131 



*' 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 absolutely necessary. Careful cutting out of diseased 

 canes should go on continually during 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- 

 posing that the disease has in any way emanated from the botanical 

 -Stations. I am, &c, 



(Signed) W. T. Thiseltox-Dyer. 



Edward Wingfield, Esq., O.B., 



Colonial Office, Downing Street, S.W. 



P.S. — Eef erring again to your letter of June 2, I observe that a de- 

 finite opinion is requested as to the recommendations of the committee 

 appointed by the Planters' Club in St. Vincent. A careful considera- 

 tion leads me to the opinion that these are unexceptionable and 

 altogether admirable. They will not merely effect all that is possible 

 against the fungoid disease, but must also tend to bring the moth- 

 borer under control. It would be extremely desirable that similar 

 steps should be adopted in Antigua and Barbados. 



I may add, as an illustration of what can be effected by vigorous 

 and energetic action, that the sugar-industry in the Canaries was 

 menaced by extinction by the moth-borer. Mr. Morris, the assistant 

 director, spent some time in the islands last year, and informs me that 

 by intelligent and energetic action the moth-borer has been completely 

 brought under control in the space of three years. 



W. T. T. D. 



(Enclosure.) 



EoOT-DlSEASE OF SuGAR-CANE, Si. VlNCENT. 



The disease is caused by the fungus called CoUetotrichum falcatum, 

 Went. The mature conidia of this fungus are very abundant in the 

 decayed portions of the canes, hence all such should be burnt to pre- 

 vent further extention of the disease. 



The material forwarded furnishes a clue which may lead to im- 

 portant results in connection with the disease. In one of the " stools" 

 sent the portion of cane used for its propagation is badly infested with 

 Trichospceria sacchari, the fruit of the Melancqnium stage being 

 abundantly developed. In this same specimen the hyphae of the Tri- 

 chosphasria can be traced from the old portion into the new canes 

 growing from it. The new canes and their rootlets are attacked by 

 the CoUetotrichum, which from the evidence at hand, appears to be 

 nothing more than a condition of the Trichosp/ueria, modified by 

 being more or less buried in the ground. The necessary cultures for 

 the verification or otherwise of this point are now being proceeded 



with. a. M. 



19th May, 1894. 



ONION CULTIVATION IN EGYPT. 



The onion crop of the valley of the ]S"ile is of great importance, and 

 brings an increasing amount of money each year to Egypt, as onions 

 are shipped in immense quantities to England, France and other 

 European countries, and to the United States, where they find a ready 



