176 
It is evident from these specimens that canes infected with rind- 
fungus are used for propagation. It further appears that when this was 
the case the resulting plants are attacked by root-disease. ‘This fact 
points to the conclusion that the root-disease and the rind-disease are 
really due to one and the same organism, and that the Colletotrichum 
is only another deg of the polymorphic Trichospheria. This was, 
indeed, suggested by Mr. C. A. Barber, the Superintendent of Agricul- 
ture in the Leeward Islands, in a privaie letter, December 1, 1898, as 
the result of his observations made by permission of the Seeretary of 
State in Barbados. But the evidence was not deemed at the time con- 
elusive, "The possible identity of the two diseases is still a matter under 
inv estigation at Kew. But assuming, as seems — that it is well 
founded it obviously very much simplifies the problem 
4. The remaining contents of the papers call for little remark as far 
as Kew is concerned. I may, however, be permitted to say that it seems 
to me a matter for regret that they var : E inclination to 
diseuss the situation than to take prompt a see nothing to 
. 
modify in the demi-official letter of March 19 vm which, at his request, 
I addressed to the Governor of Barbados 
5. With regard to d Imay i$ iet out that I had in view 
the cireumstanees of Bar s, whi n is, I understand, virtually de- 
pendent on sugar cultivation. "My o ggestion was v intended to apply 
to other colonies where that dondition : does not o 
G. I am not prepared to use any further tcm than those I have 
already addidi n the absolute necessity of destroying diseased canes 
by burning. If the sugar-planters will not wage war in the onl 
effective way on ihe enemies of the sugar-eane, they can only have them- 
selves to blame for the consequences. Mr. Barber urges against burning 
in Antigua that *the whole atmosphere is saturated with the spores." 
Even if true, this is no argument against attempting to eut of th 
supply. No pestilence would ever be checked if mankind simply folded 
its hands in resignation. It is quite evident that in Antigua at any 
rate no intelligent pains are taken to combat m enemies of the sugar- 
It is quite certain that the moth-borer can be checked by 
persistent effort. And as to the shot-borer, I "i: quote the opinion of 
Prof. Riley, the well- em caiene egi of the United States MR 
ment of Agrieulture, who, writing to the "Trinidad Committee, sa 
* You are perfectly cortect in tracing the increase of the Bic horer to 
* the discontinuance of the burning of th asse (as we call it in this 
country), and it seems probable that the ‘resumption of this custom 
* will greatly decrease the number of these beetles.” 
I may, however, remark that a general conflagration, as assumed by 
Mr. Barber, is not pte necessary. Careful cutting out of diseased 
canes should go on continually uring the growing season. A general 
burning should only be resorted to in extreme cases. 
7. Finally, I must add that there is not the faintest ground for sup- 
DE: that the disease has in any way emanated from the botanical 
m, &c. 
(Signed). = W. T. Taisevton: Dyer. 
Edward Wingfield, Esq., C.B., 
Colonial “Office, Downing Street, S.W. 
P.S.—Keferring again to your letter of June 2, Í observe that a 
definite opinion is requested as to the recommendations of the committee 
