82 
assistance in keeping the disease in check. I ed desi you posted up 
ith any new cccurrence or observation on the s 
wa pus 
(Signed) WiLLrAw Scorr. 
November 11th, 1893. 
Royat GARDENS, Kew, to COLONIAL OFFICE. 
SIR, Royal Gardens, Kew, January 5, 1894. 
I HAvE the honour to inform you that I have received a com- 
munication from the Director of Forests and Gardens, Mauritius, 
respecting a disease which has made its appearance amongst the sugar- 
canes in that Colony, aud advising the despatch of specimens. 
2. These have reached Kew within the last few days and have been 
at once examined. The disease proves to be due unmistakeably to a 
fungus, and it is remarkable that this is identical with the Zricho- 
heria sacchari, which has recently made its appearance in the West 
Indies, ind. has already done no inconsiderable amount of damage there. 
It appears to me not improbable that it has been introduced thence 
into bun ds 
relimi inary account of the disease was given in the Kew 
Bulletin for July last, of which I enclose a copy. I further enclose a 
copy ot a detailed ee of the fungus, which has been prepared from 
est Indian material by Mr. George Massee, a Principal Assistant in the 
Herbarium of the md Gardens. 
4. Mr. Massee has drawn up a brief memorandum of advice as to the 
ix action to be taken under the circumstances. A copy is enclosed, 
and this, with the documents above-mentioned, the Secretary of State 
will probably think it advisable to transmit to the Government of 
Mauritius for general information 
m, &c. 
(S uf W. T. THISELTON-DYER. 
Hon. Sir Robert Meade, K.C.B., 
Colonial Office 
Downing Street, S.W. 
SuGAR-CANE DISEASE, MAURITIUS. 
The canes are attacked by a fungus, Trichospheria sacchart, 
identical with the fungus at present causing such havoc in — ne 
plantations in the West Indies. 
To prevent the spread of the disease it is necessary to resort to 
drastic measures. urn every cane showing a trace of the disease 
mid indicated externally by the appearance of numerous minute, 
and rain, and in turn infect new areas, "Prompt action si can save 
the planter from being overpowered by the fungus, and as it is impos- 
i to Lo canes from its attack so long as the spores are being 
the only safe resource is to burn every trace of diseased 
"The utmost care should be taken not to spread the disease by using 
canes for propagation ected areas. 
