
3, 1910). The new act also provides for the introduction and
protection of birds useful to agriculture.
The Board of Commissioners of Agriculture consists of
seven members, representing the various agricultural interests
of the island, who are appointed for a period of one year,
being eligible for re-appointment.
Section 6 of the Act relates to birds beneficial to agri-
culture, and reads as follows:—
‘That the act of seizing, killing, destroying or keeping
in Ones possession, any bird beneficial to agriculture, be and
is hereby declared to be unlawful. Whosoever seizes, kills,
destroys, or keeps in his possession any bird beneficial to
agriculture, shall be guilty of a misdemeanour, and punished
therefor with a fine of not less than five nor more than twenty-
five dollars, or with imprisonment for not more than ten days,
or with both penalties. The board shall prepare, print, publish
and furnish on request, a list of birds which in their opinion
are beneficial to agriculture, and any bird comprised in said
list shall be conclusively considered as beneficial to agricul-
ture for the purposes of this Act.’
Sections 7 and 8 are the sections 1 and 3 of the previous
law, which haye been amended to read as follows. —
‘Section 1 (60—1910).—That no live tree or plant or
any portion thereof, or the seeds of the same (except roasted
coffee, cereals, fruits from other than tropical countries,
vegetables or nuts, for domestic consumption), seed hulls,
or roots, cotton lint loose or in bales, shall be brought into
Porto Rico from any other place without having attached
thereto, ina prominent and conspicuous place, a certificate
under oath signed by a duly authorized State or Government
entomologist to the effect that the said articles are free from
disease; Provided, that in the case of cotton seed, seed cotton,
cotton seed hulls or cotton lint, such certificate shall set
forth that the locality in which the shipment originated was
found by actual investigation by said attesting official or his
agent, to be free from the pest known as ‘boll weevil,’ or any
other pests or diseases harmful to the cotton plant; And
Provided, further, that in the case of cocoa-nut trees, nuts
or products of the cocoa-nut manufactured or unprepared for
consumption, such certificates shall set forth that the district
in which the articles originated is free from cocoa-nut plague,
or any other disease harmful to cocoa-nut trees; And Pro-
vided further, that this Act shall not prohibit or make
conditional, the importation of agricultural products to be
manufactured, , ground, milled or utilized for industrial
purposes, but its importation shall, however, be made subject
to reasonable regulations to be prepared by the Board, with
reference to precautions to be taken to prevent its causing
harm to agriculture.’
‘Section 3.-—That no live tree or plant or any portion
thereof, or the seeds of the same (except roasted coffee,
cereals, fruits from other than tropical countries, vegetables
or nuts for domestic consumption), seed hulls or roots, or
cotton lint loose or in bales, except agricultural products for
manufacturing, grinding, milling, or for industrial purposes,
subject to the regulations provided for in Section 1 of this
Act (60—1910) shall be brought into Porto Rico from any
other place except through the ports of San Juan, Ponce and
Mayaguez.’
Von. X. No. 249.
A NEW METHOD OF OBTAINING
RUBBER FROM CASTILLOA.
The India Rubber World tor October 1, 1911,
contains an account of a method for dealing with Cas-
tilloa, for obtaining rubber, that has been devised by
a planter named Gierlings, who has had a large exper-
ience with this plant in Southern Java. The account
contains an ulustration of the kuife with which the
tapping is done. he following matters of chief inter-
est are extracted from the article :—
Mr. Gierlings has devoted a great deal of time to experi-
ments in tapping. His latest method, tried last year, has
given the best results and it is well worthy of a brief descrip-
tion. His method is as follows.
With a special form of knife, which is made by the
native blacksmiths, horizontal incisions are made, beginning
about 1 foot from the ground and going around one quar-
ter of the circumference of the tree. ‘hese incisions are
made about 3 inches apart, being cut 4-inch deep, or down to
the cambium, and are continued until there are fifty of them,
reaching to the height of 13 feet. he same operation is
repeated on the next quarter of the tree, beginning at the top
and working down, but a narrow strip of bark about 1 inch
in width is left between these two series of horizontal cuts.
After a rest of three months, the other half of the tree
is tapped in the saine way, and three months later the opera-
tion is repeated on the first half of the tree, the incisions,
however, being made about 4-inch below the original
cuts. As the tree is allowed to lie idle during the three
months’ flowering season, it is tapped only three times a year.
This method of tapping produces about 8 oz. of dry rubber
a year from trees eight to nine years old.
The latex exuding from these incisions is in the form of
a soft mass. With every tapper is a woman, whose duty it is
to collect the latex. Her equipment consists of a large
bamboo pot, a small bamboo pot, a spoon and some bamboo
spatulas. The large pot is equipped with a sharp point at
the bottom so that it can be stuck into the ground. Both
this and the small bamboo pot, which she carries with her,
are partly filled with water. She mounts a ladder to the
uppermost incision and works her way down the tree scrap-
ing the latex with the bamboo spatula into the spoon and
pouring it into the small pot, which when fullis emptied
into the larger one. The contents of the larger pots are
collected by men and carried to the factory where the latex
is passed through a coarse sieve and then diluted with water,
and passed through a finer sieve into a washing vat, usually
made of galvanized iron and holding from 25 to 75 gallons.
After the liquid has settled, the rubber globules come to the
surface and the remainder of the liquid is drained off through
an outlet at the bottom. Fresh water is then poured into
the vat, the mixture stirred and allowed to settle, and again
drained off. This is repeated until the latex looks pure,
which generally requires three or four washings. The wash-
ing of the latex is usually completed the day it is gathered.
The latex is then coagulated in round enamelled pans.
About a pint of latex is poured into each pan together
with 4-oz. of 40 per cent. solution of formalin, the two
being well stirred together. In the meantime a boiler
of water has been heated, containing about 1 grain of 98
per cent. acetic acid per quart of water. When the water is
close to the boiling point three-quarters of a quart is poured
into each pan of the latex. In this way the latex is heated
to from 150° to 160° F., and immediately coagulates and
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
363
floats on the top of the water in spongy cakes. These cakes
are pressed together and the water poured out, but is saved,
and the latex it contains is secured later. ‘The coagulated
cakes are immediately rolled into thm sheets. ‘These are
placed again in vats with clean water, to which a very little
formalin has been added, and allowed to remain there for
a few hours, and then removed to the smoking and drying
house—a building with perforated iron floor,on which drying
racks are placed.
The temperature in the smoking house is kept at about
110° F., and a dense smoke is developed by means of burning
damp grass. The sheets of rubber remain in this smoke house
for two or three days, and get about one-half dry. They are
then pressed into small squares weighing about 34 Ib. These
are placed in another formalin solution for a shorter time,
and then taken again to the smoking house for a final drying.
The rubber is allowed to retain about 5 per cent. of water
when it is shipped, experience showing that it dries out on
the way, and that it keeps much better. ‘I'he square blocks
are packed in smooth finished cases made expressly for them.
GERMINATION OF HEVEA SEEDS
IN GRENADA.
The following note on recent trials of the germina-
tion of Hevea seeds, conducted at the Grenada
Botanic Station, has been received from Mr. G. G,
Auchinleck, B.Sc, Superintendent of Agriculture.
A report of former, similar tests made by Mr. Auchin-
lech was given in the Agricultural News, Vol. X,
p- 111:—
Two of the specimens of //evea brasiliensis fruited at
the gardens again this year, one yielding a very small crop
of about sixteen seeds, the other giving a crop of over 1,100
seeds. The total yield from the two trees was 1,191 * seeds,
collecting being done between August 10 and September 20,
Contrary to the practice of former years, the fruits were
not allowed to dehisce upon the trees, as it was strongly sus-
pected that seeds from such fruits would have already lost
their power of germination. The capsules were this year
picked immediately after turning brown, and the seed set out
at once.
In all 394 capsules were picked, and again the irregn-
larities which are common in the Euphorbiaceae showed
themselves. The following indicates the kinds of fruit
obtained and the seeds contained: —
Bi-locular capsules 6 12 seeds
Tri-locular ie 372 S1SGianes
Quadrilocular ,, 16 G4);
Total Tg 2a.
All seeds were planted in the sand-beds, whether
rejected on the weight test or not, and the plants as they
came up were potted in bamboo joints and watered when
necessary. Up to October 13, 807 strongly growing plants
have been sold to local planters, these being probably all that
will be obtained. The germination works out as 67°7 per
cent.—a fair percentage, considering that light seeds were not
rejected.
These results show, however, that even when the pre-
caution of collecting fruits before dehiscence is exercised,
a loss of some 30 per cent. may be expected.
* One seed lost in handling.
364
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
NoveMBER 1], 1911.
The distribution of plants from the Dominica Botanic
Station during September last included the following: limes
4,550, spineless limes 200, cacao 170, Para rubber 100,
grafted mangoes 5, miscellaneous 110. The total distribution
was 5,135 plants.
Great efforts are being made to increase the cotton out-
put in German East Africa. The harvest for 1911 is calcu-
lated at 3,800 bales—already twice the quantity produced in
1910, and similar efforts are being made under German
influence in Brazil. (The Vextile Mercury, September 23,
1911.)
References have been made from time to time in the
Agricultural News to the National Dairy Show which was
held at Chicago from October 26 to November 4. Jn con-
nexion with this, further information has been received to
the effect that the President of the United States has offered
a silver cup, for competition in the Students’ Judging Con-
test, at the show.
A letter in the Meld for August 26, 1911, draws atten-
tion to a preparation called Antinonnin, which is stated to
prevent effectively the growth of fungi, moulds and dry rot
in timber. It is made by Messrs. Bayer & Co., and one of
its chief advantages is that it is non-volatile, and does not
possess any odour. This characteristic should make it
especially adapted for use in houses,
The amounts of the principal products shipped from
Dominica, to the end of August of the present year, are as
follows: cacao, 5,461 ewt.; citrate of lime, 886 ewt.: concen-
trated lime juice, 25,390 gallons; raw lime juice, 103,143
gallons; lime juice cordial, 5,750 gallons; ecuelled lime oil,
336 gallons; distilled lime oil, 1,672 gallons; limes, 30,320
barrels and 2,148 boxes; pickled limes, 203 barrels; cocoa-
nuts, 281,182.
The Board of Trade Journal for September 21, 1911,
draws attention to an article in the Nachrichten fiir Handel
und Industrie (Berlin), for September 5, 1911, in which it is
stated that there has been a considerable increase, in late
years, in the production of cotton in Afghanistan. This is
dealt with at Peshawar, and the quantity sold yearly is com-
paratively small, scarcely exceeding 3,000 bales of 400 bb,
The cotton has .recently been imported into India by way of
Chaman; it is used chiefly for the manufacture of household
articles such as drapery, carpets, tablecloths and bed sheets,
At the present day there are 442 publications in the
United States and Canada which deal with agriculture, sylvi-
culture, floriculture, live-stock and live-stock breeding, irri-
vation, poultry, bee culture and the Cairy. Out of this
number, 228 are monthly publications, 57 bi-monthly, 140
weekly, 4 bi-weekly and 13 daily. It may be calculated
that these publications pass into the hands of from two to
three million farmers. (Bulletin of the Bureau of Economic
and Social Intelligence, of the International Institute of
Agriculture, June 30, 1911, p. 246.)
An Ordinance (No. XVII of 1911) has been passed
recently in Papua, for the purpose of amending the enact-
ments relating to the prohibition and prevention of the intro-
duction of certain animals into the Territory, and the
checking of diseases in animals. This prohibits the importa-
tion into the Territory of rabbits, foxes, hares and monkeys,
under a penalty of £500; penalties of £100 are also enacted
for the possession of such animals, for allowing them to
escape, or for obstructing Officers of the Government in their
work of destroying the animals. The Ordinance further
regulates the introduction of all animals except domestic
animals, and, as has been indicated, provides for the preyen-
tion of the importation of diseases of animals.
The Experiment Station Record of the United States
Department of Agriculture for June 1911, p. 645, gives
a note on tapping experiments that have been conducted with
young Muntumia elastica trees at Amani, German East
Africa. It was found that the largest yields were obtained
when the quarter-section method of tapping was employed,
but it is considered that herring-bone tapping will give the
best results, as a general rule. Tapping operations conducted
with six-year-old trees were found to be profitable; there is,
apparently, an increase in the quantity of latex with the age
and diameter of the tree, although in some cases compara-
tively high yields were obtained from slender trees. It was
concluded that it is best to select the seed from trees showing
a continuously high yield, as in many cases high returns are
given, but are not necessarily sustained. No conelusions are
available, so far, as to the damage which repeated tappings
cause to the trees.
Attention is drawn to a description of a permanent
label for trees and shrubs, used exclusively for such plants at
the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which is given in the
Handbook of Tropical Gardening and Planting, by H. F.
Macmillan (see Agricultural News, Vol. IX, p. 379). The
label consists of a piece of sheet lead measuring about 3 by
2 inches, with about }-inch of one of the longer sides turned
over to form arim, below which two holes are pierced for
suspending by wire. The letters composing the name of the
plant are neatly punched in with punch type, the impres-
sions being filled in with white lead or zine paint, and the
surface afterwards rubbed over with an oiled rag. Where
the atmosphere contains a large proportion of compounds of
sulphur, as in Montserrat and Dominica, zine paint would be
used instead of white lead. Suitable punches may be
obtained from Messrs. Baird and Tatlock, 14, Cross Street,
Hatton Garden, E.C., at the price of £1 1s. per set, for
letters {-inch high.
Vout. X. No. 249, THE
STUDENTS’ CORNER,
NOVEMBER.
Second PeEriop,
Seasonal Notes.
As has been stated already, the receipt of favourable
weather during the present quarter will give opportunities for
the planting out of limes. A careful review should be made
of the history of the young plants in the nursery with especial
reference to the various arrangements that have been required
for their proper care, and the cost of the work that has been
entailed. The results of such considerations should be use-
ful, and will form a means of ascertaining if lime seedlings
can be grown at a lower rate than that which is charged for
them when they are sold locally. Lime plants that were
placed out earlier in the season should now be making
growth; in some cases they may remain stunted, and for
such plants a light dressing of a nitrogenous manure should
prove tobe useful. Young lime plants should receive care-
ful attention, in order that attacks of scale insects may be
detected and dealt with promptly. Describe the measures
that should be adopted for the purpose of freeing young lime
plants from scale insects. Where spraying is employed, the
process should be repeated after two or three weeks. Why
is such repetition necessary? Under some conditions, a care-
ful watch is required for the appearance of parasites such as
mistletoe and the love vine (dodder). State why these are
more harmful than epiphytes like the wild pine.
Work in lime plantations at the present time also
includes the making of careful observations on the prepara-
tion of the products from such cultivations. Among these
the chief are raw lime juice, concentrated lime juice, distilled
and hand-pressed oil of lime, and citrate of lime. Under
the conditions of which you have had experience, obtain
a good knowledge of the market price of lime juice products,
and if possible compare the values of raw line juice, the con-
centrated juice, and citrate of lime. In the works where
limes are dealt with, cleanliness is essential, and it is neces-
sary to wash everything that has been used during the day,
as far as this is possible. What is your experience of lime
skins as cattle food? Lime skins may be made into a kind of
ensilage. What is an ensilage; what are its particular mat-
ters of utility; and how is it made and used ?
It has often been pointed out that manures derive their
usefulness in relation to two matters: their effect on the tex-
ture of the soil, and the fact that they actually supply, either
directly or indirectly, food that is of use to plants. The
circumstance that a given manure is rich in food bodies
required by plants is not the only matter. to be taken into
account when the question of its employment is being dis-
cussed. Unless the soil is in a state favourable to the growth
of beneficial organisms in it, and to that of the plants that
are being raised, the addition of such manures is almost
useless. This is where the importance lies, of the use of
stable manure and of green dressings. The latter also
possess an important and useful property in that they increase
the power of the soil to retain moisture. Plant food is taken
in by the roots, in liquid form, and however well the land
may have received attention in the matter of the supply
of artificial manures, these are of little or no use to the
plants growing in it, unless there is a sufticient amount of
water present to act as acarrier of plant food. There is
a final consideration, namely that the employment of rich
AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 365
artificial manures in badly tilled soil is wasteful under any
circumstances, as these will be removed in drainage and
subsoil water and thus constitute an absolute loss where they
have been employed under such conditions.
AGRICULTURE IN THE BAHAMAS,
1910-11.
This is dealt with in Colonial Reports—Annual, No.
684, issued in August last. The details given show that
the value of the exports was £193,803 (including specie
£5,121); in 1909 it was £171,442 (including £2,750 specie).
The produce of the Colony was valued at £188,286, as
against £165,116.
The number of cases of tinned pine-apples exported was
43,041, value £9,219, as compared with 46,639 cases, value
£8,999, in the previous year. The industry is steadily
becoming smaller in extent owing, it is stated, to poor stock,
Hawaiian competition and United States duties. During the
year under review, drought caused a shortage of the crop,
many fields having died out entirely. An account is given
of the sisal factories in the islands, which produced
6,296,687 tb. of fibre, worth £42,057. The amount of this
product exported continues to increase, while the value
decreases. A large amount of lumber was cut; this is taken
chiefly by Cuba.
With reference to grape fruit and oranges, there was no
trade with Canada during the year, owing to the want of
facilities for marketing, and of means of transport. The
grape fruit exported amounted to 244,000, value £846, as
against 365,000 in i909. There was an insignificant export
of oranges, amounting to 42,000, value £68.
An increased interest in Sea Island cotton has been
taken, but the climatic conditions during the season were
unfavourable. The late Board of Agriculture had been con-
sidering a scheme for the provision of gins, and of assistance
to market this product. The export of cocoa-nuts has
diminished to nothing; suitable land for growing this crop
exists in large areas; in order that the industry may flourish,
provision is required of a market and means of transport.
As is well known, the Board of Agriculture of the
Bahamas has ceased to exist, on account of the fact that the
House of Assembly has decided unanimously not to renew the
Act under which it was constituted. The reason given for
this action is that the results obtained by the Board did not
justify the cost of its work.
There has been an improvement in the sponge fishery;
the sales on the Exchange were £79,102 as compared with
£70,000 in the previous year, the total exports being
£110,740 as against £387,657. It is stated in the Report
that certain sponge fisheries remain closed, and that restric-
tions are imposed as to the size of wool and velvet sponge
which may be gathered. An. extract is given from the
Report of the Marine Products Board describing an experi-
ment that is being made in sponge propagation. The princi-
ple of this is to supply a large amount of surface on which
sponges may grow, by strewing the water in an enclosed
space with wattles and other material. It is the opinion
of the Board that this method will prove more practical
and economical than propagation by cuttings. It is pointed
out in the Report, from which the above information is taken,
that there is a great need for the appointment of a biological
expert in connexion with the sponge industry, who would
study the local conditions and give advice on such subjects
as improved methods of propagating and gathering the
sponges, and the opening and closing of sponge areas.
366
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
NovemMBer 11, 1911.
FUNGUS NOTES.
OBSERVATIONS ON ROOT DISEASES IN
THE WESY INDIES.
PART I.
In the following article information is given on the sub-
ject of root diseases of cacao, limes and other host plants
found in certain of the West Indian islands. This is of
a preliminary nature, and is based on a report recently sub-
mitted to the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture by
Mr. F. W. South, B.A., Mycologist on the Staff of this
Department. The report summarizes the results of work
conducted by that Officer during a recent visit to Dominica;
while this article contains in addition reference to investiga-
tions made on material consisting of diseased plants of several
kinds forwarded from certain of the other islands during the
course of the last eighteen months.
As a result of the work referred to above, three different
forms of root disease have been recognized in Dominica.
Two of these have been found on lime trees only, up to the
present, while the third is common to several hosts, among
which are included cacao, pois doux (Inga laurina) and prob-
ably several other plants of economic importance. In addition
to these it would appear likely that a disease of different
origin occurs on limes in Montserrat and Antigua, while yet
another is to be found on cacao and nutmegs in Grenada.
BLACK ROOT DISEASE. Since it is probably the most
important and most widely distributed, this disease, the third
of those referred to in the preceding paragraph, will be dealt
with first. In the island of Dominica, it is the most common
form of sporadic disease, to be met with particularly on newly
cleared estates in the interior. It is frequently accountable
for the death of pois doux trees planted as a wind-break;
from these it may spread to cacao or lime trees in the vicin-
ity. It must, however, be pointed out that its original
attack is by no means confined to pois doux, but it has been
found to spread from dead mahoe cochon (Stereulia caribaea)
to lime trees, while it has also killed Hibiscus and Acalypha
planted as hedges. Moreover, instances are on record of its
appearance on lime and cacao trees that were not near any
of the plants mentioned above. In these cases it is doubtful
whether the causative fungus actually commenced its growth
as a parasite on the trees mentioned, or spread to them from
some decaying wood, such as a tree stump, buried in the soil.
Fungi with almost identical mycelial characters have
been found in several of the other islands, but conclusive
evidence of the identity of these with the Dominica species
is wanting, since in all the former cases no fructifications
have been found. One of these fungi occurs in St. Lucia on
cacao, Castilloa rubber and pigeon peas, and probably also
on immortel, limes and oranges. Another has been found
in Grenada on young Castilloa trees, while yet another
was seen in St. Vincent on cacao. Possibly, also, the
disease known as ‘burning’ of arrowroot, in the same island,
may be due to this fungus; though the evidence on this point
is by no means conclusive. Another disease, possibly of the
same origin as the black root disease, is that occurring on
pois doux and coffee in Guadeloupe, and attributed by
Delacroix to a species of Rosellinia or Dematophora, whose
effect may be combined with the injurious action of eelworms.
For the sake of- simplifying the position, it may be added
that the root disease of cacao, and probably of nutmegs and
mangoes, in Grenada, described by Howard in the West Indian
Bulletin, Vol, U, p. 207, and ascribed by him to a basidomy-
cetous fungus, is probably different from the black root
disease.
In many instances, the first symptom of infection on
limes, cacao and pois doux is a thinning of the foliage. This,
however, does not always occur, particularly where lime trees
are concerned; while, in some cases, it is overlooked, or attri-
buted to other causes. The next symptom is the sudden
wilting of all the foliage, succeeded two or three days later
by the complete death of the tree. The suddenness of this
occurrence, followed as it often is by the death of other trees
near that first killed, frequently causes some alarm, as it
naturally gives rise to the idea that a serious epidemic is
about to destroy the whole field. Such is, however, far from
being the case, and careful attention to the comparatively
simple remedial measures will result in completely staying
the spread of the disease. 7
On carefully examining the collar and roots of a diseased
tree, the first thing noted, in advanced cases, is the presence
of a dark, olive green mycelium, possessing a grey border
along its advancing edge, and encircling the entire basal 6 or
12 inches of the stem. Where this is absent, a dark-brown
mycelium, often mixed with earth, is to be found on the
larger roots, and the portion of the cvllar below ground.
Beneath this the bark is usually destroyed, and may contain
a thin, black, brittle crust of fungus, from which narrow,
black streaks run horizontally into the wood. Similar streaks
also occur, running vertically in the wood. On removing the
bark, white fan-shaped masses of mycelium are to be found
on the surface of the wood, particularly in the case of cacao
and pois doux. On younger roots the brown mycelium is
present on the bark, while the presence of fungus in the wood
is indicated by a grey discoloration. Finally, very thin
plates of black fungoid tissue, appearing as lines in horizontal
or vertical sections, may in some cases separate the badly infect-
ed wood from that less seriously damaged.
The mycelium of the causative fungus—a species of
tosellinia—is white when young, but dark-brown when old
or exposed to the air for any length of time. Numerous
partition walls occur in the hyphae, while pear-shaped
swellings, characteristic of several members of this genus,
are formed on one side of many of these cross walls. ‘Lhe
hyphae vary immensely in size; in some cases they form
into strands consisting of colourless hyphae in the centre,
surrounded on the outside by several layers of dark-brown
hyphae. The streaks mentioned as occurring in the wood
are about }-mm, wide and are made up of small polygonal
black cells on the outside, with colourless hyphae running
longitudinally in the centre. ;
The fungus reproduces itself by means of two forms of
spore, both borne on the mycelium surrounding the base of
the stem above ground. ‘The first is a conidial form, which
is apparently evanescent in character and has not been
satisfactorily made out. It would appear to be produced on
crowded, short, simple or branched black stalks, projecting
at right-angles to the surface mycelium and having the
effect of the pile of a carpet. This type is borne on trees
that have just died. The second is a spindle-shaped black
spore with a long straight or curved appendage at either end.
Eight of these are produced in sacs or asci contained in black
perithecia. The perithecia are superficial, crowded together,
black, brittle and about 2°5 mm. in external diameter. On
the outside, they are crowded with short club-shaped appen-
dages. The spores are extruded ina black tendril through
a small, scarcely prominent opening at the apex of the peri-
thecium. This form of reproductive organ only occurs on
trees that have been dead at least three months, The
fungus may spread either by means of its spores or by means-
Vor. X. No. 249.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
367
of its mycelium underground. It is not yet certain if the
spores can produce direct infection, or if they can only
germinate on decaying wood and thence spread to
healthy trees. In any case the first step when a diseased
tree is observed is to cut it down and burn it, before the
destroying fungus can produce spores upon it. When this is
being done, all the roots of trees in the neighbourhood should
be examined and any infected ones should be removed in
order if possible to save such trees. The soil should be well
forked and dressed with lime or iron sulphate; at the end of
twelve months, a supply may be put in. When the disease is
spreading down a wind-break of pois doux, its progress may
be arrested by digging a trench at rightangles to the direction
of the wind-break in the manner usually recommended for
dealing with root diseases.
In the next number of the Agricultural News, further
information will be given, derived from the same sources,
dealing with the subject of the other two diseases of limes
mentioned above.
AGRICULTURE IN GREAT BRITAIN, 1911.
The following statement concerning agriculture in
Great Britain during the present year has been issued
recently by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries.
It is accompanied by a table giving details of the mat-
ters to which reference is made.
The preliminary statement of the agricultural returns
collected in June last shows a further reduction, by 51,272
acres, of the cultivated area of Great Britain, arable land
having decreased by 20,786 acres and permanent pasture by
30,486. The acreage of wheat increased by 97,189 acres,
and reached a total of 1,906,043 acres, being a larger area
than has been recorded in any year since 1899. The acreage
of barley, on the other hand, declined by 130,734 acres, and
reached a smaller total than any yet recorded. There was
practically no change in the acreage of oats, but the acreage
of beans recovered the loss shown in last year’s returns.
The potato area increased by 6 per cent. (52,330 acres), and
thus nearly reached the total recorded in 1909. Maugolds
also have slightly extended, but other roots. show a some-
what diminished acreage. There is some indication of
a revival of the cultivation of flax, which forty years ago
occupied about 20,000 acres but in recent years has almost
disappeared. The acreage of hops also for the second succes-
Sive year sbows a slight extension, though it is still nearly
12,000 acres less than it was so recently as 1907. The acre-
age under fruit which for several years up to 1909 had
increased annually now remains stationary.
The returns of horses on agricultural holdings have been
collected this year in fuller detail than heretofore. In addition
to horses used for agricultural purposes, mares kept for breed-
ing and unbroken horses, a return has been obtained for the
first time of other horses kept on farms. The number of these
is returned as 146,818, but it is probable that in previous
years some now returned under this heading may have been
erroneously included in the returns. The reduction shown
in the classes for which a comparison is possible is therefore,
in all probability, less than the figures indicate. _The number
of cattle returned on June 5 was 76,937 more than in
1910, the total now being the largest on record. The number
of sheep declined by 607,953, and thus fell lower than in any
year since 1907, On the other hand, pigs increased by no
less than 20 per cent., the total number being restored to the
same level as in 1908.
THE VALUE OF DIFFERENT CROPS
AS GREEN MANURES.
This subject, under the above heading, is discussed by
A. D. Hall, M.A., F.R.S., Director of the Rothamsted
Experimental Station, in the Jowrnal of the Board of Agri-
culture, Vol. XVII, p. 969. The author commences by
drawing attention to the fact that the practice of green
manuring is followed comparatively little in Great Britain,
because the custom of the country has been to feed off green
crops with sheep; when the material of fodder crops is buried,
it is generally for the reason that the farmer is afraid that he
may not be able to feed off the crop in time for the next in
the rotation. It is suggested, however, that on heavy soils
where sheep cannot be folded, the practice of green manur-
ing might well be extended, and attention is drawn to the
action of green manures in improving the texture of the soil.
In pursuing the subject, mention is made of the classic
illustration of the value of green manuring with leguminous
plants in the reclamation of large sandy areas in East Prussia,
by Schultz, using the method of building up the soil by
raising successive crops of leguminous plants with the aid of
artificial manures, and burying them. Since the time of
these experiments, general acceptation has taken place of the
existence of the power of leguminous crops to increase the
soil nitrogen. In view of this, it was naturally a matter for
surprise that, in experiments made on the Royal Agri-
cultural Society’s Farm at Woburn, better yields of wheat
were obtained after mustard (a non-leguminous crop) than
after a leguminous crop such as vetches, both crops having
been buried in the soil. Continued repetition of the trials
has made no room for doubt that this condition exists, and
the circumstance has led to the establishment of a similar
experiment at Rothamsted, in order to ascertain if the same
results would be obtained under the different conditions.
To state it shortly, the opposite effects were obtained,
leguminous plants in the latter case giving better yieids of
wheat, when used as green manures, than when rape or
mustard was employed in the same way. The differences in
the conditions consisted mainly in the fact that the soil at
Woburn is light and dry, while that at Rothamsted is
heavier, and possesses a greater power to retain water.
The observation was made that the grain, and particu-
larly the straw, of the wheat grown after the leguminous crop
were much richer in nitrogen than those of wheat following
mustard or rape. Further investigation is required to find
if the growing of the latter crop causes the nitrogen-fixing
bacteria to show an increased activity on account of the
supply of vegetable matter that is given to the soil. Results
in the laboratory have suggested that this is the case; but, as
is pointed out, it does not necessarily follow that the cireum-
stance is true in soils, on the large scale.
In attempting an explanation of the peculiar results
obtained at Woburn, Dr. Voelcker has brought forward the
suggestion that the matter is probably connected with
water-supply, as the land seems to be drier and more
open after vetches than after mustard; this condition,
on the light soil, appears to affect the land more than the
addition of the nitrogen obtained from growing and burying
the leguminous crops. The experimental results are actually
in agreement with practieal experience, and though further
investigation is required to determine the point, it is indicated
that on the heavier soils, under the conditions, leguminous
crops are better than non-leguminous plants for use as a green
manure,
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
November 11, 1911.
London.—Tue West Inp1a
New York,—Messrs.
Trinidad,—Messrs
MARKET REPORTS.
CoMMITTEE CIRCULAR,
October 24, 1911; Messrs. E. A. DE Pass & Co.,
October 13, 1911.
Arrowroot—3sid. to 44d.
Batata—Sheet, 3/6; block, 2/5 per th.
Breeswax—&7 5s. per cwt.
Cacao—Trinidad, 61/- to 67/- perewt.; Grenada, 55/6
to 61/-; Jamaica, 54/- to 58/6.
CorrrE—Jamaica, 67/- to 117/- per ewt.
Copra—West Indian, £28 10s. per ton.
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 16d. to 19d.
Fruit—No quotations.
Foustic—No quotations.
GincEr—48/- to 63/- per ewt.
Istnctass—No quotations.
Honey—28/- to 34/- per bri.
Lime Jurce—Raw, 1/9 to 2/-; concentrated,” £19 to
£19 17s. 6d.; Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/6.
Loc woop—No quotations.
Mace—2/2 to 2/6.
Nourmecs—6id. to 83d.
Pinento—Common, 22d.; fair, 2y'gd.; good, 24d.; per th.
Russer—Para, fine hard, 4/9; fine soft, 4/15; Castilloa,
3/55 per th,
Rum—Jamaica, 1/8 to 5/-.
Svucar—Crystals, 19/- to 22/6; Muscovado, 15/- to 17/-;
Syrup, 14/- to 18/- per ewt.; Molasses, no quotatioas.
GinuesPiIE Bros. & Co., October
20, 1911.
Cacao—Caracas, 13c. to 13$c.; Grenada, 133c. to 13#c.;
Trinidad, 122c. to 13c. per tb.; Jamaica, 114c. to 12}c,
Cocoa-Nuts—Jamaica, select, $34°00 to $36°00; culls,
$20-00 to $21-00; Trinidad, select, $34:00 to $36:00;
culls, $20-00 to $21°00 per M.
Corrre—Jamaica, 16$c. to 174c. per tb.
Gincer— 8c. to 11}c. per tb.
Goat Sxkins—Jamaica, 53c.; Antigua and Barbados, 48c.
to 50c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 46c. to 48c.
per Ib.
Grave-I’ruir—Jamaica, $5°00 to $5°75.
Lines— $500 to $5°80.
Macre—48c. to 52c. per tb.
Nurmpecs—110’s, 13c.
Orances—Jamaica, $5°d0 per box.
Pimento—4}c. to 4gc. per tb.
Sucar—Centrifugals, 96°, 5°96c. per tb.; Muscovados,
89°, 5:46c.; Molasses, 89°, 5:2lc. per tb., all
duty paid
ea
Cacao—Venezuelan, $13°40 per fanega; Trinidad, $12°60
to $13°25.
Cocoa-Nut Orz—$1°08 per Imperial gallon.
CorrreE—Venezuelan, 16c, per tb.
Corra—$4°'90 per 100 th.
Dxat—$3'90.
Ontons—$2'00 to $2:25 per 100 Ib.
Peas, Sprir—$5°90 to $6:00 per bag.
Potarors—English, $1°80 to $2°00 per 100 th.
Rice—Yellow, $5:00; White, 35°75 to $6:00 per bag.
Svucar—American crushed, no quotations.
Gorpon, Grant & Co., October 30,
Barbados,—Messrs. James A. Lynxcu & Co., November 4,
1911; Messrs. T.S. Garraway & Co., November 6,
1911; Messrs. Leacock & Co., October 27, 1911;
Messrs. E. Toorne, Limited, October 11, 1911.
Cacao—$10°50 to 313-00 per 100 fb.
Corron Srrp—$26'00 per ton; meal, $1°50 per 100 tb.;
2% per cent. discount.
Corron Seep Or (refined)—60c. per gallon.
Corron Srrp O11 (for export)—d4e. per gallon (in bond).
Hay—$1°50 per 100 th.
Manures—Nitrate of soda, $65°00; Cacao manure, $42-00
to $48°00; Sulphate of ammonia,
per ton.
Motasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$2°50 to $400 per 100 tb
Peas, Sprit—$5°90 to $6°00 per bag of 210 tb.; Canada,
$2°85 to $3°90 per bag of 120 tb.
Potators—Nova Scotia, $2°28 to
75°00 to $80:00
3°25 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam, $5°05 per 190 th.; Patna, no quotations;
Rangoon, no quotations.
Sucar—American granulated, $6°00 per 100 th.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wietinc & Ricurer, October
28,
August 18, 1911.
1911; Messrs. Sanpbacn, ParKER & Co,,
ARTICLES.
ARRoWROOT—Sbt. Vincent:
Batata— Venezuela block
Demerara sheet
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STARCH—
Cocoa-NUTS—
CorrEE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
DuaLr—
Green Dhal
Eppors—
Motasses— Yellow
Ontons—'eneriffe
Madeira
Preas—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Porators—Nova Scotia
Lisbon
Potators-Sweet, B’bados
Rice—Ballam
Creole
Tannias—
Yams— White
Buck
Sucar—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
Tinser—Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
», Cordwood
Messrs. WIETING
& RicutTer.
$10°50 per 200 tr.
No quotation
70c. per tb.
llc. per tb.
60c.
$6°00
$12 to $16 per M
16c. per th.
18c. per tb.
103c. per tb.
$3°60) per bag of
168 Ib.
c
$5°75
(210 ib.)
10c. to 20c.
52°50 to $2°75
88c. per bag
No quotation
$5:00
SL-0S
$216
$2-40
$3°85
$4 ‘00 to $450
$3°50
32c. to 5dc. per
cub. foot
$3°75 to $6°00
per M.
$1°8u to $200
per ton
Messrs. SAanp-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$10°50 per 200 tb.
Prohibited
70c.
Ile. per fh.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
selected
19c. per tb.
19kc.per tb.
12c. per tb.
$3-70 per bag of
168 th.
dc. to Be.
dke.
$5°75 per ba
(210 1b.)
No que win tion
$3-du
No quotation
$5:00 to $550
$3°60
$3°75 to $4:00
$4°25
None
32c. to 55e. per
cub. foot
$4:00 to $6:00
per M.
No quotation.
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Vou. X. No. 249) THE So MCUL a NEWS. Novemper 11, 1911.
THE BEST. ‘MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE
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CONTENTs.
Introduction. Soil,
Varieties, Climate,
Propagation:— Shade,
Selection, Preparing the Land.
Stock for Inarching Planting.
and Budding Cultivation,
Inarching Fertilization or Manuring.
Budding, Pruning and Sanitation
TWELVE (12) PULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS.
GERMAN KALI WORKS,
P.0. Box 1,007, Empedrado 30,
Havana, Cuba.
DEC 7 = 1911
; = 4 /, NY | c
EDR Fee
FUSS Dy
A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW
IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES.
Vou. X. No, 250: 25, 191T°
BARBADOS, NOVEMBER
CONTENTS.
PAGE PaGE,
British Guiana, Agricul- Tnsect Notes: —
tural Matters in 379 Some Useful Insecticides 378
British India, Agriculture
Lime Juice, Machinery for
in Sco, Goo 068 oon) BYTE Separating and Strain-
Congo, Agricultural Ex- ing ules 372
perimentation in the 375 | Market Reports 5 oy Ole
Cotton Notes :— | Nitrogen, Assimilation of
Cotton at the Imperial by Rice 369
Institute, 1910... BA Notes and Comments 376
St. Vincent, Govern- ee alee School
ment Cotton Purchase ae nee Wack ib 376
Scheme ... ... 375 | serie oe he Se
- : s7, | Plants, Excretion from
West Indian Cotton 374 Poots ARGUS tommalato® 977
Department News ... 381 Red. Sorrell AoE TEs
par e al Re sorts 297 ved SOrre as a bre HS
Departmenta v I : Plant... eeaseswadie
Fungus Notes oar. 3 Rubber, Drying on Hstates 383
Observations on Root a
Diseases in the West St. Lucia, Trade and Cem-
Indies, Part II ... 882 merce of, 1910-11 377
Gleanings ... ... ... ... 380 Seed Sterilization and In-
Grenada, Recent Agricul- oculation vel
tural work in 381 | Students’ Corner JetOOL
Insect Notes :— ‘West Indian Agricultural
Notes on the Cotton Conference, 1912 vai)
Worm ... B78 | West Indian Products 383
The Assimilation of Nitrogen
by Rice.
g ES )N was given in the Agricultural
§\ News, Vol. IX, pp. 97 and 328, to recent
work that has been done in connexion with
the assimilation of nitrogen by plants. It was pointed
out that this had shown that nitrogen is not only
taken in by green plants in the form of nitrates, but
that they can make use of it directly by absorbing am-
Price ld,
monium sulphate through the roots. In this way, the
old opinion that nitrates alone were available for absorp-
tion from the soil by plants has received considerable
modification, and itis the purpose of the present article
to review investigations that have been undertaken
lately in connexion with the matter.
Some of this work has been done at the Hawaii
Agricultural Experiment Station, and is described
in Bulletin No. 24 of that Institution. In this, it is
pointed out that the usual practice is to refer to the
nitrogen in nitrates as being present in a more available
form than that contained in ammonium sulphate, dried
blood, or hoofs and horns. As regards this, as ig
stated, while the application of nitrates is more econo-
mical and more stimulating to plant growth than that
of ammonium salts, it is nota necessary consequence
that nitrates are more easily changed into proteids, or
that they are more readily assimilated than the naturally
occurring ammonium compounds. The difference be-
tween the behaviour of nitrates and that of ammonium
salts arises chiefly from the circumstance that continued
applications of the latter are likely to cause an unfav-
ourable soil acidity, and the fact that the former are less
firmly fixed in the soil, and therefore more easily taken
up by plants. In connexion with the subject, reference
is made to the researches of Russell, Hutchinson and
Miller, and to that of other observers. The investiga-
tions of the experimenters just mentioned, it may be
said, receive special attention in the Agricultural
News, Vol. 1X, pp. 33 and 98.
Returning to the matterin the Bulletin mentioned,
it is pointed out that the soils in which rice is cultiva-
ted form a useful means of investigating the question
of the direct assimilation of ammonium sulphate,
NEW Y'!
BOTAN!
GAKD
370
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS
NOVEMBER 25, 1911,
because little or no nitrification can take place in them,
in their water-logged condition, on account of the diffi-
culty of the access of air; in fact denitrification 1s hkely
to occur, especially as such soils often contain large
quantities of organic matter which probably tend to
assist in denitrification. After shortly dealing with
past experiments that have been made in relation to
nitrogen assimilation by rice, the Bulletin proceeds to
describe manurial experiments with that crop that have
been conducted at the Hawaii Experiment Station for
the past two years.
- On a field scale, the trials have shown that only
slight effects were produced by the employment of
nitrate of soda, either in one application before trans-
planting, or applied at intervals during the growth of
the crop. The results were different with ammonium
sulphate, for its use gave considerable increases in
the return, more especially from the single applica-
tion. Itis pointed out that the greater loss of nitrate
of soda by leaching may contribute to this effect, but
that it is unlikely that the condition was brought about
solely through this cireumstance, ‘ for the yields from the
single application of nitrate of soda were greater two
times ont of three than the yields from the repeated
applications.’
The importance of deciding whether nitrates are
carried out of the reach of the roots of the plants, and
if they are lost to any great extent through denitrifica-
tion, led to the making of pot experiments, with soil
‘taken from a rice field after it had been aerated for
In the trials, each pot received
the same amount of sulphate of potash and of superphos-
phate; the differences of treatment were comprised in
the employment of ammonium sulphate, sodium nitrate,
a period of two months,
calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate and soy bean cake,
in quantities providing 0°6 grammes of nitrogen per
pot. Tests made at intervals that nitrites
were formed in all the pots, within five to ten days
after water had been added, and were present in the
largest amount, by far, in pots containing nitrates, In no
case was the accumulation of nitrites greater than two
parts per the irrigating water. As time
elapsed the nitrate content was reduced to a low mini-
mum, except where it was appled repeatedly; whereas
that of ammonia was maintained. Considerable increas-
es in the ammonia content succeeded the use of ammon-
ium sulpuate or soy bean cake: but these were very
small, with the application of nitrates. As regards the
‘growth of the rice plants in the pots, the best results
were obtained where ammonium sulphate was used;
those from soy bean cake were intermediate between
showed
million of
the returns from the no-manure series and the ammon-
ium sulphate series; there was only a slight increase of
growth with calcium and magnesium nitrates. Lastly,
With respect to this series of experiments, the kind of
manure used had no great effect on the percentage of
nitrogen in the straw and grain.
Further experiments were made in flasks, in order
to determine whether the loss of nitrates was due to
dentrification or absorption by the rice plants; they
showed that the former was the operating cause, and
from a practical point of view, that nitrates do not form
a suitable manure for rice. The investigation was
supplemented by trials with sand cultures, both wet
and dry, to determine if nitrogen as ammonia is capable
of supplying all the requirements by rice in regard to
that element, and what behaviour is shown by this
plant when nitrogen is only available as nitrates. In
the result, it was shown that ammonium nitregen is
sufficient fur the vigorous growth of the plant, except
in the case of ammonium nitrate, while where the soil
was kept wet, nitrate of soda completely failed to bring
about any growth of the rice. Where the soil was not
saturated with water, similar results were obtained, and
in both cases interesting observations were made with
nitrates other than sodium nitrate. It should be men-
tioned that preliminary work with rice in sand cultures
demonstrated that the presence of five or more parts of
nitrites per million of irrigation water was usually fatal
to the plant.
In the discussion of the results of the experiments,
1b is pointed out that the conversion of nitrates into
proteids is essentially a reduction process; that nitrates
as such do not occur to any considerable extent in
plants; and that proteids, whatever their source, do not
contain nitrogen derived immediately from nitrates: but
from ammonium compounds. It is thus to be concluded
that the nitrogen content of plants is likely to be
greater they supplied with ammonium
salts than when they are given nitrates, and this
conclusion is supported by the work, of Russell,
Hutchinson’ and Miller, as well as by the results
of the investigations under review. In this connexion
the interesting suggestion is made that the cireum-
stance that rice has been raised for centuries under
conditions that preclude to a large extent the formation
of nitrates, has to’a great degree caused it to lose the
power of reducing nitrates eventually to form proteids.
This suggestion is to be made the subject of further
investigation.
when are
It may be stated shortly that the result of the
work to which attention is given has been to show that
Vou. X. No. 250.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
371
ammonium sulphate is of the greatest use as a manure
for rice, in wet cultivation, while nitrate of soda produces
little or no effect; that soy bean cake is useful, but
inferior to ammonium sulphate in this connexion; that
denitrification takes place in paddy soils, causing the
formation of nitrites, and possibly the loss of free nitro-
gen; that in submerged rice soils the formation of
ammonium salts occurs to a considerable extent;
that the provision of nitrate as the only source of com-
bined nitrogen, for rice plants, gives unhealthy and
stunted growth; that the greater the presence of nitrates
the greater is the extent to which nitrites are formed,
and that this may reach such a degree as to injure the
rice; and that the failure of rice properly to assimilate
nitrates is probably due to a lack of nitrate-reducing
enzymes, caused through the non-use of these over
a long period of time.
For the agriculturist, the matter of practical im-
portance is that ammonium sulphate and organic
nitrogenous bodies are preferable to nitrates, in paady
cultivation. For the investigator, the suggestion arises
regarding lines of research for the purpose of enquiring
further into the forms in which nitrogen is assimilated
directly by plants.
SEED STERILIZATION AND INOCULATION
Before inoculating the seed of leguminous plants with
the nodule-forming organism (Pseudomonas radicicola) it is
often the custom to disinfect the seed, in one of the approved
ways, in order to prevent interference from other organisms
with the growth of the nodule organism, or in order to ensure
that the latter is not already present. The question has
naturally arisen as to the possibility that the development of
this organism suffers interference through the presence on the
seed of the substances used in disinfection. , In order to gain
information concerning the matter, work has been carried out
recently by the Bureau of Plant Industry of the United
States Department of Agriculture. ‘The results of this are
given in Circular No. 67 of that Bureau, and the information
is employed in the presentation of the following facts.
In the investigation, the object of the first trial was to
gain some knowledge as to the effect of disinfectants with
respect to germination, and in rendering seeds free from bac-
terial infection. In regard to the first, hydrogen peroxide
was found to cause the least injury, being innocuous even
when used on germinating seed. Leguminous seeds possess-
ing hard coats withstood the poisoning action of formal-
dehyde and corrosive sublimate much better than the non-
leguminous seeds. As far as the second consideration, above,
is concerned, all the disinfectants (corrosive sublimate, formal-
dehyde and hydrogen peroxide) were found to be effective.
The succeeding part of the experimentation had relation
to the residual effect of the treatment of seeds with disinfect-
ing substances. The seed after treatment with the latter
was rinsed several times in test tubes with sterile water, and
then attempts were made to grow a micro-organism in the
rinsing water, that employed being Bacillus subtilis. In
the case of corrosive sublimate the proportion contained in
the water used for washing the seed the fourth time was
still sufficient to be fatal to 2. subtilis. Similar tests were
made with formaldehyde and hydrogen peroxide; with the
latter, two rinsings were not found sufficient to remove
it from the seed, and even in the case of the third wash
water there was a slight interference with the growth of the
bacillus, though much less in degree than that from formal-
dehyde or corrosive sublimate.
