36 BRITISH HONDURAS. 



roots of the canes, both under, and above ground. On examina- 

 tion, a small greenish, wingless insect is found embedded in the 

 froth, which remains in this state till about August, when it 

 matures into the 'fly.' While affected in the manner above 

 described, the canes become stunted in growth, but even after- 

 wards, with the mature insect, they are not free from injury, as 

 the ' fly ' attacks the leaves and causes them to be spotted and 

 eventually to die off. 'The lower leaves appear to wither first, 

 but the upper leaves are soon attacked, and sometimes so 

 severely, as to cause the whole to fall off, leaving nothing but 

 the bare cane standing. Even among canes not severely 

 attacked, the joints are short and poor. About the end of 

 September and October the ' fly ' disappears. The canes after 

 this time, relieved from the attacks of the ' fly/ make very fair 

 growth ; the joints become long and full, and they continue to 

 develop, up to cutting time." 



To this account Mr. Morison adds that the " fly " is more 

 severe in damp and wet lands in lower portions of the fields 

 than in dry, powdery land. 



I obtained specimens of the " fly " for determination, and 

 find it is not at all uncommon on canes in moist districts in 

 other parts of the world. I recommend a dressing of powdered 

 quicklime to the cane stools when the " froth " first appears, 

 and this, together with good drainage, will, I believe, effectually 

 deal with the evil. From this and other districts where cultiva- 

 tion is being carried on, I obtained samples of soil for analysis, 

 and I hope that the local government will be able to place the 

 results of these analyses before planters, in order to indicate the 

 special characteristics of soils in the colony, suitable for different 

 plants. 



In the neighbourhood of Seven Hills, beyond the Eio Grande 

 River, is what is termed the Toledo Settlement, established by 



