in 



It would be difficult to give you the exact average market value, but 

 it has varied during the last few years between 2s. 3d. and 3s. per lb. 



At the present moment the value is about 2s. lid to 3s." 



This rubber tree would be an important addition to the products of 

 Jamaica, as from the data given by Mr. Thompson, it is probable that it 

 would grow on the Blue Mountains above the range for coffee. 



SUGAR OANEDISEASE. 



Sir, 



The attention of Sugar Planters was directed in the Jamaica Bulletin 

 (Xos. 43 and 45, and Parts 2, 3 and 4j to diseases in Canes svhich have 

 done much damage in Barbados and other West Indian Islands, 



The most deadly of these diseases is due to a fungus attacking the stems, 

 but I have seen no trace of this fungus (Trichosphaeria) in Jamaica. 



Canes have also been attacked in Barbados and Java with a 11 root- disease," 

 which is caused by a fungus (Colletotrichum falcatum.) 



I investigated on an estate in Jamaica an affection of Canes, and traced 

 it to a fungus in the roots, but was unable without specimens or drawings 

 of Colletotrichum to determine whether it was the same. 



Some of the roots preserved in spirit were brought by me to England, 

 and have been carefully examined in the Jodrell Laboratory at Kew. Mr. 

 Massee has indentified the fungus as Colletotrichum falcatum, on account 

 of which was published in the Kew Bulletin, and reproduced in the Ja- 

 maica Bulletin for last February. 



I do not think that there is any cause for alarm in Jamaica, if reasonable 

 precautions are taken to stamp out the disease wherever it occurs. It may 

 be known by the soft outer portion of the rootlets becoming soft and de- 

 cayed when they are affected. The whole cane should be taken up and 

 burnt As the ground may be infected with the disease, it would be pru- 

 dent not to plant canes in the same spot for at least a year, nor any plant 

 of the same family, such as corn. Boot-crops, such as Sweet Potato or 

 fruits, such as Pine Apples, would probably not be attacked. Careful se- 

 lection should be made of tops from strong and perfectly healthy canes for 

 planting, and it would be advisable to get them from a district where the 

 disease does not exist. 



I have, etc., 



W. Fawcett. 

 Director of Public Gardens and Plantations. 

 The Hon. The Colonial Secretary, Kingston. 



preservin~gmangoes. 



Now that Mangoes are in season, the following hints on preserving the 

 fruit, by Mr. E. M. Shelton, of the Dept. of Agriculture. Queensland, may 

 be useful : — 



Canning. 



After peeling, the fruit is seperated from the stones by slicing into 

 pieces of convenient size : these should be stewed for a few minutes only, 

 before pouring into the cans, in syrup strong or weak in sugar to suit 

 taste or the fruit may be cooked in the can with syrup as before. There 

 may be a difference of opinion as to the palatableness of canned mangoes. 

 A considerable number of those persons who have tasted the results of our 

 work have pronounced the canned fruit excellent, while others have de- 

 clared their indifference to it. A like diversity of opinion, we note, holds 

 respecting the raw fruit, particularly with those unaccustomed to its pe- 

 culiar flavour. Mangoes stewed in the form of a sauce will be found a 