Repetition of the experiment, using flasks instead of
test tubes, whereby about five times as much washing water
could be employed, showed complete removal of the disinfect-
ants, at least as far as their effect on B. subtilis was con-
cerned, by the employment of the larger amounts of water.
A result obtained during the course of the investiga-
tions was that the disinfectants which are least able to
pass through the seed coat are more nearly removed when
small quantities of water are used for washing, than are those
capable of penetrating to the iuterior of the seed. Further,
reference is made to the work of Hutchinson and Miller,
in showing that incomplete sterilization of seed often arises
from the presence of air bubbles upon it or inside it (the
Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. III, p. 179). The
matter was improved by carrying on the disinfection beneath
a vacuum pump, whereby a greater amount of penetration of
the disinfectant was obtained. In relation to this subject, it
was observed, further, that in the latter method of seed
disinfection, the difficulty of removal of the sterilizing agent
by rinsing was increased.
In the case of hydrogen peroxide used as a seed disin-
fectant, seeds were treated with this, the strength of the
solution being 3 per cent., washed three times with sterile
distilled water, and then inoculated with cultures of the
nodule organism. A duplicate series was washed several
times before inoculation, and it was shown that these seeds
were nearly sterile as regards the presence of organisms on
the coat. In the result, the bacteria on the sterilized seed
showed a rapid mortality—a fact which indicates that some
influence was present. which lowered their normal vitality; the
decrease in vitality varied with the vigour of the culture.
The conclusion of the whole matter indicates that when
seeds are disinfected before being treated with cultures of the
nodule organism, the work should be done with special care,
and where very accurate control is necessary, disinfection is
required to eliminate the chances of accidental contamination
with the nodule organism. Further, the use of corrosive
sublimate prior to inoculation is harmful, and that while
hydrogen peroxide has been found to be effective as a disin-
fectant, it does much less damage than that which the nodule
organism is likely to receive from corrosive sublimate or
formaldehyde.
In Diplomatic and Consular Reports, No. 4716 Annual
Series, it is shown that the value of the exports from the
Zanzibar Protectorate rose from £1,011,364 in 1909 to
£1,033,467 in 1910. The principal increases during the
period took place under copra, grain, petroleum, and sugar,
and the decreases under cloves and clove stems, gum copal,
ivory and piece-goods, The value of the export of cloves—-
the principal product—was £330,410, as compared with
£264,960 in 1908 and £596,121 in 1907; the actual export
in 1909 was greater than in 1907, but the value was smaller
on account of the fall of prices.
372
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. NovemBer 25, 1911.
FRUITS AND FRUIT “EREES.
MACHINERY FOR SEPARATING AND
STRAINING LIME JUICE.
Mr. J. Jones, Curator of the Botanic Station,
Dominica, has submitted a note on the Express Strain-
ing Machine, used for separating lime juice from the
pulp and seeds. This is as tollows:—
A new feature in the working of lime estates has been
introduced by Mr. H. A. Frampton, Attorney of the Bath
estate, Dominica. It consists of a mechanical means for
separating lime juice from the pulp and seeds—a boon real
ized best by those who have most to do with the handling of
large quantities of lime juice. The device is very simple
and has given every satisfaction on the five or more estates
now using it, in Dominica. oy
The essential parts are a fixed cylindrical copper sieve
of a fine mesh, roughly 3 feet long and having a diameter of
about 1 foot, through the middle of which there passes
a revolving axle, on which are fixed four brushes resembling
scrubbing brushes. The brushes are arranged so as to keep
the pores of the sieve always clear, and are placed at sach an
angle that the refuse is ejected at the end, the clear juice
running out at the spout. The fine copper gauze 1s strength-
ened by being enclosed within a perforated copper sheet.
All parts in contact with the juice are of wood, gun-metal
or copper. About 500 gallous per hour can be treated; this is
equivalent to about 40 barrels of limes. The axle may be
rotated by the same power asis used for driving the mill, and
the juice is led from the mill and into the hopper by gravi-
tation. ; ‘
The price for the machine complete is £20, an extra
copper cylinder can be obtained for £2, and the brushes cost
12s. per dozen. The manufacturer is Mr. T. A. Siddall, ol,
Duke Street, Aldgate, London, EC., and the agent in the
West Indies is Mr. H. A. Frampton, Dominica.
Mr. Jones also draws attention to, and sends an
illustration of, a lime-crushing mill. made by the same
firm, costing £50, for hand or power, and measuring
for shipment 65 feet 6 inches; the agent for this in
Dominica, is the same as for the above. In doing so,
Mr. Jones states:—
The mill shown is capable of dealing with a large crop
when driven by power, and it can be used as a hand mill
during the early years of a lime estate, when crops are small.
Hitherto, the lime planter, when his trees began to bear,
had to purchase a hand mill, which had to be discarded as
crops increased, or he had to erect the permanent mill, and
provide power to drive it, years before the output of crop
warranted the expenditure. Now the planter can purchase
a mill which can be. driven by hand power for a period, and
afterwards, when the crop warrants this, the form of power that
he decides to utilize may be installed.
On the whole,..to begin with, the purchase of a perma-
nent mill, capable of being driven to suit the circumstances
of planters, would appear to prevent the unnecessary locking
up of capital, and make for economy in the management of
lime estate,
RED SORREL AS A FIBRE PLANT.
This species [Hibiscus Sabduriffa| is cultivated all over
India (except in the hills), and in Ceylon. It is also exten-
sively cultivated in Jamaica for fibre, and in the West Indies
generally.for the calyx. The height of the plants varies with
the cultivation, but may reach 10 feet. They branch pro-
fusely, the branches arising from the base and remaining
parallel to the main stem, which is not much stouter than the
branches.
The stems are retted in the same manner as those of
H. cannabinus. The fibres are silky and fine, but apparently
not so strong as those of //. cannabinus; the breaking strain
of the latter is given by Wiesner as 115, whereas that of
H, Sabdaritta 1s ouly 89.
The following description of the fibre is taken from
Dodge’s Descriptive Catalogue of the Useful Fibre Plants of
the World: —
‘A superb simple of this fibre was shown in the exhibit of
British Guiana, W.C.E., 1893, which was accompanied by the
stalks, some 10 feet, high, as straight and clean as jute stalks.
‘The fibre was equal, if not superior, to much of the jute
which comes to this country. In my examination for award
it was given the following rating: length, 90 points; strength,
75 points; average 81:6.’
Most of the descriptions and statements concerning
H. Sabdaritta or Roselle refer to a plant with red stems and
red calices. In a few accounts mention is made of a variety
with a white calyx,.but no description is given.
times said to be less acid than the red variety. No other
forms are referred to in the literature. We have at Pusa
isolated not only the red and the white varieties but the
intermediate forms. These are partly red, but in each the
localization of the colour is different. (From Memoirs of
the Department of Agriculture in India, Vol. IV, No. 2,
p- 30.)
It is some-
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
373
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF
1910.
BAUAMAS :
AGRICULTURE,
In this, the last report of the Board of Agriculture of
the Bahamas, as it was recently constituted, attention is
drawn at an early stage to the fact that the interest taken by
agriculturists in the experiment plots at the Agricultural
Station was increasing, and that there has also been a decided
enlargement of that in Sea Island cotton growing, more atten-
tion having been given to this through the decreased cultiva-
tion of pine-apples, consequent on the depression in the pine-
apple industry. ‘The export of cotton during the year was
valued at’ £411, which is an increase on that of last year of
£92. The average yield of this crop was from 160 bb. to
250 tb. of lint per acre. In connexion with cotton, a provis-
ional forecast is made in the report that this will gradually
become the staple product of the Colony. With respect to
the present staple crop, namely sisal hemp, it is stated that
slight progress has been made in the treatment of the hand-
cleined fibre, and it is suggested that the possession of
a practical hand, or animal power, decorticating machine
would effect much in regard to increasing the area and out-
put of the crop. The production of sisal hemp during the
period 1905-1909 averaged annually 4,468,211 lb., as com-
pared with 2,120,282 lb,—the annual average for the preced-
ing five years. The average selling price of hand-cleaned
fibre throughout the year was about 13s. per 100 Ib., as com-
pvred with about 11s. in 1909; machinc-cleaned fibre obtained
an average price of £1 2s 6d. per 100 Ib. For the financial
year 1909-10, 5,846,447 Tb. of sisal hemp, value £48,805
was exported, as compared with 5,281,449 tb, value £42,627
in 1908-9. It is expected that, if steps are taken by the
Legislature to control the shipment of badly cleaned fibre, the
“industry will continue to prosper for many years.
As has been stated, depression has existed in the pine-
apple industry, on account of deterioration of stock and
unfavourable seasons; the hope is expressed that the importa-
tion of fresh stcck will, with favourable seasons, soon revive
‘the industry. ‘The sugar-cane crop was below the average,
chietly owing to unfavourable weather; and the importation
of new varieties is required in order that a satisfactory yield
may be obtained. There has been a considerable increase
in the area in tomatoes, and the immediate prospects at the
time of the report were satisfactory. Particulars are given
‘concerning tomato-growing, the area of which has increased,
and regarding the small citrus industry. __ }
Hope is expressed that a profitable industry may arise
‘in the exploitation of Cryptostegia grandiflora for obtaining
rubber; in fact the expectation is expressed that the profits
from this would be greater than those from any other crop
that is being grown at present in the Colony. With reference
to minor products, the exports of these during the year under
report were valued at £1,383 as compared with £933 in the
preceding year. The actual increase of production is greater
than this, as the local consumption 1s becoming larger.
Information is given, further, concerning the exports of forest
products and native-made hats, as well as regarding the
imports of agricultural products.
In the similar report for last year, a suggestion is made
concerning the inauguration of asystem of demonstration fields,
and since that time the matter has been discussed by the Cu-
ratorof the Agricultural Station, with a number of farmers, who
all evinced an interest in the proposition, and some of whom
offered practical assistance in the shape of land and labour, the
latter to be employed under the direction of a competent super-
visor. The need is expressed for an agricultural bank in the
Colony for the assistance of farmers, with the aidof the Board of
Agriculture. The suggestion is also made that an agricultural
agency might be formed at Nassau, particularly for assist-
ing in marketing the produce from the Outer Islands. It
is also stated that a law is required to prevent the burning of
growing trees and crops, particularly in consideration of the
fact that on several of the islands large areas are almost
treeless.
The report concludes with information concerning lec-
tures and demonstrations given by the Agricultural Depart-
ment in various islands, suggestions for improvement in the
general agricultural conditions, an account of experimental
work, details concerning the agricultural exhibition held
during the period, facts regarding meteorological matters, an
account of publications issued and received, distribution of
plants, and travelling done by the Agricultural Officers.
BRITISH HONDURAS:
BOTANIC STATION,
REPORT ON THE
1910.
At the commencement of this recently issued report,
particulars are given in regard to the rubber plants with which
trials are being made at the Botanic Station. It appears
from these that good results are being obtained with Para
rubber plants; Castilloa plants, with one exception, are making
slow growth, and there has been very little progress with
Funtumia. Success is being gained with imported varieties
of oranges; some of these were attacked by a scale insect,
which however, it is observed, was destroyed by ‘a black
fungus growth’. Limes also showed good promise, and this
is the same in regard to imported mangoes, particularly with
respect to the variety Sandersha.
In relation to the present increased interest in cocoae
nuts, it is significant that the demand for these at the Station,
for planting, has been in excess of the supply; seed nuts are
not readily procurable from outside sources, on account of the
high local price for commercial nuts. Good growth has been
made by the plants at the Station, and the forking of the
soil round the trees has been of benefit; in an editorial note
it is mentioned that, in the Corozal District, light surface
ploughing around young plants has been quickly followed by
notably increased vigour and rate of growth.
Further information indicates that success has been ob-
tained in experiments with Liberian coffee, ginger, onions,
arrowroot, grapes and watermelons, and information is also
given concerning ground nuts, varieties of maize, jack fruit
and vegetables
The succeeding part of the report deals with the progress
made with plants newly introduced at the Botanic Station,
visits to country plantations, and the state of the flower
garden. After these matters have been dealt with, it is
pointed out that, with suitable accommodation, the Botanic
Station would now offer good opportunities for giving agri-
cultural training to youths. Lastly, attention is given to
nursery work and plant distribution.
374
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. November 25, 1911,
iho? =
oe
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date November 6, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
During the last fortnight about 100 bales of West Indian
Sea Island cotton have been sold, about half of which was
white cotton at 16d. to 18d., and the remainder stained and
inférior at 8d. to 104d. There is very little stock, but prices
are firm.
Fully Fine Carolina Sea Island has been offering at
153d., c.i.f., but the quality of this crop is so very inferior
that we expect West Indian will be purchased in preference.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending October 28, is as follows:-—
The receipts of Islands for the week were 232 bales,
against 963 bales in the corresponding week of last year. As
the character of the receipts continues to be chiefly of off cot-
ton, with only a small percentage of bright, the holders of
the old crop are firm in their views.
The sales for the week were 42 bales, chietly composed
of sample lots. The market has not yet fully opened and the
following quotations are therefore normal, viz :—
Extra Fine 32c. to 55e. 18d. to 194d.,c.i.f.,& 5 per cent.
Fine to Fully Fine 28c. to 30¢. 16d. to lid. ,,
Off Cottons 21c. to 24c. 11 $d. to 134d.,,,
3.099 “y
y399 ”
COTTON AT THE IMPERIAL INSTITUTE,
1910.
The Report on the work of the Imperial Institute,
1910, issued as Colonial Ieports--Annual, No. 687,
has just been received. It gives the following useful
résumé of the work of examination of cotton and cotton
seed conducted by the Institute during the year:—
suDAN. Samples of ‘ Voltos’ and ‘ Nubari’ cottons, grown
at Zeidab, were of good quality, and were respectively valued
at 143d. to 15d. per Ib., with ‘good’ Abassi at 15d. per bb.,
and 133d. to 13}. per tb., with ‘good’ brown Egyptian at 13d.
per lb. A specimen of Mitafifi cotton grown at Fadlab was
valued at 13d. to 134d. per Ib. on the same date.
UGANDA, Four samples were examined, one of which was
of soft, long staple, and was valued at 1d. per Ib. in advance
of ‘middling’ American. A comparison of the cotton of Kam-
pala with that of Buddu showed that the latter was much
stained, and decidedly inferior to the fornter. The samples
were valued respectively at O-7d. to O-Sd., and O-ld. to 0:2d.
in advance of ‘middling’ American.
NYASALAND, Seven samples of cotton and three of cotton
seed were examined, The Egyptian cottons were generally
somewhat inferior to standard specimens from Egypt, but the
American cottons were of excellent quality, one sample being
valued at as much as 2d. to 24d. per tb. in advance of
‘middling’ American.
RHODESIA. Six samples were examined, and were of
satisfactory quality, although the Egyptian kinds were not
quite equal to standard specimens of the corresponding
varieties in Egypt. A sample of American Upland was valued
at &d. per Ib., with ‘middling’ American at 7°36d. per 1b
UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA. Three samples of ‘Caravonica’
cotton grown in Zululand were of good quality. One of them
was regarded as readily saleable as a substitute for rough
Peruvian, at 10?d..to 11d. per Ib., with ‘good’ moderately
rough Peruvian at 103d. per tb. whilst the others were less
harsh, and were valued at about 12d. per Ib , with good Abassi
at 15d. per lb, A specimen of wild cotton from Zululand
was strong, harsh, about an inch long, and worth about 7}d.
per lh., with ‘middling’ American at 83d. per bb.
Seven samples including American, Egyptian, and Cara-
vonica cottons from the Cape Province were all of promising
quality. Those of the American type were valued at 53d. to
63d per tb., with ‘middling’ American at 5°72d. per tb., and
the Caravonica cottons were regarded as worth 7?d to 8d.
per lb. on the same date.
BRITISH WEST AFRICA. [teven samples of cotton pro-
duced by hybrids grown at the Labolabo Plantation, Gold
Coast, were all vaiued in advance of ‘middling’ American.
Some of these were rather harsh and might prove serviceable
as substitutes for rough or semirough Peruvian. Four
specimens of native cottons from the Northern Territories,
Gold Coast, were of good, saleable quality, and were valued
at from 6°70d. to Td. per tb., with ‘middling’ American at
6°39d. per Ib. 7
Four samples of cotton from Southern Nigeria, which
were probably all native varieties, were of satisfactory length
but of poor quality, and had apparently. suffered trom the
attack of insect pests. A specimen from Illushi was
decidedly superior to most West African cottons, and was
worth about Id. per Ib. in advance of ‘middling’ American,
Two samples of native cottons from Northern Nigeria
were much stained and of comparatively low value. These
varieties, however, had a staple of about an inch, and would
probably be capable of considerable improvement under
cultivation.
INDIA, Ten samples of Egyptian and American cottons
from Burma were of fairly good quality, but inferior to
standard commercial specimens.
VoL. X. No. 250.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 375
BRITISH HONDURAS. A sample of long stapled Upland
cotton was regarded as of the same values as ‘fully good fair’
Abassi (133d. per tb.). A hybrid cotton, also of long staple,
was valued at 124d to 13d. per tb. on the same date.
FOREIGN COUNTRIES. Twenty-one samples of improved
American Upland cottons from Mozambique were examined.
Four of them were of short staple and were valued at about
73d. per tb., but the others were of good length and useful
spinning quality, and ranged in value trom 7éd. to $d.
per Ib., with ‘middling’ American at 7°59d. per tbh. A sample
of ‘Caravonica’ cotton was of very poor quality and nomi-
nally worth 5{d. to 6d. per Ib.
SCHEME, ST. VINCENT.
Attention has been drawn by Mr. W. N. Sands,
Agricultural Superintendent, St. Vincent, to the follow-
ing account of the working of the St. Vincent Govern-
ment Cotton Purchase Scheme, which, it is stated by
Mr. Sands, represents the facts as they actually exist.
The account.appears in the St. Vincent Sentry for
October 20, 1911.
We understand that a bonus of 25 per cent. of the
value of the seed-cotton sold on a profit-sharing basis by
small growers to the Government Central Cotton Ginnery
last Season has been declared and will be paid during the next
few days, commencing to-morrow. It must bea matter of
congratulation both to Government and the small growers
who are, as it were, partners in the business, to see such
a successful result. The total sum due to the people is
upwards of £838. Taking 7c. per 1b. for first grade seed-
cotton as the payment made in the first instance on account,
and adding to it the value of the bonus, 1 #e., it will be seen
that the total amount realized by the small growers for their
cotton was 8$c. per Ib.
This information, which we have obtained from a reliable
source, is most encouraging. The result fully bears out our
ideas on the feasibility of the scheme, and the views the
Sentry has hitherto expressed as to the advisability of the
owners of small lots of Jand going in for cotton cultivation
as well as vegetables. It proves also that reliance can be
placed upon the Government for obtaining the best possible
value for cotton and seed sold to the Ginnery on the profit-
sharing basis. The results of each succeeding crop seem to
manifest more and more clearly the yreat benefit that the
Government Cotton Ginnery is to the small grower. Besides
encouraging him to grow a crop which pays better than
ground provisions, it makes him more independent and less
likely to be hampered by recurring demands of the money
lender. We learn also that the system the Government
Ginnery recently adopted of grading the cotton has worked
well. All this should convince the small man that it is in
his interest the scheme is worked, and that in giving it all
the support in his power he is only contributing to
a co-operative business in whose success he most certainly
participates in a direct manner.
ce
Information has been received from St. Vincent to the
effect that fine weather was experienced in the island during
the first three weeks of last month, but that heavy falls of
rain were received during the last few days. The rainfall
for: October, at the. Botanic Station, was 9°32 inches, and at
the Agricultural School, 9:26 inches.
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENTATION IN
THE CONGO.
Some advance was made in 1910 in agriculture by the
creation of Government experimental stations in the districts
of the Kwango, Kasai, Equator, Bangala and the Katanga.
Twelve large rubber plantations were either newly created or
developed in that year. A special study is being made of the
agricultural resources of the Katanga, where several experi-
mental stations have been started in the localities best suited
to emigration, and particularly ia those contiguous to the
railways in construction or contemplation. In this district
attention is likewise being devoted to meteorological observa-
tions, analysis of the soil, pastures and cattle-rearing, with
a view to the organization of food-producing stations, which
it is considered will have an important bearing upon the diffi-
cult question of food supplies in the mining districts, where
provisions are expensive and scarce.
To assure greater etticiency in the employment of experts
for promoting agriculture, the country has been divided into
agricultural circuits, which at present number six in all.
The first comprises the Lower Congo, Middle Congo, Kwango
and Lake Leopold IL, the second, the districts of the Equator,
Ubangi and Bangala, in which the larger plantations of
rubber occur; the third, the Uelle district, and more particu-
larly the cattle-rearing zones of Gurba-Dungu, Bomokandi
and Uere-Bili; the fourth, the districts of Stanleyville and
the Aruwimi, which will embrace the cattle-rearing zones of
the Grand Lacs; the fifth, the Kasai, and the sixth the
Katanga.
Each circuit is under the direction of a district agrono-
mist aided by a statf of efficient assistants, and subject to the
general superintendence ot the Director of Agriculture at
Boma, and Assistant Director in the Katanga.
Scientific missions are to be sent to Malaysia and British
India for studying tropical agriculture, irrigation and the pre-
vention of diseases in plants. Until it becomes possible to
acquire experts versed in rural economics in Belgium itself,
the staff will be drawn from other countries.
The meteorological section will be well provided with
instruments which will also be distributed among the various
religious missions, and the work in this important branch
will thus receive considerable impetus.
Experimental gardens analogous to those at Hala, in the
Equator district, will be created in the Lower Congo, Kasai
and the Katanga. ‘The gardens at Eala are credited with
having done some important work, but being situated on the
Equator, the results of the experiments made in the culture
and acclimatization of plants are inapplicable to localities far
removed from this district in which the rains are not so con-
stant or the climate so equable
The Agricultural Research Laboratory, under the diree-
tion of two experienced chemists at Hala, is to be placed at
the disposal of settlers. (Diplomatic and Consular Reports,
Annual Series, No. 4780, p. 7.)
A preliminary forecast of the sugar-cane crop of Eastern
Bengal and Assam, for the season 1911-12, gives the area
planted as 177,800 acres, or 3,400 acres less than in last
year. In Eastern Bengal the cause of the steady decline in
cane cultivation that is taking place is said to be the fact
that other crops are found to give better returns for the
capital and labour employed.
376
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
NovemBer 25, 1911,
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
ommissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultura’ News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s, 2d. Post free, 4s. 4d.
Agricultural Hews
eee av ee = = meas
Your. X. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1911. No. 250.
NOTES AND“COMMENTS.
Contents of Present Issue.
In this number the editorial deals with the results
of work that has been undertaken recently in con-
nexion with the Assimilation of Nitrogen by Rice.
It has been shown conclusively that this plant can
employ ammonunm sulphate directly as a source of that
element.
On page 371, an abstract is presented of a recent
circular which treats of the effect of the sterilization of
seed in relation to inoculation experiments with the
nodule organism of leguminous plants.
A note on machinery for separating and straining
lime juice is given on page 372.
Details of the Government cotton purchase scheme
in St. Vincent are presented on page 375.
Attention is directed to a note which appears on
this page, regarding the forthcoming West Indian
Agricultural Conference. “This has reference to the
provisional programme of the Conference, which has
just been prepared.
Under the heading Insect Notes, on page 378, two
articles are given—-one dealing with the cotton worm
and the other with some useful insecticides.
The Fungus Notes are presented on page 382.
They give the second and concluding article treating
of observations on root diseases in the West Indies.
The West Indian Agricultural Conference, 1912.
It was mentioned in the last number of the Agri-
cultural News (p. 360) that the Imperial Commissioner
of Agriculture was visiting Trinidad for the purpose of
discussing with His Excellency the Governor, and those
immediately interested, the arrangements for the forth-
coming West Indian Agricultural Conference, which
will be beld in that Colony from January 23 to 30,
1912
As a result of that visit and consultation the Pro-
visional Programme of meetings of the Conference,
which will be held in the Council Chamber at the Red
House, has been prepared and is now under revision.
The important t pics set down for discussion at this
Conference are naturally Agricultural Education,
Cacao, Cotton, Sugar, Cocoa-nut and Rubber cultiva-
tion, and they will be taken in this order. An
important feature of the programme, which by the
way will be a departure from the proceedings at
previous Conferences, is the inclusion cf evening
sessions, to be held at the Queen’s Royal College,
where addresses on various interesting subjects, in some
cases illustrated by lantern slides, will be given.
As is customary, arrangements have been niade
for « number of excursions to various districts.
Amongst those in: contemplation are: a trip to cacao
estates in the Santa Cruz valley; excursions to the
Pitch Lake, und to River estate, including the Blue
Basin and the Wireless Telegraphy Station; and visits
to educational institutions in Port-of-Spain.
Agricultural Work at the Onderneeming School,
1910-11.
The report on the Onderneeming School, British
Guiana, for 1910-11, contains among other matters an
account of the workat the Farm during the year under
review. It shows firstly that steady progress has
been made in the improvement of the cultivation at
the school; this is evident by the fact that the increase
in the yield of cotfee, from the same area, has been
from 1,808 th. in 1904-5 to 6,889 th. in 1910-11, and
there has been a similar steady increase, during the
same period, from 1,957 Ib. to 5,582 tb. in the case
of cacao, except in 1905-6 and 1907-8 when there were
temporary decreases.
Excellent progress is stated to have been made in
the recently established lime cultivation, and this fact
combined with the demand for seedlings makes it
expected that the work will prove a source of revenue
as wellas a useful means of experimentation. Seedlings
of Para rubber have been planted throughont the coffee
fields, and careful experimental tappings are being
made. Other varieties of rubber under trial are
Sapium Jenmani, Funtumia elastica and Castilloa
elastica; the first two are succeeding, while Castilloa
elastica is reported as having failed. Information is
included concerning miscellaneous plants, comprising
the souari nut (Caryocar nucifera), the durian, the
tonka bean and the Brazil nut.
Vout. X. No. 250.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 377
Details are presented concerning the stock farm,
and an appendix contains a statement of revenue and
expenditure in connexion with this. The section of the
Report dealing with the farm concludes >y stating that
the rainfall for the twelve months ended March 31,
1911 was 11271 inches as compared with 91-5 inches in
the preceding year.
pe
Agriculture in British India, 1910-11.
Returns issued by the Commercial Intelligence
Department of India show that the yield of rice in
1910-11 was 554,029.000 cwt., from 57,852,000 acres,
as compared with 557,136,000 ewt., from 58,119,000
acres, in 1909-10. The similar figures for wheat were
9,954,800 tons and 29,794,500 acres, and 9,633,600
tons and 28,106,500 acres. As regards cotton, the
figures are given for the quantities exported from India
and consumed in the country in and outside mills (not
the net exports and consumption): they show that the
quantities thus designated were 4,630,000 bales, as
against 5,228,000 bales in 1909-10.
Of oil seeds, the totals of pure and mixed linseed,
and rape and mustard seed, were 557,800 tons and
1,250,300 tons; in 1909-10 they amounted to 427,800
and 1,218,400 tons. Pure and mixed sesame totalled
511,600 tons, as compared with 560,800 tons in the
previous period.
Others of the chief products are given, as regards
yield, as follows, for 1910-11 and 1909-10 respectively:
ground nuts, 479,900 tons and 459,300 tons; jute,
7,932,000 bales and 7,206,600 bales; indigo, 38,100
ewt. and 39,300 cwt.; sugar-cane, 2,226,400 tons and
2,127,100 tons.
Trade and Commerce of St. Lucia, 1910-11.
The Annual Report of the Treasurer of St. Lucia,
1910-11, has just been published in the Gazette for
September 30. }
It shows that the total value of the exports during
the year was £238,955. Of this, £116,307 was the value
of domestic produce, £116,861 that of bunker coal, and
£5,987 that of the produce and manufactures of places
other than St. Lucia.
Sugar and cacao were the chief domestic products,
making 92 per cent. of the total value of such produce.
The details are: sugar 5,275 tons, value £65,747; cacao
8,187 bags of 200 tb., value £40,935.
The chief arnong the other domestic products
exported were in value as follows: molasses £1,914,
cotton £1,302, hides £699, firewood £682, and mangoes
£521. There were increases in all these cases, over
the value for the previous year, except in those of hides
and mangoes; the value of the cotton exported was more
than treble of that in 1909.
Information concerning the direction of the export
trade of domestic products during 1910 shows that the
percentage to the United Kingdom was 69, to British
Colonies 12, and to foreign countries 19; the proportion
of the exports to the United Kingdom and British
Colonies has increased from 76°8 per cent. in 1909 to
81 per cent. in 1910, while that to foreign countries has
decreased from 23-2 per cent. to 19 per cent., for the
same period.
It is pointed out that the total trade between
Canada and St. Lucia in 1909 was returned at £15,449;
in 1910 it was £26,258. Much of this increase is due
to the fact that information concerning the country of
origin of the produce was given in the later year, on
the Customs entries forms. Nevertheless, a gratifying
increase in the value of St. Lucia exports to Canada is
reported, as in 1909 it was £6,321, in 1910 £11,460,
and the suggestion is made: ‘it is most urgent for
St. Lucia’s future progress that every eftort be made to
retain the Canadian market, even to sacrificing tempo-
rarily a certain amount of revenue.’
EE
Excretion from the Roots and Stomata of
Plants.
It has long been known that the ash of plants
grown in nutritive solutions contains different propor-
tions of the constituents from those present in the
solution that was taken in by the roots. Liebig’s
explanation of the matter was that the roots expelled
those constituents that are not needful to the plant,
and caused the apparent discrepancy.
In pursuance of the subject. work has been under-
taken which has been described in Comptes Rendus
de VAcadémie des Sciences, Paris, February 20, 1911.
A review of this contained in the Bulletin of the
Bureru of Agricultural Intelligence and of Plant
Diseases, for March 1911, shows that maize plants were
cultivated in sterilized mineral solutions, and the resi-
dual liquids examined; these were found to possess an
alkaline or acid reaction, according as they contained
originally, when they were absorbed by the roots, sodium
nitrate and ammonium sulphate, or magnesium sul-
phate or ammonium nitrate.
Where the solution contained calcium carbonate
and sodium nitrate, the reaction became alkaline, and
it was shown that this condition was due to the
assimilation of nitric acid. Roots were found to excrete
organic compounds, particularly sugars and malic acid.
When roots cause the solution in which they are grow-
ing to become alkaline, this is found to contain malic
acid, which neutralizes the residual soda derived from
sodium nitrate. The process is for the malic acid which
has neutralized the soda to become oxidized by the
roots, the sap of which remainsacid. Another interest-
ing conclusion is stated to be the effect that the variation
in the quantity of ash constituents in plants is brought
about partly by the elimination of mineral substances
by secretions from the leaves. ‘These secretions are of
such a nature that the moisture collected in the evening
or in the morning from leaf surfaces contains chlorides,
calcium and magnesium sulphates, nitrates, ammonia
and organic compounds.
The review mentioned summarizes the position as
follows: ‘ The elimination of mineral substances through
the roots and by the leaves is a cause of continual
variation in plant ash.’
378
INSECT NOTES.
NOTES ON THE COTTON WORM.
A letter received recently at the Office of the Imperial
Department of Agriculture, from Mr. W. D. Hunter who is
in charge of the southern field crop insect investigations of
the Bureau of Entomology of the United States Department
of Agriculture, states that a most extraordinary outbreak of
the cotton worm (Alabama argillacea) has been experienced
in the United States during the cotton-growing season just
past, the cotton fields from Texas to the Atlantic having
been completely defoliated.
Mr. Hunter is endeavouring to ascertain the sources from
which the enormous numbers of these moths have come. He
believes that in one case they migrated into the United States
along the Mexican coast, and he raises the question as to
whether another migration may not have taken place from the
West Indies.
It does not seem likely that the West Indies could have
furnished any large number of cotton moths during the past
two or three seasons, as this insect has not been very abun-
dant, in the Lesser Antilles at least.
The cotton worm is known to have migrated over long
distances in past years, and freshly emerged moths have been
taken, very much to the north of the districts in which cotton
is grown. Up to the present time, however, no other food
plant for this insect is known, and it appears that these moths
must have grown to maturity within the cotton belt, and then
have migrated; but the perfect condition of many of the moths
has often led to the question as to whether these insects
possess some food plant growing further north than cotton
is known to grow.
In this connexion, a note by Dr. H. T. Fernald of the
Massachussetts Agricultural College, which appeared in
Science for October 13 may be of interest. Dr. Fernald states
that, during the last week in September, a number of moths of
the cotton worm were captured at Amberst, Massachussetts.
The moths were very fresh and perfect, and occurred in greater
numbers than has before been recorded for this locality. In
the Hntomological News for November 1911, Dr. Henry
Skinner contributes a note on the abundance of the cotton
moth in Philadelphia from September 23 to 26. ‘They
swarmed in some parts of the city and hundreds were resting
head-down on the electric light poles and on plate glass
windows of stores. There were many thousands of them
and nearly all that I saw were in perfect condition as though
just from the chrysalis. These moths are known to migrate
in numbers but it is quite strange if the great numbers seen
here came from the cotton districts of the South. The moths
in some places appeared to create considerable alarm, people
thinking they would cause damage to plant life here.’
The fact that the abundance of the cotton worm has
been observed in these northern latitudes, at the end of the
season in which this insect has been so destructive in the
South, might indicate that it occurs there as the result of
migration directly from the cotton fields.) On the other
hand, the fact that the moths were remarkable for their
perfection and freshness again raises the question as to
whether the cotton worm has another food plant than cotton.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS, November 25, 1911.
The answer to this question would be of considerable interest
to West Indian planters for, although uncultivated or wild
cotton furnishes food for the cotton worm and thus helps it to
survive periods when no cultivated cotton is being grown,
it is obvious that additional food plants would be of value to
the cotton worm during this unfavourable period.
SOME USEFUL INSECTICIDES.
For several years past, the United States Department of
Agriculture has been conducting investigations in the control
of the California peach borer (Sanninoidea opalescens), and in
the process of these investigations has demonstrated the use-
fulness of certain washes for the protection of preach trees.
The borer mentioned is one of the Lepidoptera, the
adult being a beautiful moth and the larva or borer a cater-
pillar. The effect upon the peach tree however is much the
same as that of the cacao beetle on cacao trees, and of the
lime tree bark borer on lime and other ciirus trees. The
methods of control found to be useful in California may also
be of value in the West Indies.
The peach borer is controlled by the practice of digging
out the larvae, and the use of a wash on the trunks of the
trees to repel the egg-laying adult and prevent its gaining
an entrance. In the case of the West Indian borers there
are no such definite seasons for the different stages of insect
development as obtain farther north, and consequently a con-
stant look-out would have to be kept for the emergence of the
adult or for the appearance of infested areas on the trunks
of the trees. It is the general practice in cacao and lime
plantations to dig out borers, and after clearing away the
dead bark to treat the exposed surface with a preservative
such as coal tar or resin oil.
The protective wash which has been found most useful
in dealing with the California peach borer is the one
described under the heading Formula No. I. This is a mix-
ture of lime and erude oil. prepared as follows :—
Formula No. I. The lime-crude-oil. mixture. Place,
about 50 tb, of rock lime in a barrel and slake with 10 to 15
gallons of warm water; while the lime is boiling, slowly pour
in 6 or 8 gallons of heavy crude oil, and stir thoroughly.
Add enough water to make the whole a heavy paste. The
wash should be applied immediately with a heavy brush.
This has been found effective and is not injurious. It
prevents the egz-laying females from gaining access to the
bark of the tree and it does not seem to injure the plants.
Mixtures made according to Formula No. 2 and lormula
No, 3 have also been used, and as they may be applicable in
certain cases in the West Indies, the directions for making are
given herewith.
Formula No. 2. The lime-sulphur-salt mixture. Place
about 25 tb. of rock lime ina barrel and slake with warm
water. Add 2 quarts of sulphur and 2 or 3 handfuls of salt
while the lime is still boiling. This wash is heavy, and is
applied with a brush.
Formula No.-3. Lime, coal tar, and whale-oil soap.
Unslaked lime 50 tb, coal tar 14 gallons, whale-oil soap. 12 Ib.
Slake the lime in warm water, and add the tar while the mix-
ture is boiling; dissolve the soap separately in hot water, and
add this to the lime solution. Add enough water to make
a heavy paste.
These notes on the California peach borer, and the direc-
tions for making the washes according to Formulas Nos. 1,
2 and 3, are taken from Bulletin 97, Part IV, of the Bureau
of Entomology of the United States Department of Agricul-
ture, entitled the California Peach Borer, by Dudley Moulton..
Vor. X. No. 250.
AGRICULTURAL MATTERS IN
BRITISH GUIANA.
The Secretary of the Board of Agriculture of British
Guiana has drawn attention to an account of agricultural
matters that transpired at a meeting of the Board of Agri-
culture held on October 24, i911, and to a description of
experiments, mentioned at that meeting, carried out by the
Department of Science and Agriculture with respect to the
tapping of Sapium Jenmani. The information appears respec-
tively in the Demerara Datly Chronicle for October 25 and
26, 1911, and the following matters of more general interest
are abstracted for use in the Agricultural News.
At the meeting to which reference is made, Professor
Harrison, the Director of Science and Agriculture, informed the
Board that the following awards had been gained by British
Guiana, at the International Rubberand Allied Trades Exhi-
bition, London, namely the silver cup for the best sample of
balata from the West Indies, by the Consolidated Rubber and
Balata Estates Committee; and a similar cup for the best
specimen of cultivated rubber, by Plantation Noitgedacht;
the prizes had been handed to the successful competitors by
His Excellency the Acting Governor. In continuation,
Professor Harrison, drew attention to the danger of permit-
ting the wild Hevea trees indigenous to the Colony (Hevea
confusa) to grow near or among H. brasiliensis. Owing to
the similarity in the mode of bursting of the capsules it was
impossible to tell the difference between these two species.
The great danger, however, was that inferior hybrids would
be produced, and the final state would be the possession of
a mixture of //, brasiliensis, 1. confusa and a hybrid between
them. The importance of the matter was that not only would
such a condition lead to damage in regard to the ordinary inter-
ests of the estates, but that injury would be done by the
exportation of seeds to those who were expecting to get the
true seeds of H. brasi/iensis.
A motion was adopted to the effect that a record should
be made, on the minutes, of the Bourd’s high appreciation of
the valuable services rendered at the International Rubber
Exhibition by Mr. F. A. Stockdale, its representative, and
by those who assisted him in the preparation of the exhibits;
and especially to Mr. Stockdale for the lecture he gave, the
interest he displayed, and the attraction which he made in the
space allotted to the Colony at the exhibition.
Professor Harrison submitted his Annual Report as
Director of Science and Agriculture, and drew attention to
experiments that had been made in regard to the tapping of
Sapium trees; these receive consideration at a later stage of
this article. The meeting concluded with the making of
a decision concerning the importation of certain live stock,
and with the giving of notice of a motion to be brought
forward in regard to the Wild Birds Protection Ordinance.
As has been stated, details of the results of exhaustive
tapping experiments conducted by the Department of Science
and Agriculture during the past three years with Sapium
Jenmani are contained in the later issue mentioned of the
Demerara Daily Chronicle. Tapping at different successive
periods always showed that the yield of dry rubber quickly
diminished, and the first results were supported by more
elaborate experiments in which trees of various sizes were
tapped. In the latter case the trees employed in the investi-
gations measured over 50 inches in girth, between 30 and
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
40 inches, and under 30 inches in girth. The first gave the
best yields, while the last afforded an exceedingly poor
return—not because they were young trees, but on account
of the fact that they were stunted in their growth. After
the trials, the yield of latex gradually became less, until it
ceased to flow. In a general way, it was found that, during
a period of two years, ‘the yield of dry rubber from matured
S. Jenmani trees of varions sizes, from 30 inches to 92 inches
in girth, at 3 feet from the ground, the great majority of
them being between 40 inches and 70 inches in circum-
ference, was 18°33 oz. per tree.’ :
Trials with retapping gave very poor yields of dry
rubber from the lower parts of the trunk, while they were
better on the higher parts, from 8 feet to 12 feet from the
ground. Professor Harrison drew attention to the gradual
deterioration in the quality of Sapium rubber that
arises from repeated tapping. That from the first tapping
was of excellent quality, but the product from the
second and third was sticky, and this unfavourable
characteristic increased until in some cases coagulation
of the latex was impossible. There was great variation in
the proportion of rubber in the latex; in 1908 it was about 18
per cent , in i910 first tappings gave 15 per cent., while the
latex given by trees that had been cut repeatedly during the
several periods contained about 11 per cent. of rubber.
The general conclusions from the experiments are given
as follows:—
(1) The trees yield latex very freely when first tapped,
and produce rubber of very high quality, not subject to
‘ tackiness’.
(2) The yields of latex, and consequently of rubber,
rapidly fall off during successive periods of tappings. The
rubber obtained from later tappings is very subject to devel-
opment of ‘ tackiness’, and this tendency increases with suc-
cessive tapping periods.
(3) Some, if not all of the trees, when exhausted by
successive tapping periods, yield latex from which coagulated
rubber is not obtainable.
(4) In a tapping period the main yields of latex and of
rubber are obtained in the first two or three. tappings. The
trees run practically dry of latex in from three to six succes-
sive parings.
(5) No signs of wound response have been observed, and
in all probability it does not occur, in S. Jenmani trees of
mature age.
(6) When the lower parts of the trunk of a repeatedly
tapped tree are practically exhausted of rubber-yielding latex,
the higher parts of the trunk yield latex in a relatively large
quantity. Whilst the rubber from the latex of the lower part
of the trunk may be very‘ tacky’, or more or less resinous and
coagulable with difficulty, that yielded by the upper part is
of very good quality.
(7) The tendency of ‘ tackiness’ is far more noticeable in
biscuits prepared from the latex than it is in carefully pre-
pared coagulated ‘ scrap’.
(8) In practical tappings of the S. Jenmani trees of
mature age, it is advisable to tap as great lengths of their
trunks as possible at one operation, and not to confine tapping
to the lower parts of them.
(9) The wounds made in the bark of the trees during tap-
ping have been found to heal very slowly and unsatisfactorily.
The article states finally that other matters are being
investigated by the Department in regard to S. Jenmani and
rubber production, and that information will doubtless be
available later from Mr. F. A. Stockdale, as a result of his
studies at Kew, concerning the species of Sapium, and of
Hevea, as well as of balata trees, indigenous to the Colony,
oo
[oo
oO
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
NovEMBER 25, 1911.
It is stated in the Bulletin Ayricole of Mauritius, for
August 1911, that recent enquiry has shown that the total
number of agricultural experimental stations which exist in
civilized countries, taken all together, is about S00.
Official returns issued by the Government of Ceylon
show that 4,017 ewt. of rubber was exported from that
island during June 1911, as compared with 2,036 ewt. for
the same month of 1910. The exports for the year ended
June 30 reached 48,465 ewt.; in the similar previous period,
they were 22,364.
A report for October, received from the Curator of the
Botanic Station, Montserrat, states that the outlook for the
cotton crop continued to be hopeful. In the case of a large
area where the plants had ripened, and had become almost
leafless through the drought in August, new growth had
started, and a large second crop will be available.
The condition of the cacao and lime crops in St. Lucia,
during October, was good; while the cane crop was short in
some cases. Information received from the Agricultural
Superintendent shows that the weather during the month
was normal, except for the rainfall, which at the Botanic
Station was 7:08 inches, or about 3 inches below the average
for October.
The Agricultural Instructor for the Virgin Islands
reports that the long drought from which the Presidency has
suffered came to an end on October 21, when useful rains were
received. The breaking up of the drought was sudden, as is
shown by the fact that the rainfall at the Station for the
month was 8:47 inches, of which quantity 7°27 inches fell
during the last ten days.
Facts relating to agricultural matters in Nevis during
the month of October, supplied by the Agricultural Instruc-
tor, show that the condition of the cane crop continues to be
poor. The outlook for cotton has improved considerably,
though the yield is likely to be diminished on account of
late planting; and leaf-blister mite and the cotton caterpillar
are fairly prevalent
Details supplied recently by the Curator of the Botanic
Station, Lominica, concerning rubber-planting in that island,
show that 40,000 Para rubber seeds were received toward
the end of last month, and that preparations were immedi-
ately made for planting them in the nurseries. Similar
work was done in connexion with the raising of 30,000
lime plants by the Agricultural Department.
It is stated by the Agricultural Superintendent in St. Kitts
that, during last month, the cane crop throughout the island
had much improved through the receipt of rain; it was, how-
ever, very backward for the time of the year, especially in
the valley district near Basseterre. In a general way, the
canes are healthy; and, with reasonable rainfall, the pros-
pects for the crop are fair.
H. M. Trade Commissioner for South Africa reports
that arrangements have been made by the Government
of the Union, the East London Chamber of Commerce, and
the Town Council of East London, acting together, for
the planting of 80 acres of cotton near the town mentioned,
for the purpose of demonstrating practically that cotton can
be grown successfully in the district.
The Louisiana Planter for October 7, 1911, draws atten-
tion to investigations regarding the sucrose content of sugar-
cane that have been carried out at the Audubon Park Sugar
Experiment Station. The determinations have shown that
the seedlings D.74 and D.95 are continuing to maintain their
superiority as regards sucrose, and purity, over the old. pur-
ple and striped canes of Louisiana. This fact is true both
for plants and ratoons,
The Vexctile Mercury for July 22, 1911, states that an
expert agriculturist has been officially called to Constanti-
nople for the purpose of assisting the Government in the
efforts that are to be made to develop cotton cultivation in
Turkey. It has been shown so far that the climate of West-
ern Asia Minor is very suitable for growing Upland cotton,
while Cilicien (Adana), northern Syria and Mesopotamia are
adaptable to the cultivation of Egyptian cotton.
The distribution from the Botanic Station, Antigua,
during October included 6,247 limes, 204 plants of Manihot
dichotoma, 137 cacao plants, 9,100 onion plants, 287 miscel-
laneous plants, 43,100 sweet potato cuttings and 219
miscellaneous cuttings. The Curator of the Botanic Station
states that the cane crop is rapidly recovering, on the whole,
from the effects of the recent drought, and that its present
condition corresponds nearly to that of the similar period of
last year.
La Quinzaine Coloniale, Paris, No. 19 of 1910. sJlescribes
experiments that have been made with cassava for several
years by the Surinam Department of Agriculture. The
best yields have been obtained from native varieties. Of
the others, the variety White Top, from Antigua, occupies the
best position, with 22,150 Ib. per acre as compared with
18,612 tb. to 34,474 tb. from native varieties. Asin the
West Indies, Colombian varieties have given comparatively
poor returns.
With reference to the article on the avocado pear, which
appeared in the last number of the Agricultural News, it is
of interest that information obtained from Mr. J. Jones,
Curator of the Botanic Station, Dominica, shows that the
matter of forming a collection of good varieties of avocados
at that Station is receiving attention. Plants of two Mexican
varieties named Pahua and Ahuacate have been raised and
planted out, and efforts are being made to propagate by bud-
ding a very good local variety.
Vou. X. No. 250.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS
381
DECEMBER.
Frrsr PERIop,
Seasonal Notes.
