374 



Proceedings. [No. 10, new series. 



in some cases a microscope to discover it. It is plain without en- 

 tering into chemical details, that a large quantity of green vegeta- 

 tion, collected round the stem of a tree and covered with soil, is a 

 sufficient cause to originate vinous fermentation which is distinc- 

 tive from the elements it produces. One of the worst of these will 

 be vinegar, will in all likelihood arise from the Alcohol produced ; 

 another error may arise, from collecting matter too deep around 

 the stem of the tree, viz. the exclusion of atmospheric air from the 

 roots and collet, or as Trevirainus calls it " centrum vegitationis," 

 or " life knot." 



If these remarks lead to an investigation of this important sub- 

 ject, they will have attained their end. It would be presumption 

 to propose remedial measures with the present amount of informa- 

 tion, but were the subject fairly and thoroughly investigated, there 

 is every reason to think the disease might be arrested, though it 

 is one about which very little has been hitherto known. 



(Signed) Andrew T. Jaferey. 



In publishing the foregoing Memorandum, the Committee de- 

 sire to direct attention to what may be one of the causes of disease 

 in the Nutmeg Tree. 



The too free use of green manure is a very possible source of 

 disease, and is so evitable that the further use of it might be sus- 

 pended. Careful investigation will, no doubt, disclose more fully 

 at once the cause and mode of cure of this disease. 



The Committee will receive with pleasure and give publicity to 

 any further remarks on this disease, by persons having practical 

 experience in the treatment of it. 



The following Gentlemen were unanimously elected Members 



of the Society. 



Lieut.-Col. Adye, R. A., Major Worster, M. A , Captain R. F. 

 Oaks. 



The next Meeting is appointed to be held on Wednesday, No- 

 vember 2nd, when the Committee will be happy to see any Mem- 

 bers who desire to attend. Until further orders the Committee 

 will meet at half past six a. m. at the Gardens. 



