37 



rank ainoii*; tho best in the world's market, and althou<;li the inihistry 

 is not so very extensive, it is of no mean importance to the ishmd. No 

 serious disease has been noted, and it is very important that the bac- 

 terial heart rot should not be introduced. 



A disease was investigated in the summer of 1905 which ap})earcd 

 on the trunk as black spots, evidently caused by an outflow of sap. 

 After splitting the trunk, these spots were found to extend about half 

 way to the center and 6 to S inches vertically, with the softer portions 

 decayed and the individual fibers exposed. Several spots would be 

 found close together, but seldom connected. A small borer beetle, 

 not determined, but probably a species of Xyleborus, was thought to 

 be the primary cause, as a large;,number of those insects were entering 

 the tnmk of individual trees. Such trees first drop some leaves and 

 then the fruit and the rest of the leaves, and linally die. The insect 

 enters chiefly at a height of 6 to 8 feet. It is repelled by a coating of 

 thick whitewash, and it would be well to whitewash the trunk of all 

 the trees as high as practicable. Where the insects are numerous an 

 addition of crude carbolic acid would probably be beneficial. 



Akee (Cupania sapiJa). — Some trees in the orchard are vigorous 

 and healthy, indicating that the tree can be grown here. The fruit 

 is highly prized in Jamaica and Trinidad and it ought to be grown 

 in Porto Rico for home use. 



Turmeric {Curcuma longa). — This plant grows in most clay soils 

 without the least care; in fact, it is one of the worst weeds in some 

 localities. The root contains a yellow dye which has been largely 

 replaced commercially by aniline d3'es, but as there has been some 

 inquiries about the plant lately it may possibly be of some importance. 



Japan persimmon {Diospyros hiM). — The varieties, Hyakume, 

 Hachy Okame, Tana-Nashi, and Yeddo-ichi were planted in April, 1905. 

 The o;rowth has not been satisfactorv and the leaves are affected with 

 some fimgus disease. Trees have been observed on the north side of 

 the island, in sandy soil, which were in no better condition. 



LoQUAT (Eriohotrya japonica). — Some trees set in the orchard a fe^^ 

 months only are making rapid growth, but as no large trees have been 

 observed on the island it would be impossible to judge of its adapta- 

 bility. It should always be planted in well-drained soil and not cul- 

 tivated too deeply, as it is a surface feeder. 



Rose apple {Eugenia jamhos). — This is thoroughly at home here 

 and can be grown all over the island. 



Java plum {Eugenia jamholana). — One tree planted September, 

 1903, is now 5^ feet high with a spread of 4 feet. 



Surinam cherry {Eugenia mitchelii). — This small bush, bearing a 

 red cherry-like fruit, grows well in south Florida and will probably 

 succeed well here. The two-year-old plants in the orchard have not 

 yet borne fruit. 