_ As has been pointed out in these notes, the work of
éotton selection forms a feature of the agricultural efforts
during the present quarter, where this crop is grown. It is
necessary that all records in connexion witn this should be
kept most carefully, and that the seed for future plantings
should be stored where it cannot become mixed with ordinary
seed.. The student will do well to write an account, without
reference to notes, of all the work of selection, from both
plants and seeds. Why is plant and seed selection practised, and
for what reasons is it particularly applicable to cotton-growing?
A practical matter in regard to cotton-picking, that requires
most careful attention, is to be assured that only ripe cotton
is being harvested, and that the greatest care is being given
to the separation of all stained and dirty cotton, after picking.
Where cotton-plenting has been made at different times, on
account of lack of rain or for any other cause, records of the
yields should be made, in order that indications may be
obtained as to what is the best time for planting. The outlook
for insect pests and the leaf-blister mite will have been kept con-
stantly, and observations should have heen made on the life-
history of such enemies of the cotton plant, their purport
having special relation to the means of control that may be
adopted in each case.
Of what use to the agriculturist is the fact that most
varieties of cane produce arrows in the West Indies? The
present time is suitable for making observations concerning
the period and extent of arrowing of different kinds of canes.
Basing your information on your own olservations, name
four canes which arrow profusely and four in which the pro-
duction of arrows is sparse.
Enough has been said to indicate the importance of the
possession of careful records as to the manuring of the sugar-
cane. ‘These should have reference not only to general mat-
ters in connexion with manuring, but to the special cireum-
stances which obtain on an estate in regard to the manure
required and the availability of by-products that may be used
in this connexion. Make a review of the details concerning
the proper treatment of material for cane-planting. What is
the best part of the cane to use, under conditions with which you
are familiar? Where planting is done from ratoons,
this should be effected as far as possible from areas where
root disease is almost or completely absent. In some cases
a field is planted late in the year, to be reaped in October or
November, in order that a good supply.of cuttings may be
obtained. This procedure is not expedient where the canes
are disposed of to a central factory, and in this case the necess-
ity is entailed for the formation of special nurseries. Discuss
the ways in which the adoption of such nurseries by planters
is of special use to them in regard to: (1) the acquirement
and propagation of the best cane varieties; (2) the selection of
good planting material; and (3) the obtaining of such
material free from diseases and pests.
Where onions are grown, they will now be transplanted
from the nursery beds, where they have been raised from
seed, to the field. In this work, care and the application of
the results of past experience witl be useful in order to
prevent the arising of the nezessity for supplying later,
Give an account of what you know concerning onion cultiya-
tion, and summarize your observations in regard to the pests
and diseases that you have noticed in connexion with this
crop.
RECENT AGRICULTURAL WORK IN
GRENADA. ©«
The Superintendent of Agriculture for Grenada, Mr. G.G.
Auchinleck, B.Sc., has forwarded a report on the work
of the Agricultural Department, Grenada, carried out during
the period July to September 1911. The information refers,
firstly, to visits made by the Superintendent of Agriculture
to country districts; these have had special reference to prize-
holdings, rubber-growing, and the Land Settlement Scheme.
The work in the laboratory has been concerned mainly
with the physical analysis of soils, analysis of manures, lime
juice analysis, and examination of rum wash and muscovado
sugar. There was, in addition, an investigation of material
forwarded by the Chief of Police, suspected of containing
poison. Details have already been given in the Agricultural
WVews (p. 340 of this volume) concerning some of the
work with lime juice; later on, information is also to be
supplied with regard to an investigation, mentioned in the
report, with Castilloa rubber produced at the Botanic Gardens.
There were no serious cases of plant disease during the
quarter; though in regard to pests, the green shield-backed
bug (Vezara sp.) had caused damage in the Morne Rouge
and True Blue districts, and spraying trials were being made;
the plants most seriously affected were peas, tobacco and
bananas. The interesting observation is made that attacks
of scale insects are lessening to a great extent, in all parts
of the island.
The distribution of planting material from the Botanic
Station has included : economic plants 949, ornamental plants
109, cotton seed 73 tb., palm seed 31 tb.; besides this there
have been sent out 591 fruits and 26 bundles of grass.
Other information concerning the Botanic Station includes
the fact that 1,100 seeds were obtained from the two mature
Hevea rubber plants there, and that about 800 vigorous
seedlings have been raised from these and are being offered
tor sale at 3d. each.
The report concludes with a brief summary of the work
of the Land Office, and mentions that the Agricultural Depart-
ment and this office have prepared plans for a small cane
mill to be erected shortly at Morne Rouge North, for allottees
under the Land Settlement Scheme; the cost is being met by
the Government, and a mill will be provided whose capacity
(about 8 tons of cane per day) will be ample for the needs of
the allottees. About 100 acres of cane are expected to be
planted next season, as the result of the acquisition of the
mill, ;
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture lef
Barbados on Monday, November 20, by the R.M.S.
‘Magdalena ’, on an official visit to Antigua and Mont-
serrat.. Dr. Watts is expected to return to Barbados
by the R.M.S. ‘Oruba’, on the 13th proximo.
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. NovemMBer 25, 1911.
‘ Men we
FUNGUS NOTES.
OBSERVATIONS ON ROOT DISEASES IN
THE WEST INDIES.
PART II.
In the preceding number of the Agriew/ural News, an
article appeared dealing with the black root disease found on
several plants in Dominica, and probably also of common
occurrence in certain other islands of the Lesser Antilles. Jn
the present article, a description will be given of two other
forms of root disease, confined, as far as is known at present,
to lime trees in the island of Dominica. The investigations
are, however, of a recent character, and it is very probable
that one of these will be met with in other places.
RED ROOT DISEASE OF LIME TREES. This, as far as is yet
known, is found only on lime trees, in Dominica, and is due
to a species of Sphaerostilbe. It occurs sporadically on the
roots of trees growing on estates in the interior of the island.
Although there is, so far, no evidence to show that it can
attack other host plants, yet it is worthy of mention that
a very similar fungus has been found in conjunction with
what was probably the black root disease on the roots of an
unidentified tree in St. Lucia. Furthermore, it seems pro-
bable that it can live as a saphrophyte on decaying wood, as
can Sphaerostilbe repens, B. and Br., found by Petch as an
occasional parasite on Hevea brasiliensis, and on arrowroot
in Ceylon. (The Physiology and Diseases of Hevea brasilt-
ensis, p. 192; and Cireulars and Agricultural Journal of the
Royal Botanic Gardens, Ceylon, Vol. V, No. 8.)
Trees attacked by this disease lose some of their leaves,
and the tips of their branches turn yellow. Eventually they
wilt and die, probably somewhat rapidly, as in the case of the
black root disease. ‘This point has not, however, been pro-
perly made out, On examining the roots, it is seen that
several of them are diseased, and that the damage inflicted
extends right up to the collar. The bark is brown in colour,
soft and rotten, and easily removed; while the surface of the
wood is also soft and damp, and of a red-brown tint. On
the ends of the main roots, near their point of attachment to
the tree, round the collar, and in bad cases for some distance
up the stem, a smooth, red-brown sheet of fungus occurs
beneath the surface of the outer bark, closely adpressed to
the wood. The dry outer bark falls away in places, and leaves
the sheet of fungus exposed.
The fungus produces a Stilbum form of conidial fructi-
fication, either near the soil level on the collar, or beneath
the soil in cavities between the principal roots. Each con-
sists of a short red stalk surmounted by a spherical head of
white spores. The whole is from 2 to 4 mm. in length. The
stalks were borne upon red strands of the fungus in the cases
observed, and oecurred in clusters, so that they were fairly
conspicuous in spite of the small size of the individual
fructifications. In one instance, minute, flask-shaped, bright-
red perithecia were found clustered on a red strand. They
were spherical below, with long, usually curved, necks and
gave rise to bicellular ascospores, very light red-brown in
colour, constricted at the septum and somewhat acute at
either end.
Thus this fungus, like the Rosellina responsible for the
black root diseaseymay spread by means of spores produced
above ground. At the same time, also, it can spread
through the agency of long, narrow, red strands of mycelium
which grow through the soil. Since this is the case, the red
root disease can probably be easily controlled by the same
measures as are applicable to the black disease. These were
described at the end of Part I of this article.
STEM CANKER DISEASE OF LIME TREES. This is a pecu-
liar disease, found at present only under somewhat unfavour-
able conditions in Dominica. It is primarily a root disease,
though the name appearing above has been given to it on
account of one ofits most easily distinguishable characters.
Unlike the two discases already described, which are
found only on trees four years old and upwards, the stem can-
ker disease occurs on trees of all ages from one and a half to
five years or more. The first symptom of the disease isa thin-
ning of the foliage, accompanied by the appearance of several
bare branches. At the same time the trees may take ona yel-
low colour, and thus have a very sickly appearance. They may
remain in this condition for three months to a year, or even
more; while those in bearing continue to produce fruits all
the time. Ultimately, however, all affected plants die.
On examining’ the base of the stem of a sickly tree, an
open wound extending down to the wood and surrounded by
callus may be seen on one side, usually near the ground.
This cankered patch may run either vertically or horizontally,
and varies in width from }-inch to }-inch, and in length from
3-inch to 2 inches: In more advanced cases, all the bark,
for a distance of from 3 to 12 inches above the ground level,
is cracked and split and has a peculiar scabby appearance.
This is due apparently to abnormal and irregular activity of
the cambium, which produces lumps and ridges of wood and
bark, that render the surface very rough and break up the
older cortex and onter bark.
The roots show the presence of peculiar open splits in
the bark, each of which is usually not more than }-inch in
width, but extends for a considerable distance. These areas
are bordered by a vigorous callus, and it appears that in
some instances they are completely healed over. They fre-
quently occur at bends in the roots. In advanced cases of
the disease, the scabby appearance of the bark described
above extends to the roots also.
The causes of the disease would appear to be physical
rather than fungoid. ‘The presence of a heavy clay soil,
difficult to drain adequately, combined with exposure to
strong winds at certain seasons of the year, woul seem to
be factors that contribute largely to the productiou of this
unhealthy condition of the trees. No definite fungus has
been found as yet, generally, on diseased trees; though several
different saprophytic species may be observed on dead or
dying roots. Moreover, there is no conclusive evidence of
the spread of the disease from tree to tree, in a manner
which would necessitate the presence of a parasitic fungus
upon affected plants, to account for it satisfactorily.
The lines along which remedial measures should be
undertaken would appear to lie in the direction of providing
wind-breaks and increasing as far as possible the number and
depth of drains.
It may be noted here that a somewhat similar disease
has been found on lime trees in Antigua and Montserrat.
In the latter island, however, diseased trees were characterized
by the absence of fibrous roots connected with their main
roots, and also exhibited peculiar strips of soft decaying bark
Vor. X. No, 250
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 385
upon their larger roots. This bark is easily removed, and has
a peculiar frayed appearance. The disease in Montserrat and
Antigua was associated with the cccurrence of fructifications
of Fomes lucidus (Leys.) Fr., on a large number of dead and
dying trees, and consequently the hypothesis was put forward
in a recent number of this publication that the fungus named
above might be responsible for this form.of root disease in
Montserrat and Antigua. (See Agricultwral News, Vol. X,
p- 270.) It has not, however, been established as yet what
is the true cause of this form of lime root.sickness, nor how
far it is different from other forms of disease. This and
a few other points will receive further investigation.
WEST INDIAN PRODUCTS.
DRUGS AND SPICES ON THE LONDON
MARKBT.
Mr. J. R. Jackson, A.LS., has forwarded the fol-
lowing report on the London drug and spice market,
for the month of October :—
The general character of the drug and spice markets
throughout October has been satisfactory, especially with
regard to drugs, which may be said to have commanded an
active trade, that might have been accelerated by a more
ready supply, chiefly, however, of eastern rather than western
products. The trouble in China, for instance, is already
having a marked effect on many important articles of com-
merce, and this, with Turkish and even with Italian products,
is having its influence on buyers. Like most other products
at the present time, drugs and chemicals are apparently ad-
vancing in price above the normal standard.
The following are the detailed notes affecting West
Indian products:—
GINGER,
At the first spice auction on the 4th of the month, ginger
attracted little or no attantion, but on the 11th it was report-
ed that a fair business was done in washed rough Cochin, at
from 45s. to 46s. per cwt. The offerings at the saleamounted
to 179 bags of washed Cochin, all of which was bought in at
50s. per cwt. At the last auction on the 25th, 324 bags of
rough washed Cochin were offered, 165 of which sold at
44s. 6d. to 45s. Some packages of slightly wormy were also
disposed of at 44s. 6d. per cwt. No Jamaica has been offered.
NUTMEGS, MACE AND PIMENTO,
At auction on the 11th of the month 320 packages of
West Indian nutmegs were offered and disposed of at the
following rates: 58’s 1s., 62’s to 67’s 9d. to 11d., 69’s to 74’s
61d. to 8d., 79’s 6d., 89’s to 97’s 53d. to 6d., 122’s to 132's
5d. to 53d. and 140’s to 142’s 51. to 64d These prices
were a slight advance on previous rates, and were maintained
at the two succeeding auctions, at the last of which, on the
25th, the offerings amounted to 21 packages of West Indian
and a few packages of eastern, all of which were disposed of.
Mace was represented at auction on the 11th by 70 packages of
West Indian; fine bold fetching 2s. 8d. per b., good 2s. 5d.
to 2s. 6d., ordinary to fair 2s. 2d. to 2s. 4d., and broken
ls. lld. to 2s. 2d. On the 18th of the month, 71 packages
of West Indian sold at 2s. 2d. to 2s 2d., and broken at 2s. to
2s. 1d. per Ib. Pimento has been in slow demand; at auction
on the 18th, 140 bags were brought forward and partly sold
at 24d. per tb.
SARSAPARILLA,
This article was represented at the drug auction on the
19th by 17 bales of grey Jamaica, 12 of Lima-Jamaica and
11 of native Jamaica, The wholé of the grey Jamaica and
Lima-Jamaica was sold, as were 7 bales of the native Jamaica;
ls. 8d. to 1s. 10d. per tb. was paid for fair grey Jamaica,
and ls. 4d. for mouldy and ‘sea-damaged. Fair Lima-
Jamaica, part chumpy, fetched 1s. 1d. to ls. 2d, and good
red and yellow native ls. ld., 9d. to 1ld. being paid for
a few lots of yellow. At the early part of the month
Mexican was quoted at 7d. and fair Honduras at 1s. 3d.
per hb.
CANELLA BARK, OIL, OF LIME, TAMARINDS, KOLA, AND
ANNATTO SEEDS.
At the first auction in the month 3 bales of Canella alba
bark were offered and realized 50s. per cwt. for fair palish,
part country, damaged. At the same sale, 20 bottles of hand-
pressed West Indian oil of limes were sold at 5s 5d. to 5s. 6d.
per tb. Some distilled oil in tins was also offered but held
at ls. 3d. per tb. Some further: sales of hand-pressed were
roade later in the month at the same rate as the former
namely 5s. 6d. per tb. Tamarinds were represented early in the
month by 7 barrels of darkish juicy Barbados, which sold at
16s. per cwt, while for 22 packages of dry and palish, from
St. Thomas, 12s. was paid; 10 barrels of dry Antigua met
with purchasers and were bought in at lls. per cwt. A week
later, 12 packages of dry Antigua were disposed of at 10s. per
ewt. At auction on the 18th, 8 barrels of good West
Indian kola were sold at 3id. per tb., while one’ package of
whole nuts fetched 4}d., and two cases of ordinary green
realized only 2d. per tb. In the same week, 2 bags of West
Indian Cassia Fistula pods were sold at 18s. 6d. per cwt.
As many as 39 packages of annatto seeds, both West and East
Indian, were offered, but no sales were effected, the whole being
withdrawn at 25d. to 3d. per tb.
DRYING RUBBER ON PLANTATIONS.
In view of the attention now being paid to detailed and
scientific systems of drying rubber on Eastern estates by
means of vacuum and other driers, it is desirable to draw
the attention of managers to simpler means for young
estates. It is not advisible to spend huge sums_ of
money or go to the trouble and risk of erecting compli-
cated machinery when estates are just beginning to yield;
the experience gained on a small scale, even if it is limit-
ed to mouldiness and tackiness, is of considerable value
when large crops are anticipated. Managers having about
1,000 tb. of rubber per month can easily deal with
their produce in a corrugated iron factory, supplied with
wooden reapers stretching across the width of the
building. Strips of wood 14 inches by }-inch are quite ser-
viceable. It is not absolutely necessary that a fan or
heating apparatus be provided; it is, however, necessary
to provide such a chamber with an ample supply of fresh
air. Under these circumstances, it should be possible to turn
out dry rubber within a week if the air is maintained at
a little over 90° F.—a by no means excessive temperature for
iron-roofed ‘buildings in the Hast. (From the Jndiva-Rubber
Journal, October 21, 1911, p. 21.)
584
London.—TuE
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
NOVEMBER 25, 1911.
MARKET REPORTS.
WEstT
November 7, 1911; Messrs. E. A. DE Pass & Co.,
October 13, 1911.
Inp1a CoMMITTEE CIRCULAR,
ARROWROOT—3}d. to 33d.
Batata—Sheet, 3/4 ; block, 2/3 per tb.
Breeswax—&7 5s. per cwt.
Cacao—Trinidad, 61/- to 70/- per ewt.; Grenada, 57/-
to 62/-; Jamaica, 54/- to 58/6.
Corree—Jamaica, 67/- to117/- per cwt.
Oorpra—West Indian, £27 10s. per ton.
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 16d. to 18d.
Frouit—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
GincER—48/- to 63/- per cwt.
IstncLass—No quotations.
Honey—28/- to 34/- per brl.
Lime Juice—Raw, 1/1 to 1/6; concentrated, £19;
of limes (hand pressed), 5/3.
Loc woop—No quotations.
Mace—2/2 to 2/6.
Noutmrcs—5id. to 83d.
Pitento—Common, 2¢d.; fair, 2;%d.; good, 2}d.; per tb.
Russer—Para, fine hard, 4/3; tine soft, 4/; Castilloa,
3/10 per th.
Rum—Jamaica, 1/8 to 5/-.
Sucar—Crystals, 19/- to 22/6; Muscovado, 15/- to 17/-;
Syrup, 14/- to 18/- per ewt.; Molasses, no quotatioas.
Otto
New York,—Messrs. GituEspiz Bros. & Co., November
3, LOL.
Trinidad, 12}c. to 15k¢. per tb. ; Jamaica, 114c. to 124c.
Cocoa-Nuts—Jamaica, select, $36°00 to $37-00; culls,
$22-00; Trinidad, select, $36°00 to $38:00; culls, $20-00
to $2200 per M.
Oorrer—Jamaica, 15}c. to 17}c. per tb.
GincEer—8jec. to 1ljc. per tb.
Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 53c.; Antigua and Barbados, 48c.
to 50c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 46c. to 48c.
per lb.
Grapve-Froir—Jamaica, $300 to $4:00.
Limes—$4°00 to $500.
Macre—45c. to 52c. per th.
Nurmecs—110’s, 144c.
Orances—Jamaica, $2°00 to $2°25 per box.
Pimento—4jc. per bb.
Sucar—Ceutrifugals, 96°,
89°, 4°80c.; Molasses,
duty paid.
Cacao—Caracas, 13}c. to 13}c.; Grenada, 13c. to 13ic.;
5°30c.
89°,
per lb.; Muscovados,
4°55c. per tb. all
Trinidad,— Messrs Gorpon, Grant & Co., November 13,
1911.
Cacao—Venezuelan, $13°50 per fanega; Trinidad, $12°75
to $13°40.
Cocoa-NuT O1L—$1°09 per Imperial gallon,
CorrEE—Venezuelan, 17}c. per th.
Corra—$5'10 per 100 tb.
Dxuat—$3'80.
Ontons—$2°25 to $2°50 per 100 tb.
Peas, Sprit—$5'90 to $600 per bag.
Potators—English, $1°80 to $2:00 per 100 tb.
Rice—Yellow, $4°80 to 4°90; White, $5:75
per bag.
Svcar—American crushed, no quotations.
to $6-00
Barbados,—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., November 18,
1911;iMessrs. T.S. Garraway & Co., November 20,
1911; Messrs. Leacock & Co., November 10, 1911;
2
Messrs. E. Toorneg, Limited, October 11, 1911.
Cacao—$11°50 to $13°50 per 100 to.
Corton Srep—$26-00 per ton; meal, $1°50 per 100 fb,;
2% per cent. discount.
Corron Seep Or (refined)—60c. per gallon.
Corroy Seep Ou (for export)—54e. per gallon (in bond).
Hay—$1°50 per 100 th.
Manures—Nitrate of soda, $65°00; Cacao manure, $42-00
to $48°00; Sulphate of ammonia, $75:00 to $80-00
per ton.
Motasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$2°25 to $2°50 per 100 tb
Peas, SPLit—$5°90 to $6:00 per bag of 210 lb.; Canada,
$2°85 to $3°90 per bag of 120 tb.
Porators—Nova Scotia, $2°40 to $3°25 per 16u th.
Rice—Ballam, $3°05 to $€5:45 per 190 tt.; Patna, no
quotations; Rangoon, no quotations.
Sucar—American granulated, $6°00 per 100 th.
British Guiana.—Messrs, Wietinc & Ricuter, November
11, 1911; Messrs.
August 18, 191
SANDBACH,
1.
ParKER & Co,,
ARTICLES.
ARRowROOT—Sb. Vincent
Batata—Venezuelablock
Demerara sheet
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STARCH—
Cocoa-NUTS—
CorreE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
DHaL—
Green Dhal
Eppors—
Mo asses— Yellow
Ontons—Tenerifle
Madeira
Preas—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Porators—Nova Scotia
Lisvon
Porators-Sweet, B’bados
Ricr—Ballam
Creole
TANNIAS—
Yams— White
Buck
Suear—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
Timber —Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
Messrs. WIrETING
& RicuHtTer.
$10°50 per 200 fr.
No quotation
70c. per tb.
llc. per tb.
60c.
$6-00
$12 to $16 per M
l6c. per th.
18c. per tb.
10$c. per tb.
$3°60 per bag of
168 ib.
$3°50
Sie.
None
4fc. to de.
\'$5°75 to $6-00 per
bag (210 tb.)
$3°25
10c. to 20c.
$2°75 to $3:00
96c. per bag
No quotation
$5-00
$1:20
$2°16
$2°40
$3°50
$4°00 to $4°10
$3:10 to $3:25
32c. to 5dc. per
cub. foot
$3°75 to $6-00
er M.
Cordwood
”
P
$1°80 to 32:00
per ton
Messrs. Sanp-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$10°50 per 200 tb.
Prohibited
70c.
lle. per fb.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 perM.,,
peeled and
selected
19c. per tb.
19c.per tb.
1zc. per tb.
$3°70 per bag of
168 tb.
4c. to 5c.
5ke.
$575 per bag
(210 tb.)
No quotation
$3°50
No quotation
35°00 to $5-50
$360
$3°75 to $4:00
$4°25
None
32c. to 55c. per
cub. foot
$400 to 36°00
per M.
No quotation.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
FOR THE WEST INDIES.
The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal.
Volume I. No. 1. Out of print. Nos. 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.
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and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.)
Volume XI. Nos.1, 2, 3. No. 4, containing an account of the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the
West Indies, presented under the following headings: The Imperial Department af Agriculture in the
West Indies; What Science has done for the West Indies; Chief Matters Concerning Departmental Adminis-
tration; Matters of Indirect Interest; Entomology in the West Indies; A Summary of Ten Years’ Mycologi-
cal Work of the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies; The Work in the Botanic
Stations from Year to Year; General Progress in the West Indies since 1897; Agricultural Education
and Instruction; and Publications issued by the Imperial Department of Agriculture.
PAMPHLET SERIES.
The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially
adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work
on sugar-cane and manures, the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued up to the
present time is seventy. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print.
Suear Inpustry. (14) Screw Worm in Cattle at St. Lucia. Price 2d.
Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (15) Plain Talk to Small Owners. — Price .2d.
in 1900. No, 3, price 2d.;in 1901, No. 13, price 4d.; (16) Hints on Onion Cultivation. Price 2d.
in 1902, No. 19, price 4d.; in 1902, No. 26, price 4d.; (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d.
in 1904, No. 32, price 4d. (18) Recipes for Cooking West Indian Yams. Price 2d.
Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, (25) Ground Nuts in the West Indies. Price 2d.
in 1903-5, No. 40, price 6d.; in 1904-6, No. 44, price 6d.; (28) Barbados and Porto Rico Molasses. Price 3d.
in 1905-7, No. 49, price 6d.; in 1906-8, No. 59, price 6d.; (34) Notes on Rabbit Keeping in the West Indies. Price 2d.
in 1907-9, No. 62, price 6d.; No. 66, price 6d. (35) Information in regard to Agricultural Banks. Price 5d.
Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, (37) Cultivation of Oranges in Dominica. Price 4d.
in 1900-1, No. 12, price 2d.; in 1901-2, No. 20, price 2d.; (38) Cultivation and Curing of Tobacco. Price 4d.
in 1902-3, No. 27, price 2d.; in 1903-4, No. 38, price 4d.; (41) Tobago, Hints to Settlers. Price 6d.
in 1904-5, No. 39, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 46, price 4d.; (43) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta-
in 1906-7, No. 50, price 4d.; in 1907-8, No. 56, price 4d.; tions. Price 2d.
in 1908-9, No. 63, price 6d.; in 1909-10, No. 67, price 6d. (45) A BC of Cotton Planting. New and Enlarged Edition.
Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, Price 6d.
in 1902-3, No. 30. price 4d.; in 1903-4, No. 36, price 4d.; (54) Fungus Diseases of Cacao and Sanitation of Cacao Orchards,
in 1904-5, No. 42, price 4d.; im 1905-6, No. 47, price 4d.; Price 4d.
in 1906-7, No. 51, price 4d.; in 1907-8, No. 57, price 4d.; (55) Millions and Mosquitos. Price 3d.
in 1908-9, No. 64, price 4d.; in 1909-10, No. 68, price 4d. (58) Insect Pests of Cacao. Price 4d.
Scare Insects. (60) Cotton Gins, How to Erect and Work Them. Price 4d.
Scale Insects of the Lesser Antilles, Part 1. No. 7, price 4d.; (61) The Grafting of Cacao. Price 4d. __
Part II., No. 22, price 4d. (65) Hints for School Gardens, Fourth Edition.
GENERAL. (69) Hints to Settlers in St. Lucia. Price 6d.
(5) General Treatment of Insect Pests (Revised), price 4d. (70) Coco-nut Cultivation in the West Indies. Price 6d.
The above will be supplied post free for an additional charge of 4d. for the pamphlets marked 2d., ld. for those
marked 4d., and 13d. for Nos. 40, 41, 44, 45, 49, 59, 62, 63, 67, 69 and 70.
The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’. A Fortnightly Review.
The ‘Agricultural News’ contains extracts from official correspondence and from progress and
other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony, and the progress made in
Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies. } "
The ‘Agricultural News ’ is printed in time to be distributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the
local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d. The subscription price, including postage, is
2s, 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, and IX complete, with title page and index, asissued
—Price 4s. each.— Post free, 5s. Some numbers of'the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no
longer be supplied complete. The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents All
applications for copies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department.
Agents.
The following have been appointed Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department :—
Lendon: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W. St. Vincent: Mr. L. S. Mosetey, Agricultural School,
Barbados : Messrs. Bowrn & Sons, Bridgetown. St. Lucia: Mr. M. A. Lawrence, Botanic Station.
Jamaica: Toe Epucationat Suppty Company, 16, King Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. BripGEWATER, Rosean.
Street, Kingston. Montserrat : Mr. W. Rogson, Botanic Station.
British Guiana: THE ‘Darty CHRONICLE’ OFFICE,Georgetown. Ancgua: Mr. S. D. MALong, St. John’s,
Trinidad : Messrs. Murr-MarsHa.t & Co., Port-of-Spain. St. Kitts : Toe Brste AND Book Suppty AGENcy, Basseterre,
Tobago: Mr. C. L. Puacemann, Scarborough. J’emis : Messrs. Howett, Bros., Charlestown
Grenada: ‘THE Storrs’ (Crenada) Limited, St. George.
Vou. X. No. 250.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
1911.
NoveMBER 25,
THE BEST -MANURES FOR COLONIAL USE
7 ee =
Qhlendorff’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano—For Sugar-cane and general use
Ohlendorff’s Special Sugar-cane Manure
Ohlendorff’s Special Cocoa Manure
Ohiendorff’s Special Cotton Manure
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, high grades,
Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers.
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS OR
DIRECT TO :—
THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF’S) GUANO WORKS.
London Agency:
Dock House, Billiter Street, London, E.C.
Barbados Agents : James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
COLTON SEED MAL.
COTTON SEED MEAL/A
FOR MANURIAL | PURPOSES.
SPECIAL QUOTATIONS FOR LARGE
QUANTITIES.
THR BARBADOS CO-OPERATIVE COTTON
FACTORY, LIMITED,
BRIDGETOWN.
“JUST ISSUED.
WEST INDIAN BULLETIN.
(Vol. XI, No. 4.)
Containing an account of the (mperial Department of Agris
culture for the West Indies, Bierog ved under the following
headings: The Imperial Bepartme ent of Agriculture in the
West Indies; What Science has done for the West Indies;
Chief Matters Concerning Dene ntal Administration;
Matters of Indirect Interest; Barc loss in the West Indies;
A Summary of Ten Years’ Mycological Work of the Tinperial
Department of Agriculture for the West Indies; The Work
in the Botanic Stations from Year to Year; General Progress}
in the West Indies since 1897; Agricultural Education and
Instruction; and Publications issued by the Imperial Depart-|
ment of Agriculture.
To be obtained from all agents for the sale of the Department's,
Publications. Price 6d, post free, 94d.
JUSie TSSOLD,
NEW AND RE-ENLARGED
EDITION OF
NATURE TEACHING.
To be obtained from all agents for the
sale of the Department’s publications. Price
2s.; post free, 2s. 34d.
FOR SALE.
PRIME SUMMER YELLOW COTTON
SEKD OIL.
In casks or 5-gallon tins (in Bond).
COTTON “SEKD CAKK MEAL.
ERNEST THORNE, LTD.,
Cotton Seed Oil Mills,
Barbados, W.I,
Telegraphic address,
‘Thorum.’
(267)
Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter 4, High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados
EST
DS
zB SZ
Vol. X. No. 251.] SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1911.
RI
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THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS
HAVE YOU OUR NEW *BOOKMON CACAO?
IF NOT, WRITE FOR If TO-DAY. Wk SENDIT FREE OF COSI. NO CACAO
| PLANTER CAN AFFORD TO BE WITHOUT IT.
CON PRI as.
Introduction. Soil,
Varieties, Climate,
Propagation:— Shade,
Selection, Preparing the Land,
Stock for Inarching Planting,
and Budding Cultivation.
Tnarching Fertilization or Manuring.
Budding, Pruning and Sanitation
TWELVE (12) FULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS.
GERMAN KALI WORKS,
P.0. Box 1,007, Empedrado 30,
Havana, Cuba,
ttt
SY AGS
IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES.
Toe ee asi i BARBADOS, DECEMBER 9, 1911. > ae
CONTENTS.
PaGE, PaGE,
Agricultural Conference, Gleanings .:.. Busmeees s.. 090
UGH se Sk 585 | Insect Notes :—
Agricultural Conference, Cotton Stainer in Trini-
English Delegates to 392 | dad... Geeemeresmre-soo4
Alfalfa, A Disease of, and | Frog-Hopper of the
Soil Inoculation... 391 Sugar-Cane Bae) ges) OO:
Basic Slag, Limein... ... 391. Mangrove Park, Exploita-
Castilloa, Tapping Experi- tion Of Meeeeec.s.) 399
ments in Grenada ... 393! Market Reports Bact wer LOC)
Cotton Notes :— | Notes and Comments ... 392
Cotton Crop in Varioas Nutmeg lree, Fruiting of
Gountricsee. peo eee ou0 ‘Male’ So. cee MBaeetolete)
Cotton-Spinning Statis- Oils and Oil Seeds at the
WEE do. Yessy, dco! coe, BLD) Imperial Institute,
West Indian Cotton ... 390 NOM ere. 5 686)
Publications of the Tmpe-
rial Vepartment of
Cuhan ‘Tobacco Crop
Departmental Reports
Fiji, Trade and Agricul- Acriculture 5090.8 ObaLeHyd
ture el Owe se. eeeeno OTE | Sleeping Sickness, iur-
Fungus Notes :— ther Work with ... 398
Timber, Rotting of, and Students’ Corner ... ... 397
Prevention .. ... 398] Sugar Industry :—
Germination, Formation Sugar-cane Experiments
of Prussic Acid in ... 393] isle ARGUS) beg aaa ceteys
| Sugars, Bacterial Deter-
ioration) Giteemere-! --000
Gold Coast, Trade and
Agriculture, 1910 ... 395
The Agricultural Conference,
1912.
ANG omces concerning the next West Indian
cle § Agricultural Conference, to be heid in Trinidad
‘ R 3in January 1912, have appeared recently in the
Agricultural News (pages 354, 360 and 376), and the
time has now arrived at which a provisional programme
of the proceedings can be drawn up. This has been
done, and copies of such a programme are now being
issued by this Department, and distributed in the West
Indies. ‘The present opportunity is being taken, also,
to reproduce it at a later stage of this article.
The programme indicates that the discussions at
the Conference are likely to be of the greatest interest
and importance, and these will doubtless be increased
largely by the fact that several institutions in England
are to send delegates. As was stated in the Agricul-
tural News of Novemoer 11, p. 360, the institutions
that have been approached in this connexion are the
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the Imp-rial Institute,
the British Cotton Growing Association, the West India
Research Committee
Up to the
present, it has been ascertained that representatives
Committee, the Hntomological
and the Rothamsted Experiment Station.
will attend the Conference from the Royal Botanie
Gardens, Kew, from the British Cotton Growing
Association, the number in this case being two, and
from the Entomologicai Research Committee. It is
a matter for regret that the arrangements for the
coming year at the Rothamsted Experiment Station
will not permit of the attendance of its distinguished
Director—Mr. A. D. Hall, M.A., F.R.S.
The programme indicates thas the matters for
presentation and discussion will be mainly ‘coucerned
with the work of experiment and research with the
principal crops of the West Indies and British Guiana,
and with the state and progress of the chief agricul-
tural industries of the various colonies. As in the past,
agricultural education will take an important place in
the proceedings; attention will also be given to the pro-
posal for the appointment of a West Indian Trade
Commissioner for Canada, and to the work that is being
earried out by the Entomological Research Committee.
TRR 4
NEW Yok
BOTANIC/
GARDEN
386
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
DrcEMBER 9, 191],
Excursions of a useful nature have been arranged, and
evening addresses on various interesting subjects will
be given at the Queen’s Royal College.
The provisional programme of the Conference, as
published at the present time, 1s as follows :—
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23.
1.30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Delegates arrive. Opening of
Conference in the Council Chamber at the
Red House. President’s address. Preliminary
Papers on Agricultural Education.
4.30 p.m. Reception at Government House by
His Excellency the Governor, and Garden
Party.
8.30 pm. At Queen’s Royal College. Address on Col-
our Photography. Mr. J. B. Rorer, A.B..M.A.
Notes on Some. Agricultural Activities in
Trinidad. Mr. W. G. Freeman, B. Se.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24.
7.30 a.m. to 8.30 am. At St. Clair Experiment Sta-
tion, Cacao Demonstration, Methods of trapp-
ing cacao beetles. Mr. P. L. Guppy. Methods
of spraying cacao. Mr. J. b. Rorer, A.B.,M.A_
Session of Conference at the
Papers and discussions relating
9 a.m. to 12 noon.
Red House.
to Cacao.
1.30 pm. to 4 p.m. Session of Conference at the
Red House.
to Sugar.
Papers and discussions relating
THURSDAY, JANUARY 25.
7.30 a.m.to 8.30 a.m. Excursions in and around Port-
of-Spain. (Arrangements will be announced
luter.)
9 am. to 12 noon.
Red House.
to Cotton.
Session of Conference at the
Papers and discussions relating
Afternoon. Alternative excursions. (a) St. Augus-
tine Estate and Government Farm. (6) To
Cacao Estates in the Santa Cruz Valley. (c)
Visits to Educational Institutions in Port-of-
Spain.
(Further particulars regarding these Excur-
sions will be announced later.)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 26.
7.30 am. to 8.30. a.m. Demonstration at St. Clair
Experiment Station.
9 am to 12 noon. Session of Conference at the
Red House. Papers and discussions on the
Cocoa-nut, Lime and Fruit Industries, and
on Plant Pests and Diseases.
1.30 p.m. to + p.m.
ted House,
Session of Conference at the
Papers and discussions on Agri-
cultural Education.
8.50 p.m. At Queen’s Royal College. Addresses
on Rubber Cultivation, illustrated by lantern
slides, by Dr. Cramer and Mr. F. A. Stock-
dale, M.A.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27.
(a) Excursion to River Estate (including the Blue
Basin; the Wireless Telegraphy Station; the
Water Works Pumping Station, etc.), leaving
Port-of-Spain at 8 am. During this exeur-
sion there will be Demonstrations and Papers
relating to cacao cultivation and otaer subjects.
(>) Alternative excursion tothe Pitch Lake, leay-
ing Port-of-Spain by train at 7.26 a.m.
(c) An alternative excursion may be arranged to
visit places of interest in connexion with the
Sugar Industry.
Evening. Conference Dinner,
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28.
It is probable that an afternoon excursion to the
islands near the Bocas may be arranged.
MonDaAY, JANUARY 29
7.80 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. St.Clair Experiment Station,
Demonstration of matters relating to Rubber.
9am. to 12 noon. Session of Conference at the
Red House.
to Rubber.
Afternoon, Visit to the Agricultural Show.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 30.
Papers and discussions relating
7.30 a.m. to 8.30. a.m. (To be arranged.)
9am. to 12 noon. Session of Conference at the
Red House. Subjects for discussion. The
proposal for a West Indian Trade Commis-
sioner in Canada. The work of the Entomo-
logical Research Committee. Closing of the
Conference.
t must be understood that the information pre-
sented above does not indicate the full range of the
subjects that will be available for discussion,
Such other matters as possess importance will
receive attention, and it is intended that everything
shall be done to permit the giving of adequate consid-
eration to all agricultural subjects that are of interest
to representatives at the Conference.
Vor. X. No. 251.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
387
SUGAR INDUSTRY.
SUGAR-CANE EXPERIMENTS IN
ST. KITTS.
At a meeting of the St. Kitts Agricultural and Com-
mercial Society, held on the 3rd ultimo, Mr. H. A.
Tempany, B.Se., Superintendent of Agriculture for the
Leeward Islands, gave an address presenting a short résumé
of the results obtained in the recently concluded experiments
with varieties of sugar-cane in St. Kitts. A report of the
address has been received from Mr. Tempany, and this
has been used for making the following abstract.
Mr. Tempany commenced by calling attention to the
fact of the general acceptance of the necessity for continued
experimentation, if agricultural results of utility are to be ob-
tained. Selection experiments were among the most important
of these, andin illustration Mr. Tempany quoted figures show-
ing how in Germany the richness in sugar of the sugar
beet had been increased by systematic selection of seed for
sowing. In regard to seedling canes the matter was not as
simple, on account of the large number of varieties from
which a choice has to be etfected, but assistance was available
in the form of local variety experiments which were intended
to indicate the kinds of cane that are best suited to the
districts in which such experiments are made.
The raising of cane seedlings presented peculiar diffi-
culty, particularly from the fact that suitable weather is
essential if it is to be conducted successfully. It was for this
reason that sugar planters in the Northern Islands are
dependent to a large extent on introduced varieties as
a means of improving the yields. In view of the fact
that large numbers of valuable seedling canes had been
produced in Demerara and Barbados, it was perhaps only
natural that enquiry should be made as to the necessity for
making trials of seedling canes in St. Kitts. ‘The answer to
this enquiry was that it had been proved that, although
a given cane may show productivity in one locality, it does
not follow that this quality persists in another place.
The matter was not merely one connected with cane-
growing in different islands, but it had its importance
in regard to the behaviour of sugar-canes in the various
cane-growing localities in any given island. There was
the further circumstance that it is believed that the
characteristics of some varieties are modified, in differing
degrees, on their introduction into tresh localities, where the
conditions of growth are no longer those to which they have
become habituated. Finally, from the planter’s point of view,
the very fact of the existence of a large number: of varieties
of seedling canes made it very difticult for him to effect
a useful choice, without assistance in the form of experiments
carried out under the conditions actually experienced by him.
After giving attention to these introductory considera-
tions, Mr. ‘fempany proceeded to outline the main results
obtained in the experiments with plant and ratoon canes
during the past season, pointing out, firstly, that the trials
were conducted on six stations for plants, and on five for
ratoons. The actual system was to cultivate the main collec-
tion’ of forty-two varieties at two stations, La Gueérite and
Molineux, as plant canes, and at the latter station as first
ratoons; while at the remaining stations a selection of fifteen
of the most promising canes was grown, both as plant and
first ratoon canes. The weather experienced during the grow-
ing season was somewhat unfavourable during the period April
to July, especially in the cane-growing districts near Basse-
terre, while it was generally favourable during the latter part
of the year. This circumstance had affected the returns in
the experiments, to some extent.
Mr. Tempany here referred to tables showing the yields
that had been given by the canes, both plants and ratoons,
during the season under review. He pointed out that in the
former case the lead was taken by B 208—a cane which in
the past had demonstrated its suitability to conditions in
St. Kitts. D.625 and Sealy Seedling came second and third,
and it was pointed out that,as neither of these canes had previ-
ously shown any particular promise in St. Kitts, their present
position was probably due to variation in season. The suc-
ceeding canes were D.109, B.4596, D 116, and B 254; while
B.1753, which had held the premier position last year, had
fallen to the eighth place—as a result, probably, of variation
in season, and partly to error of experiment; for in the western
districts of the island, this cane had given satisfactory returns
and was regarded favourably by planters. Among the ratoons
for Jast season, the first was D.625, followed in succession
by B.1753, B.4596 and D.109.
Other tables presenting the results for the whole period
of experimentation, namely eleven years, showed that the
first four canes were successively. B.208, D.116, D.109 and
B.1753, among plant canes. With ratoons the leading
canes were, similarly, B.1753, B.208, B.4596 and White
Transparent.
The usual method of reviewing the results, namely by
ascertaining which canes occupy the upper third of the table
at the different experiment stations was adopted, as_ it
affords a means of judging which varieties are suited to
a wide range of conditions. he facts adduced in this way
were as follows, for plant canes :—
B.208 had ceme within the first 5 varieties on 6 stations.
B.4596 ” ” ” 39) | 499)
D.625 ” ” ” yO
Sealy \
Seelling/” ” Hy hate
D. 109 ” oe ” Ob) ee Sh)
D.1 WOT ” ” ” ” ”
B.254 ” ” ” 7” 99
B.753 ” ” ” ” ” ”
The similar facts for ratoon canes were :—
bwwe aw pe
B.1753 had come within the first 5 varieties on 5 stations.
D.625 eh as a abi 4 _
B.4596 py TS a eae 4 A
D.109 Fab ties. if ail od 4 ”
B.208 »” ” ” ” ” 2 ”
It was stated that, during the past year, the work of cane
experimentation had been extended to Nevis, on Pinneys
estate, and that it was hoped that the work in this direction
would be increased in scope
In conclusion, Mr. ‘l'empany called attention to a table
showing the annual exports of sugar from St, Kitts-Nevis for
a number of recent years. During the past five years a reduc-
tion of some 1,500 acres had taken place in the area cultivated
for sugar-cane; nevertheless the average exports of sugar from
the Presidency during that time had been slightly in excess of
the average exports for the ten years previous to that. This
pointed to an appreciable increase in the average sugar
production per acre, during the past five years, and this was
notwithstanding the fact that on many estates an inter-
mediate crop of cotton was grown with sugar-cane. He
finally gave the opinion that this increased productiveness
could in some measure be fairly attributed to the introduc-
tion of improved varieties of cane.
DecEMBER 9, 1911,
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
THEY ERUITING OF Aye MAE
NUTMEG TREE.
In the Ayricultwral News for October 14, 1911,
a note appeared that had been received from Mr. J. C.
Moore, Agricultural Superintendent, St. Lucia, dealing
with the circumstance of the fruiting of one of the
staminate nutmeg trees at the Botanic Gardens in that
island. Since this, Mr. J. Jones, Curator of the Botanic
Gardens, Dominica, has kindly drawn attention to the
following note in relation to the subject, which appeared
in the Agricultural Bulletin of the Malay Peninsula
for April 1897, and in so doing, states that the same
phenomenon has been observed in that island:—
As arule each tree is either male or female, and this is
only distinguishable by the flowers. The female flowers
are solitary, and much larger than the males, and thicker in
texture. If opened, they will be found to contain a pubescent
cylindric pistil, cleft at the top into two short styles. The
male flowers, on the other hand, are produced in little racemes
of three or four, and each contains a column of stamens all
joined together.
Some trees produce both male and female flowers in
various proportions, and it is well known that trees on their
first flowering bear male flowers only; after about two years
they will sometimes produce female flowers, and eventually
bear no males.
Female trees are naturally of the greatest value to the
planter, but it is of course essential to have some male trees
in the plantation, or the fruit will be of no value. Even with-
out males the fruit will sometimes set and develop up to
acertain point, but never ripens, and soon falls off. The
pollen is conveyed from male to female flowers by small
insects, chiefly apparently a very small, flattened, brownish
beetle, but bees often visit the flowers as well.
In relation to. the same subject, the following
interesting information has been communicated. by
Mr. W. N. Sands, Agricultural Superintendent; -St.
Vincent:—
I would: draw attention to the
Miscellaneous Information, April 1907, p. 202. There, Hart
describes a monoecious nutmeg tree growing in Trinidad,
Trinidad Bulletin of
and states that it is possible that such a form has been pre-
vicusly produced and records registered, but mentions that
he has been unable to trace any note in available literature.
In the nutmeg grove at the Botanic Gardens here, there
are two ‘male’ trees, each twenty-one years old, which have
borne fruit. One of these at the present time has two fruits
on it and has each year for the past six years to my knowl-
edge, exhibited this abnormal feature. About five years ago
I germinated two fruits, but unfortunately Jost sight of the
plants owing to carelessness on the part of an employee.
I have examined many flowers on the trees and they are pro-
duced in great abundance, but all appear to be ‘male’; this
points to the fact that very few flowers capable of forming
fruits are produced, but whether these are unisexual, or
hermaphrodite, or both, is a point which requires to be
investigated.
These monoecious trees, although of a good bearing age,
have never borne more than two or three fruits at any time,
so that they are not likely to be of any commercial value; but
they are certainly of much interest from a botanical point of
view.
Further, in the same connexion, the following
short article appeared in the Port-of-Spain Gazette,
for October 29 :—
We have read a rather interesting account from
St. Lucia which appeared in the Agrieultural News of the
Imperial Department of Agriculture, Barbados, just to hand
and issued on the 14th instant, under the heading, The
Fruiting of a ‘Male’ Nutmeg Tree, page 324, and asking if
any similar observation had been made by other persons.
We, ourselves, remember to have seen at Bellevue estate in
the parish of St. Andrews, Grenada, a long time ago now,
several plump, ordinary-looking nutmegs upon a male tree.
