Instructions respecting Cultivation of Cinchona. 41 1 



the Cinchona. Circumstances, however, had conspired to 

 render this impracticable. Instead of the entire expedition, 

 as originally projected, visiting that classic region, it was re- 

 be more numerous towards the edge of the forest, and does it evince a tendency 

 to extend thence over the grass, the drift, the plateaux, &c., and v^'hat alterations 

 do these make in its habits ? 



6. Information is wanted as to the month in which the Calisaya blossoms, and that 

 in which the fruit ripens, as also what length of time usually elapses between 

 the first appearance of the buds and the shedding of the corolla, and from the 

 shedding of the corolla to the bursting, i. e. the complete xnaturity of the capsules. 

 It would seem that in Java it takes a much longer time, as also that it blossoms 

 at an entirely different season from that in which it blossoms in its native 

 regions. 



7. Much anxiety is felt as to whether it is possible to ascertain with accuracy how 

 many years old, as also what are the usual height and the diameter (at the base 

 of the trunk) of a Calisaya tree, when it first begins to blossom, and w^hether 

 these first blossoms are developed into ripe fruit, with seeds capable of fertil- 

 ization. 



8. How high, how thick, and how old are — 



a. The youngest and smallest, and 



b. The largest and oldest, 



Calisaya trees, which are now felled for their bark in South America ? What 

 description of bark is the most prized, that from the young and slender, or that 

 from the larger and older trees ? Also whether the bark of a very young tree, 

 e. g. four years old, contain thus early the active principle, genuine ? 



9. As, judging by appearances, it has been rightly assumed that the bark of any 

 given description of Cinchona is found to be more abundantly provided with 

 alkaloid, especially quinine, the greater the elevation above the sea, and becomes 

 impoverished in these respects in proportion as a lower level and a warmer cli- 

 mate are reached, it is desirable that special observations should be made for the 

 elucidation of these particulars. 



10. It is desirable information should be got from the China-bark collectors 

 (Cascarilleros) of Peru, as to the natural foes of the Cinchona plant, especially C. 

 Calisaya, and it appears likewise important to ascertain whether the Calisaya is 

 there also liable to be injured and bored into by mites and other noxious insects. 



11. It is highly desirable that all the above recommended observations made 

 respecting Cinchona Calisaya, may also be applied to all other species of Cin- 

 chona that may occur in South America, of which those ranking next in interest 

 and importance to us in Java, and which have been planted here, are C. Conda- 



