July r, 1881 ] 
THE TROPICAL AGRICULTURIST. 
77 
By the kindness of Messrs. Leechman I have had the opportunity also of growing 
seed of a coffee from Nakunaad, Coorg, which had a reputation as "disease -resisting." 
It is however now suffering from a bad attack. 
Mr. S. M. Kay-Shuttleworth brought from Java seed of nine varieties of coffee there 
grown, all of which we have raised at Peradeniya. One of these is a remarkable plant, 
with very narrow leaves, and perhaps may be distinct species. All have been attacked 
by Hemileia. 
There is indeed very little reason to suppose that any variety of C. arablca is 
"disease-proof." Even other species are the hosts of the Hemileia parasite ; our native 
wild species, C. travancorensis, and the African C. liberlca, are both susceptible ; yet it 
by no means follows that all suffer equally in health. It is fortunately not necessary for 
me to attempt to go further into this matter, as the whole subject of " leaf-disease" is 
undergoing an exhaustive examination by Mr. Marshall Ward, specially appointed for the 
purpose and attached to this Department. During the year Mr. Ward has published two 
able and original papers embodying the results of his investigations into the character 
and structure of the fungus itself, the mode of its life in the coffee leaf, and the precise 
nature of the damage it works. A true knowledge of the disease is thus being steadily com- 
pleted, and the progress already made appears to me to be highly encouraging for the future. 
Liberian coffee has now taken its position as a valuable crop in the lower districts. 
The beautiful naturally-grown trees in Feradeniya continue to bear well. It is to be 
regretted that the efforts made to induce the natives of the low-countries to take up this 
culture, so eminently adapted for them, have had such slight results. A box of seeds has 
been sent to the Maharajah of Travancore at his Highness's request 
Tea. — Hopes are entertained that a market may be found for this product in the 
Australian Colonies, samples of Ceylon -grown tea sent to the Melbourne Exhibition 
having met with much appreciation. This has given a great impulse to the cultivation 
in our planting districts. A box of seeds has, at the request of the Director of the Botanic- 
Garden at Manilla, been transmitted to that place. 
Cinchona. — An impulse has been given to this cultivation during 1880 unparalleled 
in any previous period, and indeed it may be said to have become general, to a greater or 
less extent, on all estates in suitable situations. It is principally C. officinalis and 
C. succlrubra that are being so extensively grown ; of these, many planters have now very 
extensive nurseries, and little or no seed has been purchased from Hakgala. Nor is it 
necessary for the Government to continue any further large propagation of those species. 
The remarkable suitability of the climate of our higher elevations for C- officinalis 
is very evident, but at heights below 4,500 feet it appears more desirable to grow other 
sorts. This species shews considerable variation in the form of leaf, ranging from a narrow 
lanceolate up to a broad oval. A large-leafed form much in favour from its quick growth 
(often but incorrectly termed C. condamlnea in Ceylon) may not improbably be the result 
of crossing with C. succlrubra. The narrowest-leaved variety (C. crlspa) has been grown 
at the Hakgala plantations since their establishment, and thence spread over the estates. 
As it appears admirably fitted for the highest situations, I submitted a sample of the bark 
from trees about nine years old to my friend Mr. Howard, F.R.S., who has favoured me 
with the following analysis and remarks : — 
"This bark used to be called crespilla. It was the Quina fina de Loja. I am glad to say it 
keeps up its character for goodness, thus : — 
Quinine ... 4-10 
Cinchonidine ... O7o 
Cinchomne ... 0-20 
Quinidme 020 
Total alkaloids 520 
This would give of sulph. quinine 5*45 per cent., very much better than most of the bark grown 
in Ceylon." 
1 have had some of these trees coppiced, and a small quantity of bark has been 
Shipped for sale in London.* 
* This consignment was highly appreciated in Mincing Lane At the sale, early in February in ]S-<, 
after a brisk competition it was sold for 7-v. 6rl. per lb.. Mr. Howard remarking on its superiority ove 
smol Cevlon bark f ISToto a<l<lcMl March, 1881.] 
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