There were blossoming, at the same time, the usual numbers
of flowers characteristic of this sex. Near by were to be
seen some of the oldest nutmeg trees in the West Indies.
Everybody knows it, but it might be said that Grenada is
famous for its extensive nutmeg cultivation, and that itis due
to this fact that the island is referred to sometimes as the Isle
of Spices, or the Spice Island. Since the visit to Bellevue
we have seen another male tree producing nuts in the parish
of St. David, Grenada, the chief fruit parish of:that beauti-
ful island
Vota-x. = Nos 2518
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
389
REPORT
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 1910-11,
BARBADOS - ON THE LOCAL
After giving details concerning the staff, establishment,
financial matters and repairs to buildings, this report presents
information concerning the distribution of plants during the
period under review; it is shown that this has been concerned
mainly with sugar-cane cuttings, seeds of leguminous plants,
cotton-seed, sweet potato cuttings and plants for Arbor Day.
A review of the experiments with sugar-cane is present-
ed, which shows that the lines of investigation have com-
prised the following : (1) variety experiments on estates, with
White Transparent as a standard; (2) similar co-operative
experiments on estates; (3) manurial experiments with sugar-
cane; (4) trials in regard to the effect of cutting out ‘dead
hearts’ on the yield of sugar-canes; (5) an experiment on the
action of superphosphate as a manure for sugar-cane in red
soils; and (6) determination of the yield of canes grown from
cuttings made from plant canes, cuttings made from first
ratoons, cuttings made from seventh ratoons, and from small
cuttings. The variety and manurial experiments have receiv-
ed the usual attention in the special report. The trial with
superphosphate seems to indicate that this increases the yields
of cane on red soils. In regard to the other matters, the con-
tinuation of the experiments is required, in order that definite
results may be obtained.
A large portion of the report is taken up with informa-
tion concerning the cotton industry, cotton selection, the pro-
duction of cotton hybrids, and reports and valuations of the
cottons produced, furnished by Mr. C. M. Wolstenholme, of
Manchester. The work is too detailed in nature to be made
the subject of general statements. ‘his part is followed by
an account of experiments with sweet potatoes, sweet and
bitter cassava, economic colocasias, and various leguminous
plants. In regard to the first, descriptions of the characters
and yields are presented in some detail, and a short account of
an experiment with Apterite for the control of scarabee of the
sweet potato (Cryptorhynchus hatatae) shows that this pest was
not affected by applications of the insecticide. Details of the
yields of the colocasias are given, and it has been indicated in
one experiment that the best returns are obtained by using the
heads of these plants as planting material. Among the legu-
minous plants giving the best results are the Lyon bean
(Stizolobium niveum, not S. deeringianum, as is stated in the
report), an unnamed pea from Porto Rico, and the horse bean
(Canavalia ensiformis). As it had been found that no nodules
were produced on the roots of alfalfa and the soy bean, soil in
which these had been grown was imported from the United
States, and mixed with Barbados soil, in which the seeds were
subsequently planted, when seedlings were obtained with roots
bearing an abundance of nodules.
In connexion with fruits, improved mangoes have been
imported, and grafted mangoes have been sold. The fact that
there is a small banana industry in Barbados is shown by the
circumstance that. 12,941 bunches of the fruit were shipped
during the year by Messrs. H. BE. Thorne & Sons, Ltd.; it
may be mentioned that the local Department of Agriculture
also shipped 196 bunches. Shipments of mangoes were con-
tinued, and trial shipments of grape fruit and shaddocks were
made. Further particulars indicate that little attention is
given to onion-growing in the island. Succeeding matter
deals with the Local Agricultural Show of 1910 (see Agricul-
twral News, Vol. X, p. 11), Canadian Exhibition, the fumi-
gation of plants, Arbor Day, the Reading Courses of the
Imperial Department of Agriculture, live stock and the
herbarium, In regard to live stock, two well-bred rams,
descended from stock imported by the Imperial Department
of Agriculture, have been placed for service in different dis-
tricts of the island.
An account is presented of the insect pests and fungus
diseases on the principal crops and some others during the
year, particularly with reference to those on the sugar-cane;
the question of insect pests on sugar-cane in Barbados has
received attention recently in the Ayricultwral News. A large,
detailed section on the meteorology of the island succeeds,
and it is pointed out in this that the sugar crop reaped in
1910 comprised 34,871 tons of sugar and 77,720 puncheons
of molasses, of which 49,817 puncheons are estimated to have
been fancy molasses; while the cotton crop from October 1,
1909, to September 30, 1910, amounted to 1,288 bales,
containing 644,279 lb. of lint, having an estimated value of
£38,548.
NYASALAND PROVECTORATE: ANNUAL RE-
PORT ON THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,
1910-11
This shows that the amount of the most important crop
—cotton—exported during the year was 4,342 bales of 400b.,
as compared with 2,147 bales for 1909-10; this is an increase
of more than 100 per cent. in a single season. The values
of the cotton exports tor the seasons mentioned were
£58,687 5s. 10d. and £26,208 16s., in order. The
quality of the crop, apart from strength, is stated to be
all that can be desired; the best price during the season was
1s. O3d. per tb. and a considerable part was sold at 11d. to
ls. per fb. The Nyasaland product is on the dividing line
between the Egyptian and the long staple Upland crops,
and its improvement enables it to enter the higher priced
market, namely the former. Further details concerning
cotton relate to experiments with the crop.
Successful experiments have been made with soy beans
and the velvet bean (Stzzolobium deeringianum); the former
promises to be of value as a native food crop, while the
latter will prove to be a most useful green dressing. The
area under tobacco increased from 2,368 acres in 1909-10
te 3,274; the exports of the cured product amounted to
1,704,637 tb., valued locally at £42,626. The tobacco
industry is assisted by the Imperial Tobacco Company, Ltd.
The exports of rubber during the year under review
amounted to 59,4714 lb., of a local value of £10,659; the
quantity has more than doubled since the previous year,
owing to the improvement in prices. A most important
development has been the exploitation by machinery of
Landolphia parvifolia, by the African Lakes Corpora-
tion, Ltd. Particulars are given in the report concern-
ing Para and Ceara rubber. As regards maize, the export
was 39,804 ewt., valued at £6,002.
After giving information concerning certain other crops,
such as coffee, tea and hemp, as well as in regard to live stock
and other important matters, the general report concludes
with the Report of the Agriculturist, the Report of the Chief
Forest Officer, the Report of the Veterinary Bacteriologist,
and details concerning the meteorology of the Protectorate. ’
390
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
DeceMBER 9, 1911.
sath
~ atl
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date November 20, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
Since our last report, about 200 bales of West Indian
Sea Islands have been sold, the bulk of them being com-
posed of the remainder of Jast season’s crop, which real-
ized prices from 13d. to 16d. A few bales of superior New
Crop cotton haye been sold in the region of 18d.
The market is steady, and the stock is exhausted. The
fine spinning trade is still rather inactive.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending November 18, is as follows:—
There has been some demand in the market this week,
resulting in sales of 200 bales, consisting chiefly of off cotton
and small lots bought for types, at the following prices: —
32c. = 18d.,
PSO SHB CARs ie yy eae Tat
28c.=15#d., 5, 55
No. 1 Off Cotton, 22¢.=123d., ,,
No. 2 Off Cotton L9e;=11d.,
There has been no demand as yet
are being held at 40c. and upwards.
Extra Fine, e.i.f., & 5 per cent.
Extra Fine, off in colour,
Fully Fine, oh ans
” > ”
2 ” ” ”
for crop lots, which
THE COTTON CROP IN VARIOUS
COUNTRIES.
The Bulletin of Agricultural Stutisties, of the
International Institute of Agriculture, Vol. II, No. 9,
gives the following recent information concerning the
present cotton crop in Bulgaria, the United States,
Japan and Egypt:—
BULGARIA, The,condition of the crop, expressed on the
Institute’s schedule, [100=condition promising an average
yield] was, on September 1, 100.
UNITED states. The following table shows the condition
of the cotton crop on August 25, 1911, compared with con-
ditions on July 25, 1911, and the average condition on August
25 for the past ten years:—
Condition.
Date. Scale of the Institute’s
United States. Scale.
(100=normal.) (100 =condition
promising an
average yield.)
August 21, 1911 73°2 99°6
July 25, 1911 89-1 112:2
10-year average on August 25 73:5
JAPAN, The condition of the crop on September 1, ex-
pressed on the Institute’s scale, was 100
EGypr. Weather during the month [September] has been
slightly more favourable, a few hot days have assisted in the
recovery of the cotton plants, by the drying up of the third
brood of cotton worm.
The cotton crop is, however, very late, and it is feared
that much injury may be done by the boll worm, on this
account. The last-named pest has appeared in some parts of
Upper Egypt, but not severely.
The area planted .in cotten is 718,858 hectares
[=1,437,716 acres]. The condition of the crop on Septem-
ber 1, expressed on the Institute’s scale, was 91.
Some Cotton-Spinning Statistics.—The statis-
tics just published by the International Federation of Master
Cotton Spinners’ and Manufacturers’ Associations give the
total number of spindles throughout the world as 137,278,752.
The estimated number of spinning spindles in Great Britain
is given as 54,522,554. Of this number, 39,977,255 are
mule spindles, and 8,050,925 ring spindles. Eyyptian cotton
is used by 13,169,923 spindles, and 34,858,237 spindles are
engaged on American, East Indian, and sundry cottons. At
the present time there are in course of erection in Great
Britain 896,934 spindles. The curtailment of production
during the past season amounted to 113 hours in Great Brit-
ain, 140 hours in Germany, 105 hours in France, 419 hours
in Austria, 339 hours in Italy, and 180 hours in Switzerland.
The consumption of cotton per 1,000 spindles is 70°47 bales
in Great Britain, 105°23 bales in Germany, 132:99 bales in
France, 352°15 bales in India, and 162°65 bales in the
United States. The stocks on August 31 of all kinds of cot-
ton throughout the world are given as 2,619,052 bales,
against 2,523,782 bales at the same time last year. The
stock of American cotton is stated to be 1,135,166 bales, as
compared with 1,123,526 bales twelve months age. The
consumption during the season ended August 31 last of
all spinners throughout the world amounted to 17,819,070
bales, as against 17,030,511 bales during the previous year.
The figures for American cotton are 11,559,401 bales, as com-
pared with 11,145,678 bales during the previous year.
(Journal of the Royal Society of Arts, October 13, 1911.)
Vou. X. No, 251.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
391
ee
A DISEASE OF ALFALFA
ITS RELATION TO SOIL
INOCULATION.
gag The following details of a way in which a disease
of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) may be spread, through
mistaking nodules produced by it on the plants for
those containing the true beneficial nodule organism
(Pseudomonas radicicola), are taken from Circular
No. 76 of the Burean of Plant Industry of the United
States Department of Agriculture:—
IN
The relative merits of the inoculation of legumes by the
pure-culture method and by the scattering of soil taken from
old well-inoculated fields have been widely discussed, and
both methods have been recommended by this Bureau. In
case old soil is used, the fields from which it is secured
should be free from objectionable weeds and insect pests, and
free from plant diseases.
From time to time specimens of supposedly well-inocu-
Jated plants of alfalfa, crimson clover, and alsike clover have
been forwarded to the Laboratory of Soil-Bacteriology
Investigations with the explanation that although nodules
were produced in abundance the leguminous crop was not
satisfactory. In these cases the appearance of the nodules
was abnormal and the bacteria isolated from them, although
resembling the nodule-forming organism, did not have the
power of fixing nitrogen in culture solutions, and as a tenta-
tive explanation it was suggested (Bulletin 71, Bureau of
Plant Industry) that this was but an extreme case of
pleomorphism of Psewdomonas radicicola, which could be of
no symbiotic advantage to the leguminous host.
During 1909 the organism occurring in the abnormal
nodules of alfalfa was studied more extensively, and it was
decided that this organism represented a new, although not
a destructive, disease of alfalfa. Through the courtesy of
Drs. Smith and Townsend, a comparative study was made of
material furnished by the Laboratory of Seil-Bacteriology
Investigations, which showed that the bacteria causing the
abnormal nodules upon alfalfa were practically identical with
those causing the crown gall of orchard trees,
Fortunately, the difference between nodules produced
by the beneficial nodule-forming organism of the legumes
and those produced by the crown gall organism is sufficiently
typical to be easily recognized by an experienced observer.
Though it may be possible to confuse these during a hasty
examination, it is obvious upon close inspection that the
nitrogen-fixing nodule is an outgrowth from the plant root,
and that it has no more apparent effect upon the root than
has an ordinary branch of the root. The interior of the nodule
contains flesh-coloured cells fuil of bacteria, which may be
easily seen under the microscope. The crown gall tumour,
on the other hand, causes much distortion of the root, fre-
quently forcing it to branch into many small roots, which
project from the tumour itself. The interior of the tumour
is white, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to see any bac-
teria in any of the cells, even in the most carefully prepared
sections of the tumour tissue.
The fact that must be emphasized especially in connexion
with farm practice is that the excrescences, or tumours, formed
on certain legumes by the crown gall organism have occasion-
ally been confused with the desirable nitrogen-fixing nodules.
The use of soil for inoculating alfalfa or clover, if selected at
random, may. be a serious menace. In the few years that this
matter has been under observation, many records of the ship-
ping of alfalfa soil infected with crown gall, under the
designation of inoculated alfalfa soil, have been obtained.
concLusions. (1) The crown gall organism has been
found in tumours somewhat resembling the normal nitrogen-
fixing nodules upon the roots of alfalfa, crimson clover and
alsike clover. (2) Great care should be taken in using soil
or cultures tor inoculating legumes in regions which may
eventually be used for sugar beets or for orchards. (3) It is
usually possible to distinguish the tumour produced by the
crown gall bacteria from the nodule formed by the nitrogen-
fixing bacteria by their external appearance. (4) By the use
of special media it is possible to distinguish between the
bacterium which causes crown gall and the nitrogen-fixing
bacterium which forms the desired nodules upon the roots of
leguminous plants. (5) It is not known what other legumin-
ous crops are susceptible to crown gali infection. It is
believed, however, that there is reason to suspect all the
clovers.
THE LIME IN BASIC SLAG.
The Journal of the Board of Agriculture for
October 1911 gives the following abstract of a paper
dealing with this subject, which appeared in the
Journal of the Society of Chemical Industry, May 15,
1911 :—
Ina paper by Mr. James Hendrick in the Journal of
the Society of Chemical Industry, in 1909, it was shown that
there is a much smaller percentage of free lime in basic slag
than is commonly represented, and that calcium carbonate
is practically absent. At the same time, it was shown that
there is a considerable amount of ‘lime available as a base’,
that is, lime capable of neutralizing acidity in the soil and of
acting as a base during nitrification. An attempt was made
to measure the available base in basic slag, chiefly by dis-
tilling a solution of ammonium sulphate with the slag and
estimating the basicity from the amount of ammonia given
off. Ammonium sulphate was chosen on account of its being
extensively used as a fertilizer. It undergoes nitrification
in the soil, with the production of nitric and sulphuric
acids, and in order that its action may not be harmful
by rendering the soil sour these acids must be neutra-
lized as produced. This paper describes some further
experiments on the subject. It was pointed out that
when dilute solutions of ammonium salts are distilled,
ammonia is given off, and that consequently the am-
monia given off, in estimating the amount of lime available
as a base in basic slag, might not be due to the basic slag,
By distillations of ammonium sulphate without basic slag,
Mr. Hendrick found that ammonia was given off, but only in
an amount which, when stated as its equivalent in lime, would
amount to a very small percentage of the slag. He concludes
that the results in the former paper are not materially affect-
ed by the fact that ammonia is volatilized when a dilute
solution of ammonium sulphate is boiled, but that these
further experiments support the conclusion that there is in
basic slag a considerable proportion of lime capable of acting
as a base in the soil, and that a part of this lime is readily
liberated. Distillation with a solution of ammonium chloride
provides, however, a better method of determining the avail-
able base in slag than distillation with ammonium sulphate.
Finally, the glass of the vessels used for distillation in
experiments on ammonium salts may have a very appreciable.
influence, especially if alkaline solutions have previously been
boiled in the glass.
392
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
specimens for naming, should be addressed to the
ommissioner, TIinperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price ld. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s. 2d. Post free, 48. 4d.
Agricultural sews
Von ys
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1911. No. §
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Contents of Present Issue.
The editorial in this number gives information
concerning the forthcoming Agricultural Conference,
and includes the provisional programme of the pro-
ceedings.
An interesting summary of the results obtained in
the last sugar-cane seedling experiments in St. Kitts
is given on page 387.
Under the heading Departmental Reports, on page
389, reviews are presented of the reports on the agri-
cultural departments in Barbados and the Nyasaland
Protectorate, for the period 1910-11,
Page 391 contains an article dealing with a disease
of alfalfa which causes changes in the roots similar to
thsoe produced by the nodule organism. It is to be
understood that the existence of this disease is a matter
of importance in relation to the inoculation of new
areas of soil with that in which alfalfa has been grown.
A description is given on this page of the contents
of the West Indian Bulletin, Vol. XI, No. 4, recently
issued. This may’ be obtained from the agents for
the sale of the publications of the Imperial Depart-
ment of Agriculture; price 6d., post free, 94d.
The Insect Notes on page 394 present an illus-
trated article dealing with the cotton stainer in
Trinidad. A note ‘is also given concerning legislation
in connexion with the frog-hopper of the sugar-cane.
On page 398 the Fungus Notes are presented.
They deal with the interesting and important subject
of the rotting of timber and its prevention.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS
DeceMBer: 9, 1911,
English Delegatesto the Agricultural Conference,
1912.
Information has just ben received by the Imper-
ial Department of Agriculture as to the sending of
delegates to the forthcoming Agricultural Conference,
from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and from the
Entomological Research Committee.
The delegate from the former institution is
Mr. Arthur W. Hill, M.A., F.LS., Assistant Director,
while as regards the Entomological Research Commit-
tee, Mr. Guy. A. K. Marshall, Scientific Secretary to
the Committee, will attend the Conference as its
representative.
The names of the representatives of the British
Cotton Growing Association have been published
already, in the dAgricultural News, for November 11,
p- 358. Information is not yet available as to the
representation of others of the English institutions to
whom invitations have been sent, except that as is
stated elsewhere in this issue, it will not be convenient
fora delegate to attend from the Rothamsted Experi-
ment Station.
— rr _ ae __—_
Publications of the Imperial Department of
Agriculture.
The West Indian Bulletin, Vol. XI, No. 4, has
just been issued. The purpose of this is to afford
a broad review of the work of the Imperial Department
of Agricultnre in the past, and to indicate some of the
problems to be considered by it in the future. For this
reason, this number of the West Indian Bulletin is
concerned solely with matters that pertain directly to
the interests and history of the Imperial Department
of Agriculture.
In pursuance of the scheme, the contents are of
the following nature, and are arranged according
to this plan. A short editorial introduction is suc-
ceeded by the paper entitled The Imperial Depart-
ment of Agriculture in the West Indies, read by Sir
Danie] Morris, K.C.M.G., before the Royal Colonial
Institute, on January 10, 1911, and reprinted by per-
mission from United Empire (Journal of the Royal
Colonial Institute), for February 1911. This is sue-
ceeded by a reprint, also by permission, from Natwre
for February 9, 1911, of the article py Sir W. T.
Thiselton-Dyer, K.C.M.G., F.RS., entitled What
Science Has Done for the West Indies.
The succeeding subjects are dealt with mainly from
the aspect of the internal work of the Department,
They are presented, in order, as follows: Chief Matters
Concerning Departmental Administration; Matters of
Indirect Interest; Entomology in the West Indies;
A Summary of Ten Years’ Mycological Work of the
Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies;
The Work in the Botanic Stations from Year to Year;
General Progress in the West Indies Since 1897;
Agricultural Edueation and Instruction; and Publica-
eations Issned by the Imperial Department of Agri-
culture.
Vora X. 2Now 25k THE
The Bacterial Deterioration of Sugars.
A study of the bacterial deterioration of sugars
receives attention in the Louisiana Stations Bulletin,
No.25, where the opinion is given that it is caused by the
potato group of bacilli. A matter of interest and prac-
tical importance is that the spores of the kinds that were
examined were found to be capable of resisting the
effects of high temperatures. The changes in the
sugar are stated to be due to an extracellular, gum-
forming enzyme which has been called Levanase.
Attention is drawn to the fact that the presence
of the gum in sugars introduces an error in sucrose
determinations, in both the single polarization and the
Clerget methods. The amount of the error in the
former is a decrease of 0°6° Ventzke for every 1 per cent.
of the gum present; in the Clerget method the same
amount of gum gives an increase of 067° Ventzke.
Further Work with Sleeping Sickness in Cen-
tral Africa.
It is stated in Nature for October 19, 1911, that,
according to Reuter’s agency, a further commission is
being despatched to Central Africa in connexion with
sleeping sickness. The Commission will be in charge
of Colonel Sir David Bruce, and will include Professor
Newstead of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
Operations will be confined to Nyasaland, where more
than forty cases of sleeping sickness have occurred since
1909, and it is expected that the Commission will be
absent for three years. Sir David Bruce left Marseilles
or November 10. It is being sent out by the Govern-
ment under the auspices of the Royal Society, and one
of its principal objects is to ascertain if there is any
connexion between the presence of big game and the
existence of the fly that is supposed to be responsible
for sleeping sickness in Nyasaland.
Trade and Agriculture of the Gold Coast, 1910.
In Colonial Reports—Annual, No. 688, it is stated
that the gross value of exports from the Gold Coast in
1910 amounted to £2,697,706, as against £2,655,573
in 1909; this is an increase of £42,135, exclusive of
specie, and is suid to be due to the expansion of agri-
cultural industries and the consequent larger shipments
of economic products.
The quantities and values of the chief agricultural
products exported during the year were as follows:
cacao 50,692,949 tb. value £866,571; kola nuts
5,156,500 tb., value £77,716; palm kernels 14,182 tons,
value £185,058; palm oil 2,044,868, gallons, value
£161,388; rubber 3,223,265 th., value £358,876; lumber
14,938,749 feet, value £148,122.
The chief increases over the exports of the
previous year took place in regard to the first and last
four of these products. The principal decreases in the
value of exports are with respect to: gold, gold dust
and concentrates; specie; and kola nuts.
AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Tapping Experiments with Castin
An account of the results obtained from
two Castilloa trees at the Botanic Gardens, Grena..
has been forwarded by Mr. G. G. Auchinleck, B.Sc.,
the Superintendent of Agriculture. An examination
in the laboratory, of the rubber obtained, gave the
following percentages: loss on washing, 2°01; caout-
chouce, 80:05; resin, extracted by acetone, 16°65; ash, on
crude rubber, 1°41.
Mr. Auchinleck states that the latex was obtained
by lightly scoring channels with a Golledge knife, and
puncturing the floor of the channels with a chisel; good
results were not obtained from the use of the knife
alone, as it tended to close the latex vessels. One side
of each tree received a single perpendicular cut 2 to 3
feet long, with four or five subsidiary channels about
18 inches long and 8 inches apart. Coagulation was
etfected with 2 or 3 oz. of acetic acid, in. wooden
vessels. The total yield of dry rubber was somewhat
small, for the trees were at least nine or ten years old;
it amounted to 70°65 grams (24 oz.). An explanation
of the last circumstance is suggested in the fact of the
dryness of the soil of the Gardens, and that tapping
was only done on one side of each tree. The sample of
rubber obtained became tacky in four months.
The results of the experiment are of special
interest, as they are the first information of the kind
that is available from Grenada.
a
The Formation of Prussic Acid During Germin-
ation.
Past investigations have shown that some seeds,
such as sweet almonds and those of Mespilus japonica,
form large quantities ef prussic (hydrocyanic) acid when
they begin to germinate. In reviewing recent experi-
ments in connexion with the subject, Vatwre for Novem-
ber 2, 1911, draws attention to the work of Guignard
with the Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) which demon-
strated that decomposition of prussic acid takes place,
on the other hand, when the seeds begin to sprout,
particularly in the case of plants kept in the dark.
The work which it is the special object of the
note in Natwre to review was conducted with the seed
of Guinea corn, which does not contain appreciable
traces of prussic acid, and ofa variety of linseed in
which it is present to a considerable extent. With the
Guinea corn seed, prussic acid was formed during
germination, until a certain stage was reached, when
it appeared to be progressively destroyed; in the case of
linseed, there was a continuous increase in the propor-
tion of the compound present, without any observable
decomposition. The production of the prussic acid
was always greater in green plants than in those kept
in the dark; but if the latter were watered during
growth with a 2 per cent. solution of glucose, the
proportion of prussic acid became equal to that in the
green plants. This shows that the formation of the
prussic acid is greatly influenced by the amount of
carbohydrates in the seeds. Further investigations
are to be made, in order to determine the source of the
nitrogen employed in the formation of the acid.
394
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
DECEMBER 9, 1911,
INSECT NOTES.
COTTON STAINER IN
TRINIDAD.
The Board of Agriculture, Trinidad, has recently issued
two circulars, prepared by Mr. P. L. Guppy, Acting Ento-
mologist, providing information as to the life-history, habits
and control of the cotton stainer.
The following notes are taken from the circulars and
should be of interest to cotton growers in the West Indies,
especially those which refer to the methods of control of the
pest.
The cotton stainer of Trinidad is Dysdercus howardi (see
Fig. 14) and is perhaps the worst pest of cotton in that
Colony. The life-cycle, from the time the egg is laid
until the development is completed and the adult insect
appears, occupies a period of from thirty-six to forty-two
days, divided into five stages—the egg and four larval
stages—at the end of each of which the developing insect
moults, or sheds its skin.
THE
Fic. 15. Tar Trintpap Corron Srainer.
(Dysderceus howardi, Ballou.)
Three times natural size.
The cotton stainers are gregarious in all the larval stages,
and in the adult condition. The bright-red colours of the
young stainers make them conspicuous objects, especially
when they are congregated in masses within the open bolls,
where they feed. The adult insects, which are less brightly
coloured, and possess yellowish wings with black tips, are to
be found in the same places as the young.
The cotton stainers feed on the seed in the bolls, and
stain the lint with their excrement, the injury to the lint
resulting both from the feeding of the insects and from the
staining of the cotton.
In hot, sunny weather these insects are very active;
but in the early morning, in the evening, and on dull or
rainy days they are sluggish in their movements. The
adults are capable of long-sustained flight; but they are not
very ready to avail themselves of this ability, and as a con-
sequence do not often use their power of flying for the
purpose of invading new territory, as long as their food
supply continues in the old.
The suggestions for the control of the cotton stainers
include the old methods of hand collecting and traps, and in
addition a new form of trap devised by Mr. Thomas Thornton
of Tobago.
This last method consists of the use of stained or
damaged seed-cotton, tied into balls the size of a man’s fist
and hung, by means of a bent wire, on the branches of the
cotton plants. The stainers collect on these for the purpose
of feeding, and may be shaken off into a vessel containing
kerosene or crude petroleum and water. The balls are then
again hung on the plants to attract a further lot of stainers,
when the process of collecting may be repeated. It should
be borne in mind, however, that the oil should not be
allowed to come into contact with the trap balls, as the
odour would prevent the stainers from returning to them.
These traps should be visited every day, and the stainers
collected. When the insects are few, the traps need not be
placed close together, but when they become more abundant,
the number cf the former should be increased
The older. methods of collecting from the plants, and
trapping by means of heaps of cotton seed on the ground,
are also described in a modified form.
It is recommended that all leaves, trash, etc., on the
ground in the cotton fields should be carefully cleared away
from beneath the plants, and left in small heaps in the spaces
between the rows. Into each of these heaps a small handful
of cotton seed is dropped, and each heap is then covered
with a broad leaf, such as that of certain palms.
The stainers on the plants are collected by being jarred
or shaken into vessels of oil and water. Many of those which
fall to the ground will take refuge in the heaps of trash, and
finding food there, are likely to remain. The trap leaps
should be regularly visited, and the stainers which are
collected there killed by means of hot water or kerosene.
The heaps should then be stirred so as to present a fresh
surface, and clean cotton seed added. ‘The covering Jeaf is
replaced, and the trap is ready again,
After the cotton crop is finished and the old plants have
been removed, many stainers will find their way to these
traps. After an interval of two or three days, to allow as
many of the insects as possible to congregate, the traps
should be completely burned.
By following this system of trapping and collecting,
and by practising clean cultivation, cotton planters should
be able to reduce the numbers of stainers very considerably,
Attention is specially directed to the necessity for destroying
all wild food plants of the pests, thus depriving them as
much as possible of the means of surviving during the interval
between the close of one cotton-growing season and the
beginning of the next.
The Frog-hopper of the Sugar-cane.—The
Barbados Government has issued an Order dated Novem-
ber 10, 1911, under the Trade Act (1910-15, Sections 45
and 46), prohibiting the importation of sugar-canes from
Trinidad and British Guiana, except that sugar-cane cuttings
intended for propagation may be imported under a special
licence from the Governor-in-Executive Committee, to be
obtained through the Superintendent of the Local Depart-
ment of Agriculture.
The serious nature of the frog-hopper attacks in
Trinidad causes planters to be apprehensive as to the
possibility of the pest being introduced, and this Order is
intended to prevent this occurrence.
The Order gives the Superintendent of Agriculture
power to direct the destruction of any sugar-cane cuttings
imported in violation of its provisions.
Vor. X. No. 251.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
395
—_—,_ ee,
OILS AND OIL SEEDS AT THE
IMPERIAL INSTITUTE, 1910.
COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN. Sudan, East Africa Protecto-
rate, Uganda, Nyasaland, Rhodesia, Gambia, Gold Coast,
Sierra Leone, Southern Nigeria, Northern Nigeria, India,
British Honduras, Fiji, and foreign countries.
BACO OR ABAKU SEEDS (Jimusops Djave?). The ker-
nels from a sample of these seeds from the Gold Coast
yielded 60°5 per cent. of a white, solid fat which was
regarded by experts as of about the same value as medium
qualities of palm oil for soap-making. The dried kernels
would be worth about £13 10s. per ton (February 1910).
A specimen of Mimusops seed was also received from
Southern Nigeria. }
BEESWAX. A sample of beeswax from Uganda was of
good quality and worth £6 17s. 6d. per ewt. (January 6,
1910).
BEN OIL SEEDS (Moringa pterygosperma). A small con-
signment of ben oil seed from. Northern Nigeria was
expressed by machinery. The oil was tested by manufac-
turers, who reported that it was suitable for soap-making,
and for this purpose would be worth a little less than cotton
seed oil, It is now being subjected to a prolonged trial by
a chronometer maker in order to determine its value as
a lubricant. The oil-cake, on analysis, compared favourably
with cotton cake and linseed cake with respect to its nutri-
tive constituents, but unfortunately it has a bitter taste, and
for this reason would probably be unsuitable for use as
a feeding stuff and could only be employed as a manure.
CASTOR OIL SEEDS. A sample of castor oil seed from
Rhodesia contained 52°2 per cent. of oil, and. was valued by
manufacturers at £13 per ton (June 1910),
A sample from the East Africa Protectorate yielded
51-6 per cent. of oil, and was regarded as of about the same
value as Bombay castor oil seed, which was then quoted at
£13 5s. per ton (October 1910).
COPRA AND COCOA-NUT OIL. Two samples of copra from
the Gold Coast were examined. One was of fair quality and
was valued at £19 per ton (December 1910), but the other
was in poor condition and worth only about £14 per ton.
A specimen of copra from Southern Nigeria was equal
in appearance to Ceylon copra, but yielded an oil which was
more acid than that from the latter. It was stated to be
worth £19 per ton (June 1910).
A sample of cocoa-nut oil from Southern Nigeria was of
the usual character, and such oil, if quite clean, would be
readily saleable at the current market price.
COTTON SEED cit. A study was made of the suitability
of Indian cotton seed oil for edible use, with special reference
to itsemployment as a ghi substitute. It was found that the
chemical and physical contents of refined oil from Indian seed
are practically identical with those of refined Egyptian cotton
seed oil, and no difference in taste could be detected. A firm
of manufacturers stated that the Indian oil is regarded as
inferior to Egyptian for edible purposes, on account of its
bloom, or fluorescent appearance.
CROTON SEEDS. A small quantity of Croton Tiglium seeds
from Nyasaland was examined, The kernelsyyielded 58 per
cent. of oil, which possessed the usual properties of croton
oil. It was reported that croton seed was in small but regular
demand, at 40s. to 50s. per ewt. (February 1910).
GROUND Nuts. A sample of ground nuts from Fiji was
of excellent quality, and valued at £13 10s. to £14 per ton.
‘Two samples of ground nuts from the Gambia were also
examined.
NIGER SEED (Guizotia oleifera), A specimen of Niger
seed from the East Africa Protectorate contained 37:6 per
cent. of oil. This oil is serviceable as a substitute for linseed
oil, for soap-making, and would be worth 36s. to 38s. per
quarter of 416 tb. (September 1909). =“
OIL PALM PRODUCTS. The investigation which was in
progress during 1909 of the products of the different varie-
ties of the West African oil palm was completed. Numer-
ous samples of palm fruits, palm kernels, palm oils, and palm
kernel oils from the Gold Coast, Sierre Leone and Southern
Nigeria were examined, and the results have been included in
an exhaustive article published in the Bulletin of the Imper-
ial Institute, Vol. VII, p. 357, which also contains sugges-
tions for the improvement of the oil palm industries of West
Africa.
Specimens of palm fruits from Nyasaland and Uganda
were also examined.
Among other products examined may be mentioned
Ceara rubber seed from Uganda, seeds of Zrichilia emetica
from Nyasaland, Benni seeds (sesame) from Northern Nigeria,
seeds of Calophyllum Wightianum from India, and M’fucuta
seed from Mozambique.
A large number of enquiries were received from mer-
chants, manufacturers and others with reference to the
cultivation, production, and export of various oil seeds, as
well as to the properties of the different oils, and the
machinery employed in their manufacture. Several speci-
mens were received for identification. (From Colonial
Reports, Annual, No. 687, p. 29.)
THE CUBAN TOBACCO CROP.
The total receipts of tobacco from the country since
January 1, 1911, amount to 193,401 bales, of which 120,810
came from Vuelta Abajo, 8,843 from Semi-Vuelta, 15,221
from Partido, 43,349 from Remedios, and 5,178 from
Mayari (Oriente).
The tobacco situation in Havana is rather trying from
the viewpoint of the buyer, as prices range from 10 to 30 per
cent. higher than for the same grades last year, and the
supply at even these prices is decidedly limited.
A factor which makes the position of the American
manufacturer of cigars who uses Cuban tobacco at times
very difficult is that the American taste is for a light-
coloured leaf, and very often it is extremely difficult for the
manufacturer to obtain enough light leaf, owing to various
conditions in the Cuban production. Tobacco experts here
insist that the light-coloured leaf is really not fully matured,
and does not possess the fine flavour of the darker grades,
Consul General Rodgers, Havana, reports the produe-
tion of tobacco in Cuba during the past three years as
follows :—
1908, 1909, 1910,
Districts. bales. bales. bales.
Vuelta Abajo 257,628 220,458 189,728
Semi- Vuelta 24,519 28,868 21,485
Partida 38,843 33,824 27,905
SantaClara 192,874 162,178 91,231
Matanzas 445 428 732
Camaguey 12,522 9,089 7,194
The average price of tobacco per 100 tb. in Cuba in
March 1911, was: first class $50, second class $32 and third
class $18. (From the Cuba Review, October 1911, p. 19.)
396
His Majesty the King has communicated his inten-
tion of opening the forthcoming Royal International Hortic-
ultural Exhibition. This is to be held on May 22, 1912,
and promises already to meet with much success.
The broom corn crop, both on the European Continent
and in the United States, is short. For this reason, broom
corn was selling during last month, in the latter country, for
#200 per ton, which is about twice the normal price of the
product.
The American Consul-General at Havana mentions that
the total sugar crop of Cuba, up to September 30, 1911, was
stated to be 1,460,397 tons, Of this quantity 1,403,870 tons
was exported, 50,184 tons consumed in the island, and the
remainder was being kept in stock.
It is reported by H.'M. Commercial Attaché at Yoko-
hama, in a communication dated September 12, that it is
stated in the Japanese press that very serious damage has
been done to the sugar crop and sugar factories in Formosa,
by recent storms, so that the former has probably been de-
creased by 15 to 30 per cent.
Cotton-growing was introduced into the Beirut (Syria)
district in 1910. So far, the production has been purely
experimental, the total output in 1910 being about 44,800 Ib,
The outcome of this experiment, however, has been so suc-
cessful, that, reinforced by the necessity for landowners to
change the nature of their crops, on account of emigration, it
promises a considerable growth. (The Tertile Mercury, Sep-
tember 23,1911, p. 254.)
The Louisiana Planter for November 11, 1911, contains
an article which shows that the increase in the area of sugar
cultivation in Java, in 1911, was about 13,000 acres In the
same year the production of raw sugar reached 1,455,000 long
tons. The planting that is taking place for the crop of 1912
indicates that the area will further increase to the extent of
about 10,000 acres, and it seems probable that the production
will be brought up to 1,500,000 long tons of sugar.
The Journal of the Royal Society of Arts for November
3, 1911, draws attention to Chinese tea seed oil. This is
not obtained from the tea tree (Camellia Thea) but from the
seed of C. Sasanqgua, The latter plant, whose leaves cannot
be used as-tea, is found wherever the china wood oil tree
(Aleurites Fordit) grows. The oil is used by the Chinese for
cooking, and is sold locally for 31s. to 33s. per picul (1331 Ib).
In 1909, the value of the exports of this oil, from Hankow,
to foreign countries and Chinese ports was £6,500; in 1910,
it was £17,300,
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
DEceMBER 9, 1911,
In the India-Rubber Journal for October 28, 1911, it is
pointed out that the official figures have shown a steady
increase in the importation of rubber goods into India. The
values of the imports for the years mentioned were as
follows: 1905 6, £51,927; 1906-7, £66,986; 1907-8, £75,545;
1908-9, £77,055; 1909-10, £76,552. During 1909-10, the
share of the United Kingdom in this trade was £63,470.
The International Sugar Journal, for October 1911,
abstracts a note contained in the Mauritius Bulletin for
1911, p. 75, in which it is stated that 40 per cent. formol, in
the proportion of 1 part to 10,000, has been used with
excellent results for preserving cane juice, in the case of stop-
page of the factory; no trace of alteration had taken place,
even after a period of forty-eight hours. It is advised that,
for the preservation of scums and ‘hottoms’, the proportion of
the antiseptic should be 1 part in 4,500,and that thorough
mixing should take place.
The Experiment Station Record, Vol. XXV,p 514, gives
a short abstract of a paper in which the author refers to the
observation by geologists, to the effect that more water is
evaporated annually from the soil than that which falls as
rain, and attempts to explain that the deficiency is made up
by the absorption by the soil of water vapour in the air. Jn
illustration of the principle, a number of instances are given
(Canary Islands and Estremadura) where almost no rain falls,
and vegetation is apparently maintained by water from this
source.
According to the Board of 7'rade Journal tor October
12, 1911, excessively dry weather in June and July has caused
a partial failure of the cotton crop in Turkey, which will only
reach three-quarters of the amount of the previous year,
instead of one-and-a-half times as much, as was expected at
first. The quality of the Egyptian and American varieties
will be better than usual, on account of the higher tempera-
ture that has been experienced. The standard of the cotton
crop in Turkey, as a whole, is not improving, because of the
absence of irrigation, and the mixing of the seed at the fac-
tories.
Attention is drawn to a use for the pseudobulbs of
orchids, in the Aew Bulletin 1911, p. 351. This is for making
tobacco ‘pipes, and the species employed is Schomburghkia
Thomsoniana, which is used in this way in Grand Cayman.
This plant is known to the natives as the wild banana: its
pseudobulbs are about 9 inches long, and make useful pipe
bowls. Attention is also drawn to another species which
grows in Honduras, named S. t7/icinus. The pseudobulbs of
this are between 1 and 2 feet long, and are employed by the
native children as trumpets; this gives rise to the name Cow-
horn Orchid, by which it is commonly known.
Legislation against the love vine or dodder (Cuseuta sp. ),
in Grenada and Barbados at the present time, makes interest-
ing the information given in the Jowrnal d’Agriculture Prat-
ique, No. 42, p. 497, that this can be destroyed, when growing
on alfalfa, by the heavy application of sodium nitrate, in
such quantities as 880 Ib. per acre. he investigations that
have been described indicate further that sodium nitrate is
preferable to ferrous sulphate and other poisonous substances,
for the purpose; and that alfalfa and other leguminous forage
plants are benefited by its use, notwithstanding their ability
to utilize the nitrogen in the air by means of their root nodules.
Vou. X. No. 251. THE
STUDENTS’ CORNER. »
DECEMBER.
SECOND Prriop.
Seasonal Notes.
During the time that the cacao crop is ripening and the
pods are attaining maturity, a careful lookout,should be kept
for diseases of the fruits, and information should be obtained
as to the nature of the best means by which they may be con-
trolled. Discuss the usefulness and merits of spraying, for
this object, under conditions with which you are familiar.
Make observations in order to trace whether, in cases of
disease, the infection proceeds from the fruits to the stems,
or from the stems to the fruits. What general practice, in
regard to the working of a cacao estate, should be followed,
in order that the chances of infection with pod diseases should
be lessened as much as possible ?
Careful notes should be made of the different stages in
the preparation of cacao for market, as well as of the reasons
for the procedure at the different times. Information should
also be available always as to the state of the cacao market.
What are the chief reasons for the fluctuations in the market
price of cacao ?
The grafting of cacao may be resumed, now that the
hurricane season is past. Gain as much information as you
can concerning the practical details of this operation, and
give an account of its advantages. Why is it that grafted
trees do not always exhibit immunity from diseases ?
Where it is necessary to remove dead branches from
lime trees, this should be done at an early stage, as the decay
rapidly spreads downwards; and tardiness in the matter leads
to the necessity for cutting away a large amount of wood,
while even then it is often impossible to remove the whole of
this, on account of the extent to which the decay has spread.
Even when all the dead parts have been removed, the severe
cutting that is required in bad cases increases greatly the
difficulty with which the tree heals the wounds. What is the
process of the healing of wounds in dicotyledonous plants,
and what portion of the stem takes the most active part in
this ?
Note that where lime trees have received particularly
good cultivation, the effect is quickly seen in the improved
development and colour of the foliage. Where such trees are
grown in grass, they most frequently show a yellowish tint
im the colour of the leaves. Give an account of any theories
that have been proposed for the purpose of explaining the
unfavourable effect of grass on trees.
Questions for Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS,
(1) Why is it sometimes expedient to lessen transpira-
tion from plants, and how is this done?
(2) What is the special value of farmyard manure, in
relation to tillage ¢
(3) State the changes that take place during the germi-
nation of the castor oil seed.
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS, &
(1) What is the chief difference between water transpired
from plants and that absorbed from the soil ¢ :
(2) Discuss the precautions to be observed in the stor-
age of farmyard manure. f
(3) How is the oil obtained from the castor oil seed, and
which process gives the most valuable product !
AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 397
FINAL QUESTIONS.
(1) Give an account of the water requirements of a crop
with which you are familiar.
(2) What is the nature of the (a) favourable, (b) unfav-
ourable changes that may take place>in stored farmyard
manure ?
(3) Write an account of the cultivation and possible
uses of the castor oil plant. ;
TRADE AND AGRICULTURE OF FUJI,
1910. ;
The total trade in respect of the year 1910 is the highest
yet recorded in the history of the Colony, and, notwithstand-
ing the disastrous hurricane, exceeds that of 1909—the next
highest—by an amount of £250,461 (exclusive of bullion and
specie), imports being responsible for £191,779, and exports
for £58,682, of that amount.
The bulk of the Colony’s trade continues to be with the
Australian Colonies and New Zealand. Other countries with
which there is considerable trade are India, Canada, and the
United States of America.
The exports of the staple products of the Colony, during
1910, were: sugar, 61,761 tons, value £669,432; copra, 13,078
tons, value £258,841; green fruit, value £47,302. It will
be seen that, so far as values are concerned, the year, in
regard to the export trade, was an exceptionally good one,
and it is to be regretted that the green fruit trade was retard-
ed, to the extent shown above, by the effects of the hurricane.
This industry, however, was revived considerably, and the
figures of this year are anticipated to exceed those of 1909,
which are the highest recorded. The quantity of bananas
exported during 1910 was 271,024 bunches and 81,225 cases.
The total area of land under sugar-cane cultivation on Decem-
ber 31, 1910, was estimated at 49,828 acres, from which were
produced 547,399 tons of sugar-cane. The area under cocoa-
nuts, or cultivated by Europeans, and exclusive of native
plantations, is estimated at 30,741 acres. The estimated
cultivated area under bananas and pine-apples, on December
31 last, was 4,742 acres. This does not include native planta-
tions, from which the bulk of the fruit is derived.
After deducting the three principal items of export from
the value of the total exports of the Colony, the value of the
minor products exported during i910 amounted to £30,171.
The principal minor exports were ‘sici’, or trocas shell
(£12,331), molasses (£11,240), turtle shell (£1,596), and
hides and pelts (£1,498).
Tt will be noticed that the principal minor export in
1910 was ‘ sici’ (trocas) shell, which is placed on the list for
the first time. This sheil is found on the reefs surrounding
the greater part of the Colony. It is exported for use princi-
pally in France and Japan, where it is used in the manufacture
of buttons. For some months the local price per ton offered
for the shell was very high, but the large quantity exported
has apparently had the effect of lowering the market price
considerably. The shell is abundant, and is now an addi-
tional easy source of income to the natives living on the coasts
of the islands, who gather and sell it to European merchants
in the Colony. It is gratifying to note that the total value
of molasses exported has increased almost 100 per cent., and
that hides and pelts continue to hold their place as one of the
principal minor exports. (From Colonial Reports—Annual,
No. 689, p. 8.)
398
FUNGUS NOTES.
THE ROTTING OF TIMBER AND ITS
PREVENTION.
It is a well-known fact that all kinds of timber, when
they are exposed unprotected for any length of time to the
action of the weather, gradually decay and become useless.
This is particularly observable in tropical countries with
a heavy rainfall, though it occurs also, and to an equal extent,
in temperate climates, the difference being that the rate of
decay under the drier, cooler conditions is not as rapid. The
rotting is usually attributed, ina vague way, purely to the
action of the weather, but in reality it is due primarily to two
sets of definite causes, namely, fungi and insects. In tem-
perate countries, the former are probably the more important,
but in the tropics the latter are at least of equal moment,
owing to the occurrence there of the different species of wood-
destroying ants.
The attacks of the numerous forms of timber-destroying
fungi are directly dependent upon two important factors—the
presence of moisture and free access of air; while their rate
of growth is influenced by the quantity of moisture usually
present, and by the prevailing tetnperature. Timber that is
exposed freely to the air, but is only wetted by moderate
rains, and is usually practically air-dry, does not as a rule rot
rapidly, since the water-supply, particularly within the
timber, is insufficient for the growth of the destroying fungi.
That this is the case is shown by the comparatively long life
of the upper parts of telephone posts, or of gate posts, in all
but very damp localities. Again, timber will not rot under
damp conditions when air is excluded, as is shown by the
fact that planks stored in water last better than those kept
in any other way. ‘These factors are of far Jess importance
in the case of insect attacks, especially those of wood ants.
