35 
been made, the results of which ought to be positive one way or 
the other in the course of the coming year. 
The fungus may be designated for the present as Fiisariiiin 
Cubensc. It produces macroconidia and microconidia of typical 
forms, reddens and purples various culture media, and has not 
so far shown any ascospora form. The chief characteristic 
separating it from other species so far as yet known is its loca- 
tion in the diseased banana plant and its ability to produce the 
before-mentioned disorganization phenomena in the vascular 
bundles, but no doubt other peculiarities will be developed as the 
study of the organism progresses. 
A very considerable part of the banana holdings in tropical 
America are in the hands of Americans, and as we also consume 
the greater part of the product, it is highly important to prevent 
such destruction of the plantation as shall lead to a loss of 
American capital and an increase in the price of tlr^s important 
food product. 
Copied from "The West India Committee Circular," Julv 5, 
1910. 
IMPORTATION OF BLUEFIELDS BANANAS IN 1903. 
EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD FROM NOVEMBER TO 
DECEMBER 1903, SHOWING WHAT ACTION WAS 
TAKEN BY THE BOARD. 
November 4: 
]\Ir. Thurston reports that Mr. Jared G. Smith prior to his de- 
parture to Washington stated that about 500 Bluefields banana 
plants were expected to arrive at Honolulu at any time.. 
November 2y. 
Mr. E. C. Shorey, Acting Chief of the Experiment Station in 
place of j\Ir. Jared G. Smith, reported receiving a cable stating 
that a lot of Bluefields banana plants had been shipped from New 
Orleans on Nov. 21st and should arrive at Honolulu in about two 
weeks. 
December 2j: 
Mr. Holloway reported having sent a cablegram to the Quarter- 
master at San Francisco, inquiring as to the whereabouts of the 
Bluefields banana plants. 
December ^0: 
The President stated that an informal meeting was held, on 
Monday last, at the time the Bluefields bananas arrived, at which 
