Vol. X. No. 242. 



THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 



253 



STUDENTS' CORNER. 



AUGUST. 

 FiR.sT Period. 



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 eft'ects 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 i.s most effective in 

 conserving the soil water for the u.ses 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 ? 



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 seedling.?, 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 

 in.sect and other pests. A careful watch 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. AVhere 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 -frhat 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 caterpillar.?, aphLs, flower-bud 

 maggot, cut worm, scale insects, anthracnose and angular 

 leaf spot. 



Questions for Candidates. 



PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS. 



(1) Distinguish between surface, shallow and deep 

 tillage, and give instances where each is particularly u.sed. 



(2) Give examples of stock foods that are rich in carbo- 

 hydrates, fats and albuminoids (proteids), respectively. 



(3) Describe, with example.?, the chief methods of cross- 

 pollination in nature. 



INTERMEDIATE QUE.STI0NS. 



(1) Mention the chief points that serve to distinguish 

 the moth borer (Diaprepes ahhreviatus) from the weevil 

 borer {Splienophorus sericeiis), 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 de.scription 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 which 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 

 Government 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 Jmuniil 

 of the Royal Society of Arts, June Ti, 1911.) 