One other important matter, influencing the occurrence
and rate of rotting of timber, is the thoroughness with which
it is seasoned. Badly seasoned timber is damp internally,
and thus affords a possibility of growth to fungi that would
be unable to live on really dry wood. Furthermore, such
timber contracts and expands unevenly with the changes in
temperature of the surrounding atmosphere, so that larger and
more serious cracks form in it than appear in well-seasoned
wood. These cracks afford a means of entrance for insects
and fungi, and often negative the effects of protective treat-
ments, when they appear after such have been applied. The
reason for this will be explained below.
Since both moisture and air are necessary for the growth
of wood-destroying fungi, it is natural that timber should decay
most rapidly in that part immediately above the point where
it comes in contact with the soil. Thus, posts of all kinds
that are buried in the soil are liable to rot through the foot or
two of theirlength that is inmmediately above the soil surface.
The wood in this part absorbs moisture continually from the
earth, while there is also free access of air to it. The portion
higher up is dry, while that in the soil receives but little air.
For a similar reason, railway sleepers are rapidly destroyed
when unprotected. Other timbers that do not come in contact
with the earth are far Jess quickly disintegrated by fungi,
except where the rainfall is very heavy, and fairly uniformly
distributed thronghout the year. The same does not apply
to the attacks of insects, especially wood ants, since they may
be found in any timber, however dry.
In order to reduce the loss occasioned by the rotting of
wood, that is to prolong its period of service to the
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS, DercemBer 9, 1911.
greatest possible extent, use is made of various substances
that are poisonous or distasteful to insects, and poisonous to
fungi. ‘These are always employed in the liquid form and
are either applied to the surface or made to penetrate the
wood itself. Examples of the first class of substances are
paints and varnishes, and of the second various solutions of
chemicals such as bluestone (copper sulphate), zine chloride,
and corrosive sublimate and liquids such as heated creasote,
heated tar, and earbolineum preparation, There are also others,
some of which will be mentioned below.
In either of the classes of treatment just mentioned, the
object aimed at is to cover the timber with a protective skin
that shall completely enclose the inner substance. In the
first case, this skin is composed of the paint or varnish itself;
in the second it consists of the outer layers of the wood, which
are rendered poisonous by the presence in them of the perme-
ating compounds. The superficial nature of such treatment
makes it easy to see why splits in timber that occur after it
is treated defeat the object of the treatment.
There are several methods of applying permeating wood
preservatives. The most elementary is hand application,
with a brush. The penetration obtained by this means is
poor, and the method is expensive when it is employed on
a large scale. “Another method, especially applicable to
posts or poles whose butts alone need be treated under
ordinary conditions is, as is explained above, to stand them
upright in suitable tanks of the liquid, most generally cold
creasote, where they are left until they are well permeated.
In dealing with creasote, and indeed with many other
substances, an extension of this method is found to give
better results. The wood is immersed for two or three
hours in hot liquid, and then transferred to a_ tank
containing cooler liquid, or the original liquid is allowed
to cool over night. The heating drives out some of
the air and moisture in the wood; so that when cooling
commences the liquid enters to take their place. An even
more elaborate system depends on forcing the preservative in,
under pressure. The wood is placed in a closed chamber,
which is partly exhausted of air. Hot preservative is then
allowed to enter, and the pressure is increased. Such
a method ensures good penetration, but requires an expen-
sive plant, and is impracticable on most tropical estates. Of
the liquids used as preservatives creasote is that most com-
monly employed. Various carbulineum compounds, such as
Carbolineum Avenarius are, however, frequently used, as
well as others. A new preparation has lately been put
forward, namely Cresol-Calcium which consists mainly of the
caleinm salts of certain tar acids obtained from creasote.
These are soluble in water (see Agricul/ural News, Vul. 1X,
p. 137). A somewhat different method of preserving wood
is the Powell process, in which green wood is boiled in
a solution containing 350 per cent. of molasses, allowed to cool
in the liquid, and ‘finally ‘dried in specially constructed
chambers. Further particulars of this are to be found
in the Agricultural News, Vols. VIII, pp: 249 and 408;
and IX, p. 201.
The primary advantage derivab'e from the use of pro-
tectives for timber of all kinds is that its period of useful-
ness is doubled oreven trebled; while the cost of treatment,
though far from negligible, is considerably less than that
involved in replacing decayed structures made of unprotected
wood. In India and in other parts of the tropics, protection
of some sort is practically essential for all wood-work in
houses on account of the attacks of termites, and it is probable
that much money could be saved in the West Indies if timber
was rendered less liable to destruction by wood ants. Rail-
way sleepers, and telephone and electric power posts are regu-
Vor, X. No. 251.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
399
4 — —— SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSsSSSsssseee
larly creasoted in many parts of the tropics, and of temperate
countries. An instance of the value of creasoting telephone
posts, as demonstrated in Antigua, is given in the Agricultural
News, Vol. IX, p. 377. There, creasoted telephone posts
have been in use since 1896, while at present: they number
over 1,000, Only a few of these have required replacing,
while the majority are sound. Untreated -posts only last
from three to four years. A way of using creasote for pre-
serving gate posts, which is under trial in Antigua, receives
attention in the Agricultural News, Vol. IX, pp. 312 and
377, and in the Annual Report of the Botanic Station,
Antigua, 1909-10. Another advantage of protective treat-
ment is that inferior timber, as long as it is well seasoned,
when treated in this way, may be employed in the place of
more expensive material, and will last as long. In view of
these advantages it is remarkable that protective methods are
not more in vogue in the West Indies, though this may be
partly accounted for by the fact that the methods themselves
as well as the protective substances are not yet as perfect as
they might be. Future work will probably bring about
a considerable advance in these respects.
THE EXPLOITATION OF
MANGROVE BARK.
An article on this subject appeared in the Agricultural
News, Vol. VIII, p. 309. The information contained in this
may well be supplemented by part of that which is available
in the Journal d’ Agriculture Tropicale for September 30,
1911, p. 257, which gives attention to work that has been
done in relation to the matter in East and West Africa. This
states firstly, that the exploitation in the first-mentioned part
of Africa commenced on the Mozambique coast, with Ibo as
the place of export. In 1905 purchase of the bark was begun
at Nossi Bé, Madagascar, and the prices obtained in Hamburg
ranged between £5 13s. and £6 9s. per ton—a rate which, it
is considered, should prove of equal advantage for similar
exportation from West Africa. The industry has extended,
and in i909 the exports from Madagascar reached 15,295
tons.
The collection of the bark in Madagascar is made under
the direction of Europeans, who pay a fee to the Government
for the privilege. The bark is dried by simply spreading it
out on the sandy areas that exist in the mangrove forests. It
is worthy of notice that, unlike the varieties in West Africa,
the kinds of mangroves in this island are hardly ever found
growing in anything but mud. The bark was obtained from
the largest trees, at first, and the average tannin content was
then 42 per cent.; it has since fallen to 40 per cent., and is
now reckoned at 38 per cent., as the best trees have almost
all been exploited.
Numerous applications for concessions for bark-collecting
have been made in French Guinea; but little has been done
other than the exportation of wood for telegraph posts. The
French tanning factories have commenced, although late, to
interest themselves in the product from French Guinea; and
it remains for the tanning content of this to be determined
before it can be decided if the export will be remunerative,
especially in the light of recent lowering of prices.
Attention is drawn to a note in the Kolonial Zeitschrift,
in which it is pointed out that the mangrove in the Cameroons
has not been exploited, because the bark only contains 25
per cent. of tannin, as compared with the tannin content of
the East African varieties, which reaches as much as 45
per cent. Another disadvantage is that the continual wet
weather experienced in the Cameroons renders impossible
economic drying of the bark, and causes decomposition in
the latter during transport. The remedy for this is suggested
in the preparation of the extract of the -bark in the country
itself.
The value of the wood of various kinds of mangrove
differs considerably; a characteristic of that in West
Africa appears to be extreme hardness—a property
which makes the cutting of the tree a matter of great diffi-
culty, and has suggested the employment of the Sautke
system for felling the trees; this consists in encircling the
trunk with a metal band which is moved to and fro while an
electric current is passed. In the experience of the writer
of the article from which this information is being taken,
the trunk of the tree should be supported while it is being
felled; and when it has once been cut, it should be placed so
as to lie on the roots of neighbouring trees, as otherwise it
will sink into the mud, and be lost. The wood of the West
African varieties of mangroves, as the consequence of its
hardness, appears to be best adapted for making piles and
railway sleepers: no information can be given as to its use-
fulness for making telegraph posts, as a result of the trials
mentioned above is not yet available. In connexion with the
employment of the wood for railway sleepers, its weight would
appear to make it useful; but the effect of sunlight and heat
on the wood has not yet been determined. The largest pro-
portion of mangrove wood is of too small a girth for the
purposes mentioned, but there are doubtless many ways in
which this could be employed, on railways.
In New Caledonia, applications for mangrove conces-
sions have been made to the Government, but the Chamber
of Agriculture has opposed these on account of the fear
that the removal of the mangroves from the coasts would
promote erosion, and would take away the shelter that they
give to the cocoa-nut plantations. At the same time, success-
ful exports of mangrove products have been made from
New Caledonia, and it is proposed that a tanning factory
shall be erected in the country, the promoters of which will
promise to keep the cutting within reasonable bounds, and
to plant two trees for every one taken away. As far as New
Caledonia is concerned, it is not expected that the project
will go forward, on account of the opposition, mentioned
above, of the Chamber of Agriculture. It is pointed out
that, nevertheless, there is no reason why mangroves in
other countries where they grow in large quantities should
not be exploited, through the efforts of the principal buyers
and the encouragement of direct sales on the part of the
natives of those countries.
One of the most recent conclusions in respect to the
investigation of pellagra is thus stated by Dr. L. W. Sambon,
in the Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Vol. XIII,
Nos. 18 to 21: ‘The many analogies existing between the
epidemiology of pellagra and the best known insect-borne
diseases; the constant association of the disease with Simu-
lium-infested streams; the absence of any other arthropod
with similar distribution that might account for it; the
striking correlation between the fly and the disease in wide
geographical distribution, peculiar topographical exigencies,
extraordinary double season activity, the marked influence
of temperature, heavy rains, and inundations; are all facts
which strongly point to Simulium as the necessary carrier
of pellagra.’
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS.
London.—Tue
MARKED “REPORTS:
West Inpia ComMITTEE CIRCULAR,
November 21, 1911; Messrs. E. A. De Pass & Co.,
November 10, 1911.
ARROWROOT— 35d.
BaLata—Sheet, 3/4 to 3/6; block, 2/1 per th.
Berswax—No quotation.
Cacao—Trinidad, 61/6 to 70/- per cwt.; Grenada, 57/-
to 61/6; Jamaica, 54/- to 58/6.
Correzr.—Jamaica, 54/- to 59/- per cwt.
Corra—West Indian, £26 17s. 6d. per ton.
Corros—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 13d. to L6d.
Fruit—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
Gincer—48/- to 63/- per ewt.
Isrnciass—No quotations.
Honxey—No quotation.
Line Jurce—Law, 1/ to 1/6; concentrated, £19 15s. to
£20: Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/3.
Loc woop—No quotations.
Mace—Firm.
Nurmeas—Firm.
Pinento—Common, 24d.; fair, 2,4d.; good, 22d.; per ib.
Russen—Para, fine hard, 4/3; fine soft, 3/11; Castilloa,
3/9 per Ib.
Rum—Jamaica, 1/8} to 5/-.
Suaar—Crystals, 19/- to 22/6; Muscovado, 15/- to 17/-;
Syrup, 16/6 to 18/3 per ewt.; Molasses, no quotations.
New York,—Messrs. Grutesriz Bros, & Co., November
17, 1911
Cacao—Caracas, 13$c. to 13f¢.; Grenada, 13c. to 13je ;
Trinidad, 13c. to 13}fc¢. per lb.; Jamaica, 11 fc. to 124c.
Cocoa-Nurs—Jamaica, select, $35°00 to $34°00; culls,
$1600 to $17 00; Trinidad, select, $32°00 to $34-00;
culls, $16°00 to $17°00 per M.
Corree—Jamaica, 15c. to 17c. per hb.
Gixcen—1l0}e. to L1}ec. per Ib.
Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 53c.; Antigua and Barbados, 48c.
to 50c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 46c. to 48c.
per 1b
Grave-Froure—Jamaieca, $2°79
Limes— 34°00.
Mack—40c. to 52c. per Ib.
Nutmras—J 10's, 123c. to 12 fc.
OraNcEs—Jamaica, $1°75 to $2°25 per box.
Pinexto—f}e. to dhe. per th.
Sucarn—Centrifugals, 96°, 5°12c¢.
$9°, 4:62c.; Molasses, 89°,
duty paid
to $300.
per lb.; Muscovados,
4°37c. per ib., all
Trinidad,— Messrs Gornon, Grant & Co., November 27,
1911
Cacao—Venezuelan, $1350 per fanega; Trinidad, $12°50
to $13°00.
Covoa-NutT O1.—$1'03 per Imperial gallon.
Corree—Y enezuelan, 17¢. per tb.
Copra—$b 00 per 100 tb.
Duat—$4°25.
Oxtoxs—$2 25 to $2 50 per 100 Ib.
Peas, Srrir—$6°00 to $6°25 per bag.
Potators—English, $2°1 0 to $2°50 per 100 tt.
Rick—Yellow, $4°80 to 4°90; White, $5:°75
per bag.
Svean—Ameriean erushed, no quotations.
to $6-00
DecrmBer 9, 1911.
Barbados,—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., December 2
=)
191]; Messrs. T.S. GArraway & Co., December 4,
1911; Messrs Leacock & Co., November 24, 1911;
Messrs. E. THorne, Limited, December 5,
Cacao—$12:00 to $13°50 per 100 th.
Corton Srep—$26'00 per ton.
Corton Seep O1r—0e. per wine gallon.
Corron Seep Cake Mrari—$24°00 per ton, c.i.f., neigh-
bouring islands.
Hay—$1°5U0 per 100 1b.
Manures—Nitrate of soda, $65 00; Cacao manure, $42-00
to $48°00; Sulphate of ammonia,
per ton.
Motasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$2°25 to $5-00 per 100 lb
Peas, Sprit—$5°90 to $6°40 per bay of 210 1h; Canada
$2°85 to $3°90 per bag of 120 Ib. t
Porators—Nova Scotia, $2°40 to $3°25 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam, $5°05 to $5°30 per
190 ih.;
LSE
75°00 to $80:00
Patna, no
quotations; Rangoon, no quotations.
Sucar—American granulated, $6°00 per 100 th.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wrerine & Ricurer, November
25, 1911; Messrs.
SANDBACH,
August 18, 1911.
ParkeR & Co,
ARTICLES.
Arrowroot—St. Vincent
Batata— Venezuela block
Demerara sheet
Cacao—Native
Cassava—
Cassava STARCI—
Cocoa-NUTS—
CorrEE—Creole
Jamaica and Rio
Liberian
DuaLt—
Green Dhal
Epvors—
Mo.asses— Yellow
Ontons—Tenerifle
Madeira
Preas—Split
Marseilles
PLANTAINS—
Potators—Nova Scotia
Lisbon
Potators-Sweet, B’bados
RickE—Ballam
Creole
Tannras—
Yams—White
Buck
Suear—Dark crystals
Yellow
White
Molasses
TimpeR —Greenheart
Wallaba shingles
», Cordwood
Messrs. WI:rTING
& Ricirer.
$12°00 per 200 fh.
No quotation
70c. per th.
lle per Ib.
72c.
$12 to $16 per M
16c. per tb.
18c. per Ib.
10$c. per Ib.
$3 60 per bag of
168 lb.
$3°50
$120
None
5he. to Ge.
$6-00 to $6°5U per
bag (210 Ib.)
$3°25
20c. to 40c.
$3°40 to $325
S168 per bag
No quotation
$5 00
S144
2°88
$3°12
$3°25 to $3°30
$3-80
$5°10 to $3°25
32c. to 55c. per
cub. foot
$3°75 to 36°00
per M.
$1°80 to $2-00
per ton
Messrs. Sanp-
BACH, PARKER
& Co.
$1050 per 200 fh.
|
Prohibited
70c.
1c. per th.
No quotation
No quotation
$10 to $16 perM.,
peeled and
selected
19c. per tb.
19ke.per th.
1Zc. per tb.
$3°70 per bag of
168 Ib.
4c. to 5e.
dhe.
$°75 per bag
(219 tb.)
No quotation
$3°50
No quotation
$5°00 to $5°50
$3°60
$3°75 to $4:00
$4°25
te None
c. to 5dc.
cub. tah
$4:00 to $6-00
per M.
No quotation.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
Publications on sale of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
FOR THE WEST INDIES. °
The ‘WEST INDIAN BULLETIN’. A Quarterly Scientific Journal.
Volume I. No. 1. Out of print. Nos, 2, 3, and 4, in original paper covers as issued, price 1s. each. Post free, 1s. 2d.
Volumes IT, IIJ, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX and X:—Price 2s, each ; Post free 2s. 8d, where complete. (III, 2; IV, 3;
and V, 2 and 3 are out of print.) .
Volume XI. Nos.1, 2, 3. No. 4, containing an account of the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the
West Indies, presented under the following headings: The Imperial Department «f Agriculture in the
West Indies; What Science has done for the West Indies; Chief Matters Concerning Departmental Adminis-
tration; Matters of Indirect Interest; Entomology in the West Indies; A Summary of Ten Years’ Mycologi-
cal Work of the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies; The Work in the Botanic
Stations from Year to Year; General Progress in the West Indies since 1897; Agricultural Education
and Instruction; and Publications issued by the Imperial Department of Agriculture.
PAMPHLET SERIBS.
The Pamphlets are written in a simple and popular manner and the information contained in them is especially
adapted to West Indian conditions. They contain, amongst other subjects, summaries of the results of the experiment work
on sugar-cane and manures, the full official reports of which have only a limited circulation. The number issued up to the
present time is seventy. Those mentioned in the following list are still available; the rest are out of print.
Sucar Inpustry. (14) Screw Worm in Cattle at St. Lucia. Price 2d
Seedling and other Canes at Barbados (13) Plain Talk to Small Owners. Price 2d.
in 1900. No, 3, price 2d.;in 1901, No. 13, price 4d.; (16) Hints on Onion Cultivation. Price 2d.
in 1902, No. 19, price 4d.; in 1902, No. 26, price 4d.; (17) General Treatment of Fungoid Pests. Price 4d.
in 1904, No. 32, price 4d. (18) Recipes for Cooking West Indian Yams. Price 2d.
Seedling Canes and Manurial Experiments at Barbados, (25) Ground Nuts in the West Indies. Price 2d.
in 1903-5, No. 40, price 6d.; in 1904-6, No. 44, price 6d.; (28) Barbados and Porto Rico Molasses. Price 31.
in 1905-7, No. 49, price 6d.; in 1906-8, No. 59, price 6d.; (34) Notes on Rabbit Keeping in the West Indies. Price 2d.
in 1907-9, No. 62, price 6d.; No. 66, price 6d. (35) Information in regard to Agricultural Banks. Price 5d.
Seedling and other Canes in the Leeward Islands, (37) Cultivation of Oranges in Dominica. Price 4d.
in 1900-1, No. 12, price 2d.; in 1901-2, No. 20, price 2d.; (38) Cultivation and Curing of Tobacco. Price 4d.
in 1902-3, No. 27, price 2d.; in 1903-4, No. 33, price 4d.; (41) Tobago, Hints to Settlers. Price 6d.
in 1904-5, No. 39, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 46, price 4d.; (48) Cotton Seed and Cotton-cake-meal on West Indian Planta-
in 1906-7, No. 50, price 4d.; in 1907-8, No. 56, price 4d. ; tions. Price 2d.
in 1908-9, No, 63, price 6d.; in 1909-10, No. 67, price 6d. (45) A BC of Cotton Planting. New and Enlarged Edition.
Manurial Experiments with Sugar-cane in the Leeward Islands, Price 6d.
in 1902-3, No. 30. price 4d.; in 1903-4, No. 36, price 4d.; (54) Fungus Diseases of Cacao and Sanitation of Cacao Orchards,
in 1904-5, No. 42, price 4d.; in 1905-6, No. 47, price 4d.; Price 4d.
in 1906-7, No. 51, price 4d.; in 1907-8, No. 57, price 4d.; (55) Millions and Mosquitos. Price 3d.
in 1908-9, No. 64, price 4d.; in 1909-10, No. 68, price 4d. (58) Insect Pests of Cacao. Price 4d.
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Vou. X. No veailr fHE AGRICULTUKRA!, NEWS. DecemBeER 9, 1911.
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Vou. X. No, 252 | BARBADOS, DECEMBER 23, 1911. MT Sais
Pricer ld.
CONTENTS.
PaGE, Pace.
Agricultural Shows, Re- | Insect Notes :—
~ commendations for ... 404) A Disease of Grass-
Argentine, Agriculture in, | hoppers 04 ccow pce ¢ 2 hU
1910) ts. ... .-- 407 | Insect Pest in Samoa, An 409
Candelilla Wax... ... ... 409} Lemon Grass Oils... ... 405
Cocaine in Peru, Produc- Market Reports... .., 416
tion of Re sieelocen bicers LU 0e |kwanteisy1.9) sae
Cotton Lint, Wax of ... 405 ie paeld ie as 3
: 1eritance of se 413:
Cotton Notes om pay Se | Nitrogen-tixing Organisms,
British Cotton Growing j Mineral Bosdtse 408
Segoe sass 0e Notes and Comments 408
West Indian Cotton ... 406 ~~~ | as Cae
Department News ...... 413) Plant Nutrition, Substitu-
Departmental Reports ... 411 tion of Bases in ... 401
Eeanda Rubber... ... 409) Rubber Production and
Fungus Notes :— Consumption ... ... 405
Summary of Information Students’ Corner ... ... 413
Given During the Year, 414) Sugar Industry :—
Gleanings ... ... ... ... 412) Sugar-cane Experiments
Grape Seed, Oil from ... 415 in Antigua «. ... 403
Guayule Rubber ... ... 415 Venezuela, Trade of,
1909-10 ... 409
West Indian Agricultural
Conference, 1912 ... 408
Inoculation Experiments
with Different Legumi- |
nous Plants --- 408 |
The Substitution of Bases in
Plant Nutrition.
b) =
La Société Centrale d Agriculture de Belgique, and
appearing in the number of the journal of that Society
* American Sugar Industry, October 1911.
for May 7, 1911. Investigations in regard to the matter
have been carried out over a period of many years, and
it will be well at the present time to draw attention to
some of the more important results that have been
obtained, employing for the purpose the information
presented in the paper just mentioned
The British Association for the Advancement of
Science, at the meeting in Liverpool in 1837, requested
that a review should be made by Liebig and Dumas of
the state of the knowledge, at the time, of organic
chemistry. The result was the preparation, by Liebig,
of his Treatise on Organic Chemistry, as well as of
a special memoir dealing with organic chemistry, in
relation to agriculture and physiology.
It was pointed out in the memoir that the buses
most usually met with in plants are potash, soda, lime
and magnesia, and that these are capable of replacing
one another, in chemical compounds, in amounts that
are constant, and are known as equivalent quantities.
As these quantities are different in the case of each
element, it follows that, when one of them is substi-
tuted by another, in a salt, there must be a change from
the absolute weight of the old compound to that of
the new.
Plants, again, all contain organic acids, which vary
in nature in the different kinds. These are necessary,
in order that the life-processes of the plant shall con-
tinue. They usually exist combined with one or more
of the bases mentioned. It is probable that the presence
of these bases acts as a stimulus to the formation of
the organic acids, and this matter receives support from
the observation of de Saussure, to the effect that the
bases are found in greatest quantity in those parts of
the plant nearest to the regions in which assimilation
462
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
DEcEMBER 23, 1911.
| a... Mo. LS SS ee
is taking place; thus the leaves contain proportionately
more ash than the branches, and the latter more ash
than the trunk.
Liebig stated further that it is not likely that
a plant, under normal conditions, produces a much
greater quantity of any given acid than it requires for
its existence; it is also to be expected that the amount
of alkaline base in a plant will always remain the same,
no matter in what kind of soil itis growing. It was
explained by Liebig that any deficiency in regard to
one base would be supplied by the substitution of an
equivalent amount of another base. It results from this
circumstance that, as the weights of the bases vary, the
absolute weight of the ash must differ according to the
kind of substitution in the compounds which it contains,
Another conclusion reached by Liebig. which is perti-
nent to the matter under discussion, was that, even
where plants have been grown in soils containing very
different proportions of lime, magnesia and potash, the
equivalent amount of these bases, expressed in terms
of oxygen, is the same, within reasonable limits, for
similar quantities of wood and of the ash.
The results of the work of Liebig and others were
expressed more clearly by Champion and Pellet, + and
their statements virtually corresponded with what has
just been put forward.. In regard to the interchange-
ability of the bases, the author of the paper mentioned
at the head of this article agrees that this exists, but
draws attention to the presence of limits to the extent
to which any one base may be excluded by the substi-
tution of one or more that are different. When this
critical point is passed, the plant ceases to develop favour-
ably; this fact is supported by the work and opinions of
Loew in Japan, Bernardini, and May at Washington,
Claassen has also reached the same conclusion, as the
result of investigations with sugar beets, and Pellet has
shown that the heart rot of the beet is most prevalent
in soils possessing an undue proportion of potash and
a deficiency of magnesia. Further Marchal, of
Gembloux, has proved that the formation of nodules
on the roots of leguminous plants receives interference
from an excess of potash in the soil, and that the
development of the plants themselves is adversely affec-
ted; so that the ultimate effects are lessened yields, with
the minimum fixation of atmospheric nitrogen. Lastly,
other investigators have made the observation, in the
case of certain plants, that an excess of potash produces
decay; and that if some of the potash is replaced by
1874, 1875, 1876.
other bases, as for example magnesia, the plants can
be made to revive and resume normal growth.
Sufficient Has been said to indicate that much
harm is likely to arise through the absorption of an
undue proportion of potash by plants. The condition
may bring abdut large changes in the nature of the
crops; and it certainly causes a diminution in the
power of plants to assimilate nitrogen, so that from
a practical pomt-ef view a waste takes place of this
important and comparatively expensive item of plant
food. From the point of view of economy the matter
is affected in another way. Next to nitrogen, potash
is the most costly element that has to be supplied
to plants; thus its supply in excess leads to waste on
this account alone. There is the further consideration
that the fact of the presence of an undue amount of
potash causes the assimilation of other bases to be defi-
cient, and the plant is accordingly deprived of the
means by which the important and useful anatomical
and physiologieal changes that are dependent on them
may be brought about.
The conclusions reached in the article under review
are that, firstly, since lime, soda and magnesia cost
nine-tenths less than potash, practical field experi-
ments should be made in order to determine how far
these bases may he substituted for potash; secondly
that there should be ascertained the best proportions
of lime, magnesia and phosphate of lime, for the devel-
opment of legumes and all other plants, as well as the
extent to which, when these proportions are assured,
nitrogen should be added to the soil; thirdly, for differ-
ent soils, the effects on the soil of potash, and of lime
and magnesia, should be investigated.
It is evident that the proper carrying out of such
work should do much toward the devising of methods
of manurial treatment that will contribute to the
realization of with minimum
expenditure.
maximum returns
—_—
In the Agricultural News for October 28, 1911, it was
stated that information had been received from the Secretary
of State for the Colonies to the effect that arrangements had
been made by His Majesty’s Stationery Office with Mr. T,
Fisher Unwin, of Adelphi Terrace, London, W.C., under
which Mr. Unwin would act as sole wholesale agent for the
sale of British Official Publications outside the United King-
dom, with depéts in certain cities that are mentioned,
This Depaatment has since been informed by the Secre-
tary of State that it is not at present found possible to give
effect to-the.arrangement; and that the nature of any future -
developments will be communicated.
Vou. X. No. 252.
SUGAR-CANE EXPERIMENTS IN
ANTIGUA.
The following information concerning the experiments
with seedling canes that have been conducted in Antigua by
the Department of Agriculture in 1910-11, has been taken
from details supplied by Mr. H. A. Tempany, B.Sc., Super-
intendent of Agriculture for the Leeward Islands, of an
address delivered by him at a meeting of the Antigua
Agricultural Society held on November 3, 1911.
After introducing the subject, Mr. Tempany drew
attention to the fact that the experiments had now been
repeated twelve times under identical conditions of working.
The canes for the observations were grown at nine stations,
namely, Cassada Garden, Bendals, Blubber Valley, Tomlin-
sons, Ffryes, Big Duers, Thibous, the Diamond, and Friar’s
Hill. They are planted in rows across the field, each row
containing a variety; they receive the same treatment as the
canes being grown for the crop, so that the experimental
results are directly comparable with those of the latter.
The rainfall was unfavourable, as serious drought had
been experienced during the earlier part of the year, so that
both plants and ratoons had yielded poor returns, and the
effects of the root fungus had been increased. It was of
interest to mention, in passing, that the total output of sugar
from the island for the period was 13,600 tons, comprising
6,500 tons of crystals and 7,100 tons of muscovado sugar.
The list of varieties under experiment.contained forty-
one, and was almost identical with that of the previous year.
The best results among plant canes had been given by
B.4596, Sealy Seedling, D.1111. B 1528, B.306, D.625,
B.208, B.156, B.376, B.1355, D.109, B.6346, B.6450
and B.4507. As with the general crop, the yields
had not been large; that from White Transparent, the
standard cane, had been excceded by the returns from
sixteen varieties. The cane giving the best result—B.4596
—had produced 5,380 Ib. of sucrose to the acre; its con-
sistently good behaviour during the short period of its tests
in Antigua caused the speaker to recommend it to planters.
for trial. The second place was taken by the well-tried
cane Sealy Seedling, with a yield of 5,330 tb.; while D.1111
came third with 5,060 tb., and this cane appeared to be
gradually adapting itself to local conditions. Another promis-
ing cane was B.1528, the fourth on the list, with a yield of
4,950 tb. of sucrose to the acre. ‘
The following table indicates the best yields: —
Means for 1910-11. Means for past four years.
Name of cane. Sucrose, Name of cane. Sucrose,
Ib. per acre. Ib. per acre.
B.4596 5,380 B.4596 6,230
Sealy Seedling 5,330 Sealy Seedling 6,010
D111 5,060 D.625 5,560
B.1528 4,950 B.156 5.310
B.306 4,910 B.208 5,090
D.625 4,880 B.1528 5,070
B.208 4,800 D.1111 5,060
B.156 4,790 D.109 4,980
B.376 4,760 B.1355 4,980
B.1355 4,680 B.306 4,970
D.109 4,650 B.1753 4,910
B.6346 4,600 B.376 4,910
B.6450 4,510 B.3696 4,890
B.4507 4,440 D848 4,880
B.393 4,400 White Transparent 4,770
B.3675 4,400 B.393 4,750
White Transparent 4,380 B.6346 4,600
7.3696 4,300 D.116 4,570
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS, 403
When the results were compared, according to the method
introduced by Dr. F. Watts, C.M.G., it was found that the
upper third of the returns included the different varieties as
follows: B,4596, B.1528, and Sealy Seedling at eight stations;
B.306, B.208, D.109, B.6450, and D.625 at five stations;
D.1452, B.6546, B.4507, and B.1753 at four stations; White
Transparent, B.147, B.3696, B,3675, and D.848 at three
stations.
Among ratoon canes, B,4596 again occupied the first
place, with 3,750 tb. of sucrose per acre; satisfactory posi-
tions were also occupied by B.208, B.156, and B.1528.
D.1111 was twelfth on the list, and again is improving its
position, so that this forms another reason for the suggestion
that it is undergoing adaptation to local conditions.
The method for comparison of behaviour at different
stations, just employed for plant canes, showed that the follow.
ing had been included in the upper third of the returns:
B.156 at six stations; B 376, B.109, B.1528 and B.3696
at five stations; B 4596, D.116, Sealy Seedling and B.208
at four stations.
The following table gives the returns from the first
eighteen ratoon canes, for the year under review, as well as
the averages for the past three years:—
Means for 1910-11. Means for past three years.
Name of cane. Sucrose, Name of cane. Sucrose,
tb. per acre. Tb. per acre.
B.4596 3,750 B.4596 3,620
B.208 3,550 ' B.1528 3,450
B.156 3,310 D.109 3,480
D.1184 3,230 B.156 3,320
B.i528 3,170 B109 3,140
B.376 3,120 B.376 3,080
B.109 3,090 ~=B.3696 3,040
D.109 3,080 Sealy Seedling 3,020
B.3696 2,990 Bibi53 3,020
Sealy Seedling 2,950 B.306 2,950
B.306 2.830 B.147 2,920
IDs 25790) DTG 2,840.
D 3157 2,780 B.208 2,830
B.1753 2,750 D.2190 2,820
D.130 2,740 D.625 2,720
D.625 1 20L 2 (D965 2,640
D.95 2,710 White Transparent 2,540
D 84s 2,630 D.1452 2,520
Small yields had been obtained from ratoon canes in all
cases; although these were greater than those of the previous
year, in spite of the fact that the rainfall had been more
favourable in that year. Mr. Tempany suggested, as an
explanation of the circumstance, that the:results may be due
partly to the fact that the rainfall received by the canes as
plants appeared to affect to a marked extent their yields as
first ratoons.
The adverse effect during 1909-10 was due to
the small rainfall of 1908-9; and this had made itself
felt notwithstanding the fact that the rainfall of 1909-10
was much more favourable, and had produced a good growtla
of plant canes.
In concluding his address, Mr. Tempany thanked the
owners, attorneys and managers of estates on which the
trials had been conducted for the active way in which
they had afforded assistance to the Agricultural Department
in carrying out successfully, once more, the sugar-cane
experiments.
404
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
DeEcEMBER 23,;.1911.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AGRI-
CULTURAL SHOWS.
A booklet bearing the title Recommendations for the
Work of the Department in Assisting the Agricultural Shows
of Bengal, by EF. J. Woodhouse, M.A., Economic Botanist to
the Government of Bengal, has been issued recently by the
Department of Agriculture of that Province. This commen-
ces by pointing out that the number of scientific ofticers
belonging to that Department does not admit at present of
the giving of much direct assistance with regard to agricultu-
ral shows. Tor the purpose, more funds and a greater num-
ber of qualified officers are required, and it is considered to be
absolutely essential that some organization should exist in the
Province that is capable of drawing attention, in each district,
to the recommendations of the Agricultural Department, at
least once a year. It is held that agricultural shows in Ben-
gal are now well established, so that it remains for the
Agricultural Department to direct the efforts rightly and
economically.
Up to the present, the Department has assisted at shows
by (a) giving grants to exhibitions and (b) lending exhibits
which are placed in the charge of an inspector. Suggestions
for work of the Department in additional ways are made as
follows: (c) the giving of special prizes of agricultural imple-
ments or seeds, for exhibits of crops grown from planting
material supplied by the Department or according to methods
recommended by it; (d) the payment of the fares of selected
cultivators, and the supply of food to them during the time
of the show; and (f) the drawing up of schedules to assist in
judging the exhibits.
One of the difficulties of the Department has arisen
through the holding of several shows on a particular date,
owing to their being made to coincide with some time of
festival; it is suggested that this could be remedied by spreading
the dates of the shows over a definite period, in order to
give more tithe to the Department for the moving of its
exhibits. Under the conditions that are dealt with, the
most convenient duration of agricultural shows appears to
be three to six days.
As regards size, the exhibits of the Bengal Agricultural
Department are intended to be of two dimensions: the larger
for the more important shows, and the smaller each designed
for a particular group of shows. In connexion with these,
recommendations are given concerning Wie constitution of the
Departmental Staff to accompany the exhibits; it is consi-
dered that at least two inspectors, with their assistant staffs,
are required for each exhibition. During such time as the
duties of these are not required for agricultural shows, they
would be available for touring through the different districts,
for attending meetings of agricultural associations for purposes
of demonstration, for making special enquiries during the off
season, for taking the place of officers on leave, for under-
going training in special subjects, or for making preparations
in connexion with the forthcoming show season.
It is recommended that the large exhibits of the Depart-
ment should comprise the following: the general crop exhibit;
examples of crops recommended, as well as of manures and
implements; mycological and entomological sections; material
such as photographs, diagrams, maps and leaflets; plant speci-
mens and group labels; the last are used to mark each separate
section of the exhibit. The labels on the samples are printed
on stiff cards, divided into two or three portions, one for
English and the others for one or more vernaculars; they are
filled in by hand, fitted with eyelets with a Triumph eyelet
punch, and fastened to the exhibition bags by means of brass
paper fasteners.
The purpose of the photographs is to illustrate the work-
ing of agricultural implement+, as well as to show the differ-
ence between varieties of crops. The diagrams summarize
the experimental results obtained by the Department, and
are used in conjunction with photographs of crops. The
maps are prepared from the rainfall and crop statistics of the
province, and are intended to show the dependence of various
crops on rainfall, soil and other conditions. The leaflets
chiefly form an addition to the diagrams, as a means of pre-
senting the results of experiments.
Information concerning the nature of the smaller
exhibits is followed by a section dealing with the duties of
agricultural officers at exhibitions. This contains details
concerning the arrangement of bags of crop samples on
the show benches; where these are large they may be placed
in two rows one behind the other, alternately in the rows,
while the small bags may be of sucha size as to permit of the
making of four rows, from back to front, those in the first
and third rows, and those in the second and fourth rows,
being one behind the other. In this section, a series of
interesting suggestions for officers inspecting exhibitions is
included. This is followed by advice as to the nature of
Vou. X. No. 252.
the special prizes to be awarded by the Agricultural Depart- _then. gives the following
ment, and the booklet concludes with appendixes containing
catalogues of the crops recommended for exhibition by the
Bengal Department of Agriculture, as wellias, of manures,
implements, entomological and mycological exhibits and
other matters intended for the same purpose; suggestions
concerning financial arrangements for exhibitions; and lastly,
a series of useful plates illustrating various niatters connected
with the work of the Department at agricultural shows.
EEL »™_——=====———_—_=_=
THE WAX OF COTTON LINT.
The following is taken from a paper dealing with
some of the constituents’ of raw cotton, which appears
in the Textile Institute Journal, Vol. II, No. 1:—
By extracting raw cotton with benzole, the whole of the
waxy and fatty matters are removed, and the solution yields
on evappration a residue which, in colour and consistency,
resembles beeswax. Kneaded between the ‘finger and thumb,
it softens like beeswax, and when heated it‘melts toa clear
liquid. On cooling, the latter solidifies, and subsequently
contracts considerably, giving rise to characteristic fissures.
It is proposed to call this substance, which eéntains the whole
of the wax and fat-like constituents which raw cotton yields
to such volatile solvents as benzole, carbon tetrachloride,
ete., Crude Cotton Wax. The amount present was found
to vary from 0°38 per cent. in a sample of Bengal raw cotton,
to 0 47 per cent. in Egyptian, and 0°55 per cent. in American
raw cotton. Ido not wish this statement to be taken too
literally, however, because the number of samples which we
have, so far, been able to procure for examination is quite
inadequate. These figures are the averages of numbers of
determinations on the same bulk samples, and serve to show
that the abnormally low figures obtained by Schunck (0-004
per cent.) and the figure usually stated in text-books (2 per
cent.) are both wide of the mark.
By extracting crude cotton wax with petroleum spirit
it is possible to separate it into two portiéns, one soluble,
which [ will call Cotton Wax A, and the other insoluble, which
I will call Cotton Wax B. The separation may also be
effected on the fibre by extracting first with petroleum spirit
and then with benzole.
Cotton wax A, which constitutes, in the case of Egyptian
cotton, about 70 per cent. of the crude wax, is considerably
lighter in colour than the latter, and closely resembles bees-
wax in texture and fracture. Jt melts at 66° to 67° C., and
consists for the most part of a true wax, but contains besides
free fatty acids (palmitic and stearic equivalent in amount to
22 per cent. of oleic acid) a small amount of combined
glycerine, and both saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons.
Cotton wax B, obtained from Egyptian cotton, consti-
tuted about 30 per cent. of the crude wax,@nd was a dark-
green, almost black, granular, though plastic, substance. It
melts at 68° C., and contains very little free fatty acid. The
dark colour and the comparatively small amount available
rendered its examination much more difficult than that of
cotton wax A, but it seems to contain substanves similar to
those obtained when drying oils are exposed to air for some
time (oxy-acids, ete.) It seems to owe its eolour, in part at
any rate, to the same substance which ig; found in crude
cotton seed oil. ‘ :
_= £ ma
The account goes on to deal with various extracts
ef the lint from which the wax had been removed, and
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 405
sumuary ofthe behaviour of
such lint in weaving trials :— we
The treated yarn was made into a ball warp, and during
the processes it behaved indifferently; it was subsequently
ball-sized and beamed. At the loom it gave considerable
trouble by reason of the frequent breaking of the threads.
The normal yarn gave no trouble eithewin the preparatory
processes or during weaving.
RUBBER PRODUCTION: AND
CONSUMPTION.
According to the customary statistics prepared by the
firm of Hecht for the year ended with June 30, the total pro-
duction of rubber throughout the world amounted to 79,305
tons in 1910-11, as compared with 76,553 tons in the twelve
months which closed with June 30, 1910, being an increase
of 2,752 tons. On the other hand, the world’s consumption
is returned at 74,082 tons in 1910-11, as against 76,026 tons
in the preceding year, being a reduction of 1,944 tons. The
harvest of Para qualities comprised 33,480 tons of the world’s
total production in 1910-11, as contrasted with 38,996 tons
in 1909-10, and the consumption with 33,29! tons and
39,363 tons in the two years respectively,
The arrivals of rubber in Europe amounted to 45,085
tons in 1910-11, as against 44,336 tons in the previous year,
or an advance of 749 tons, but the arrivals in the United
States experienced a diminution of 2,433 tons. The stocks
throughout the world are stated to have reached 12,563 tons
on June 30, 1911, as compared with 6,998 tons in the pre-
ceding year, being an augmentation of 5,565 tons. In the
case of Europe alone the stocks are returned at 6,554 tons,
or 1,447 tons in excess of the quantity in 1909-10, and those
in the United States also advanced from 228 tons in the
latter year to 589 tons on June 30,1911. The statistics
further show that the price of fine Para, which amounted to
10s. per tb. at the beginning of July 1910, had fallen to
4s, 10d. by the middle of January, and to 3s, 11d. by the
end of May, recovering to 4s. 1d. at the close of June. Since
then the price has been fairly stable, and has experienced
an increase to 4s. 7d. (The /%nancier, August 19, 1911.)
Lemon Grass Oils.—In one of our earlier reports,
we described several lemon grass oils produced in the
Jalpaiguri District of Northern India. Mr. J. H. Burkill of
Calcutta, who sent us the samples of the oils in question at
the time, has now briefly informed us in writing that this
particular species of grass has been identified since then as
Cymbopogon pendulus, Stapf. The information is of particu-
lar interest because up to the present only two grasses have
been known to produce lemon grass oil, namely C. flecwosus,
Stapf, which yields the Malabar oil, and C. citratus, Stapf,
the parent plant of the sparingly soluble, so-called West Indian
lemon grass oil. The oil from C. coloratus, Stapf, which is
also one of the lemon grasses, has only lately become known,
and is said to possess characteristics resembling those of
a mixture of lemon grass and Java citronella oils. (Semi-
Annual Report of Messrs. Schimmel & Co., October 1911.)
406
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS
DecemBer 23, 1911.
WEST INDIAN COTTON.
Messrs. Wolstenholme and Holland, of Liverpool,
write as follows, under date December 4, with reference
to the sales of West Indian Sea Island cotton :—
Since our last report, about 170 bales of West Indian
Sea Islands have been sold, including Old Crop Montserrat
at 14d. to 16d., New Crop 17d. to 19d., St. Kitts both Old
and New Crops 183d. to 19d, a few St. Vincent at 20d.
and Stains 7d. to 73d.
The market is firm and the stock is exhausted, but
whether buyers will require a concession, when large quan-
tities are offering, depends largely upon the action of the
holders in South Carolina.
The report of Messrs. Henry W. Frost & Co., on
Sea Island cotton in the Southern States, for the week
ending December 2, is as follows:—
In the absence of any demand the market has remained
quiet and unchanged throughout the week. The receipts
and stock consist largely of off cotton, which Factors are
anxious to dispose of, and to do so would be willing to make
some concession to effect sales.
We quote :—
Extra Fine, 32c.=18d., c.if., & 5 per cent.
Extra Fine, off in colour, 25c.=144d, ,, ,,
Fully Fine, 2SCs—=MOFOs| an Gs) Ss #
No. 1 Off Cotton, 21c. to 22c.=12d. to 12hd., ,, :
No. 2 Off Cotton, 18c. to 19c.=103d. tolld, ,, 5
” ”
THE BRITISH COTTON GROWING
ASSOCIATION.
The following is taken from an account received
of a recent meeting of the British Cotton Growing
Association :—
The ninety-third meeting of the Council of the British
Cotton Growing Association was held at the offices, 15 Cross
Street, Manchester, on Tuesday, November 7, 1911. The
President, the Right Hon. the Earl of Derby, G.C.V.O.,
occupied the chair.
INDIA. It was reported that proposals had been received
from the Indian Government that the Association should
commence direct operations in the Province of Sind in order
to encourage the cultivation of long-stapled cotton, and
a detailed scheme has been drafted and submitted to the
Indian Government for its consideration.
A Cee:
ZuiM MAN
WEST AFRICA. It was reported that there had been good
rains throughout: Lagos during the month of September, and
it is certain that the growing crop has been greatly benefited
by the break in the weather.
The purchases of cotton in Lagos up to the end of Octo-
ber amount to 5,378 bales, as compared with 5,575 bales for
the same period of last year and 11,894 bales for 1909.
NYASALAND. Reference was made to the rapid advance
of agriculture during the past three or four years in Nyasa-
land; in 1903 the value of cotton exported from the Protec-
torate was only £3, in 1904-5 it had increased to £5,914,
and in 1908-9 to £28,555, and for the past financial year
the exports of cotton were valued at £56,000. Unfortun-
ately, it is practically impossible for Nyasaland further to
increase its acreage under cultivation with the present means
of transport, although as a matter of fact the fringe of
the agricultural possibilities of the country has scarcely
been touched. At the present time the whole produce
of the Protectorate is held up for about six months
each year owing to the shallowness of the Shire River.
In order to develop properly the resources of the country, it
will be necessary to extend the railway northwards from
Blantyre to Lake Nyasa and southwards from Port Herald
to Beira, and it was decided that this question should be
taken up with the Colonial Oftice.
The report concludes with a statement showing
that a sum of £38,000 remains to be raised, in order to
secure the total authorized capital of the Association,
namely £500,000. It is also reported that, in view of
the improved condition of the cotton trade, the Federa-
tion of Master Cotton Spinners and the North and
North-East LancashireAssociations have been approach-
ed again for the making of a further effort 10 secure
the balance of the capital. In the same connexion, the
amount realized from the workpeople’s collections has
been very disappointing. Lastly, the Lancashire
County Couneil has approved that the King Edward
Memorial fund of about £11,000 should be handed over
to the Association.
It isreported from St. Kitts that the picking and ginning
of the cotton crop are proceeding rapidly, and good returns
are being obtained on some estates, though on the whole, an
average crop, only, is to be expected. The cotton worm has
continued to be controlled successfully, on most of the
estates.
Vote xX. 9NoO) 252:
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
407
THE PRODUCTION OF COCAINE
IN PERU.
