August t, iSSS/] THE TROPICAL AGRICULTURIST. 83 
to take (be simple steps noted above, and reduce tbe 
effects of tbe disease on their plantations as much as 
possible. 
Mr. JIarl al-o noticed the disease in his report for 
the year ending September, 1880, and mentioned 
various remedies. 
The following letter has already Appeared in the 
Jamaica Gazette: — Botanical Depart men I, Gordon 
Town P.O., 16th January, 1888. Sir, — In continuation 
Of my letter dated 7th September, 1887, No 2-121, on 
the coconut disease in the neighbourhood of Hath, 
I beg to report that on a recent visit to Port Antonio 
I found that tbe same disease was attacking the coco- 
nut palms there, and especially the young plauts. 
2. Mr. Watson, who has charge of Captaiu Baker's 
plantations, appears to have been successful in getting 
rid of the disease on the young plants by a simple 
and inexpensive method. He placed a heap of dry 
leaves, &c, round the base of each stem and allowed 
it to burn for some time. The flames scorched 
and burnt the outer leaves of the palm, at the same 
time killing tbe scale-insects, and new leaves are put- 
ting forth, which look healthy aod free from the dis- 
ease. I am inclined to think that the smoke caused by 
tbe burning had a greater effect than tbe heat, for it 
could penetrato to inner parts where the flames could 
not act. If so, a similar plan might he tried with 
even the tallest palms, by packing the bases of the 
outer leaves with dry bush, rotten wood, or some 
material which would give dense smoke without 
flame. Sulphur might also be tried. The application 
of this or any other remedy should be tried at dif- 
ferent times of the year, for a remedy which wool 1 
have no effect on the eggs might completely extirpate 
the disease if applied when tbe young insects are 
hatched out — probably about May or June. 
3. A correspondent from the Grand Cayman informs 
me that the coconut palms have been infested with 
apparently the same disease for forty years, and that 
'■ tens of thousands" of trees have been destroyed. 
4. The subject is of great importance as a coconut 
palm in heal ing is calculated to be worth five pounds, 
and If the disease spreads much in Jamaica, the total 
loss will he very considerable. 
5. It is to be hoped that tho results of any experi- 
ments made for the extirpation of the disease will be 
communicated to rae, in order that they may be pub- 
lish, I for the benefit of others. I have, &c, W. 
lawec tt. Director, Public Gardens and Plantations. 
NATAL !• BUITS. 
The following interesting letter from Dr. Suther- 
land, M.I)., to "the Colonial Secretary, in answer to 
several pertinent questions put to him in reference 
to Natal fruits, appears in this week's tiatetti: — 
!Jth July 1887. 
The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Xatal. 
sir, — Referring to your communication enclosiug 
copy of a letter dated the 14th August, 1886, from 
the Royal Gardens, Kew, together with a scries of 
questions touching the fruit products of your colony, 
1 have the honour to subjoin all the information 
I have been able to collect. 
Question 1.— Please give a list (giving both the 
local and scientific names) of the chief fruits grown 
in the colony, in order of their importance. 
1. Pineapple (Anonassa sativa). 
-. Banana (Musa sapientum). 
3. Plantain (Musa paradisiaca). 
•I. Orange (Oitros anrantdum), in groat variety. 
5. Naartje. 
«. Lime (Citrus limetta). 
7. Lemon (Citrus limouum). 
B, shaddock (Citrus decumana). 
9i Oitron (Citrus medica). 
Hi. Peach (Ainygdalua persica), in variety. 
11. Apple (I'yrus malusi, in great variety. 
12. Quince (Oydonia vulgaris). 
In. Apricot (Primus). 
14. Pig (Fiona carica). 
18. Poar i Pyrus communis). 
10. Greuadillu (Paasillora edulii), 
17. Liqu.it (Eriobotrya Jtponica). 
18. Grape (Viti vinifera). Cape varieties and Catawba. 
If). Strawberry (Fragiria virginiana). 
20. Capo Gooseberry (Physdis pubescens). 
21. Amatungula (Arduiua grandiflura). 
22. Tamarind (Tamariudu; Indica). 
211. Mango (Mangifera Indica). 
24. Avocado Pear (Persea gratissiiua). 
Question 2. — During what months are the chio 
fruits attainable y Wh it quantities of each approxi- 
mately are available for export, and what are tho 
wholesale prices locally ? 
Pineapples, generally a coast product, but grown 
up to 2*)C0 feet in sheltered localities, are available 
from January to August — in exceptional cases, the 
whole year. Supply equal to any demand. Prices 
Id. to 3d. each, according to season and quality. 
Bananas aud plantains produced on the coast, and 
up to elevations of 1500 feet, are available generally 
throughout the. whole year. If there were a demand, 
the supply would bo unlimited. Prices vary from 
one to two shillings a bunch, according to size and 
quality. 
Orauges, limes, kc, arc available from April to 
August. Grown all over the colony the supply would 
meet any reasonable demand. The prices vary accord- 
ing to seasons, being lowest between May and August, 
and highest during the scarcity. Immense quanti- 
ties aro lost annually for want of a market. Mar- 
malade and Hint; juice may be prepared in unlimited 
quantity. This industry is extending rapidly, aud 
will soon be sensibly realised. 
Peaches are universally grown all over tho cdony, 
certain varieties being adapted for tho warmer coast 
districts, and others of the hardier aud better-flavoured 
varieties more suitable for the colder and more ele- 
vated districts. They are available from December 
to February. The supply is far in excess of th« 
demand, and can be pushed to auy extent if there 
were a market. Fully three-fourths of the crop is 
annually lost from want of a market aud the perisk- 
able nature of the fruit. Much is preserved for local 
use. A prb:e, uuder the circumstances, can hardly 
be given. When the fruit is olfered for sa'e it is 
merely to cover cost of gathering and carriage to 
market. 
Apples, like peaches, are grown all over the colony, 
the hardier varieties being in the upper districts. 
The supply is fir in excess of tho demand, there 
beiug no markot for the produce of every farm 
and garden. The fruit is in season from December 
to January, ami prices are such as cover cost of 
gathering aud carriage to market, Is 6cl to 3s a 
hundred, according to size aud quality. 
Quinces, like apples, thrive best iu the upper dis- 
tricts of tho colony. They are iu season iu January, 
earlier or later ac:ording to situation; cultivation 
capable of extension unlimitedly if there were a 
market. The fruit is oftc i preserved but seldom sold, 
there being no demand. 
Apricots come into season in November. Any de- 
mand could be met by large supplies. The price, 2s 
aud 3s per 100 for first supplies, soon falls, owing 
to the limited market. 
Figs are ready iu Jauuvry, and coutinue in seasou 
for two or three m mths. Pro luction may be exten- 
ded indefinitely. Prices just sufficient to cover cost 
of gathering and carriage; to market. 
Pears are in season in February, and can be pro- 
duced to any extent. Prices when sold merely nominal. 
Grenadillas are in season from Novomber to May. 
Its growth is capable of indefinite extension. Prices 
vary according to season, Is 6d a bushel being a 
common quotation, and insufficient to cover cost of 
gathering and carriage. 
Loquats aro in season in May; capablo of exten- 
sion indefinitely ; prices uominal, merely sufficient to 
cover cost of carriage. 
Grapos come into season in December, and Continue 
for two or three months. The price varies from 
Od to Is per lb., according to variety, quality, and 
6casou, the Cape varieties being the most expensive. 
The Catawba, owiug to general hardiue«s and free- 
