57 



purpose. It may however be found useful for those places where the "Moko" 

 has been attacked by disease, and its usefulness as a shade plant for cacao 

 destroyed. A limited number of plants raised from cuttings will be on hand for 

 distribution at the end of the year, and if mature seed is harvested a further 

 supply will be available later. 



J. H. HART, F.L.S., 

 11th April, 1895. Superintendent. 



Circular Note No. 20. 



The Cane-borer Parasite. 



The discovery by Mr. Barber, late of the Leeward Islands Service, of a 

 parasite fungus which attacks the "moth borer" of the cane fields has excited 

 considerable interest in Colonies where the attack of this pest is prevalent. 

 M. Giard a celebrated authority on this section of Natural History has named 

 the parasite Isaria Barheri, Oiard, and has proposed to cultivate the fungus for 

 the extermination of the borer. It appears however that the organism is some- 

 what rare, and Monsieur Saussine, Professor of Chemistry, Lyc6e de St. Pierre, 

 Martinique, at the instigation of M. Giard, inquires of me whether the organism 

 has been seen in Trinidad. 



So far, however, it has not been observed by the officers of this Department, 

 and I should therefore feel much obliged to any planter who may discover it if 

 he would send me specimens. 



When attacked by the fungus the larvae die and assume a mummified 

 appearance, and, in some cases, it is said, appears to the naked eye to be 

 covered with a matted or woolly covering. 



Specimens may be safely sent through the post in small tin boxes. 



J. H. HART, F.L.S., 

 11th April, 1895. Superintendent. 



Circular Note No. 21. 



Cordyceps Luntii., n. sp. Giard MSS. 



By the mail 1 received from M. Giard the determination of a fungus, found 

 by Mr. Lunt on the larvae of a beetle. 



M. Giard writes that the new organism is in habit and appearance somewhat 

 like Cordyceps caloceroides, Berk and Curt., and certainly new. The fungus is 

 a parasite which destroys the larvai of a beetle belonging to the ElattridcB ; 

 possibly that of our common fire-fly, Pyrophorus noctilucus., Linn. 



At my request Prof. Giard proposes to call the new fungus Cordyceps 

 Luntii., Giard after its discoverer. 



The interest attaching to this find is somewhat important as the study of the 

 destructive parasites of insects is now shewn to be a necessity in all Agri-Horti- 

 cultural work. The Elateridoi live upon plants and might become great scourges 

 were it not for the natural enemies which are present in the shape of such 

 organisms as that, the discovery of which is here recorded. 



J. H. HART, F.L.S., 

 11th April, 1895. Superintendent. 



