I 13 



From observations since made, i1 is evident that non-vitality is 

 very often <l iu- to the attack of vegetable feeding ants, which arc 

 specially fond of oily or sugary seeds, those seeds containing oil or 

 sugar sutler in proportion to the amount of these substances they 

 contain. 



One of the worst of these enemies is a tiny ant, known locally us 

 the '* Sugar Ant," but whose scientific appellation has not as yet been 

 determined. 



These ants commence work by attacking the point of growth in 

 the seed, and eating away the whole of the germinal parts or embryo, 

 which act is sometime effected without in anyway altering the out- 

 ward appearance of the seed and unsuspecting cultivators would be 

 led to consider the seed as fresh and good, unless a close examination 

 is carried out. 



On learning of the pernicious attacks made by these small 

 creatures, measures should be adopted to store all seeds in spaces 

 protected by water channels, and by doing so it will be lound that the 

 percentage of seeds germinating will be largely increased. 



In consequence of the difficulties attending storage, it has been 

 found necessary to adopt the practice of sowing or sending away all 

 seeds as soon as ripe, and never keeping them on hand for any length 

 of time. 



656. -VARIATION IN COTTON SEEDS. 



From samples of Cotton seed received by the Department at 

 different times, it is apparent that there is either real variation, or 

 that, Cotton seed is very variable in appearance. 



American literature speaks of Cotton as a variable plant ; and 

 considerable trouble is taken to perpetuate the new strains which are 

 raised by seed selection. 



The difference between seed of the " Upland " and " Sea Island v 

 varieties is well marked by fuzzy or woolly appearance of " Upland" 

 and the clean appearance of '"Sea Island." 



A sample of the latter, received from the United States Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture, contained not a few woolly seeds. Whether 

 these are due to variation, or to imperfect maturity cannot be at 

 once determined ; but it is clear that if picked out and grown, the 

 vegetative characters must reveal their affinity in due course. An 

 experiment has therefore been started at St. Clair, which we trust 

 will end in clearing up the point. 



657.-FRESH WATER ALG^E AND WATER CONTAMI- 

 NATION.—" Not .so bad as painted." 



The various species of vegetable organisms classed under the 

 head of Alga:, afford some of the most beautiful objects known to 

 microscopists. Some species are found in fresh and others in salt 

 water, others are found on wet rocks, in mosses and on the trunks 