This subject receives attention in a recent number of
The Engineer, in an article which is repr@duced in Perw
To-Day for September 1911. In introducing the article, the
latter publication points out the importance of the cocaine
industry in Peru; this is shown by the circumstance that the
value of the annual production of the drug*is £2,500,000.
A great part of this is exported, while most of the rest is con-
sumed by the native Indians. :
The account in The Engineer states that the processes
employed in Peru for the extraction of cocaine from the leaves
of the coca plant (Hrythroxylum Coca) are crude, owing to the
fact that the treatment takes place in the interior, on account
of the expense of transport of the leaves; the extent of this
expense is illustrated by thefact that 200 bb. of coca leaves are
required for the manufacture of 1 Ib. of cocaine. Doubtless,
improved means of communication will bring the manufacture
nearer the coast, and then better methods will be employed.
For the extraction of the drug from the leaves, three
operations are employed: (1) maceration, (2) intermediate
precipitation, and (3) final precipitation. For maceration, the
leaves are placed in four tanks, in the first of which they are
treated with a 0°5 per cent. solution of sulphuric acid. After
twenty-four hours, the liquid is allowed to flow into the second
tank, and the first is again filled with new léaves and the acid
solution. After another interval of twenty-four hours, the
contents of the second tank are run off into the third, while
the former is filled from the first as before, the first again
receiving a new charge. The fourth tank, after another
period of twenty-four hours, is filled from the third, and the
preceding processes with the other tanks are repeated. In
this way. leaves in a state for further treatment, namely,
those originally put into the first tank, are obtained at the
end of four days. ‘The tincture thus obtained is next placed
in a strainer, for the purpose of filtration, after which the
process of maceration is complete.
For the intermediate precipitation, the tincture is sub-
jected to the action of sodium carbonate in cylindrical vessels.
At this stage, in order to test if precipitation is complete,
a small quantity of the tincture is removed, filtered from the
cocaine, and the filtrate tested with ammagnia, when there
should be no precipitate formed. The obtaining of a precipitate
indicates the necessity for the addition of sodium carbonate to
the tincture in the cylindrical vessels.
The first operation for the final precipitation is the addi-
tion of petroleum, the mixture being stirred carefully for
three to four hours at a very slow rate. At the end of this
period the oil, which now contains the cocaine, is washed with
acid-free water, and then treated with acidulated water, the
proper amount being determined by the testing for precipita-
tion of an aliquot part. During this process, the mixture is
stirred vigorously for half an hour to forty minutes, with the
result that the cocaine is transferred from the oil to the acidu-
lated water, which can be separated from the former after the
mixture has been allowed to stand for about-a quarter of an
hour.
At this stage, the extract is ready for final precipitation,
which as before is effected with sodium carbonate, the amount
required being determined by a test with an aliquot part of
the solution. The mixture is then allowed to settle for
twelve hours, and filtered while being washed with distilled
water, to remove any excess of sodium carbonate. The wet
residue of cocaine is finally subjected to pressure, when the
drug is obtained as a white paste containing 87 to 93 per
cent. The usual yield is about 2} Ib. of cocaine per day of
twenty-four hours.
When inferior leaves are used, the product is brownish in
colour, and has to be subjected to further treatment, similar
to the above; this results, however, in the loss of some of the
cocaine. A last matter of interest is that the approximate
cost of producing 1 Ib. of cocaine is about £5—an amount
which naturally varies with the price that has to be given
for the leaves.
AGRICULTURE IN THE ARGENTINE,
1910.
ncuel
Diplomatic and Consular Reports, No 4785—
Annual Series, gives the following particulars of agri-
cultural production in the Argentine Republic, through
Buenos Ayres, for 1910 :—
The leading feature in 1910 was the large decrease in
the production and export of some of the staple grains, such
as wheat, linseed, oats, barley, bird seed and flour. There
was an increase in the export of maize, bran, pollards
and oil cake. The price of maize fell so much that
grain shows a decrease of £370,000. On the other hand,
linseed rose in value so that with a decreased output of
280,000 tons, the value showed an increase of £180,000.
There was an export of 6,000 tons of potatoes, 2,800 tons
more than in 1909, and at the same time an import for seed
purposes of 32,000 tons, being an increase of 18,000 tons
over that of 1909—figures that are somewhat difficult to
understand.
A new article of export was Guinea grass, of which 380
tons were shipped.
The export of oil cake was 4,500 tons greater than in
1909.
This falling off in quantity and price has brought the
value of the agricultural products to only £7,000,000 more
than the animal products. This is the smallest difference
during the past four years. Eight years ago animal products
exceeded agricultural products, but since that time the latter
have been in excess of the former by sums varying from
£5,000,000 to £25,000,000.
Forest products are valued at some £2,000,000, more
than half of which is accounted for by quebracho logs
[Aspidosperma (Quebracho—for tanning], which showed an
increase of 47,000 tons (£240,000). On the other hand,
extract of quebracho diminished in quantity by 2,200 tons
and increased in value by £40,000.
Other forest products are of minor importance.
Messrs. Schimmel & Co., in their Sem2-Annual Report
dated October 1911, state in regard to bay oil that within
the past six months it has not been possible to remove the
difficulties in the way of procuring suitable raw material; so
that the firm has therefore again been restricted to the use of
imported oil. It is further stated that the few parcels of
West Indian origin that were offered showed mostly very
dubious quality, so that there had been a scarcity and
a distinct advance in prices. There were also higher quota-
tions from the producing country, and it was alleged that
new taxation had increased the cost of distillation. A very
lively demand has existed for terpeneless bay oil, but the
lack of raw material has prevented this from always being
met.
408
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Letters and matter for publication, as well as all
pipet for naming, should be addressed to the
ommissioner, Imperial Department of Agriculture,
Barbados.
All applications for Copies of the ‘Agricultural
News’ should be addressed to the Agents, and not to
the Department.
Local Agents: Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridge-
town, Barbados. London Agents: Messrs. Dulau &
Co,, 37, Soho Square, W. A complete list of Agents
will be found on page 3 of the cover.
The Agricultural News: Price 1d. per number,
post free 2d. Annual subscription payable to Agents,
2s. 2d. - Post free, 4s. 4d.
— Agrienltural Sews —
ABE OE ae 2
Vout. X. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1911. No. 252.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
Contents of Present Issue.
In this issue, the editorial deals with the subject
of The Substitution of Bases in Plant Nutrition, and
summarizes the results of much of the investigation
that has been carried out in connexion with this matter.
Page 403 presents an article giving the general
results of the sugar-cane experiments conducted in
Antigua during the past season. It will be remembered
that the similar experimentation in St. Kitts received
attention in the last number of the Agricultwral News.
The succeeding page contains an article in which
are presented useful recommendations in connexion with
agricultural shows, based on experience in India.
An interesting description of the production of
cocaine in Peru is given on page 407.
The Insect Notes, on page 410, are concerned with
an aceonnt of work that has been done recently in con-
nexion with the possible employment of a disease of
grasshoppers for the control of this pest.
Reviews of the Reports on the Botanic Station
and Experiment Plots, Montserrat, 1910-11, and of the
Report of the Director of Agriculture for the Federated
Malay States, 1910, appear on page 411. :
The Fungus Notes of this issue (page 414) are in
the nature of an interesting and useful summary of the
information that has been given under that heading
during the present year.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
DECEMBER 23, 1911.
The West Indian Agricultural Conference, 1912.
Information has been received from the Govern-
ment of Trinidad to the effect that the following have
been appointed as an Organizing and Reception Com-
mittee, for the forthcoming Agricultural Conference:
the Colonial Secretary, the Hon. S. W. Knaggs, C.M.G;
the Director of Agriculture, Professor P. Carmody, F.L.C.,
F.C.S.; the Hon. G. T.. Fenwick, C.M.G.; the Hon. C,
de Verteuil; Messrs. J. B. Rorer, J. Morton, D.D.,
E. Tripp; the Hon. Adam Smith, Lt.-Colonel Collens,
W. Burslem, Captain M. Short, H. Hoffmann, E. C.
Skinner and W. G. Freeman (Secretary). P
In regard to the English delegates to the Confer-
ence, information is to hand to the effect that a repre-
sentative of the Imperial Institute cannot conveniently
be sent.
Incculation Experiments with Different | egum-
inous plants.
Experiments have been made recently in the
inoculation of new moor soil for the growing of soy
beans, yellow and blue lupines, serradella and hybrid
clover. In the trials, which receive attention in the
Experiment Station Record for August 1911,
p. 128, the inoculating materials consisted of a new
trade preparation of nodule bacteria called Azotogen,
nitragin, and soil which, except in the case of the soy
bean, had been previously used for growing the same
legume.
Beneficial results were obtained in all eases,
except in that of soy beans; here, the inoculating soil
had previously grown garden beans (Phaseolus vul-
garis) and no nodules were formed on the roots of the
soy bean. The best results were obtained with Azoto-
gen, and with the soil that had been used previously
for growing the plants; while the effects of nitragin
were less favourable and more uncertain.
rr + re”
Mineral Food for Nitrogen-Fixing Organisms,
Recent interesting work concerning the mineral
nutrition of the nitrogen-fixing organisms of the soil
(Azotobacter spp.) receives attention in the Zeit-
schrift fiir das Landwirtschaftliche Versuchswesen
in Uesterreich, Vol XIV, p. 97.
This has shown firstly, that for Azotobacter and
other soil organisms to flourish in solutions, these must
contain soluble iron and aluminium, especially in the
case of bacteria using the nitrogen of the air; for the
supply of the elements mentioned, silico-phosphates
have been the most useful. The growth of Azoto-
bacter is also favoured by manganese.
Provided that sufticient mineral food is supplied,
the assimilation can be brought about by Azotobacter,
even in pure cultures, if dextrose is employed to
supply carbon.
In regard to the presence, again, of iron and
aluminium, these are held to be the cause of the
favourable influence of humus, of soil extracts and of
organic salts in-regard to Azotobacter. '
THE AGRICULTURAL
NEWS. 409
Candelilla Wax.
Several notes on candelilla wax, which is a product
of a species of Pedilanthus growing in Mexico, have
been given, in this volume of the Agricultural News,
on page 203, and in Volume IX, pp. 104, and 124.
Through the courtesy of H.B.M. Consn! at Tam-
pico, Mexico, planting material of candelilla has been
obtained by the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture.
This was forwarded during last June to the Botanic
Stations in Antigua, St. Kitts ard Moniserrat, in order
that trials may be made.
Engniries have since been sent to these Stations
by this Deyartment in order to gain information as to
the progress made by the plants. In reply Mr. H. A.
‘Tempany, B.Sc., Superintendent of Agriculture, Antigua,
states that plants have been established successfully at
the Botanic Station in that island; Mr. F. R. Shepherd,
Agricultural Superintendent, St. Kitts, makes a similar
report; and Mr. W. Robson, Curator of the Montserrat
Botanic Station, also states that plants are now
growing at that Station, adding that they appear
to be capable of being propagated with great ease.
the 1 have made
In all cases, however, specimens
little growth. When they have attained a_ snffi-
cient development, it is intended that the plants in
Antigua shall be used for trials of the extraction of
the wax.
nr ee
Trade of Venezuela, 1909-10.
_ The following general information concerning this
matter is taken from Diplomatic and Consular
Reports, No. 4758 Annual Series, issued August
1911.
The exports of coffee, which amount to 35 to 50
per cent. of the total, were poor; the crop for the suc-
ceeding year is expected to be exceptionally good.
This circumstance with, an increase in prices, should do
much to enhance the general prosperity. As regards
the important exports, rubber and balata, the former
is obtained from wild trees of Hevea brasiliensis grow-
ing on the Upper Orinoco and the Rio Negro, and the
inferior Sernambi is also produced: balata is obtained
principally from the Guayana district. ‘he exports of
asphalt from Venezuela have increased slightly.
The divi-divi produced in Venezuela is sent chiefly
to Germany. That country and the United States are
the chief consumers of tonga beans, from Venezuela,
which is used in the curing of tobacco, and for the
extraction of coumarin, for employment in the manu-
facture of perfumes.
The chief timber exports from Venezuela consist of
fustic wood and boxwood (zapatero). A certain amount
of lignum vitae is also exported, as well as some cedar
wood. The value of the timber shipped in 1909-10
was, in round numbers, £16,000.
It was feared by the larger sugar planters of Vene-
zuela, in 1909, that local prices would fall because of
over-production; so that it was determined to export as
much sugar as possible. The otticial statistics state
that the value of the exports in 1909-10 was £200,000,
and these were made at very unsatisfactory prices,
which however have improved later.
In regard to the trade of Venezuela with the West
Indies, the total value of the imports was £13,952,
£13,820 being with Trinidad, and the rest with Barba-
dos. The exports from Venezuela to the West Indies
amounted in value to £180,415, taken as follows:
Trinidad £175,749, British Guiana £4,560, Barbados
£55, Grenada £51.
OEE
An Insect Pest in Samoa.
An interesting account of the introduction of an
insect pest into a new area is contained in Miplo-
matic and Consular Reports, No. 4756 Annual Series,
dealing with the trade of Samoa for 1910. The intro-
duced pest is the rhinoceros beetle (ryetes sp.)
chiefly affecting cocoa-nut palms, and it is supposed to
to have arrived in baskets of earth in which rubber
stumps were packed,
It is stated that, up to the time of reporting, the
Government had spent nearly £2,000 in making the
most strenuous efforts to exterminate the pest, by
employing men to destroy the larvae, by paying for
larvae and beetles brought in, and by providing piles
of cocoa-nut stumps, where eggs are laid and larvae
produced, which are then destroyed.
—_————————
Ecanda Rubber.
A note in the Agricultural News, Vol. VIIL,
p. 89, gave attention to the plant yielding Kcanda
rubber (Raphionacme utilis), which is a native of
Portuguese West Africa. his was based upon informa-
tion presented in the Kew Bulletin, 1908, p. 209. Since
that time, th3 plant has received a full description in
the Kew Bulletin for 1909, p. 321, and still another
note appears in the same publication ‘for 1911, p. 352.
From the last the following details are taken.
It was understood from the first that the plant
would yield good rubber, but further information was
required as to the rate of growth of the rubber-yielding
tubers, before its cultivation as a profitable crop could
be recommended safely.
A decision in the matter has been reached in a re-
cently issued Diplomatic and Consular Report on
the Trade of the Province of Angola for the year 1910.
It states that experiments made by Kuropeans to grow
the plant have shown that, although it is easily rat-cd
in seed beds, the development of the tubers is tov slow
to be profitable.
In support of this, the note in the Kew Bulletin,
last quoted, states that the growth of the seedling
plants of Raphionacme utilis at Kew has also been
found to be remarkably slow.
Seeds of the plant were distributed among some
of the West Indian Botanic Stations in 1909, and it
will be of interest to know what results have been ob-
tained with these.
410
INSECT NOTES.
A DISEASE OF GRASSROPPERS.
The present interest in the control of insect pests by
assisting in their destruction by means of bacteria and fungi
renders important a paper which was read recently before
the Académie des Sciences, Paris. This is reproduced in the
Journal d@ Agriculture Tropicale for August 1911, p. 238,
and the matter in the article is utilized in presenting the
following which is partly a free translation.
At the commencement of the year 1910, the author
observed an epidemic disease of bacterial origin raging among
grasshoppers in Yucatan (Mexico); the species indigenous to
this part of the world is the same as that in the West Indies
—Schistocerca pallens. In all dead grasshoppers examined
the presence was noticed, in the intestinal tube, of numerous
coccus bacilli which were isolated; these were not seen in
grasshoppers ca, tured where the disease was not present, and
always on the contrary, it was found in insects, dead or dying,
whether they had been infected naturally or artificially. In
some cases, even, an almost pure culture of the organism was
found in the intestine of the dead insects. The following
experiments demonstrate sufficiently the pathogenic nature of
the bacillus.
On May 12, twenty-four grasshoppers were inoculated
with a drop of a culture in broth, twenty-four hours old, the
needle being forced in between the second and third anterior
rings; all the insects died in one to twenty-three hours after
the injection. ‘l'wenty-four other, uninoculated, insects, used
as a control, were injected in the same way with a drop of
tap-water; none were dead, after four days.
On the same day, a drop of the same culture was placed
by means of a pipette on the buccal orifice of twenty-four
gvass-hoppers; they all died in ten to thirty-two hours.
Twenty-four control insects were still alive, ten days later,
The digestive’system of all the dead grasshoppers con-
tains a blackish liquid in which the specific micro-organism
swarms, and this is found in the same way in the tissues.
The inoculation of broth with the intestinal contents always
gave an almost pure culture of the bacillus.
On May 15, twelve healthy grasshoppers were placed
under a bell-jar, with the corpse of another specimen which
had died after ingesting a drop of the culture. Of the
twelve living insects, only two devoured the corpse supplied
to them; one of these died nine hours after the infecting
meal ; the other about twelve hours afterwards. The ten
grasshoppers which had not touched the corpse were still
living, ten days later. In another experiment, five of the
insects out of twelve ate the corpse, and were dead between
seven and fourteen hours afterwards. These experiments,
repeated several times, show that the cause of the disease is
the coccus bacillus that was the subject of the study. This
is very mobile and bears cilia all over its surface; in one
and the same culture there were observed slightly ovoid
forms measuring 0°5 microns, together with bacillary forms
measuring 1‘0 to 0°5 microns. The organism does not stain
with Gram, but easily takes up aniline colours. In young
cultures and in the intestines of the grasshopper, the bacillus
stains most strongly at the extremities. It is a facultative
aerobe, that is to say, it can live either with or without air,
but preferably with air. It affords cultures between the tem-
peratures of 16° C. and 43° C., and develops very rapidly in
ordinary broth at 37°C. In this case, clouding appears
after the fourth hour and gradually increases; at the end of
thirty-six to forty-eight hours, a thin coat is formed at the
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
DECEMBER 23, 1911.
surface, and at the same time a deposit appears at the bottom
of the tube, without any clarification of the medium,
In gelatine, in eighteen hours, the cultures show a thin
white line, granular in appearance, which does not develop
to such an ext@fit in the depths of the culture as it does near
the surface. This takes the shape of a nail on the surface;
at the end of eight days liquefaction commences there, and
proceeds along.the track of the needle in the form of the
finger of a glove. In streak cultures, a thin whitish line is
obtained which*shows a bluish tint; the track broadens until
the eighth day, toa breadth of 2 mm. when the gelatine liqui-
fies. Plate cultures exhibit, in eighteen hours, small colonies
having a diameter of 1 mm.; these are transparent, with
an irregular outline, and toward the fourth day become
opaque and yellow. On gelose, at 37°C, round colonies develop,
which are whitish, sticky and translucent and possess a diame-
ter of 1 to 2 mm., the surface being wrinkled. In the body of
the medium, small, lenticular, opaque colonies arise. In
a streak culture in an inclined tube, the surface is rapidly
overrun, and eventually a thin whitish layer is formed.
The odour of the cultures recalls that of broth from Liebig’s
extract.
In successive cultures, the bacillus rapidly loses its
virulence. ‘he first culture, administered by the mouth,
kills the insect in 8 to 24 hours; the second in 12 to 36
hours, the third in 36 to 96 hours; after this stage of
successive culttfres, the grasshoppers recover. The fourth
culture permits half of the insects to survive, the tenth
does not kill when it isadministered by the mouth. C-ltures
can be caused to regain their virulence by successive injec-
tions of several drops into the abdominal cavity of grass-
hoppers; after three repetitions they are sufficiently virulent
to kill, when injected, in 5 to 6 hours, and when administered
by the mouth, in 8 to 12 hours.
The author was not able to kill, by causing them to
injest cultures which were virulent, grasshoppers that had
recovered after taking the attenuated cultures. In view of
the fact that, ordinarily, grasshoppers died in all cases where
a drop of the virulent culture had been absorbed by them,
it is natural to conclude that immunity is acquired after
a benign attack of the disease.
Observations were made of flights of grasshoppers when
the disease was raging. In these, of twenty-five grasshoppers
captured and chosen among the most lively, six died in three
days, and the others survived; among the nineteen remaining
insects, which were dissected after having been under observa-
tion for eight days, five gave evidence of the presence of the
specific coccus bacillus in the intestinal contents, and at the
same time did not appear to be suffering from the disease.
It was proved that this coccus bacillus was actually the speci-
fic organism, and that it was virulent. These observations
lead to the conclusion that the proportion of grasshoppers
acquiring immunity is 20 to 25 per cent. As it is impossible
to keep the insects in captivity more than fifteen days, the
observer was not able to determine the duration of this
acquired immunity.
Information supplied by the planters in Yucatan, in
March 1911, wags_to the effect that the number of grasshop-
pers had diminished to such an extent that the damage from
them, this year, was considered to be of little importance;
the disease was continuing to rage in the succeeding flights.
The specific organism does not cause sickness in the
fowl, the guinea pig, or the rabbit.
The article concludes with the suggestion that it would
be of interest to introduce into other countries the disease
attacking grasshoppers in Yucatan, with an effort to utilize
the bacillus for the control of this pest in those countries. |
MONTSERRAT: REPORTS ON FRE BOTANIC
STATION AND EXPERIMENT PLOTS, 1910-11.
The commencement of this report shows that several
interesting species of plants have been introduced at the
Grove Botanic Station, and the section following, dealing
with the distribution of plants at the stations, gives evidence
that this has been large and useful in nature.. The planting
material sent out from the Grove Station included 14,404
plants, and that from the Harris’s Station 3,004; this was
in addition to seeds and cuttings.
Some of the most interesting work is described under the
heading Cotton Selection, and has made available a large
amount of detailed information. It has included the forwarding
of samples of cotton to Manchester for spinning trials, which
have beeen conducted through the courtesy. of Mr. A. H.
Dixon, Chairman of the Fine Spinners’ and Doublers’ Associ-
ation. After the results of these are given, the report deals
with experiments with cotton seed which appear to show
that a lowering of the vitality of such seed may take place
through careless handling, particularly by storage in
bulk without sufficient previous drying. There are other
matters in this section, among which the observations on
differences in lint and seed characters at various parts of the
season, cotton manurial experiments and the cross-pollina-
tion of cotton flowers deserve special mention.
The cultural experiments with lime trees that were
started in October 1907 have been continued, and have
given indications, among other matters, that clean weeding
in such cultivation may favour the development of scale
insects. Trials of Bengal beans in lime plantations have
shown that the growing of these between the trees, but not
over them, does not reduce the numbers of the purple
scale; while such a reduction does take place if the beans are
allowed to grow over the trees. At the same time, serious
injury accrues if the beans are allowed to remain very long
on the trees. Successfsl results have been obtained in the
growing of bay trees and in the distillation of oil from the
leaves.
The report presents particulars of trials with provision
crops, fodder and green dressing crops, and Jequié Manicoba
rubber, at the Grove Station. Among newly introduced
plants that are under observation, there are included Indian
fodder grass (Pennisetum cenchroides), Paspalum dilatatum,
soy bean (Glycine hispida), urd or Jerusalem pea (Phaseolus
trinervis), Tephrosia candida and 7. purpurea, the Bambarra
ground nut (Voandzeia subterranea) and the rubber tree just
named. At Harris’s station similar experiments are being
conducted, but on a smaller scale; these include the trials with
bay trees already mentioned.
Previous to the conclusion of the report, particulars are
given concerning the cotton industry, in which it is pointed
out that the season 1910-11 was particularly favourable;
a record output of lint was reached, namely 402,666 tb; the
area planted exceeded that of tke previous year by 400 acres,
being 2,050 acres. In this section, there is presented an
‘interesting account of the introduction into Montserrat of an
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
411
enemy of the cotton worm, namely the St. Vincent Jack
Spaniard /Polstes annularis). The report is concluded with
a statement of the rainfall for 1910, in the usual form.
FEDERATED MALAY STATES: REPORT OF
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE, 1910.
This report, by the Director of Agriculture, Mr. L.
Lewton-Brain, BA., F.L.S, presents | firstly particulars
concerning the increase in the area of rubber-growing
in the Federated Malay States in 1910; this was 48,813
acres, aS against 28,905 acres in 1909 and 41,813 acres in
1908. The rubber output again increased by more than
100 per cent., and has now become nearly four times as greaq
as that of 1908; the output for 1910 amounted to 12,563,220
tb., as compared with 6,083,493 in 1909. It should be
stated that these figures do not represent exports, only, but
include the rubber on hand in drying houses and stores, on
the plantations at the end of the year. An _ increase
of 100 per cent. also occurred in the total output of
the Peninsula; this was over 6,400 tons, as against 3,000
tons in the previous year. The Director of Agriculture gives
an estimate of the increases of rubber production in Malaya
for the next four years; these are as follows: 10 million pounds
for 1911, 15 million pounds for 1912, a similar amount for
1913, and 20 million pounds for 1914; these are subject to
the provision that the supply of labour remains adequate for
the increases. On the present acreage alone, the output for
Malaya in 1916 should be at least 65,000 tons. As regards
catch crops and cover crops for rubber, the Director discour-
ages the employment of the former, and states. that absolute
clean weeding is preferable to the use of the latter, unless
a good leguminous cover -—particularly one which would give
a yield to pay for the expense of its cultivation —-can be intro-
duced. At the present time, the Department is making trials
of ground nuts in the latter connexion.
The subjects of tapping and the manufacture of rubber
receive attention. As regards manufacture, the preference
for smoked rubber is leading planters to contemplate the
erection of smoke-houses. An interesting development in
connexion with this is the fact that, as cocoa-nut husks form
the best fuel obtainable in large quantities for smoking
rubber, there will be an increase in demand for these, and
hence an enhanced employment of cocoa-nuts as a secondary
crop. With regard to this crop, it may be stated here that
the report of the Acting Inspector of Cocoa nut Plantations
shows a steady increase in the area in cultivation, in all the
States. The exports of copra reached 1,872 tons.
The area under coffee was 6,475 acres, as compared with
5,885 in 1909, and 8,431 in 1908; it is practically all grown
as a catch crop, either with rubber or cocoa-nuts. There was
again a decrease in the area under sugar, in the Federated
Malay States, from 7,128 acres in 1909 to 3,759 acres in
1910; an increase took place in the Strait Settlements, from
3,638 acres to 5,315 acres. The report of the Director of
Agriculture concludes with a short review of the work in the
experiment stations.
The section which has just received attention is sue-
ceeded by the reports of the Government Entomologist and
of the Mycologist. Mention of much of the matter in the
report of the Mycologist has been made from time to time in
the Agricultural News. The succeeding sections contain the
Report of the Inspector of Cocoa-nut Plantations, to which
reference has been made, the Report on the Experimental
Plantations, and that on the Government Plantation at Perak;
while the whole matter is concluded by useful tables giving
statistics concerning crops and labour in Malaya.
412
GLEANINGS.
?
It is noted, for the purpose of record, that the Barbados
Official Gazette for October 9, 1911, contains regulations
relating to the Barbados Science Department, made by the
Education Board ‘and approved by the Governor-in-Execn-
tive-Committee.
The distribution of plants from the Dominica Botanic
Gardens during Jast month was as follows: limes 7,487, cacao
995, grafted cacao 50, Para rubber 850, grafted mangoes 16,
miscellaneous 8, the total number sent out being 9,406. The
rainfall at the Botanic Station for the month was 6°94 inches.
The Commereial and Industrial Gazette, which is an
official publication issued in St. Petersburg, states that
favourable progress was being made with the cotton crops in
Russian Central Asia and the Caucasus Good yields are
also expected in the Trans-Caspian and Trans-Caucasian
Provinces.
At the St. Lucia Botanie Gardens, during last month,
8,000 seeds of Para rubber were received; 7,000 of these
were sown at the Experiment Station and the rest at the
Botanic Station. The distribution from this Station during
November comprised 9,348 plants, including cacao 450, limes
8,750, coffee 100, Para rubber seeds 500, and 81 packets of
vegetable seeds.
The Board of Trade Journal tor September 28, 191],
draws attention to a notice issued by the Italian Ministry of
Agriculture, Industry and Commerce, fixing the price to be
paid to holders of stocks of ‘citrate of lime and concentrated
lemon juice, for the working year 1911-12, at about 55s.
per cwt. of citrate of lime (basis, 64 per cent. of citric acid),
or for an equivalent quantity of concentrated lemen juice.
Among the planting material sent out from the Antigua
Botanie Station during November, there were included: limes
5,305, cocoa-nuts 305, cacao 104, red cedar 83, onions 2,600,
sweet potato cuttings 41,000, miscellaneous plants 72; 80
bags of seed were also sent out during the month. In con-
nexion with the cocoa-nut industry that exists in the island,
1,150 seed cocoa-nuts were imported in the same month.
Information contained in Diplomatic and Consular
Reports, No. 4641—Annual Series, shows that in the year
1910, 1,555,273 pine-apples were exported from St. Michael’s,
in the Azores. ‘Of these, 340,697 fruits went to London and
Southampton, and the rest to Hamburg. The exports to
London and Hamburg in 1909 amounted to 414,956 and
1,017,487 fruits, respectively.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
DECEMBER 23, 1911.
In the Bulletin of the Bureau of Agricultural Intelligence
and of Plant Diseases for November 1910, attention is drawn
to a new method of tapping rubber trees. According to this,
strong pressure is applied to the bark, for a certain distance
around the tree, by means of steel rings fixed round the trunk,
the incision being between the rings. The rings are gradu-
ally made to approach the incision, with the result that the
latex is squeezed out.
During the Charcot Expedition to the Antarctic regions
examinations were made of samples of rain and snow
collected in different localities. A paper in the Comptes
Rendus de? Académie des Sciences, 1911, p. 166, shows that
the amounts cf nitrates in the samples were much the same
as those in the rain and snow of temperate Europe. The
average quantity of nitrates in rain was 0'225 mg. per litre;
in snow it was 0-233 mg.
It is reported by H.M. Consul-General at Manila that
a modern sugar mill having a capacity of about 100 tons of
cane per day is to be erected in Luzon, Philippine Islands;
this is expected to begin work on January 1, next. The
fact that the sngar shipments in 1910 only amounted to
99,105 tons, while free entry, into the United States, of
300,000 is permitted under the Payne Law, is causing local
producers to make special efforts to increase the export of
sugar to that country.
Attention is given, in the Haxperiment Station Record,
Vol. XXIV, p. 620 (June 1911), to the part played by mus-
covite mica in soils, as regards the furnishing of plant food.
The work described has shown that this substante is capable
of supplying a greater amount of potash to plants than that
derivable from orthoclase felspar. The reason is stated to be
the higher solubility of the mica—a solubility which is in-
creased by the use of gypsum, peat, ammonium sulphate,
quicklime, mondealcium phosphate and other substances.
The growing of cotton was introduced as an industry in
Santo Domingo only about three years ago, when the Govern-
ment distributed American (Sea Island) seed among a num-
ber of small planters. The cultivation promises to be success-
ful, and gins are now in operation in Monte Cristi and
Puerto Plata, at which ports the fibre sells at 16s. 8d. to 21s.
per 100 tbh. A small quantity of cotton was first shipped in
1908; the export figures in 1909 reached 47,820 tb.; while
last year 157,768 tb. was exported, with a declared value of
£3,600. (The Textile Mercury, October 21, 1911, p. 333.)
Information has been received by the Commissioner of
Agriculture, from the organizing manager, Mr. A. Staines
Manders, that the Third International Rubber and Allied
Trades Exposition will be held at the New Grand Central
Palace, 46th to 47th Street and Lexington Avenue, New
York City, from September 23 to October 3, 1912. The
further information has been received that Mr. H. C. Pearson,
Editor of the Zudia Rubber World, has consented to become
the Vice-President of the Exposition. Mr. A. Staines Manders
will be remembered as the organizer of the successful rubber
exhibitions held in London in 1908 aud 1911.
Vor. X. No. 252.
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS,
413
a
STUDENTS’ CORNER.
JANUARY.
First PErrop.
Seasonal Notes.
Opportunities should be taken of examining cotton bolls
at their various stages of development, particularly with the
object of noting in what ways they are affected by disease and
by abnormal weather conditions. Bolls are commonly lost
through boll-dropping, which appears to be due to the latter
cause. In other cases, the bolls may be observed to have
become woody, and in others still, those near the ground are
likely to be attacked by a rot. In some instances, too, the
bracts of the bolls that have nearly attained complete devel-
opment become flared; on opening such bolls, the immature
lint is seen to be discoloured. ‘Try to correlate these dif-
ferent appearances with their several causes—disease or
otherwise. Bolls which open at a time of damp weather most
usually contain matted masses of lint, and there is likely to
be loss from this cause.
In the preparation of land for sugar-cane, careful atten-
sion should be given to the detaile, especially in regard to
the application of manures and the turning in of green dress-
ings. Discuss the use of green dressings on lands where the
rainfall is small, as well as their employment in heavy, wet
lands. State what conditions are most favourable for the
proper changes to take place in green dressings that have
been buried in the soil.
What are the chief precautions to be taken in sowing
seed, of kinds of which you are familiar, in nursery beds ?
In such work, small seeds are often covered with a layer of
soil that is too thin and too loose, with the result that they do
not obtain the moisture that is necessary for germination,
and seedlings are not produced from them. It is important
that the soil should’ be compacted by pressure, after seeds
have been sown. Why is this the case, and what means
exist in practice for effecting it on a large seale? Give an
account of the sowing, in the field, of such a crop as maize.
On what conditions does the good germination of seeds
depend, and how would you test the capacity to germinate of
a sample of seed ? :
How is the fact, that plants of the same kind grown
from seed tend to show variation, made use of in practical
agriculture? Discuss the matter particularly in regard to the
control of diseases and pests. Distinguish carefully between
growth from a cutting and growth from a seed.
What is meant by the texture of a soil, and what rela-
tion does this bear to what is known as tilth? How does
good texture assist in the beneficial changes that take place
in the soil, as well as with the growth of the plants in it ?
Give an account of all the ways, of practical application, in
which the texture of the soil may be improved.
Questions for Candidates.
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS,
(1) What are the uses of roots! Bc
(2) Give an account of the general life-history of
a fungus. - fe
(3) State the uses of stock to the agriculturist.
INTERMEDIATE QUESTIONS.
(1) How do roots obtain plant food from the soil!
(2) Write a description of the life-history of any fungus
that you have observed.
(3) How may the by-products from stock on an estate
be utilized! BS,
FINAL QUESTIONS,
(1) Discuss the question of the depth of tillage, in
relation to the root systems of different crops.
(2) Give an account of the ways in which fungi are
beneficial in agriculture.
(3) State the approximate ages at which the male and
female of the following should be allowed to breed: horse,
donkey, goat, pig, sheep, various kinds of poultry.
THE INHERITANCE OF MILK YIELD
IN CATTLE.
In the Journal of the Board of Agriculture tor
November 1911, the following abstract is given of
a paper dealing with the subject of the inheritance of
milk yield in cattle, appearing in the Scientific Pro-
ceedings of the Royal Dublin Society, Vol. XIII
(New Series), No. 7:— /
Professor James Wilson suggests in this paper, from an
examination of milk records, that milk yield is a factor in-
herited according to Mendel’s principles. Danish records,
relating to the breed of red Danish cows, were chiefly consi-
dered, as British records have seldom been kept for a long
enough period to give information relating to several genera-
tions of cows, and American records usually refer to the butter
yield, which depends upon both the yield and quality of the
milk—factors that are inherited separately. In order to con-
sider the performance of a cow during a lactation period, it
was necessary to apply corrections to the record when the
lactation period had been prolonged, owing to a longer interval
than the usual twelve months between two calvings, and also
on account of the natural rise in milk yield with the advane:
ing age of the cow. With regard to the latter point, Professor
Wilson considers, from an examination of the records of the
Irish Department of Agriculture’s farms, that a cow’s yield
usually increases up to the birth of her fourth or fifth calf,
that is, when she is six or seven years old, and that the total
increase, from the first to the fourth or fifth calf, is on the
average about 50 per cent. '
The records of a number of Danish cows and their
progeny for several generations are given in the paper, and
Professor Wilson concludes from them that improvement in
milk yield by breeding is not a slow and gradual process, as
has formerly been supposed. If a daughter is not on an
approximate equality with her dam as a milk producer, she
is either much higher or much lower. He divides these cows
into three grades, and suggests a Mendelian explanation of the
differences between mother and daughter, namely, that the
extreme grades are the parent strains, and the intermediate,
the hybrid. The records that have been obtained of the
progeny of a few bulls also lead to the same conclusions.
DEPARTMENT NEWS.
The Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture returned
to Barbados on Wednesday, December 13, by the
B.MS. ‘ Oruba’, from an official visit to Montserrat and
Antigua
414
SUMMARY. OF INFORMATION GIVEN
DURING THE YEAR.
In the following article is summarized the information
relating to diseases of crops, and to other matters of interest
from the plant-pathological point of view, that have appeared
in the volume of the Agricu/tural News concluded by this
number. The object of the articles that have appeared under
this heading has been to present to those interested a review
of the work on diseases of crops that is in progress, not only
in the West Indies, but in all parts of the world, as far as it
is in any way relevant to conditions obtaining in these islands.
It follows that many of the articles lay claim to no original
_research on the part of this Department, but there are some
exceptions. The information relating to the ‘burning’ disease
of arrowroot in St. Vincent, p. 174, and that presenting some
facts connected with root diseases of cacao, Castilloa, limes
and some other plants, given on pp. 222 and 366, is the out-
come of work conducted by the Mycologist to this Depart-
ment; furthermore, the ‘articles on miscellaneous fungi,
appearing on pp. 190 and 222, have resulted from the exam-
ination, in the laboratory at the Head Office, of specimens
forwarded from the different islands by the local officers and
by others interested in the subject of plant diseases,
RUBBER AND CACAO TREES. It is now generally accepted
that two important diseases of Para rubber and cacao, namely
canker and die-back, are of the same origin on either host
plant. Some account of Petch’s work in Ceylon, which led
to this conclusion, will be found on p. 78, where it is shown
that Phytophthora laberi is the cause of canker on both hosts,
as well as of a rot of the fruits of Hevea, very similar to that
of cacao pods, due to it. Mention is made on the same page
of Bancroft'’s preliminary work on the die-back fungus of
Hevea and cacao, and of his discovery of its perfect or asci-
gerous stage. In consequence of this, its name is changed to
Thyvidaria tarda, and thus an end has been put to the com-
plicated mass of synonyms, such as Dzplodia cacaoicola,
Lasiodiplodia theobromae, as well as many others, by which
it was formerly known. An account of Bancroft’s further
work, and of his successful inoculation experiments on Hevea
with spores of the fungus produced on cacao,-is given on
p. 286. The occurrence of the black root disease of the West
Indies on cacao and Castilloa is mentioned on pp. 78 and
222:a further description of this appears on p. 366, as is
stated below.
suGAR-CANE. A short account of the disease of sugar-
cane known in Java as Sereh is given on p. 238, where
attention is also called to the ease with which it may be
confused with other diseases of this plant.
PALMS. Bud rot of certain palms in India, as described
by Butler, received attention in two articles appearing on
pp. 14 and 30, respectively. The three palms concerned
are the Palmyra (Borassus Aatellifer), the cocoa-nut and the
areca nut (Areca Catechu). Of these, the Palmyra, by far
the most important economically, is that upon which the
most serious damage is inflicted. The organism responsible
for this isa species of Pythium called by Butler P. palmer-
vorum—one of the more primitive fungi. The methods of
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
DeEcEMBER 23, 1911.
infection are discussed, and an outline is given of the cam-
paign undertaken for combating the disease. On p. 206
appears an account of Coleman’s work on a rot of the nuts
and terminal bud, of the Areca palm, as it occurs in Mysore.
In this case the causative organism is a variety of Phyteph-
thora omnivora, called by Coleman, var. Arecae, and is very
closely related to P. Faberz—the fungus causing cacac
canker and pod disease.
citrus. On p. 46, a résumé is given of the work con-
ducted by Fawcett on two diseases, namely, scaly bark and
scab, in Florida. The first is due to a species of Hormode-
dron—a form often included in the life-cycle of Clados-
porium. It is not as serious in its effects when it oecurs
alone, as when it is fcllowed by the citrus wither-tip fungus,
Colletotrichum gloeosporioides; its attacks are principally
confined to the, orange. The second, due to Cladosporium
citri, rarely if ever attacks this tree, but is found on several
other species of Citrus. Two fungi on limes in Dominica,
namely Fomes /wetdus and Polystictus hirsutus, are referred to
on p. 190; and on p. 270 the suggestion is made that the
former may be responsible for a form of root disease of this
plant found in Montserrat and Antigua. The attack of
black root disease on the orange in St. I.ucia is mentioned
on p. 222; and its occurrence as well as that of red root
disease on limes in Dominica is recorded on p. 366 A third
form of disease—stem canker-— on the same host in that
island, is dealt with on page 382. Finally, a disease of Natal
citrus fruits, déscribed by Pole Evans and attributed by him
to Diplodia natalensis, receives attention on p. 318, where
mention is made of a gum-inducing fungus closely related to
the above, which attacks the peach and Citrus, in Florida.
BANANAS. Some diseases of bananas, found in Central
America, Surinam and Trinidad, are reviewed on p. 110. They
comprise the Panama disease, attributed by Essed to Ustza-
ginoidella musaeperda, in Surinam; the moko disease of
Trinidad due, according to Rorer, to bacteria; the root disease
due to Marasmius semiustus, found in Trinidad and else-
where; and the disease known in Surinam as elephantiasis.
Further information on the Panama and moko diseases is
given on p. 254.
PINE-APPLES. ‘Some account of one of the chief. para-
site of this host, namely Vhielaviopsis paradora, a fungus
also causing pine-apple disease of cane cuttings and stem
bleeding of cocoa-nut palms, is given on p. 126. The two
succeeding articles on pp. 142 and 156 are devoted to an
account of Larsen’s work on pine-apple diseases in Hawaii.
These are: fruit rot, base rot of cuttings and leaf spot—all
due to Thielaviopsis paradovra; brown rot—possibly the same
as black heart—of uncertain cause; ripe rot, wilt and tangle
root, the cause of which is also not finally determiued.
ARROWROOT DISEASE. On p. 174 appears a preliminary
note on a diseasé of arrowroot, long known in St. Vincent as
burning. The attack of the causative fungus on other host
plants is noted, and remedial measures are suggested.
RooT DISEASES. Information of a preliminary character
on the root diseases attacking limes, cacao, pois doux and
some other host plants is to be found on pp. 366 and 382.
Three definite diseases are distinguished. The first is due to
a species of Rosellinia; it has been given the popular name of
black root disease. It attacks several plants and is, in all
probability, to be found in Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent
and Grenada. A note on the same disease may be found on
p. 222. The second, due to Sphaerostilbe sp., occurs on
limes in Lominiea, and will probably be found elsewhere; it
has been called red root disease. A third form of disease
attacking the collar and roots of limes, in Dominica, has been
Wares 2.6 aes 22},
THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS.
named stem canker; it is of uncertain origin, but may be due
to physical causes. In the same article, mention is made of
what is possibly a fourth disease of lime roots, in Antigua
and Montserrat; it is associated with the presence of Homes
lucidus. "
ENTOMOGENOUS FUNGI. Notes on these useful species
may be found on pp. 62, 94 and 190, On the first-men-
tioned page reference is made to the green muscardine fungus
(Metarrhizium anisopliae), on frog heppers in Trinidad. On
the second is an article dealing with general considerations
as to the use of fungi for controlling scale insects, giving
some account of recent experiments in Grenada and Barbados,
and recording the discovery of the shield scale fungus
(Cephalosporium lecanii) on the mealy shield scale (Proto-
pulvinaria pyriformis). In the third reference, mention is
made of.a new parasite, Hypochrella oxyspora, found on scale
insects in Dominica and St. Lucia, one of whose hosts is the
mango shield scale (Coceus mangiferae); while the others are
not yet known with certainty. An unidentified mycelium on
the larva of a beetle, Cryptorhyncus sp., attacking croton in
St. Vincent is also recorded.
MISCELLANEOUS FUNGI. The following diseases are dealt
with on p. 190: fruit spot and die-back of the mango in
St. Vincent, probably due to Gloeosporiwm mangrferae; leaf
spot of Bengal beans, in Grenada, due to Cercospora sp; and
Guinea corn rust in Barbados, due to Puccenia purpurea,
with Darluca jfilum—another fungus—parasitic upon the
rust. On p. 222, is a note on white rust of sweet potatoes,
due to Cystopus Iponoeae-panduratae; while on p. 318
are observations on a species of Jew’s ear fungus, Hirneola
polytricha—a very common saprophyte on wood.
MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES, These comprise the following,
and contain matter of mycological or pathological interest:
The Secretion of Poisons by Fungi, p. 62, with special refer-
ence to the Botrytis stage of Sclerotinias, to the fungus
(Stereum purpureum) causing silver leaf of various fruit trees,
such as the plum and apple, in Europe, and to Colletotrichum
gloeosporioides, the wither tip fungus of citrus; The Bracket
Fungi, p. 270; Recent Work on Bordeax Mixture, p. 302,
a review of some results obtained by Barker and Girningham;
Wounds in Plants and Their Treatment, Part I, p. 334,
Part II, p. 350; and the Rotting of Timber and its Preven-
tion, p. 398.
Oil From Grape Seed.—An oil of somewhat similar
type to that of the olive may be obtained from the stones or
seeds of the grape. During the eighteenth century the manu-
facture of this oil was an industry of considerable importance
in many towns in France, especially at Albi (Department of
Tarn). The seeds contein from 15 to 20 per cent. of oil, the
manufacture of which, thanks to modern processes, has been
revived in Italy during the last two or three years. Grape-
seed oil is coming into use for soap-making, as well as for
lubricating and lighting purposes. It is estimated that from
two to three million of quintals of this seed could be supplied
annually by France alone, which, if separated from the skins
of the grapes, would produce from 300,000 to 450,000 quin-
tals (say 64 to 10 million gallons) of oil The value of the
residuum after wine-making would be considerably enhanced
as araw material for distillation. The brandy (eau-de-vie)
thus obtained would not only be of superior quality, but also
free from any disagreeable taste due to the essential oil of the
seed. (Journal of the Royal Society of Arts, November 17,
1911, p. 20.)
GUAYULE RUBBER.
Attention is given, in the India fubber World for
October 1, 1911, to the recently published work of F. E.
Lloyd, entitled Guayule, a Rubber Plant of the Chihuahuan
Desert, and the following is taken from the matters presented.
EARLY EXPORTS FROM MEXICO. Dr. Lloyd estimates that
the total export of Guayule rubber from Mexico during the
four fiscal years ending June 30, 1909, was 20,000 short
tons, of which 80 per cent. was taken by the United States.
yieLb. A further estimate is made of the weight of the
shrub that was required to produce the above amount of
rubber, and on a basis of a 7-per cent. yield, this must have
been 286,000 short tons. The return of rubber was higher,
however, in some cases, so that a re-estimate is made to the
effect that 225,000 short tons represents the quantity of the
plant disposed of, up to June 1909.
SUPPLY OF THE PLANT. It was estimated by Endlich that
the original quantity of Guayule shrub represented 375,000
short tons of rubber, the calculations being based on a yield
in virgin fields of one fifth of a ton per acre, from 1,880,000
acres—the supposed area occupied by the plant in Mexico.
A re-estimate by Dr. Lloyd places the original quantity at
500,000 tons of rubber; of this it appears that about four
fifths have been consumed so far.
cuLtivation. Up to the present time, field operations
have been mainly concerned with the harvesting of the plant
in the quickest way—most generally by pulling it up by hand.
