336 



[May 190*. 



Experiments at Mahd-Iluppalama Experimental Garden.— The Superin- 

 tendent reported in January that 14 plantain trees of different varieties and 69 fruit 

 trees of various sorts are established. One-fifth of an acre is under chillies and half 

 an acre under cholam (Sorghum), 17 acres under rubber, and 50 under cotton. 

 Tobacco is in the nursery, and 5 acres of land are ready for planting as soon as the 

 time arrives. 



Cotton.— Messrs. Geo. H.Brown & Co., Liverpool, writing to the Hon. Mr, 

 Crawford on the 21st March, say : — " You will remember our writing to you early in 

 the year about some samples of Ceylon cotton sent to us by the Ceylon Agricultural 

 Society. We remarked on the cleanliness and bloom of the cotton shown in the 

 samples, and pointed out that the value of the cotton in bulk (which we placed 

 roughly at 9d. per lb.) would depend on its equality to sample, and that for trade 

 purposes event ess of quality was of the first importance. The other day Mr. 



C showed a sample of a consignment of four bales (from Ceylon). The four 



bales were of four different qualities varying in value by pence per pound, and not one 

 recognizable as the same cotton as that shown by the Ceylon Agricultural Society's 

 samples in our possession. It is obvious that care will have to be taken to produce a 

 more even quality in bulk before a variety of cotton new to the market can obtain 

 a footing here." 



Mr. M. Suppramanian, broker, Colombo, announces me that he is prepared 

 to purchase any quantity of spinning cotton and silk cocoons from one pound 

 upward. 



Sisat Henvp—1l\e. Government Agent, Northern Province, writing on the 

 3rd April, reports :— " 150 plants were planted at Iratperiyakulam in Vavuniya South. 

 Owing to the rocky nature of the ground they were planted irregularly, 8 and 6 

 feet apart, in a plot of ground 40 yards by 20 yards. These plants have done well 

 so far. 150 plants were planted at Kanagarayankulam and Panikkankulam in the 

 Vavuniya North division. Of these only 53 survived, 35 at Kanagarayankulam 

 and 18 at Panikkankulam. These plants were planted 8 feet apart in an area of 

 about one-eighth of an acre- They are doing Avell. 30 plants were planted in Delft 

 in a plot of ground 2 lachams in extent (one-eighth acre). They were planted in 

 manured holes 8 feet apart, They are doing well. The plants were obtained from 

 the Director, Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, and were six to eight months 

 old, some pernaps ten months, when planted." 



Rubber Cultivation at Ambalangoda.— Mr. D. F. de Silva Jayawardena of 

 Ambalangoda reported the failure of rubber plants in his Nagaskele estate, one 

 and a half mile inland from sea at Ambalangoda. An Agricultural Instructor 

 was sent down to investigate the cause and secure specimens of affected plants 

 and also of soil for purposes of analysis. The matter is in the hands of the Botanic 

 Department. 



Sapodilla Seed from Bangalore.— A small supply of sapodilla seed has 

 been received from Bangalore, and is now available to Provincial Road Committees 

 for planting in the resthouse premises. The cost is 30 cents per dozen, 



Bellary Onion.-- Seeds of this onion have been received from India. A few 

 half-ounce packets at 30 cents each are still available. Applications should be 

 sent in at once. 



Nepaul Chilli.— It is proposed to import a small quantity of this variety » 

 inquiries for which have been received. 



Essential Oils.—Mv. B. Samaraweera of Weligama has submitted an ela* 

 borate scheme for experiments under this head. The matter is under consideration^ 



