Inquir[es and Hei'lies. l89 



Ring Blotch of Citrus Leaves. 



W'aierbeiff, Transvaal. — I am enclosino' some navel oraiig'e leaves, 

 and shall be o-lad if you can tell me what is the matter with my trees. 

 On a g'reat many of them the leaves are like the enclosed ; both old 

 and young' leaves show the circular yellow spots, and they aie 

 dropping- off. Kindly let me know the remedy, if any. 



TJie Chief, Division of Botanij, replies : The citrus leaves sub- 

 mitted are affected with the disease known as "ring- blotch" or 

 "concentric leaf mottling-.'' This is not due to any fungus or other 

 parasitic org-anism ; the cause is obscure, but is prolmbly correlated 

 with soil conditions. You will find that regular and systematic g-reen 

 manuring with velvet beans or cow-peas will g-reatly improve the 

 c.tndition of the trees. 



" Hajira " Seed Oats. 



I'icloita. — Please l^e good enough to enlighten me uixni I lie 

 matter of " Hajiia " seed oats, the best tinic for sowing, f|uaiitit\ p;'!' 

 a(-re, and if the variety lias any advantage oA'er Algerian and 

 Sidonian. 



The Division of Agronomy replies : Some cerealists say that 

 "Hajira" and " Sidonian " oats are similar vstrains. Experiments, 

 however, have proved that "Hajira," besides having- very strong 

 rust-resistant qualities, is often used as a summer crop, jxjssessing a 

 higher (straw) feeding- value than any other known variety. Sow at 

 tlie rate of 60 lb. per acre. 



Cango Yellow Flint Maize. 



Val, TransvaaJ . — Please identify the maize sample submitted and 

 advise me of its qualities. 



The Division of Af/ronomy replies: The sample is the " Cango 

 Yellow Flint Maize." It is a medium-early variety; takes between 

 115 to 120 days to mature; a fairly good yielder in areas where the 

 growing- season is short, and rains not too regular. It is also g-o( d as 

 a g-reen iiiealie, and for fodder and silage purposes. The variety is 

 also known, I believe, as Yellow Botman. The berries are slig-litly 

 compressed, shallow and hard, and are rounded at the apex. Colour 

 of the grain, golden yellow; cob, thin and white; rows on c(d), twelve. 

 Very highly recommended for export. 



Head the Journal ! It acts as a link between you and the Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture, which is charged with the furtherance of your 

 interests. It publishes information for the most part of an official 

 nature not otherwise readily accessible. An index will be sent you 

 every six months, so keep the Jonrn^l. It will i)rove useful as a book 

 of reference. 



