464 



thus the cultivation could be improved, while the output of sugar 

 would be increased (to ascertain extent at least). More, it is sug- 

 gested, might be done in the matter of soil fertilisation which it would 

 seem has been somewhat neglected. The crops could be improved by 

 the utilisation or the mill refuse, animal manure and green soiling 

 with crops and commercial fertilisers could be used. Cane is an ex- 

 hausting crop and what is taken from the soil should be, if possible, 

 replaced, if the ground is to last for a long period. 



Ploughing is done by single buffaloes, and this ploughing does 

 not go deep enough. Steam ploughs are suggested but are too 

 expensive foi' the ordinary planter. A combination of planters might 

 perhaps get round this difficulty. 



The adoption of modern methods as noted above would probably 

 put the industry on a very sound footing and allow of further develop- 

 ments. 



The monograph is illustrated with a number of photographs, and 

 two of the old systems of ploughing by buffaloes, and of a steam 

 plough with disc ploughs attached illustrate the difference between old- 

 fashioned systems and modern methods. Negros does not appear to 

 possess the advantage of canals through the fields which we possess in 

 Province Wellesley, but has to transport its cane by tramways worked 

 by men and the buffalo-cart, and the photographs of factories show a 

 simplicity of apparatus which is in great contrast with the fine 

 machinery of Caledonia and other estates. Some of the mills only 

 are run by steam, others by water-power or by buffaloes, these latter 

 are disappearing and steam mills are coming into general use, and to 

 an Englishman it is satisfactory to learn that " the steam mills are 

 practically all of English or Scotch origin." 



The literature of Sugar cultivation and manufacture is probably 

 the most extensive of any of the literatures of tropical economics, and 

 the supply of statistics of returns, analyses of produce and soils is the 

 largest of any of these products, but the last word on sugar cultiva- 

 tion has not yet been spoken, and in this monograph we have an 

 important and interesting contribution to the study of the Sugar 

 industry. — Ed. 



A LARGE SOURSOP. 



{To the Editor, The Agricultural Bulletin). 



Sir, 



Yesterday I picked a durian blanda fruit which weighed Q^^lbs. 

 Is this a record weight The tree is a very fine one growing on flat land 

 behind my bathroom. As a rule, it fruits very little, the fruits being 

 small. 



Kota Tinggi, October, 9. Yours, etc., 



Too LATE FOR THE SHOW, 



(Can anyone beat this record!* — Ed), 



