13 



The Mango may be transmitted to Europe in good condition if 

 proper care is taken with it during transit, and if picked in the con- 

 dition known to West Indians as " Full." The writer sent some home 

 on one of the Eoyal Mail Steamers from Jamaica to Sir Joseph Hooker 

 of Kew, in the year 1879. The variety sent being the celebrated 

 though tender No. 11. They reached home in good condition and as 

 Sir Joseph Hooker put it, completely disposed of the Tow and Tur- 

 pentine theory. 



There is always maintained at the Gardens a large stock of seed- 

 lings and of grafted Mangos of the best named kinds. Among which 

 are Mango d'Or, Grand Verte, Gordon, Peter's, Prestoe's Choice, Puir 

 Jamie, Peach, Belle Marie, Malda, and others. 



94.— CIRCULAR NOTES. 



Since sending to press the previous Number of the Bulletin, five 

 " Circular Notes" have been issued by the Botanical Department. 

 No. 10 had reference to a disease affecting Bananas which has been 

 discovered to be caused by a fungus ; and No. 11 Avas issued in refer- 

 ence to a specimen of cane which shewed a stage of the attack of 

 Trichosphceria sacchari which had not previously been observed in 

 the Colony, viz., the " Colletotrichum stage." Nos. 12, 13 and 14 

 treat of New Canes, Cola Nut, and the " Mosquito Worm " respec- 

 tively. They are given in full. 



Botanical Department, Trinidad. — Circular Note No. 10. 



The cultivation of plantains and bananas has suffered consider- 

 able check during the past few years from disease or diseases which 

 have been hitherto somewhat obscure as shewn in the Bulletin of this 

 Department for January, 1894 — No. 21. 



I have lately had an opportunity of observing diseased plants 

 more closely and continuously, and found among them specimens of a 

 destructive fungus which I at once submitted to the authorities at the 

 Eoyal Gardens, Kew. 



Through the kindness of Mr. W. T. Thistleton-Dyer, C.M.G., 

 Director, I have received the Report of the Pathologist Mr. Massee on 

 the subject which runs as follows : — 



"Banana Disease, Trinidad" — The fungus growing on the leaves is 

 Marasmius -semiudtu-i, B «£• C. The numerous minute yellowish grams present in 

 the tissue of the decaying portions of the leaf are the schrotia of the fungus. 

 Those propagate the fungus after a period of rest ; but for this stage the fungus 

 could not I'each the axils of the leaves. Collect and burn all decayed jjortions. 



(Signed) G. Massee. 

 24th August, 1894. 



