120 
the difference between the white and black Hevea of the Amazon is 
due merely to the growth on the oe of different species of lichens, 
according to the exposure of the t 
Seeds were selected in 1912 ad see which showed oe 
characters, seed and leaf characters being chosen as a beginning. 
experiment however was regarded as a purely scientific fad, and the 
subsequent treatment of the plants was such that it has small prospect 
of result. A large number of trees is required, before any definite 
conclusions can be based on such experiments, and this necessitates 
the occupation of an acreage which at the present time is not available. 
Asmall experiment which may afford preliminary ideas on the relation 
of yield to botanical characters has been in progress for nearly a year. 
Twenty trees of the same age, growing in a four-acre block at the Experi- 
ment Station, Peradeniya, have been selected for differences in leaf 
or bark characters. These are all tapped on the same system, and the 
yield of rubber from each tree is recorded separately for every tapping. 
Reference may also be made to the investigations on Hevea cortex 
by Messrs. Bryce and Campbell which were designed ultimately to 
owing to the departure of both these officers on military service. 
te problem of aie selection in Hevea has been attacked by the 
n Department of Agriculture from both the empirical and the 
scientific standpoint, but it is not possible to attain results rapidly, 
and the rate of progress is necessarily governed by the money and men 
available for the work. AW oa Ket 
XVIII.—MISCELLANEOUS NOTE. 
Plant Diseases in Queensland, —The Diseases us nebess Act of 
1916 which has recently been introduced in Queensland provides 
measures with regard to the introduction and Bes sere of diseases 
in that country. The Act came into operation on Seg Ist, 1917. 
Every insect, fungus, and plant introduced in 0 Queensland or 
removed from any nursery or orchard contrary to me Act, and every 
removed from one part of the State to another may be forthwith 
seized by an inspector and dealt with by destruction or otherwise as 
the Minister or inspector may direct. Under penalty of a fine every 
orchard and nursery must be registered on or before March 31st each 
(number of acres of bananas, pine-apples and number of fruit trees). 
Except in the case of injury and destruction of non-diseased plants, 
persons are not entitled to any compensation in consequence of any 
measure age for the eradication of the disease or the destruction of 
any insect, fungus, or diseased plant. Persons guilty of an offence 
against the Act are liable to a penalty not exceeding £20 
t Queensland intends to take strict precautions against the 
introduction and spread of diseases is evident from the details of the 
Act, and especially — the schedules regarding the pean of 
orchards and nurseri 