It is easily understood that the best method is to cut the
plants, in order that they may be enabled to spring again.
It is recommended that, at the first cutting, only plants at
Jeast 16 inches in height should be taken. In five years these
will be replaced, under normal conditions, by a new crop of
plants over 16 inches in height, and these can then be har-
vested. It is considered that the maximum economic efti-
ciency of growth is reached at a height of between 12 and 16
inches. In the opinion of Dr. Lloyd, the ultimate solu-
tion of the raising of the shrub lies in its cultivation as
an ordinary crop. It has been established already that it
grows well under a system of irrigation in which proper
periods are included for the withholding of water.
RAISING SEEDLINGS. For this purpose the seeds are
planted in wooden trays partitioned into compartments by
paper receptacles, and the soil is watered from beneath.
When they are ready, the seedlings are placed out, still con-
tained in the receptacles in which they were grown. It has
been observed that germination takes place most readily,
and the seedlings grow best, during the summer months.
A method of transplantation that has been found to be
successful is to cut the plants back as far as the top of the
tap root, before placing them in the ground; in this case the
severed top is sent to the factory for the extraction of its
rubber.
PROSPECTS OF GUAYULE CULTIVATION. So far, the
facts which have been ascertained have not warranted the
making of cultural trials on anything but a small experi-
mental scale. It appears that successful cultivation is
mainly a matter of water-supply and the careful harvesting
of the plant.
Tt may be mentioned that an account of the extraction
of rulyber from the Guayule plant appeared in this volume of
the Agricultural News, on page 229. It may also be stated
that the work which forms the subject of the above informa-
tion is also reviewed in the Jndia-Rubher Journal for
September 16, 1911, p. 19.
416 THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS, DéceMBER 23, 1911.
Barbados,—Messrs. James A. Lyncu & Co., December 16;
1911; Messrs. T.S. GarRAway & Co., December 18,
1911; Messrs. Leacock & Co., December 8, 1911;
Messrs. E. THorne, Limited, December 5, 1911.
MARKET REPORTS.
London.—Tue West Inpia Commirree CrrcoLar,
November 21, 1911; Messrs. E. A. Dr Pass & Co.,
November 10, 1911.
ARRowRooT—3$d.
Batata—Sheet, 3/4 to 3/6; block, 2/1 per tb.
Bexrswax—No quotation.
Cacao—Trinidad, 61/6 to 70/- ‘per cwt.; Grenada, 57/-
to 61/6; Jamaica, 54/- to 58/6.
CorreE—Jamaica, 54/- to 59/- per ewt.
Uopra—West Indian, £26 17s. 6d. per ton.
Corron—Fully Fine, no quotations; Floridas, no quota-
tions; West Indian Sea Island, 13d. to 16d.
Fruit—No quotations.
Fustic—No quotations.
Gincer—48/- to 63/- per ewt.
IsincLass—No quotations.
Honey—No quotation.
Lime Juice—Raw, 1/ to 1/6; concentrated, £19 15s. to
£20; Otto of limes (hand pressed), 5/3.
Loc woop—No quotations.
Mace—Firm.
Nutmeas—Firm.
Pinento—Common, 24d.; fair, 2,;d.; good, 2éd.; per tb.
Russer—Para, fine hard, 4/3; fine soft, 3/11; Castilloa,
3/9 per tb,
Rum—Jamaica, 1/84 to 5/-.
Svuaar—Crystals, 19/- to 22/6; Muscovado, 15/- to 17/-;
Cacao—$12:00 to $13°00 per 100 th.
Corron Srep—$26-00 per ton.
Corton Seep O1r—50c. per wine gallon.
Cotton Seep Cake Mrat—$2+t-00 per ton, c.i.f., neigh-
bouring islands.
Hay—$1°5U to $1°80 per 100 tb.
Manures—Nitrate of soda, $65:00 ; Cacao manure, $42:00
to $4800; Sulphate of ammonia, $75-00 to $80-00
per ton.
Motasses—No quotations.
Ontons—$1°90 to $3°00 per 100 tb
Peas, Sprrt—$5°90 to $6°40 per bag of 210 lb.; Canada
$2°85 to $4°10 per bag of 120 Ib. ;
Potratoes—Nova Scotia, $3:00 to $3°50 per 160 th.
Rice—Ballam, $4°95 to $5°30 per 190 tb.; Patna, no
quotations; Rangoon, no quotations. | 7
Sucar—American granulated, $6°00 per 100 th.
British Guiana.—Messrs. Wrerinc & Ricater, December
9, 1911; Messrs. SanpBacn, ParKER & Co.,
December 8, 1911.
ARTICLES.
ARrRrowRroot—St. Vincent
& Ricuter.
$12°00 to $12°50
Messrs. WIETING
Messrs. Sanp-
BACH, PaRKER
Co.
$13-00 per 200 th.
Syrup, 16/6 to 18/3 per ewt.; Molasses, no quotations. per 200 ft.
———_ Bartata—Venezuelablock| No quotation Prohibited
g Demerara sheet 70c. tb. 7
New York.—Messrs, GitLespig Bros. & Co., December Qag Re Nauta lle ae Ib. lle. ne tb.
1, 1911, Cassava— 72c. No quotation
Cassava STarcH— No quotation
Cacao—Caracas, 13}c. to 13}c.; Grenada, 12}c. to 18c.;
Trinidad, 124c. to 134¢. per th.; Jamaica, 1]}c. to 12}c.
Cocoa-NuUTS—
$12 to $16 per M
$10 to $16 perM.,
Cocoa-nuts—Jamaica, select, $31:00 to $32:00; culls, peeled ‘and
no quotations; Trinidad, select, $3u-00 to $32-00; Gorrer—_Creol ~ PSHE
Aoi oe ’ —Creole l7c. per tb. 18 t
culls, $16°00 to $17-00 per M. ye bak ai ats : wie c.per fb.
OorreE—Jamaica, 15c. to 17c. per hb. Jamal and Rio a per tb. 20c.per fb.
Gincer—8}c. to 11}c. per tb. pce ge. per Ib. Ide. per Ib.
Goat Sxins—Jamaica, 53c.; Antigua and Barbados, 48c.
to 52c.; St. Thomas and St. Kitts, 46c. to 48c.
per tb Green Dhal $350 ae
Grave-Frvuit—Jamaica, $3°00 to $3°75. eae Yellow ee ———
ss—$3°D0. iesars
ae eh AScumneriih Onrons—Teneriffe = ees
Nurmecs—110's, 14. Madeira dhe. to 6e. 5c. to 6c.
Orances—Jamaica, $2-00 to $2°75 per box. Peas—Split $7 ue p38 mean gi ee
Vro—bee r th. : ca e ag (2 3
poe Bor tri Ee % O 1 Marseilles $3°25 Nov uvotati }
Vea Cena a » 5,4c. per lb.; Muscovados, PLANTAINS 20c. to 40c 4 lon
89°, (4,%e.3 olasses, 89°, 4,;c. per tb., all Twacwecen 8.4) e> OF eter
duty paid. 1 : ears: ’ Borarons--Nowaeaus $3:90 to $3-25 $3-50
Trinidad,—Messrs. Gorpon, Grant & Co., December 11,
DHaL—
Porators-Sweet, B’bados
Rice—Ballam
bag of 168 tb.
$168 per bag
No quotation
$3°60 to $3°75 per
$3°75 per bag of
168 tb.
No quotation
1911, Creole $500 $5-00 to $5-25
TANNIAS— $144 aa
Oacao—Venezuelan, $12 90 per fanega; Trinidad, $12:40 Yams—White $2°88 ay
to $12'75. Buck $3°12 —
Cocoa-nut O11—97c. per Imperial gallon, Suear—Dark crystals $3°30 to $3°35 $3 20 to $3°25
CorrEE—Venezuelan, 17c. per tb. Yellow $380 $3°75
Copra—$4°25 per 100 tb. White $475 to $500 =
Duar—$3°90 to $4°00. Molasses $3°10 to $325
Onions—$2°50 to $2°75 per 100 th. TimpeR—Greenheart 32c. to bdc. per | 32c. to 55c. per
Pras, Sprit—$6°50 to $6°75 per bag. cub. foot cub. foot
Porarors—English, $2°25 to $2°50 per 100 bb. Wallaba shingles} $3°75 to $6:00 | $4:00 to $6-00
Rick—Yellow, $4°75 to 4°80; White, $5°75 to $6:00 per M. per M.
per bag. : +, Cordwood) $1°80 to 32:00 No quotation.
Sucar—American crushed, no quotations. per ton
417
INDEX.
A.
Abaku seeds, 395.
Abyssinia, cotton in, 348.
Acclimatization of stock, 49.
Acetic acid, coagulation with, 279.
Acrocomia lasiospatha, seed available
from Grenada, 156.
Adamson, A.D.C., 217.
Adam’s needle, see Yucca aloifolia,
Administration, mycology in relation to, |
161.
Afghanistan, cotton in, 364.
Africa, cotton-growing in, 118.
Agricultural Conference, 1911, 15.
—, 1911, postponement of, 8, 72.
—, 1912, 216, 360, 376, 385, 392,
408.
Agricultural Congress, International, 44,
359,
Agricultural Credit Society, St. Vincent,
9.
Agricultural Department, Grenada, work
of, 39:
Agricultural departments, work of, 17.
— education, methods of, 209.
— effort, stimulation of, 97.
— examinations, 75, 232, 244.
—, questions in, 45,
—, results, 31.
—, review of papers, 29.
exhibition, Antigua, 5.
experiment stations, number of, 380.
experimentation in the Congo, 375.
journals, reduction in number, 88.
lectures in Antigua, 266.
matters, continuity in, 349.
— in British Guiana, 379.
— Dominica, 213.
research, centralization of, 104.
— in England, 341.
—, State aid for, 43.
School, St. Vincent, 27.
schools, examination of, 75, 244,
show, Montserrat, 5.
—, Pool Plantation, Barbados, 11.
—, St. Kitts, 5.
—, Virgin Islands, 11.
shows, accounts of, 107.
—, recommendations for, 404.
Society, St. Vincent, 15.
teaching in Trinidad, 252.
training in Antigua, 311.
work in Grenada, 381.
sriculture, advertisement in, 223.
and hygiene in St. Lucia, 297.
trade of Martinique, 1909, 104.
—, electricity in, 43.
— in Anguilla, 101.
Fe TST TTS {PTA T STO FSS hit Sie
production in Uganda, 1909-10, 215. |
Agriculture in Barbados, 1909-10, 159,
— British Honduras, 1909, 329.
India, 1910-11, 377.
Great Britain, 1911, 367.
Grenada Schools, 40.
—, 1910-11, 345.
Hawaii, 1908-9, 59.
|— — Jamaica, 1909-10, 255.
Southern Nigeria, 251.
the Argentine, 1910, 407.
— Bahamas, 365.
-— East Africa Protectorate, 361.
— Philippmme Islands, 319.
Trinidad, 1909-10, 181.
Trinidad Schools, 137.
—, tropical, training in, 163.
Alcohol for motive power, 249.
Alderman & Kerr, Messrs. J. F., 60.
Alfalfa crown gall and inoculation, 391.
Algeria, cotton-growing in, 70, 278,
Allard, If.A., 102.
Allpot, W.A.D., 184.
Amblyomma dissimile, 314.
— hirtum, 314.
— variegatum, gold tick, 314.
American chestnut, see Castanea dentata.
Andropogon muricatus, 188.
— pertusus, 101.
Anguilla, agriculture in, 101.
Animal Introduction Ordinance, Papua,
364.
Annatto seeds on the London Market,
383,
Annett, Professor, 60.
Annual Exhibition, Barbados, 1910, 11.
Anthrax, general occurrence of, 203.
— in St. Vincent, 172, 220, 236.
—, method of diagnosis, 60.
| Antigua Agricultural and Industrial Ex-
hibition, 1911, 5, 107.
—, agricultural lectures in, 266.
—, — training in, 3ll.
—, cocoa-nut cultivation in, 100.
—, flower-bud maggot in, 28.
--, plant distribution in, 28, 76, 172,
236, 268, 332, 380, 412.
—, probibition of plant importation, 12.
—, rainfall in, 1910, 265.
—, sugar-cane experiments in, 403.
Antigua Sugar Factory, 3.
Antinonnin, 364.
| Applied Chemistry, Eighth International
Congress, 268.
Apterite, experiments with, 389.
Arctium Lappa, 25.
Areca Catechu, 14.
— palm, Areca Catechu, disease of, 206.
— nut palm, see Areca Catechu.
Argas miniatus, fowl tick, 314.
Argemone mexicana, 92.
Argentine, agriculture in, 1910, 407.
}—, cotton in, 332.
Arrowroot on the London Market, 47,
79, 143,175, 239, 255, 319, 351.
Arrowroot Ordinance, St. Vincent, 9.
Arsenate of lead as an insecticide, 76.
Ashanti rubber, 284.
Asia, cotton-growing in, 118,
| Aspidosperma Quebracho, 407.
Asquith, the Rt., Hon. H. H., 194.
Auchinleck, G. G, 111, 363, 381, 393.
Avocado pear, 180, 356.
— in Dominica, 380.
-~, supply to United States, 223,
Azores, pine-apple exports from, 412.
Azotobacter and carbohydrates, 247.
— manures, 204.
—-, test for presence of, 335.
B.
Bacillus bulgaricus, 331,
— of Massol, Bacillus bulgaricus, 331.
Baco seeds, 395.
Bacteria and soil phosphates, 201.
— in the soil, work on, 249.
—, nitrifying, effect of calcium carbonate
on, 60.
1 — magnesium carbonate
on, 60.
—, nodule-forming, work with, 207.
Bacterial deterioration of sugars, 393,
Bahamas, agriculture in, 365.
—, Report of Board of Agriculture, 1910,
373.
—, sponge fisheries of, 127.
Balata exports from Dutch Guiana, 252,
— Venezuela, 188.
— in British Guiana, 185.
Ballou, H. A., 179, 203.
Balls, W. L., 102.
Bambarra ground nut, see
subterranea.
Banana exports from Jamaica, 76.
fibre, cloth from, 44.
Bananas as food for infants, 284,
—, demand in Europe, 52.
—, methods of transporting, 20.
—, Moko disease of, 254.
—, Panama disease of, 254.
3angkok, exhibition at, 44.
Barbados Annual Exhibition, 1910, 11.
—, area of cotton in, 172.
— cherry, see Malpighia glabra.
— cotton crop, 1909-10, 389.
Barbados Goat Society, 9, 137.
Pool Plantation Show, 11.
—, report on local Department of Agri-
culture, 1910-11, 389.
—, scale fungi in, 94.
— Science Department, regulations of,
412,
Voandzeia
418
Barbados, sugar and molasses exports
from, .08.
—, — crop, 1910, 389.
—, trade and agriculture of, 159.
Barnard, G., 60.
Barosma spp., 175.
Basic slag, lime in, 391.
Bay oil, scarcity of raw material, 407.
Beeswax from Uganda, 395.
Beet molasses, composition of, 211.
3engal bean, see Stizolobium aterrimum.
Ben oil seeds, 395.
Bennett, Hon. E. G., 60.
Beri-beri and rice, 344.
3ersim, see Trifolium alexandrinum.
Bird and Fish Protection in Grenada,
233.
Black scale parasite, Zalophothrix mirum,
10, 58, 202
Blackie’s Tropical Readers, Companion
to, 201.
Blastophaga grossorum, 266.
Bleekrodea tonkinensis, 299.
Boja Medelloa, see Tephrosia candida.
Bolivia, rubber production in, 300.
Bonus scheme, St. Vincent, stock im-
portations under, 44.
Bonuses for stock importation, St. Lucia,
41,
— otiered by the Imperial Department
of Agriculture, 155,
Books reviewed :—
A Manual of Phillippine Silk Culture,
Banks, 355.
Cacao, its Cultivation and Curing,
Hart, 261.
Cane sugar, Deerr, 117.
Nature Teaching, Watts, 152.
Notes on Soil and Plant Sanitation on
Cacao and Rubber Estates, Smith,
197.
The Physiology and Diseases of Hevea
Brasiliensis, Petch, 295.
Borassus flabellifer, 14.
Bordeaux mixture, 302.
Borneo camphor, see Dryobalanops Cam-
phora.
Borneo, rubber in, 252.
Boulenger, G.A., 346,
Bracket fungi, 270.
Brazil, cassava from, 201.
, coffee in, 348.
-, cotton-growing in, 86,
, exports from, 41.
—, molasses from, 108.
trade and agriculture of, 41.
Bread, etfect of baking on disease germs,
13.
British Cotton Growing Association, 54,
86, 102, 107, 150, 262, 358, 406.
— —-—and the Government
Grant, 219.
ae
182
report, 1910, 166.
special meeting of, 342.
3ritish Empire, cotton-growing in, 198.
British Guiana, agricultural matters in,
379.
British Guiana and the Canadian Exhibi- | C
tions, 1910, 69.
—, Canadian trade in, 37.
, gold and diamond industries,
351.
— Loan Banks Committee, 76.
—, nature teaching and hygiene in,
264.
—, Permanent
mittee, leaflets issued by, 92.
-—, rubber and balata in,
; — from, 31.
— , trade of, 281.
British Honduras, agriculture in, 1908,
329.
—, report on agriculture in, 373. .
British Imperial Council of Commerce,
296.
British India, agriculture in 1910- Tal
377.
British rubber companies in Sumatra,
268.
Broom corn, 170.
= 185.
105.
—, machinery for cleaning, 121.
Brussels Congress of Entomology, 58.
Buchu leaves, plants yielding, 175.
Bud mutation in citrus plants, 4.
Buildings on estates, construction of, 66.
Burdock, see Arctium Lappa.
Burkill, J. H., 405.
Burma, rice in, 188.
Butler, Dr. E. J., 14.
Butterfly, Basilarchia astyanax,
cotton, 103.
Butter-milk, 331.
visiting
C.
Cacao cultivation and shading in Trini-
dad, 148.
exports from the Gold Coast, 116.
— Trinidad, 44, 196.
fermentation, essay
industry in St. Vincent, 27.
production and consumption,
325.
—, relation between weight of seeds and |
pods, 212.
— shipments from Trinidad, - 204.
— spraying experiments in Grenada, |
308,
Cadet system, 311.
1910,
Caicium carbonate, effect on nitrifying,
bacteria, 60.
— cyanamide, action of water on, 254.
—, analysis of, 332.
— and nitrate of lime, 57, 168,
232, 328, 344.
— asa manure, 281, 297.
—, changes in the soil, 200.
— dicyandiamide, the analysis of, 332.
ixhibitions Com. |
-— industry in the United States, |
competition, 39. |
— —--—____________—~e
as plant food, 233.
| Calophyllum Calaba, 1.
/— Wightianum, 395.
'Calotropis spp., fibre of, 264, 303.
| Camellia Sasanqua, 396.
Camphor, artificial and natural, 187.
—- in German Hast Africa, 21.
| — trees, yields from different parts, 2},
56,
| Canada, grape-truit in, 52.
| Canadian exhibitions, Jamaica at, 87-
— — 1910; 69:
Canadian National Exhibition, 259, 287,
297.
j;— — —, 1911, 129, 178, 221.
Canadian reciprocity, Dominica and, 124.
|— trade in West Indies and British
Guiana, 37.
— — reciprocity
starches, 73.
FIN Ot auncent ls
Canary Islands, trade of, 299.
Canavalia ensiformis, 7.
Candelilla wax, 203, 236, 409.
Cane juice, filtering of, 259.
—, sucrose and potash in, 323.
Cane, shredded, sugar from, 67, 83, 303.
— trucks, device for unloading, 147.
Canella bark on the London market, 383.
Carbohydrates in the soil, effect of, 82.
Carbolineum, Avenarius, 124.
Carmody, Professor P., 542.
Caravonica cotton, 278.
Carthamus tinctorius, 348.
Casca pretiosa, see Ocotea pretiosa.
Cassava experiments in Surinam, 380.
from Brazil, 201.
Réunion, 276:
Cassia Fistula on the London. market
43; 239, 255%
| Castanea crenata, 114.
— dentata, 114.
= pumila. 114.
Castilloa plants, constitution of, 293.
—— rubber from Dominica, 31.
— St. Lucia, 31.
— — — Tobago, 31.
—- tapping experiments in Grenada, 393.
—, — of, 363.
| Castor cake as a manure, 348.
— oil seed from Rhodesia, 595.
— — — — Uganda, 303.
Cattle, inheritance of milk yield, 4135.
| --- tiek, Margaropus annulatus, 314.
a australis, 314.
Ceara rubber seed from Uganda, 395.
|-— —, tapping experiments in Uganda,
265, 316.
—, tapping of, 311.
Census of St. Vincent, 236.
Cephalosporium lecanii, shield
| fungus, 94, 415.
Ceylon, cinnamon in, 300.
—, cocoa-nut products in, 268.
—, cotton-growing in, 172.
—, exports of, 169.
|—, rice cultivation in, 185,
and St. Vincent
scale
419
Ceylon, rubber exports from, 44, 220, 268,
380.
—, school gardens in, 12. |
Chalk and nitrogen fixation, 217.
Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus, 74.
Chefoo, cotton industry of, 76.
Chestnut, American see Castanea dentata.
—, Japanese, see Castanea crenata.
Chick pea, see Cicer arietinum.
China, cotton and sugar in, 271.
—, implemental tillage in, 11.
—, ramie and silk in, 156.
Chinese tea seed oil, 396.
Chinquapin, see Castanea pumila.
Chlorocodon Whiteii, 285.
Chlorophyll formation and light, 220.
Chlorosis, supposed remedy for, 204.
Chosen (Korea), cotton crop of, 108.
Cicer arietinum, 277, 357.
Cinnamon in Ceylon, 300.
—, substitute for, 300.
Citrus essential oils, machinery for ex-
tracting, 156, 184.
— fruit-growing in Florida, 207.
— fruits, improvement of, 225
— plants, bud mutation of, 4.
— trees, die-back of, 33.
Clavel Aleman, see Cryptostegia gran-
diflora.
— d Espana, see Cryptostegia grandiflora.
Cloth from banana fibre, 44.
Coagulant for Ficus elastica latex, 124.
Coagulation with acetic acid, 279.
Cocaine production in Peru, 407.
Cochin China, rice in, 28.
— —, rubber-planting in, 25.
Cocoa, Nutmegs and Cotton Ordinance,
Grenada, 1911, 188.
Cocoa-nut bud rot in Jamaica, 60.
— cultivation in Antigua, 100.
— growing in the Virgin Islands, 356.
— meal for horses, 169.
— oil, value of, 395.
-- products in Ceylon, 268.
Cocoa-nuts in Dominica, freedom from
disease, 172.
Coco-de-mer, see Lodoicea_ sechellarum.
Coffea arabica, abortion of flowers, 59.
— robusta in Para rubber cultivation, |
132.
— —, conditions for, and cultivation,
132.
Coffee crop of Mexico, 124.
— growing in India, 204.
— in Brazil, 348.
— — Jamaica, 347.
—, Mocha, production of, 244.
Coffees, resistant, 68
Cold storage plant, 172.
Colonial Fruit Show, 20.
Concrete, uses for, 353.
Congo, agricultural experimentation in, |
375.
—, rubber in, 341.
—, salt production in, 344.
| — breeding, tests of methods,
_-—, seed selection,
Congress of Entomology, Brussels, 58.
Cook, O.F., 102.
Copra, seis of, 395.
Corn, Argentine, 85.
207.
—, ear characters and yield, 57.
— pollination, new method, 340.
57.
Corrosive sublimate poisoning, treatment
for, 361.
Cotton, a new Egyptian, 150.
‘Cotton’, absorbent, from marine plants,
121.
Cotton, area in Barbados, 172.
—, — — Egypt, 118,
|— at the Imperial Institute, 1910, 374.
—, Caravonica, 278.
Cotton, Colonel R. S., 107.
| Cotton crop, Barbados, 1909-10, 389.
— in various countries, 390.
— of Chosen, 108.
— cultivation in the Transvaal, 345.
Cotton Disease Prevention Ordinance,
St. Vincent, 1911, 252.
—, Egyptian, contamination in, 310.
—, —, new types of, 151.
exports from Montserrat, 108, 140.
— Peru, 60.
— the Sudan, 300.
goods produced in Great Britain, 191.
growing by peasants, St. Lucia, 23.
— in Algeria, 70.
— — Asia, Africa
America, 118.
— — Brazil, 86, 182.
British Empire, 198.
Ceylon, 172.
Nevis, 268.
Nyasaland, 326.
Peru, 230.
Russia, 188.
South Carolina, 108.
Syria, 396.
Western United States,
Turkey, 380.
season, 1911-12, 214.
imports into the United Kingdom,
92, 284.
in Abyssinia, 348.
Afghanstan, 564.
Algeria, 278.
Argentina,
China, 271.
Cyprus, 199.
Eastern Bengal and Assam, 92,
and South
230.
8
332.
Egypt, 236.
German Kast Africa, 364.
India, 1910-11, 268.
Lagos, 86, 300.
Montserrat, 12.
Northern Nigeria, 86.
Nyasaland, 86.
Rhodesia, 87.
San Domingo, 412.
Texas, 300.
the Sudan, 263.
the Virgin Islands, 198.
Turkey, 316.
Uganda, 87.
— industry in St. Vincent, 27.
Cotton industry of Chefoo, 76.
, insects visiting, 103.
lint, wax of, 405.
—, machine for picking, 89.
manufacture in India, 70.
market and cotton-planting, 134.
—, natural crossing in, 102.
—, old, destruction in St. Croix, 268.
— planting for 1911-12, 134.
—- — in Greece, 284.
— — — South Africa, 380.
—, — of, 214.
production in Turkestan, 28.
purchase scheme, St. Vincent, 375.
purchases in the Virgin Islands, 92.
raw, supply of, 102.
Sakellarides, 150, 343.
Sea Island in Hawaii, 246.
— Honduras, 316.
— Mauritius, 287.
— United States, 262.
selection by boll characters, 22.
— seed characters, 22.
—, method for, 6, 22
—, progeny rows in, 23.
— throughout the season, 6, 22.
spinning statistics, 390.
, Staple for India, 231.
stocks of the world, 182.
trials in India, 294.
, uses for, 246.
—, Virgin Islands, quality of, 1910-11,
28.
—, yields of, in St. Kitts, 76, 220.
Cotton-seed bread, composition of, 38.
— flour, composition of, 38.
— meal as human food, 38.
==" Olan.
Cowitch, see Stizolobium pruriens.
Cows, effect of feeding with soy bean, 44.
Crops, supply of sulphur to, 241.
Crossing, natural in cotton, 102.
Crotalaria juncea, 348,
== ule
— verrucosa, 7.
Croton seeds, value of, 395.
Crotophaga ani, tick bird, 106.
Cryptostegia grandiflora, 315,
—madagascariensis, 315.
Cuba, sugar in, 1910, 28, 275
Cuban sugar crop, 396,
— tobacco crop, 395.
Cultivating machinery, 60.
Cultivation near roads, Dominica, 12.
Cuscuta, method of destroying, 396.
Cyamopsis psoraloides, 277, 293
Cymbopogon citratus, 405.
— coloratus, 405.
— flexuosus, 405.
— pendulus, 405,
Cyprus, cotton in, 199.
D.
Darluca filum, 415,
Date palm, 292.
|Decorticating machine, 60.
Deerr, Noél, 28.
Demerara seedling canes in Louisiana,
380.
— 1135 in New South Wales, 323.
Department. News, 21, 42. 55, 87, 101,
aoe 146, 165, 179, 203, 210, -226,
270, 291, 322, 351, 354, 381, 413.
Deparenertal Reports, 27, 55, 347, 373,
389, 411.
Departments of Agriculture, and Com-
merce, 17.
Depollination of flowers, 148.
Dermacentor nitens, 314.
Dern, W. F., 95.
Desiccation, new method of, 195.
Davenport, T. J. W. C., 184.
Devil’s grass, prevention from spreading,
188.
Dhaincha, see Sesbania aculeata.
Dhurrir in Guinea corn and millet, 123
Disease germs in baked bread, 13.
Disinfection of imported plants, 58.
Distribution of plants in Antigua, 28,
76, 172, 236, 268, .332, 380, 412
- Dominica, 44, 76, 236,
~ 316, 364, 412.
Montserrat, 92.
Nevis, 76
St. Kitts, 44.
St. Lucia, eee
- St. Vincent,
115.
Rhipicephalus
Doby, DG G,
Dog tick,
314.
Dominica, abnormal rainfall in, 73.
-, agricultural matters in, 213.
—, — training in, 248,
— and Canadian reciprocity, 124.
— Exhibition of Royal Horticul-
tural Society, 12. :
— the Festival of Empire Exhibi-
tion, 196.
— — International Rubber Exhi-
bition, 231.
—, avocado pear in, 380.
—, Castilloa rubber from, 31.
, cultivation near roads, 12
—, demand. for lime plants in, 172
—, exports from, 364.
—, freedom from cocoa-nut diseases in,
172
—, fungi parasitic on scale insects,
—, green dressing trials in, 277.
—, mangosteen in, 68.
—, Para rubber from, 31.
—, plant distribution in, 44,
316, 364, 412.
—, Prize-holdings Competition in, 151.
—, prohibition of plant importation, 12.
—, rainfall of, 137.
—, rbber-planting in, 380.
—, trials with green dressings, 7
Downham, J. & Co., 60.
Drainage of soil, 109.
Drugs and Spices on the London market,
15, 47, 79, 95, 143, 175, 239, 255,
287, 319, 351.
Dry farming in India, 163.
sanguineus,
213.
76, 236,
Dryobalanops Camphora, itp 0
Ducks, Indian Runner, 12
Dudgeon, D.C., 150.
Dum palm nuts, 316.
Dunlop, W. R., 223.
Dunstan, Professor Wyndham, 124.
Dutch Guiana, balata exports from, 252.
E.
Fast Africa, grape fruit from, 212.
East African Protectorate, agriculture
in, 361.
Eastern Bengal and Assam, cotton in,
92, 348.
, Yice crop in,
76.
- -, sugar crop,
1911-12, 375.
Ecanda rubber, see Raphionacme utilis.
Economic entomology and health admin-
istration, 145.
; courses in,
Editorials :—
Acclimatization of stock in the tropies,
49.
Agricultural Conference, 1912, 385.
170.
Assimilation of nitrogen by rice, 369.
Canadian National Exhibition, 1911,
129.
Definite purpose in agricultural work,
337
Degrees of virulence of fungus attacks,
113.
Economic entomology and health ad-
ministration, 145.
Effect of soils in the distribution of
plants, 193.
Health of plants as related to insects,
289.
Improvement of citrus fruits, 225.
International Agricultural Institute,
257.
Light and the growth of trees, 273.
Methods of agricultural education, 209.
Mycology in relation to administration,
161.
Period of maturity of the sugar-cane,
Wiis
Plants and heavy manuring, 33.
Practice of economy on estates, 65.
St. Vincent Land Settlement Scheme,
305.
Some relationships of departments of
agriculture to commerce, 17.
Special uses for concrete in warm cli-
mates, 353,
Spirit of agricultural investigation,
321.
Stimulation of agricultural effort, 97.
Substitution of bases in plant nutri-
tion, 401.
Supply of sulphur to cultivated crops,
241.
Use of wind-breaks, 1
Value of humus, 81.
Education, agricultural, methods of, 209.
Eel worms, trap crops f. +, 220,
Eel worms, detection of, 58.
Egypt, cotton area in, 118,
—, sugar-cane in, 339.
236.
}eyptian cotton, a new, 150, 343.
=, contamination in, 510.
—, new types of, 151.
Elaeis guineensis, panienee of, 135.
Electricity in agriculture, 43.
England, agricultural research in, 341.
—, school gardening in, 188.
English elementary schools, hygiene in,
120.
Entomogenous fungi, 190
Entomological Research Committee, 90,
146.
Entomology, articles on, 42.
Entomology in Southern Nigeria, 218.
Eriophyes gossypii, cotton leaf-blister
mite, 42.
Eucalyptus oils, use for, 252.
— trees, conditions for, 327.
Euchlaena mexicana, crossed with maize,
268.
Eugenia Jambolana, 94.
—- Jambos, 94.
Euonymus japonica, disease of, 332.
Euphorbia Tirucalli, rubber from, 300.
Europe, demand for bananas in, 52.
—, sugar production in, 76.
Examinations of agricultural schools, 75,
244.
Excretion from leaves, 377.
== —. TOOLS Ie
Exhibition, Antigua, Agricultural and
Industrial, 5, 107.
; Canadian National, 1911,
221.
—, Coronation, and St. Lucia, 217.
—, Festival of Empire, 156, 185, 196.
—, International Rubber, 44, 123, 140,
156, 171, 231, 267, 379, 412.
—, Japan British, 12.
— of Agriculture and Commerce, Bang-
kok, 44.
—, Winnipeg, in 1911, 108.
Exhibitions, Canadian, 1910, 69.
Exhibits, preparation and packing of,
130.
Export Duty Ordinance, St.
1911, 188.
Exports from Dominica, 364.
— from Fiji, 1909, 63.
F.
129, 178,
Vincent,
Fauchére, A., 212.
Fawcett, W., 92, 137.
Federated Malay States,
agriculture in, 411.
—, rubber exports from,
Fermented milk, 331.
Fernald, H. T, 378.
Festival of Empire Exhibition, 156, 185,
196.
Fibre-cleaning machine, 60.
— of Calotropis, 264, 303.
— plant, new, 285.
— sisal, cleaning of, 283.
report on
140.
4s
Ficus elastica latex, coagulation of,
309.
Field experiments, value of, 231.
Fiji, export trade of, 1909, 63.
—, ground nuts from, 395.
—, trade of 1910, 397.
Fish, mosquito-destroying, 346.
— protection in St. Lucia, 252.
Fishlock, W.C , 356.
Flax industry of St. Helena, 252.
Flora of Jamaica, 92, 137
Florida velvet bean, see
deeringianum.
Flowers, depollination of, 148.
— of Coffea arabica, abortion of, 59.
Forest products from Hawaii, 12.
— resources, facts concerning, 119.
Forestry in Hawaii, 298.
— Southern Nigeria, 135.
—, use of manures in, 229.
Formosa, rubber-planting in, 357.
Fowl tick, Argas miniatus, 314.
— ticks, to destroy, 63.
French West Africa, exports from, 300
Froghopper fungus, Metarrhizium ani-
sophiae, 62.
Fruit, development of,
leaves, 296,
— growing in Queensland, 317.
— imports, Manchester, 68.
Frost, Henry W. & Co., 6,2 22, 38, 54, 70,
124,
Stizolobium
influenced by
86, 102, 118, 134, 150, 166, 182, 198
214, 230, 246, 262, 278, 294, 310,
326, 342, 358, 374, Poo ane
Fungi, entomogenous, 190.
Fungicide, a new, 140.
Fungus attacks, degrees of virulence, 1135,
Fungus Notes :—
arrowroot diseases, 174.
black rot of Natal citrus fruits, 318.
bracket fungi, 270.
bud rot disease of palms in India, 30.
in Cuba, 350,
die-back fungus of Para rubber and of
cacao, 286.
disease of the areca palm, 206.
diseases of pine-apples, 142, 158.
fungus causing pine-apple disease,
126.
green muscardine fungus of
hoppers, 62.
miscellaneous fungi found recently,
190.
miscellaneous points of interest,
recent work on Bordeaux mixture, 302.
recent work with fungus parasites of
scale insects, 94.
root diseases in the West Indies, 366,
382.
rotting of timber and its prevention,
398.
secretion of poisons by fungi, 62.
sereh disease of the sugar-cane, 238.
some diseases common to rubber and
cacao trees, 78.
some diseases of the banana, 110.
summary of information given during
the year, 414.
frog-
9299
a44.
| Germination,
Fungus Notes (Continued):—
two banana diseases of the West)
Indies, 254.
two diseases of citrus trees in Florida,
46.
334, 350.
Fungus parasites of scale insects, 94.
Funtumia elastica, 341. ;
—, power to regenerate, 155.
—, tapping experiments with, 364.
—, tapping of, 135.
G.
Galba, sce Calophyllum Calaba.
Galvanit, 140,
Geerligs, H. C. Prinsen, 83, 109, 323.
German Hast Africa, camphor in, 21.
—, cotton in, 364.
—, rubber in, 248.
formation of prussic acid
during, 249, 393.
—, influence of volatile substances on,
263.
— of Hevea seeds,
363.
|Ginger on the London market, ap 44, |
IS
287
795,95, 143, 175, 239, 255, 319,
351.
Girouard, Sir Perey, 102.
Gliricidia maculata, 1.
Glycerine, apparatus for sampling, 235.
Goat Society, Barbados, 9, 137,
Goats, Toggenburg, 53.
Gold and diamond industries in British
Guiana, 357.
Gold Coast, cacao exports from, 116,
—, trade of, 1910, 593.
Gold tick, Amblyomma variegatum, 314.
Gough, Dr. L. H., 154.
Government grant, and the British Cot-
ton Growing Association, 215,
Gowdey, C. C, 346.
Grafting, new means of, 201.
Graham, Dr. W. B., 346.
Grains, malting power when heated, 188.
Grant, Hon. H. E. W., 107.
Grape fruit from East Africa, 212.
— in Canada, 52.
—, packing of, 213.
Grape seed oil, 415.
Great Britain, agriculture in, 1911, 367.
—, cotton goods produced in, 191.
Greece, cotton-planting in, 284.
Green dressings, trials with, 7, 277,
— manure, a new, 91.
—, Tephrosia purpurea as, 75.
-—— manuring, value of different crops
for, 367.
Green muscardine fungus of froghoppers,
Metarrhizium anisopliae, 62, 415.
Greig, Major, E.D.W., 345.
Grenada Agricultural Department, work
of, 39.
— Agricultural Products
293.
Protection
Ordinance, 1911, 268.
—, agricultural work in, 381.
wounds in plants and their treatment, |
Grenada, agriculture in, 1910- 11, 345,
, bird and fish protection in, 233. —
—, cacao-spraying experiments in, 308.
, Cocoa, Nutmegs and Cotton Ordin-
ance, 1911, 188.
—, Home Industries Association,
-, Land Settlement Scheme in,
329,
—, population of, 351.
—, prohibition of plant importation, 12.
|—, report on Botanic Station, etc., 55.
|—-, rubber-planting in, 28.
— schools, agriculture in, 40.
—, hygiene in, 25, 40.
—. practical agriculture in,
—, scale fungi in, 94.
|—, tapping experiments with Castilloa,
| 393: -
220,
217,
25)
Ground nut meal for horses, 169.
Ground nuts from Fiji, 395.
—, machinery for threshing, 41.
—-, method of harvesting, 300.
;/— —, oil in, 316.
Gru-gru palm, see Acrocomia lasiospatha.
Guadeloupe, Experimental Garden in,
235.
—, sugar in, 259,
Guayule plant, see Parthenium
tatum.
-— rubber, 229, 415.
| Guizotia oleifera, 395.
|
|
|
|
argen-
H.
Hall, Professor A.D., 193, 367.
Haplochilus grahami, 346.
Harrison, Professor J. B., 185, 379.
Fantydee ele Olea fie
Hawaii, agriculture in, 59.
—, forest products exports, 12.
Hayti, economic conditions in, 269.
Health administration and economic en-
tomology, 145.
Hemp in the Philippines, 215, 268.
Herbarium specimens, preservation of,
136.
Hevea brasiliensis, 341, 379.
— confusa, 379.
— culture in Malaya, 76.
— seeds, germination of, 111, 363.
Hibiscus Sabdariffa, 372.
Hirneola polytricha, 318, 415.
Holland, importation of molasses, 115.
Honduras, rubber in, 361.
—, Sea Island cotton in, 316.
Honey bee, visiting cotton, 103.
Honey production in South Australia,
108,
Horse bean, see Canavalia ensiformis.
Horses, cocoa-nut and ground nut meals
for, 169.
—, shoeing of, 271.
Howard, A., 180.
Howell, A. G., 21, 55.
Humus, value of, 81.
Hyalomma aegyptium, 314.
— longirostre, 314.
422
Hydrocyanic acid, see prussic acid.
Hygiene in English elementary schools,
120.
— — Grenada schools, 25, 40.
— — Trinidad schools, 137,
— teaching in British Guiana, 264.
—, teachers and, Trinidad, 252.
Hyphaene thebaica, 316.
Hypochrella oxyspora, mango shield scale
fungus, 190, 415.
i
Imperial Department of Agriculture,
and West Indian prosperity, 194.
, bonuses offered by, 155.
—, continuance of work, 8.
— in the West Indies, 71.
—, publications of, 56, 120,
152, 216, 312, 392.
Imperial Institute, cotton at, 374.
— —, oils and oil seeds at, 395.
Implemental tillage in China, 11.
— — in St. Vincent, 27.
Importation of Plants Ordinance, Ugan-
da, 1911, 92.
India and long stapled cotton, 231.
— — the world’s cotton supply, 343.
—, coffee-growing in, 204.
—, cotton in, 1910-11, 268.
— dry farming in, 163.
—-, — manufacture in, 70.
—, — trials in, 294.
—, potato meal in, 47.
—, rubber imports into, 396.
—, trade of 1909-10, 24.
Indian runner ducks, 127.
Indo-China, rubber in, 348.
Inga laurina, 1.
Inoculation and seed sterilization, 371.
— experiments with leguminous plants,
408
Insect Notes:—
cecidomyiid on mango leaves, 10.
control of insect pests, 122
control of the Argentine ant, 346.
cotton stainer in Trinidad, 394.
disease of grass-hoppers, 410.
economic entomology at the Imperial
College of Science and Technology,
170
Entomological
90.
entomology i in Southern Nigeria, 218
experiments with cotton stainers, 138.
experiments with the moth borer, 170.
pe ad of the sugar-cane, 154,
34
green scale, 106,
house-fly and man, 330.
information concerning ticks, 314.
insect injuries to ground nuts, 362.
insect, new to the West Indies, 298.
insect pest of cacao in Uganda, 26.
insect pollination of an aroid plant,
234.
Research Committee,
Insect Pests (Continued): —
locomotion of young scale insects, 330.
mango weevil, 282.
mango weevil of India, 58.
mole cricket in Trinidad, 106.
mosquito-destroying fish, 346.
moth borer of the sugarcane as a)
pest of Indian corn, 74.
new sugar-cane pest in
314.
note on cacao pests, 138.
notes on the cotton worm, 378.
palm pests attacking sugar-cane, 122.
parasitism of the black scale, 202.
Peripatus, 186.
pest laws in Porto Rico, 362.
pollination of the Smyrna fig, 266.
pollination of Yucca flowers, 250.
Mauritius, |
root borer of the sugar-cane, 218.
some useful insecticides, 378.
sugar-cane borers in British Guiana,
154,
summary of entomological informa-
tion in the Agricultural News and
West Indian Bulletin, in 1910,
2, 58.
to increase the numbers of the black
scale parasite, 10.
Insect Pests :—
Alabama argillacea, cotton worm, 378.
Aleyrodes citri, citrus white fly, 26.
Aleyrodicus cocois, cocoa-nut white fly,
138
Anisoplia austriaca, wheat cockchafer,
62.
Argentine ant, Iridomyrmex humilis,
346.
Aspidiotus destructor, Bourbon scale,
138.
— — on cocoa-nuts, 100.
Asynapta mangiferae, mango twig
maggot, 10.
Bartocera rubus, 298.
Black scale, Saissetia nigra, 10, 202.
— -—, — soleaev330s
Bourbon scale, Aspidiotus destructor,
138.
Brassolis sophorae, cocoa-nut butterfly,
138.
Cacao bark sapper, Sahlbergella theo-
broma, 90.
— pests in Uganda, 26.
Cadelle, Tenebroides
362.
Calandra spp., grain weevil, 218.
California peach borer, Sanninoidea
opalescens, 378.
Carpophilus humeralis, 142.
Castnia daedalus, 122, 138.
— licus, larger or giant moth borer,
138, 154.
Cecidomyiid on mango, 10.
Ceratitis capitata, Mediterranean fruit
fly, 26.
— punctata,
fly, 26.
Chalcodermus aeneus.
lio, 58.
mauretanicus,
Uganda cacao fruit
cowpea curecu-
Insect Pests (Continued) :.—
Chrysomphalus aurantii, red or orange
scale, 330.
Citrus white fly, Aleyrodes citri, 26.
Cleonus punctiventris, sugar-beet
weevil, 62.
Coccus viridus, green scale, 106.
Cocoa-nut butterfly, Brassolis sopho-
rae, 138.
— white fly, Aleyrodicus cocois, 138.
Coffee stem borer, Xyleborus coffeae,
i338},
Contarinia gossypii, flower-bud mag-
got, 28, 42.
Corn ear worm, Laphygma frugiperda,
74.
Cotton-eating beetle, Hopatrinus gem-
ellatus, 42.
—- stainer, Dysdercus howardi, 394.
— stainers, experiments with, 138.
-— worm, Alabama argillacea, 378.
Cowpea curculio, Chaleodermus aeneus,
58.
Cryptorhynchus mangiferae,
weevil, 58, 282.
Cylas formicarius, sweet potato weevil,
58.
Diaprepes abbreviatus, sugar-cane root
borer, 12, 42, 218.
Diatraea saccharalis,
170.
— spp., 154.
Diptera and disease, 145.
Drosophila ampelophila, 142.
Dysdercus howardi, cotton
394.
Ephestia cautella, fig moth, 362.
— kuehniella, Mediterranean flour
moth, 362.
Fig moth, Ephestia cautella, 362.
Flower-bud maggot, Contarinia gossy-
pii, 28, 42.
Froghopper, Tomaspis postica, 42.
—, Tomaspis varia, 154, 394.
Giant moth borer, Castnia licus, 154.
Grain weevil, Calandra spp., 218.
Grasshopper, Schistocerca pallens, 410
Green scale, Coceus viridis, 106.
Gryllotalpa hexadactyla, mole cricket,
106.
Helopeltis
blight, 90
Hopatrinus gemellatus,
beetle, 42.
House-fly, Musca domestica, 330.
Hyperchiria sp., 138.
Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunc-
tella, 362.
Iridomyrmex humilis,
346.
Laphygma frugiperda, corn ear worm,
74
mango
moth borer, 74,
stainer,
theivora, tea mosquito
cotton-eating
Argentine ant,
Larger corn stalk borer, Diatraea
saccharalis, 74
— moth borer, Castnia licus, 138.
Lepidosaphes beckii, purple scale, 330.
Maize, pests of, in ‘Southern Nigeria,
218.
423
Insect Pests (Continued) :— Insect Pests (Continued) :— Japan, sugar importation, 24,
Mango cecidomyiid, 10. — root-borer, Diaprepes abbreviatus, | Japanese chestnut, see Castanea crenata.
— twig maggot, Asynapta mangiferae, 12, 42, 218. Java plum, see Eugenia Jambolana.
10. Sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius, |-—, sugar exports from, 252.
— weevil, Cryptorhynchus mangi- 58. —-, — growing in, 396.
ferae, 58, 282. Tea mosquito blight, Helopeltis thei-|-, — production in, 316.
Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia vora, 90. —, tenure of estates in, 73,
kuehniella, 362. Tenebroides mauretanicus, Cadelle, | Jemmett, C. W., 218.
— fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, 26. 362. Jerusalem. pea, see Phaseolus trinervis.
Mexican orange worm, Trypeta Iudens,| Tomaspis postica, froghopper, 42. Jippi jappa hats in Jamaica, 153.
