ABSTRACTS. 



585 



{Jour. Imp. Dep. Agr. W.I. vol. i. No. 2, p. 159). — In an exceedingly able 

 paper details are given of the effect and comparative value of six varieties 

 of manures. — W. W. 



Sugar-cane, Moth Borers. By H. Maxwell- Lefroy {Jour. Imp. 

 Dep. Agr. W.I. vol. i. No. 4, p. 327). — A very important and exhaustive 

 paper, describing the species, with figs, of larvae and of insects, and giving 

 appropriate remedies. — W. W. 



Sug'ar-cane, Pests of. By J. R. Bovell {Jour. Imp. Dep. Agr. 

 W.I. vol. i. No. 1, p. 33). — The following pests are mentioned, fully 

 described, and preventive treatment advised : — The Moth Borer {Diatrmu 

 saccharalis) ; the Rind Fungus {Trichosphceria sacchari) ; the Root Fungus 

 {CoUetotrichum falcatum) ; White Blight (probably Dactylopms ccUeo- 

 laricB) ; and Black Blight (a fungus growing on the excretion of Dilpliax 

 saccharivora). — W. W. 



Sugrar Industry of West Indies {Jour. Imp. Dep. Agr. W.I. 

 vol. i. No. 1, p. 11). — Dr. Morris, C.M.G., points out that if the West 

 Indies are to see a satisfactory revival of this industry they must not only 

 set to work more energetically, but must begin by discovering the best 

 and raising new varieties of Sugar-cane, and instances that after a five 

 years' trial a seedling cane, called ' B 147,' yielded 7,190 lb. of available 

 sugar per acre, against 6,137 lb. obtainable from ' Caledonian Queen,' 

 and 0,210 lb. from * Bourbon,' the ordinarily cultivated varieties. 

 Another direction in w^hich improvement may be made is in the crushing 

 machine, there being an average of 2,000 lb. of sugar left in the canes 

 after crushing by the existing machines. At present it takes 13 tons of 

 cane to yield 1 ton of sugar, whereas with better machines 9 tons would 

 suffice. There is also terrible waste in the boiling, for juice containing 

 fully 100 lb. of crystallisable sugar by the present methods of boiling 

 only produces 75 lb. — W. W. 



Sulphate of Copper, The gfermination of g-rains of Wheat 

 treated with. By M. Demoussy {Ann. Ag. p. 257 ; June 25, 1901).— The 

 sulphate of copper is shown to be entirely on the surface, and does not 

 penetrate the grain at all. When sown the moisture in the ground 

 around the grain withdraws, absorbs, and dilutes the small amount of 

 copper on the grain, and the little rootlets are not injured. — C. H. H. 



Syringa pubescens (Turcz.) {Bev. Hort. p. 251 ; June 1901).— 

 Native of China, introduced by Dr. Bretschneider 1879, but little known. 

 Flowers about a fortnight earlier than most forms ; peculiarly variable in 

 form and colour of inflorescence. Owing to precocity, requires shelter 

 from late frosts. — C. T. D. 



Taphrina Johansoni, Sad., Studien uber d. Sporenbildung 



bei. By 8. Ikeno {Flora, vol. Ixxxviii. Pt. 2, pp. 229-237; t. xiii. ; 

 March 1901). — Taphrina, belonging to the Exoascece, causes deformation 

 of the carpels of the Aspen Poplar. The cytology of the formation of the 

 ascospores is studied by modern methods, and oflers some interesting 