26. — varia, froghopper, 154, 3594. Joint-ill or navel-ill, 219.
Mole crickets, 106. Tribolium navale, rust-red flower | Jones, J., 68, 372.
Moth borer, control of, 74. beetle, 362. Jones, Sir Alfred, 97.
— —, species of, 154. Trypeta ludens, Mexican orange worm,
— -—, Diatraea saccharalis, 74, 170. 26.
Musca domestica, house-fly, 330. Trypetidae, West African fruit flies, K
Orange girdler weevil, Praepodes vit- 90.
tatus, 58. Uganda cacao fruit fly, Ceratitis punc- Kapok. 264, 308
Oryctes sp., rhinoceros beetle, 409. tata, 26. Kapok, 264, 308.
Kefir, 331.
1 OR pa : ; wet :
Sale ae palm as ey Drosophila ampelophila Kew Gardena! woreiecrost
Plodia interpunctella, Indian meal} Weevil borer, Sphenophorus sericeus, ee grass, sce Andropogon murica;
moth, 362. 42, ?
Kola nuts, alkaloids in, 85,
Sia a aaa orange girdler bss African fruit flies, Trypetidae, | — Bis varieticn ome’
Pseudococcus bromeliae, 142. Wheat cockchafer, Anisoplia austriaca, oS. re eee oe Seen 3 fae 79,
Purple scale, Lepidosaphes beckii, 62. eet ana CST Beh
Korea, see Chosen.
330, Xyleborus coffeae, coffee stem borer, ‘Kottes’. 206
Red or orange scale, Chrysomphalus 133. . ieee 331.
aurantii, 330. Xyphidium varipenne, 142. UES I:
Rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes sp., 409. Yellow fever mosquito, Stegomyia
— —, Strategus anachoreta, 138. fasciata, 90.
Rhynchophorus palmarum, — palm/| Insecticides, 58, 378. L.
weevil, 122, 138. Insect pests, control of, 122.
Rust-red flower beetle, Tribolium | — pollination, cases of, 234, 250, 266.) Labels, preservation of, 43.
navale, 262. Insects and fungi, losses from, 156. Lady-birds, 58.
Sahlbergella singularis, 90. — and plants, 289. Lagos, cotton in, 86, 300.
— theobroma, cacao bark sapper, 90.|— visiting cotton, 103. Land Settlement Scheme, Grenada, 217,
Saissetia hemisphaerica, 10. Institute of International Commerce, 152.| 329.
— nigra, black scale, 10, 202. International Agricultural Congress,|— — —, St. Vincent, 27, 305.
— oleae, black scale, 10, 330. 1911, 44, 359. Landolphia parviflora, 389.
Scapteriscus didactylus, mole cricket, | — — Institute, 257. Lanius pitanga, quest ce qu'il dit, 106
106. — Rubber and Allied Trades Exhibition, | Latex flow and nitrate of soda, 265.
— variegatus, mole cricket, 106. 44, 123, 140, 171, 231, 267, 379,|—, use in plants, 348.
Sanninoidea opalescens, California} 412. Laurier neéfle, see Ocotea pretiosa.
peach borer, 378. | Italy, prices of lime products in 1911-12, | Leaf-blister mite of cotton, 42.
Saw-toothed grain beetle, Silvanus 412, Leaves, excretion from, 377.
surinamensis, 362. —, influence on development of fruit
Scale insects, locomotion of, 330. J. 296.
Schistocerca pallens, grasshopper, 410. —, production of prussie acid in, 265.
Screw worm, 58. Jack Spaniard, Polistes annularis, 58. Lee, J. H., 185, 188.
Silvanus surinamensis, saw-toothed | Jackson, J. R., 15, 47, 79, 95, 143, 175, | Leeward Islands, onion industry of, 316
grain beetle, 362. 239, 255, 287, 319, 351, 383. Leguminous plants, inoculation trials
Smaller moth borer, identity of, 154.) Jackson, T., 191. with, 408.
Sphenophorus obscurus, sugar-cane | Jamaica, agriculture in, 255. Lemon grass oils, 405.
borer, 58. and the Canadian exhibitions, 87. Lewton-Brain, L., 411.
— sericeus, weevil borer, 42. —, coffee in, 347. Light and chlorophyll formation, 220,
Stegomyia fasciata, yellow fever mos-|}—, exports of bananas from, 76. —, effect on growth of fruits and seeds,
quito, 90. —, flora of, 92, 137. Dill.
Strategus anachoreta, rhinoceros bee-|—, jippi-jappa hats in, 153. Lime and magnesia in soils, 328.
tle, 138. -~, packages for importing flour, 92. — — nitrification in wet soils, 329,
Sugar-beet weevil, Cleonus punctiven-|—, prizes for school gardens in, 348. | Lime cultivation in Martinique, 196.
tris, 62. —, Report on Agricultural Department,|— —-, notes on, 58.
Sugar-cane borer, Sphenophorus ob-| 347. Lime in basie slag, 591.
scurus, 58. —, rubber in, 347. Lime industry in Martinique, 284.
— froghopper, Tomaspis varia, 154,|—, sugar in, 347. Lime, influence on soil bacteria, 172.
394. James, Sir Evan, 180. Lime juice, concentrated, in calico-print-
— pest, new in Mauritius, 314. Japan British Exhibition, 12. | ing, 229:
424
Lime juice investigation, 340.
—, machinery for separating, 372.
— onthe London market, 15, 47,
79, 95; 143,175, 239, 255, 287, 319,
351.
Lime oil on the London market, 15, 47
79, 95, 175, 239, 383.
— plants, demand.in Dominica, 172.
— products, prices in Italy, 1911-12,
412.
Lime-magnesia, ratio, effect on nitrifying
bacteria, 60.
Limes from St. Lucia, 292.
Linseed cake, hydrocyanic acid in, 121.
Litchi in Dominica, 325.
—, propagation of, 165.
Loan banks for British Guiana, 76.
Lock, Dr: RH; 185:
Lodge, Sir Oliver, 43.
Lodoicea sechellarum, 324.
Lombiro rubber, 315.
Lonchocarpus violaceus, 1.
London purple-poisoning, treatment for, |
361.
’
Loofahs, preparation of, 84.
Luffa acutangula, 84.
— aegyptiaca, 84.
Lyon bean, see Stizolobium niveum.
M.
Macara, Sir Charles, 343.
Mace on the London market, 15, 47, 79,
95, 143, 239,'255, 287, 319, 351, 383.
Machine for felling trees, 105.
— Manila hemp, 124.
— picking cotton, 89.
Machinery for cleaning broom corn, 121.
— extracting citrus essential oils,
156, 184.
— threshing ground nuts, 41.
Machines for gathering stones, 72.
— rubber créping and sheeting, 108,
188.
McKinlay & Co., Messrs., 60.
McMullen, G. W., 83.
McMullen process, 67, 83, 195, 303.
Macrostola lutea and pollination, 234.
Madeira sugar crop, 1910, 284.
eee shade tree, see Gliricidia macu-
ata.
Magnesia and lime in soils, 328.
Magnesium carbonate, effect on nitrify-
ing bacteria, 60.
Maize, exports from South Africa, 108.
—, manufacture of sugar from, 115.
Malay States, rubber exports from, 236.
Malaya, Hevea culture in, 76.
Malpighia glabra, 94.
Malting power of heated grains, 188.
Manchester fruit market, 68.
Manchuria, Sesamum exports from, 92.
—, soy bean in, 12.
Manchurian soy bean trade, and plague,
213.
Manganese, action on the soil, 51.
— soils and pine-apple growing, 276.
Molasses from Brazil, 108,
— imports into Holland, 115.
—, influence on soil fertility, 179.
Montserrat Agricultural Show, 5.
—, report on Botanic Station, etc., 411.
Mango, the Pairi, 116. —, distribution of plants in, 92.
Mangoes, good varieties of, 180. ---, cotton exports from, 108, 140,
—, new, for the West Indies, 180. —, — in, 12.
Mangosteen in Dominica, 68. —, plants newly introduced into, 411.
—, inarching of, 164. Moore, J. C., 60, 217, 245, 324, 388,
—, propagation by nurse plants, 165. | Moringa pterygosperma, 395.
Mangrove bark, exploitation of, 399. Morris, Sir Daniel, 58, 71, 108.
Manicoba rubber, imports into U. K., 76.| Mosquito larvae in drinking water, 105.
Mosquitoes in Egypt, 220
Manihot Glaziovii, 341.
— latex, extraction of, 301. Motor traction in agriculture, 159.
Mutation, results of, 4.
Manila hemp, machine for, 124.
Manure, disinfection of, 136. Mycology in relation to administration,
—, farmyard, and nitrogen-fixing 161.
teria, 140.
Manures and nitrification, 344.
—, maximum quantities for plants, 34.
Manuring and meat production, 283.
— milk production, 313.
Margaropus annulatus, cattle tick, 314.
— australis, cattle tick, 514.
Market Reports, 16, 32, 48, 64, 80, 96,
112, 128, 144, 160, 176, 192, 208,
224, 240, 256, 272, 288, 304, 320,
336, 352, 368, 384, 400, 416.
Martinique, agriculture and trade of,
1909, 104.
—, lime cultivation in, 196.
—, — industry in, 284.
—, rubber-planting in, 155
Mascarenhasia rubber, 139.
Massee, G., 190.
Mauritius, factory control in, 237.
—, new sugar-cane pest in, 314.
—, Sea Island cotton in, 287.
—, sugar production in, 300.
Maxwell-Lefroy, H., 170.
Meat production and manuring, 283.
Medlar-bay, see Ocotea pretiosa
Megass, experiments in drying, 131.
Melissodes bimaculata, visiting cotton,
Mango, inarching of, 164.
— juice, Indian, 327.
—, shield budding for, 36.
Mango shield scale fungus, Hypochrella
oxyspora, 415.
6.
bac-
N.
Natal, pine-apple exportation from, 335.
-—, sugar production in, 284.
Nature teaching in British Guiana, 264.
— the Leeward Islands, 233.
‘Nature Teaching’, new edition of, 152.
Navel-ill or joint-ill, 219.
Nevis, cotton-growing in, 268.
—, plant distribution in, 76.
New industries, development of, in the
West Indies, 71.
New Market (Arrowroot) Ordinance, St.
Vincent, 9.
New South Wales, sugar production in,
79.
Nicholls, Dr. H. A. A., 7, 180.
Niger seed, Guizotia oleifera, 395.
Nigeria, Northern, cotton in, 86.
Nitrate of lime and calcium cyanamide,
57, 168, 232, 328, 344.
—, properties of, 313.
Nitrate of soda, effect on flow of latex,
265.
Nitrates in rain and snow, 412.
Nitrification and manures, 344.
103. Nitrites, absorption by plants, 188.
Mespilodaphne pretiosa, sce Ocotea pre-| Nitrogen, assimilation by rice, 369.
tiosa, — compounds in the soil, changes in,
217.
fixation and chalk, 217.
—, loss and gain in soils, 249.
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria aud farmyard
manure, 140.
— organisms and manures, 204.
—, mineral food for, 408.
Non-proteids, use by animals, 281.
Northern Nigeria, production in, 1909,
Meston plough, 185.
Metarrhizium anisopliae, green muscar-
dine fungus of froghoppers, 62, 415.
Metchnikoff bacillus, Bacillus bulgaricus, |
331, |
Metroxylon Sagu, 85.
Mexican rubber industry, 91.
Mexico, coffee crop of, 124.
—, exports from, 1909-10, 332.
—, Palay rubber in, 315. 235.
M-fucuta seed, 395. — —~, sesame from, 395.
Mica as a source of plant food, 412. Nunan, J. J., 124.
Nurse plants for propagation, 165.
Nutmeg tree, ‘male’, fruiting of, 324,
388.
Nutmegs on the London market, 15, 47,
79, 95, 143, 175, 229, 255, 287, 319,
351, 383.
Nyasaland cotton in, 86, 326.
—, report on agriculture in, 389.
Milk, certification of, 21.
—, methods for obtaining clean, 21.
— production and manuring, 313.
— yield in cattle, inheritance of, 413.
— of cows, effect of water on, 124,
Molasses and milk produetion, 291.
— as food for stock, 171, 211.
— exports from Barbados, 108.
425
©:
Ocotea pretiosa, 345.
Oil, Cyprus Origanum, 151.
— from Para rubber seeds, 252.
— in ground nuts, 316.
Oil palm products, exports from South-
ern Nigeria, 135.
—, report on, 395.
Oils and oilseeds at the Imperial Insti-
tute, 395.
Onderneeming School, 376.
Onion industry of the Leeward Islands,
316.
Onions, storage of, 191.
Organisms, nitrogen-fixing, and manures,
204.
Origanum oil, Cyprus, 151.
Oxidation m soils, 183.
13
Paddy seedlings, hints for transporting,
Pairi mango, 116.
Palay rubber, 315.
Palm oil tree, see Elaeis guineensis,
Palmyra palm, see Borassus flabellifer.
Panama, sugar industry of, 268.
Pao pretiosa, see Ocotea pretiosa.
Paper-making, materials for, 299.
Papua, Animal Introduction Ordinance,
364.
Para rubber cultivation, Coffea robusta in,
132.
—, — exports from, 156.
— -— from Dominica, 31.
—, — industry in, 267.
in the Congo, 220.
planting in St. Lucia, 412.
seeds, oil from, 89, 252.
ear tea, 7
Paris green poisoning, treatment for, 361.
Parthenium argentatum, 229.
Pear, avocado, “180.
Peat for shipping pine-apples, 60.
Pedilanthus sp., 203.
Pellagra, investigation of, 399.
—, Italian Commission on, 12.
Pen manure, preservation of, 333.
Perennial rice, 260
Peripatus, 186.
Permanent Exhibitions Committee, Brit-
ish Guiana, leaflets issued by, 92.
Peru, cocaine production in, 407
—, cotton exports from, 60.
-—, cotton-growing in, 230.
Pest Laws in Porto Rico, 362.
Petch, T., 190.
Phaseolus Mungo, 219.
— trinervis, 277.
Ehilippine Islands, agriculture in, 319.
—, sugar anne in, 412.
Bhiladendron sp., 234.
|
{
Phosphates in the soil, and bacteria, 201.
Phytelephas macrocarpa,316.
Pickford, C. S., 129.
Pimento on the London market, 15, 47,
79, 95, 148, 175, 239, 255, 287, 319,
351, 383.
Pine-apple exportation from Natal, 335.
— exports from the Azores, 412.
— growing on manganese soils, 276.
Pine-apples, insects on, 142.
—, shipped in peat, 60.
Plague and the Manchurian soy bean
trade, 213.
Plant areas, definite, reasons for exis-
tence, 194.
Plant diseases: —
Areca palm disease, Phytophthora
omnivora, var. Arecae, 206
Arrowroot disease, 174, 414.
Banana disease in Costa Rica, 110.
— Cuba, 110.
== Panama, 110:
— Surinam, 110.
=— ‘Trinidad, V0:
diseases, 414
— root disease, Marasmius semiustus,
110.
Bananas, Moko disease of, 115, 254.
—, Panama disease of, 110, 25
Base rot of pine-apple cuttings, Thiela-
viopsis paradoxa, 142.
Bengal bean leaf spot, Cercospora sp.,
190, 415.
Bigge foote of bananas, 110.
Black root disease, 366.
Black rot of citrus fruits, Diplodia
natalensis, 318.
Botryodiplodia elasticae in British
Guiana, 61.
Bud-rot of palms in India, 30.
Cacao brown root disease,
Hymenochaete noxia, 197.
Cacao diseases, 414.
Cacao pod rot, Phytophthora Faberi,
MO LOT:
Cacao root disease, 79.
Castanea disease, Diaporthe parasitica,
114.
Castilloa root disease, Grenada, 222.
Cercospora sp., Bengal bean leaf spot,
190,
Ceylon coffee disease, Hemileia vasta-
trix, 133.
Citrus plant diseases, 414.
— scab, Cladosporium citri, 46.
— wither-tip fungus, Colletotrichum
gloeosporioides, 46, 62, 415.
Cladosporium citri, citrus scab, 46.
— herbarum, 46.
Cocoa-nut bud rot, 350.
-— in Jamaica, 8, 60.
Coffee disease, Hemileia vastatrix, 68.
Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, citrus
wither-tip, 46, 62, 415. |
Corticium javanicum, pink disease, |
133.
Cystopus [pomoeae-panduratae, sweet
potato white rust, 222, 415.
Ceylon,
Plant diseases (Continwed) :—
Diaporthe parasitica, Castanea disease,
114.
Die-back of citrus trees, 33.
— fungus, Lasiodiplodia theobromae,
286.
Diplodia natalensis, black rot of citrus
fruits, 318.
Elephantiasis of bananas, 110.
Euonymus japonica, disease of, 332.
Eutypa erumpens, 318.
Fomes australis, 270.
— lucidus, 190, 270,383.
— semitostus, 270.
Gloeosporium alborubrum, 286.
Guinea corn rust, Puccinia purpurea,
190, 415.
Hemileia vastatrix, Ceylon coffee
disease, 68, 133.
Hormodendron sp., scaly bark of
citrus trees, 46.
Hymenochaete noxia, cacao brown
root disease, Ceylon, 197.
Lasiodiplodia theobromae,
fungus, 286.
—, identity of, 78.
Lime red root disease, 382. —
— stem canker disease, 382.
Limes, miscellaneous fungi on, 190.
Mango die-back, 415.
— fruit spot, 190, 415.
Marasmius semiustus,
disease, 110.
Miscellaneous fungi, 190.
Moko disease of bananas, 110, 254.
Palm diseases, 14, 206, 414.
Palms, bud rot of, in India, Pythium
palmivorum, 14.
Palmyra palm bud
palmivorum, 206.
Panama disease of bananas, 110, 254.
Phytophthora Faberi, cacao pod rot, 78,~
Nom
— omnivora, var. Arecae, areca palm
disease, 206.
Pine-apple black heart, 158.
— brown rot, 158.
— corerot, 158.
— disease, Thielaviopsis ethaceticus,
126.
— diseases, 414.
— fruit rot Thielaviopsis paradoxa,
142.
— leaf spot, Thielaviopsis paradoxa,
143.
ripe rot, 158
roots, pests and diseases of, 159.
sun scald, 158.
tangle root, 159.
— wilt, 158.
Pink disease, Corticium javanicum,
133,
Polystictus hirsutus on limes, 190.
Poria hypolateritia, 270.
Pseudomonas vascularum,
gummosis, 238.
Puccinia purpurea, Guinea corn rust,
190, 415.
die-back
banana root
rot, Pythium
sugar-cane
426
Plant diseases (Continued) :—
Pythium palmivorum, Indian bud rot
of palms, 14, 206,
Root disease of cacao,
— diseases, 414.
Rubber diseases, 414.
Scaly bark of citrus trees, Hormo-
dendron sp., 46.
Sereh disease of the sugar-cane, 238.
Silver leaf disease, Stereum pur-
pureum, 62, 415.
Sphaerostilbe repens, 382.
Sporochisma paradoxum, 126.
Stereum purpureum, silver leaf disease,
62, 415.
Sugar-cane diseases, 414.
— gummosis, Pseudomonas
larum, 238.
— rind fungus, Trichosphaeria sac-
chari, 126,
Sweet potato white rust, Cystopus
Tpomoeae-panduratae, 222, 415,
Thielaviopsis ethaceticus, identity of,
126.
—; pine-apple disease, 126.
-— paradoxa, 126.
—, base rot of pine-apple cuttings,
142.
—, pine-apple fruit rot, 142.
-——, — leaf spot, 143.
Phyridaria tarda, 78, 286, 318.
Trichosphaeria ‘sacchari, sugar-cane
rind fungus, 126.
Ustilaginoidella musaeperda, 254.
— oedipigera, 254.
Wither-tip, Colletotrichum
rioides, 46, 62, 415.
Plant distribution, how affected by soils,
193,
Plant distribution in Antigua, 28, 76,
2, 236, 268, 332, 380, 412.
— Dominica, 44, 76, 236, 316,
364, 412.
— Montserrat, 92.
Nevis, 76.
St. Kitts, 44.
St, Lucia, 412.
— St. Vincent, 27.
Plant food, effect on plant growth, 169.
— selection by roots, 184.
Plant growth, effect of nitrogen, potash
and phosphates on, 169.
—, stimulation of, 201.
Plant importation prohibition Antigua, 12.
— Dominica, 12.
~ Grenada, 12.
— St. Lucia, 12.
Plant label, form of, 364.
Plant nutrition, substitution of bases in,
401.
Plant stakes, preservation of, 43.
Plant wounds, treatment of, 334, 350.
Plantation rubber, quality of, 312.
Plants, absorption of nitrites by, 188.
—- and radioactive substances, 183.
— soil acidity, 207.
— attacked by sugar-cane moth borer,
74,
G9!
vascu-
gloeospo-
Plants imported, disinfection of, 58.
‘Plants indigenous to Victoria’, 44.
Plants, maximum quantities of manure
for, 34.
—, resistance to wind, 185.
Pois doux, see Inga laurina.
Poisoning, treatment for, 361.
Polistes annularis, Jack Spaniard, 58.
Pollen, method of handling, 324.
— keeping alive, 284.
Pollination of corn, 340.
Porto Rico, agriculture i in, 1910, 247.
—, pest Jaws in, 362
Portuguese West Africa, rubber-growing
ans wits
Portuguese East Africa, sisal in, 348.
Potash in cane juice, 323.
Potassium, use in the body, 169.
Potato meal in India, 47.
Practical agriculture in Grenada Schools,
25.
Present cotton-growing season, 214.
Preservation of labels and plant stakes,
43.
Priprioca, see Ocotea pretiosa.
Prize-holdings competition in Dominica,
131.
— in St. Lucia, 153.
— scheme in St. Lucia, 233.
Pronuba yuccasella, 250.
Protozoa and soil sickness, 335.
—, determination of presence in soil, 335.
Pruning, objects of, 221.
Prussic acid, formation during germina-
tion, 249, 393;
— in linseed cake, 121.
— sorghum, 300.
—, production in leaves, 265.
Publications of the Imperial Department
of Agriculture, 56,120, 152, 216,
312, 392.
Q.
Quebracho, see Aspidosperma Quebracho.
Queensland, broom corn in, 170.
—, central sugar factories for, 275.
, fruit-growing in, 317.
—, sugar productionin, 79.
-, timber industry, 359.
—, West Indian sugar-canes in, 147.
Queleh, J. J., 154.
Qwest ce qwil dit, Lanius pitanga, 106.
Quiscalus crassirostris, savanna black-
bird, 106.
R.
Radioactive substances and plants, 183.
Rain and snow, nitrates in, 412.
| Rainfall, abnormal in Dominica, 73.
— —— —_ Sb phrbis gale
— St Lucia, 73.
rot Antigua, 1910, 265.
— Dominica, 1910, 137.
tamie and silk in China, 156.
Raphionacme utilis, 409,
Reading Courses Certificates,
tion of, 108.
Red sorrel as a fibre plant, 372.
Red spider, Tetranychus telarius, 42.
Reed, J. H., F.R.S., 343.
Rendle, Dr. A. B., F R.S., 92, 137.
Réunion, sugar production in, 332.
Rey, C., 101.
Rhipicephalus sanguineus, brown dog
tick, 314.
Rhodesia, castor seed from, 395.
—, cotton in, 87.
Rice and beri-beri, 345.
—, assimilation of nitrogen by, 369.
— crop of Eastern Bengal and
Assam, 76.
— cultivation in Ceylon, 185.
—- in British Guiana, 5, 31, 47,
101, 151.
— Burma, 188.
— Cochin China, 28.
— Korea, 252.
—, perennial, from Senegal, 260.
Road drag, ae
Rodway, J., 122, 124.
Roots, excretion from, 377.
—, food selection by, 184.
Rose apple, see Eugenia Jambos.
Rothamsted, work in 1910, 200.
Royal Horticultural Society’s Exhibitions,
Dominica, at, 12.
Royal International Horticultural Exhibi-
tion, 1912, 396.
Rubber and Allied Trades Exhibition,
44, 123, 140, 156, 171, 231, 267,
379, 412.
Rubber area in Strait Settlements, 156.
—, Ceara, from Uganda, 187.
— créping and sheeting machines, 108,
188.
culture in Tobago, 233.
— drying, 383
exports from Ashanti, 284.
— from Ceylon, 44, 220, 268, 380.
—. Para, 156
— — the Federated Malay States,
140, 236.
from British Guiana, 31.
Suphorbia Tirucalli, 300.
-— Sapium Jenmani, 31.
— the West Indies, 31].
growers, German assistance to, 271
growing in Portuguese West Africa
ile
imports into India, 396.
in Borneo, 252.
British Guiana, 185.
East Sumatra, 268.
German East Africa, 248.
Honduras, 361.
Indo-China, 348.
Jamaica, 347.
the Congo, 341.
Togoland, 248.
—. industry in Para, 267.
Mexican, 91.
ee method of coagulating, 95.
distribu-
55,
—~e
Rubber, machinery for, 108, 188.
—, Manicoba, imports into U.
—, Para, oil from seed, 89.
—, plantation, quality of, 512. |
planting in Cochin China, 25.
—— |ominica, 380.
— Formosa, 357.
— Grenada, 28.
— Martinique, 155. |
plants, East African, 249.
production and consumption, 405.
— in Bolivia, 300.
supply of, United Kingdom, 279,
tackiness in, 251.
experiment at Buitenzorg,
Renn 76s
2
— tapping,
220.
—-, with pressure, 412.
—, yield of, and time of flow of latex, |
NE
Russia, cotton-growing in, 188.
—, production of white sugar in, 63.
S.
Sabual, see Stizolobium niveum.
Saftiower cake as a manure, 348.
Sago, manufacture of, 85. —
Sago palm, sec Metroxylon Sagu. |
Sahasrabuddhe, G. N., 101.
St. Croix, destruction of old cotton in, |
268.
St. Kitts Agricultural and Industrial |
Show, 1911, 5, 107.
cotton yields in, 76, 220. |
plant distribution in, 44.
rainfall in, 217.
sugar-cane experiments in, 387.
. Lucia, abnormal rainfall in, 73, 88.
agricultural training in, 135, 316. |
—, agriculture and hygiene in, 297. |
— and the Coronation Exhibition, ‘ 214.
— Festival of Empire Exhibi- |
tion, 185. |
—, Castilloa rubber from, 31.
— Fish Protection Ordinance, 1911, 252
Hints to Settlers in, 217.
improved sugar machinery in, 99.
limes from, 292.
Para rubber planting in, 412.
peasant cotton-growing in, 23.
plant distribution in, 412.
Prize-holdings Competition i in, 153.
-— scheme in, 233.
prohibition of plant importation, 12.
trade of, 1910-11, 377.
St. Vincent Agricultural Credit Society,
9. |
— Agricultural School, 27.
— Agricultural mociety 15.
—, anthrax in, 172, 220, 236.
— Arrowroot Growers’ and Exp orters
Association, 220. |
— <Arrowroot Ordinance, 9.
cacao industry in, 27.
—, census of, 236
— Cotton Diseases Prevention Ordi-
nance, 1911, 252.
See eee
|
a
St. Vincent, cotton industry in, 27.
— purchase scheme, 375.
Export Duty Ordinance, 1911, 188.
Government Veterinary Surgeon, 27.
, implemental tillage in, 27.
Land Settlement Scheme, 27,
plant distribution in, 27
3
05.
: els
—, rainfall in, 27.
—, Report on Botanic Station, ete., 27
—, science teaching in, 89.
—, starch industry in, 27.
— starches and Canadian trade reci-
procity, 73. ;
—, stock importations under bonus
scheme, 44.
_—, — registration and importation, 303
, trade : and agriculture of, 1910, 297.
’ ‘Trade Reciprocity Committee, 12.
Satellerides cotton, 150, 343.
| Salt production in ‘the Congo, 344.
Sambon, Dr. L.W., 395.
| Samoa, insect pests in, 409.
—, trade of, 57.
San Domingo, cotton in, 412.
Sands, W.N., 153, 388.
| Sapium Jenmani, 379.
— — rubber, examination of, 51.
, tapping experiments with, 379.
Sarsaparilla on the London market, 15,
, 19, 95, 143, 175, 239, 255, 287,
319, 35], 383.
| Saunders, P.T., 165, 203, 210, 236, 322
Savannah blackbird, Quiscalus crassiros-
tris, 106.
Savonnette, see Lonchocarpus violaceus.
Scale fungi in Barbados, 94.
— Grenada, 94.
Scale insects, fungus parasites on,
213.
—, locomotion of, 330.
—, nomenclature of, 58.
Schomburgkia Thomsoniana, 396.
—- tibicinus, 396.
94,
‘School gardening in England, 188.
— gardens in Ceylon, 12.
—, prizes for, Jamaica, 348.
| Science teaching in St. Vincent, 89.
|Scion, influence on stock, 252.
| Seedling canes, Barbados, in India, 532,
| Seeds, use of mucilage of,
| Sereh disease cf the sugar-cane, 238.
252.
Sesame, from Northern Nigeria, 395.
Sesamum exports in Manchuria, 92.
| Sesbania aculeata, 73;
| Shepherd, TO Re 101.
Shield budding for the mango, 36.
Shield scale fungus, Cephalosporium
lecanii, 94, 415.
'Shoeing of horses, 271.
Show, St. Kitts Agricultural and Indus-
trial, 1911, 107.
— Schools, in Tobago, 105.
Shredded cane, sugar from, 67, 83, 195 >|
303.
| Siam, trade of, 108,
Sideroleum, 156.
Silk culture, 355.
Sisal fibre cleaning, 283,
‘South Australia,
| Starch industry, St. Vincent,
4 . wee
, Steamer service for Trinidad and Tobago,
| Sisal in Portuguese East Africa, 348.
Sleeping sickness in Central Africa, 393,
—- .— the Belgian Congo, 250.
Smith, H.S., 91, 124
Smyrna fig, pollination of, 266.
Soil acidity and plants, 207.
—, action of raanganese on, 51,
bacteria, intinence of lime on,
—, studies of, 328.
—, changes in nitrogen compounds in
the, 217.
— fertility, influence of molasses on,
EG),
—-, method of investigating, 59.
inoculation, 389.
— and alfalfa disease, 391.
moisture and water vapour, 396.
sickness and protozoa, 335.
, water in the, 189.
Soils and plant distribution, 193.
, lime and magnesia in, 328.
— nitrification in, 329.
alge and gain of nitrogen in, 2
—- oxidation i in, 185.
—, superphosphates in, 40.
Soluble humus, 82.
Sorghum, prussic acid in, 500.
—, unripe, poisonous properties of, 123.
Sour grass, Barbados, Andropogon
pertusus.
172.
7 —
249.
SE€
South, F: W., £2, 55, 133, 146, 174,
226, 270, 291, 366.
South Africa, cotton-planting in, 580.
— -—, maize exports from, 108.
South America, cotton-growing in, 118.
honey production in,
108.
Southern Nigeria, agriculture in,
—, entomology in, 218.
exports of palm products from
25].
; , forestry in, 135.
Soy bean, effect on cows’ milk, 44.
—, exports from Manchuria, 2j5,.
| — in Manchuria, 12.
Spachea perforata, 153.
Spain, sugar-cane in, 147.
Sponge culture, 69.
— fisheries of the Bahamas,
ay
Nhe
23.
Stems, effect of compression on growth,
|, 281.
Sterilization of seed and inoculation,
— tobacco seed beds, 168.
Stizolobium aterrimum, 139.
— deeringianum, 159.
— niveum, 139.
;— pruriens, 139.
Stock, acclimatization of, 49.
| Stock and scion, interaction of, 89.
Stock importation, bonuses for, 41.
—, St. Vincent, 503.
—, molasses as food for, 171, 211.
| — registration, St. Vincent, 303.
| Stockdale, F.A., 125, 158, 185, 379.
| Stones, machines for gathering, (2
371.
~—_—_-—
428
Stoniflex, 156.
Straits Settlements, agriculture in, 149.
—, rubber area in, 156.
Students’ Corner, 13, 29, 45, 61, 77, 93,
109, 125, 141, 157, 173, 189, 205,
221, 237, 253, 269, 285, 301, 317,
333, 349, 365, 381, 397, 413.
Sucrose in cane juice, 323.
Sudan, cotton exports from, 300.
, = in, 263.
Sngar and molasses imports into U.S.,
92,
— asa catch crop with rubber, 354.
bags, suggestion for marking, 172.
beet growing in England, 92.
crop of Barbados, 1910, 389.
—— Cuba, 396.
— Eastern Bengal and Assam,
1911-12, 375.
— Hawaii, 131.
exports from Barbados, 108.
— Java, 252.
factory control in Mauritius,
—-, Antigua, 3.
— tactories, how
mosa, 195.
— from shredded
BUS:
growing in Java, 396.
importation into Japan, ¢
imports of the U.K., 109.
in China, 271.
Cuba in 1910, 275.
Guadeloupe, 259.
Jamaica, 547.
Madeira, 1910,
Porto Rico, 307.
Siar Industry :--
Antigua Sugar Factory, 3.
changes in sugar solutions at
temperatures, 243,
composition of sugar-cane seed, 291.
cost of sugar production in Java, 63.
cross pollination of the sugar-cane,
227.
237.
cane, 67, 83, 195,
24,
a ee
284.
high
Demerara seedling canes in Louisiana, | -
| — juice, preservation of, 396.
9K
OD).
device for unloading cane trucks, 147.
experiments in drying megass, 131.
improved sugar machinery in St. iia
y9
influence of molasses on soil fertility,
Lid:
manufacture of sugar from maize, 115.
molasses and milk production, 291.
molasses as food for stock, 211.
niolasses products in the Netherlands,
115.
new method of desiccation, 195.
new way of filtering cane juices, 259.
production of sugar-cane varieties in|
Louisiana, 99.
purification of cane juice with burnt
filter press scum, 195.
reduced sugar output from Hawaii,
131
sugar from shredded cane, 67, 83, 195,
sugar in Cuba in 1910, 275.
established in For- |
|
| ae
|
|
|
Sugar Industry (Continued.): —
sugar in Guadeloupe, 259.
sugar in Porto Rico, 1910, 307.
sugar industry of the United States,
1909, 243.
sugar market, 1910. 35.
sucrose and potash in cane juice, 323. |
sugar-cane experiments in St. Kitts, |
387.
sugar-cane growing in Egypt, 339.
sugar-cane in Spain, 147.
sugarcane seedling D. 1135 in New
South Wales, 323.
sugarcane variety experiments in An-
tigua, 19.
wax from the sugar-cane, 51.
West Indian sugar-cane seedlings in
Queensland, 147.
| Sugar. industry of Negros, 300.
— Panama, 268.
— United States ,1909, 243.
— in the Philippines, 412.
— in Eastern Bengal and Assam 156,
—, McMullen process of making, 67,
83, 195, 303,
a manufacture from maize, 115.
— of, 173.
— ’ market, 1910, 35.
—- production, cost in Java, 83.
— in Cuba, 1910, 28.
— Europe, 76.
-—— Java, 316.
Madeira, 284.
Mauritius, 300.
Natal, 284.
New South Wales, 79.
Queensland, 79.
— Réunion, 332.
— solutions, changes in, at high temper-
atures, 243.
|—, white, production in Russia, 63.
| Sugar-cane experiments in Antigua, 403.
|—, cross pollination of, 227
— experiments in St. Kitts, 387,
— in Egypt, 339.
— — Spain, 147.
—, palm pests attacking, 122.
—, period of maturity of, 177.
— pests, natural enemies of, 58.
— root borer in Barbados, 12.
- seed, composition of, 291.
— seedling B. 147, 28.
— B. 208, 28.
| 3 . ° or
— seedlings, Demerara, in Lousiana, 35.
-— in Tortola, 44.
—, West Indian, in Mauritius, 76.
— Queensland, 147.
; , on the Gold Coast,
28.
—, sereh disease of, 238.
—, shredded, sugar from, 67, 83, 195, | —
303.
— variety experiments in Antigua,
—, wax from, 51.
Sugars, bacterial deterioration of, 393.
Sulphur, gains and losses in soil, 242.
—, supply to cultivated crops, 241.
19.
Sunn hemp as a green manure, 348.
Superphosphates in soils, behaviour of,
Surinam, cassava experiments in, 380.
Sweet-Escott, Sir E. B., 107.
| Syria, cotton-growing in, 396.
alte
Tackiness in rubber, 251.
Tamarinds on the London market, 175,.
239, 255, 287, 319, 351, 383.
Tapping Ceara, method of, 311.
— method for Castilloa, 363.
Taylor, C.S., 177.
Teano, Prince, 12.
Tecoma leucoxylon, 1.
Tempany, H. A., 19, 101, 159, 213,
311, 387, 403.
Teosinte, see Euchlaena mexicana.
235,.
Tephrosia candida, 91, 245, 277, 284,
293.
— purpurea, 75, 149, 277, 284, 293
— —, analysis of, 75.
—, glucoside from, 560.
Termes flavipes, white ants, enemies of
moth borer, 74.
Tetranychus telarius, red spider, 42.
Thiselton-Dyer, Sir W. T., 98.
Tick bird, Crotophaga ani, 106.
Ticks, 314.
—, fowl, to destroy, 63.
—, freeing pastures from, 58.
Timber industry, Queensland, 359.
—, prevention of rotting, 398.
—, strength of plantation, 245.
Tobacco in Cuba, 395.
seed beds, sterilization of, 168.
-—, sheds for curing, 329.
Tobago, Castilloa rubber from, 31.
, rubber culture in, 233.
—, Schools Show in, 105.
Toggenburg goat breeding in England,
53.
—, half-bred, 53.
— goats in Grenada, 53.
Togoland, rubber in, 248.
Tomato seed oil, 316.
Tonkin rubber tree, see Bleekrodea ton-
kinensis.
Trade and Agriculture of Brazil, 41.
— St. Vincent, 1910, 297.
of British Guiana, 281.
Fiji, 1910, 397.
India, 1909-10, 24.
St. Lucia, 1910-11, 377.
Siam, 108.
the Canary Islands, 1910, 299.
the Gold Coast, 1910, 393.
Venezuela, 1909-10, 409.
Zanzibar, 371,
Transplanting spade, 247, 332,
Transportation methods for bananas, 20.
Transvaal, cotton cultivation in, 345.
Tree-planting in Antigua, 251.
Trees, growth of and light, 273.
—-, machine for felling, 105.
Treub, Dr. M., 12.
“Trichilia emetica, 395.
Trichogramma pretiosa, 74.
Trifolium alexandrinum, 294.
“Trinidad, agricultural teaching in, 252.
Trinidad, agriculture in, 1909-10, 181.
— and Tobago, coastal steamers for,
23.
—, cacao cultivation and shading in,
148.
—, — shipments from, 44, 196, 2
—, Nature Study Museum in, 108.
— schools, agriculture and hygiene in,
137.
—, teaching of hygiene in,
Tripp, Edgar, 123.
Tropical agriculture, training in, 163.
‘Tropical Life’ prize essay, 39.
Tuberculosis, human and animal, 315.
—, new test for, 263.
‘Turkestan, cotton production in, 28.
Turkey, cotton in, 316.
‘Turks Islands, exports from, 316.
252.
Uv.
Uganda, agricultural in
} 1909-10, 215.
—, beeswax from, 395.
—, castor oil seed from, 303.
—, Ceara rubber from, 187.
, cotton in, 87.
—, Importation of Plants Ordinance,
1911, 92.
— insect pests, 58.
—, tapping experiments with Ceara,
265, 316.
United Kingdom, cotton imports into,
92; 284.
—, rubber supply, 279.
—, sugar imports of, 109.
United States, broom corn in,
_, plant industry in, 207,
Urich, F. W., 154.
Uruguay, grain production in, 76.
production
—
105, 170.
Vanilla, method for pruning, 228.
-— picking, regulations for, Tahiti, 204. |
Vegetable ivory, substitute for, 316.
Vegetative propagation, methods of,.164. |
Vehicles, arrangement of loads on, 66.
Velvet bean, Florida,
deeripgianum.
Venezuela, balata export from, 1838.
277.|—, trade of, 1909-10, 409.
Veterinary Surgeon, Government,
Vincent, 27.
Vetivert, see Andropogon muricatus.
Vipond, Messrs. G., 52.
Virgin Islands, Agricultural Show, 11.
— —, cocoa-nut-growing in, 356,
—, cotton-growing in, 198.
—, — purchases in, 92.
Voandzeia subterranea, 140.
W.
see Stizolopiam'| | —
St.
| West Indian products on the Lon-
| don market, 15, 47, 79, 95, 143,
| 175, 239, 255,287, 319, 351, 383:
West Indies, Canadian trade in, 37.
—, development of new industries,
(OG
— in Canada, 280.
—, rubber from, 31.
| Wheat flour, composition of, 39.
| Wheaten bread, composition of, 39.
White ants, Termes flavipes, enemies of
| moth borer, 74.
White cedar, see Tecoma leucoxylon.
Wickham, H. A., 312.
| Wild indigo, see Tephrosia purpurea.
Wilson, Professor J., 413.
Wind, resistance by plants to, 185.
| Wind-breaks, use of, 1, 67.
| Winnipeg Exhibition, 1911, 108.
| Wolstenholme and Holland, Messrs. 6,
22, 38, 54, 70, 86, 102, 118, 134,
150, 166, 182, 198, 214, 230, 246,
262, 278, 294, 310, 326, 342, 358,
374, 390, 406.
Woodhouse, E. J., 404.
Woolly pyrol, sce Phaseolus Mungo,
Water, effect on milk yield of cows, 124.) Woolsorters’ disease, 203.
‘Water finders’, trials with, 121.
Water in the soil, 189.
—, mosquito larvae in, 105.
— _ requirements of crops, 309.
— _ vapour and soil moisture, 396.
Waterland, H., 351.
Watson, Rey. N. B., 218.
Watts, Dr. F., 21, 5, 87, 101, 133, 146, |
165, 179, 226, 322, 342, 354, 381, |
413.
Wax from sugar-cane, 51.
Weed destruction in the Philippines, 18
Weed killer, recipe for, 204.
Weeds, distribution of, 25, 41.
—, legislation against, 163,
W est India Committee and the Rubber |
Exhibition, 123.
West Indian coe on the Tiverrcoll
70, 86, 102, |
214,
294, 310, 326, |
| Zanzibar, trade of, 371,
54,
182,
market, 6, 22, :
118, 134, 150, 166,
230, 246, 262, 278,
342, 358, 374, 390, 406.
198,
World’s cotton stocks, 182.
| Wortley, E. J., 20).
Y.
’ Yaws, a notifiable disease in Antigua,
188.
| Yerba maté, 7,
9. | Yield of crops, periodicity in, 280.
Yoghurt, 331.
Yucea aloifolia, pollination of, 250.
Z.
Zalophothrix mirum, black scale parasite,
10, 58, 202.
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‘ =. e
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marked 4d., and 13d. for Nos. 40, 41, 44, 45, 49, 59, 62, 63, 67, 69 and 70.
The ‘AGRICULTURAL NEWS’. A Fortnightly Review.
The ‘Agricultural News’ contains extracts
from official correspondence and from progress and
other reports; and, in fact, any information indicating what is going on in each colony, and the progress made in
Agricultural matters throughout the West Indies.
The ‘Agricultural News’ is printed in time to be djstributed, regularly, by each mail, and is on sale by the
local agents of the Department at one penny per number, post free, 2d.
The subscription price, including postage, is
Qs. 2d. per half-year, or 4s. 4d. per annum. Volumes IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, and 1X complete, with title page and index, asissued
—Price 4s. each.— Post free, 5s.
longer be supplied complete.
Some numbers of the early volumes are out of print and therefore these volumes can no
The scale of charges for ADVERTISEMENTS may be obtained on application to the Agents All
applications for copies are to be addressed to the Agents, not to the Department.
Agents.
The following have been appuinted Agents for the sale of the publications of the Department :—
London: Messrs. Dutau & Co., 37, Soho Square, W.
Barbados : Messrs. Bowen & Sons, Bridgetown.
Jamaica: THE EpucaTionaL Suppty Company, 16, King
Street, Kingston.
British Guiana: THE ‘DariLty CHRONICLE’ OFFICE, Georgetown.
Trinidad : Messrs. Muir-MarsHat & Co., Port-of-Spain.
Tobago: Mr. C. L. PLAGEMANN, Scarborough.
St. Vincent: Mr. L. S. Mosetey, Agricultural School,
St. Lucia: Mr. M. A. Lawrence, Botanic Station,
Dominica: Mr. J. R. H. BrripGewaTeR, Roseau,
Montserrat : Mr. W. Rogson, Botanic Station.
Anungua: Mr. S. D. Matoneg, St. John’s,
St. Kitts: THE Brste anD Book Suppty AGENCY, Basseterre,
JTevis : Messrs. Howe tL, Bros., Charlestown.
Grenada ; ‘THE Storrs’ (Grenada) Limited, St. George.
VOL, X. INO: 2p? THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. December 23, I91T.
THE BEST MANURES FOR COLONI ie USE
EASES Er eee
Ohlendorfi’s Dissolved Peruvian Guano- For Sugarcane and general use
Chiendorff’s Special Sugar-cane Manure
Ohlendorfi’s Special Cocca Manure
Ohiendorf’s Special Cotton Manure
Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, Superphosphates, high graces,
Potash Salts, Nitrolim and all other high-class Fertilizers.
APPLY TO LOCAL AGENTS. OR DIRECT TO :—
THE ANGLO-CONTINENTAL (LATE OHLENDORFF'S) GUANO WORKS.
London Agency: Dock House, Billiter Street, London, B.C.
Barbados Agents : James A. Lynch & Co., Bridgetown.
COLTON SEED MEAL | = Jus? a
COTTON SEED MEALJA NEW AND RE-ENLARGED
FOR MANURIAL PURPOSES. EDITION OF
SPECIAL QUOTATIONS FOR LaRcE |NATURE TEACHING.
QUANTITIES.
ih an eee Cpe Corton To be obtained from all agents for the
FACTORY, LIMITED, sale of the Department’s publications. Price
BRIDGETOWN. Qs.; post free, 2s. 34d.
JUST ISSUED. ~ eee
WEST INDIAN BULLETIN. FOR, SA [ 3 ne
(Vol. XI, No. 4.)
Containing an accaunt of the Gnperial Department of Agri-}
cultuwwe for the West oS presented under the following
headings: The Inia rial Department of Agriculture in the PRIM i SUMMER YELLOW COTLON
West Indies; Whi & Science has done for the West Indies; yy
Chief Matters § /oncerning Departinental \cuninistration; SEKD OIL.
Matters of Indi Interest; ante nant oly vy in the West hares In casks or 5-gallon tins (in Bond).
A Summary of ‘leg Y« he Mye al Work of the Imperial ree 4 , = : a
Departinent of Ag ulture for the Wes! Indies; The Werk! { () i | ON Ss I, 1) CA Ix ta M K A |
in the Botanic St ons from Year to Year; General Provress Fe a ete MS, am =
in the West Indies since 1897, Raiailuiral Education and ERNEST THORNE, LTD.,
Instiuction; and Pablications issued by the Imperial Depart- Cotton Seed Oil Mills,
ment of Agi ieultule | Barbados. Wel:
To be obtained from all agents for the sale of the Department's Telegraphic address, :
Publications. Price Gd.,.post tree, 93d. 7) 267) aterm,’ w. |
SSS OES ae OE RE ee en ae
~ , aK - =
Printed at Office of Agricultural Reporter 4, High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados
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