2l8 
THE TROPICAL AGRICULTURIST. [August i, 1881. 
to draw special attention to the fact that a fungoid 
disease is the natural result of a vitiated condition of 
the sap and of a gradual alteration in the condition 
of the contents of all cellular structures. Mr. 
Schrottky supports my conclusion that the presence 
of food congenial to the life and requirements of the 
fungus occurs during a peculiar state of the starchy 
and sugary constituents, and I have clearly stated my 
opinion that the deficiency of alkalies and phosphates in 
an available form in the soil is the cause of an ab- 
normal continuance of this otherwise transitory condition. 
Owing to the fact that there is no longer any 
chance of remuneration from the Government 
of Java, I feel the element of rivalry has been 
entirely eliminated, and the more healthy spirit 
of emulation has been encouraged among all those 
who have interested themselves in the investigation 
of the disease. 
Having read of the careful researches of Drs. Emmer- 
ling and Wagner in regard to the effects of the 
exhaustion of the mineral constituents of the soil, 
I venture still to maintain my long cherished opinion 
that constitutional treatment can alone be trusted to 
effect a permanent cure. 
I am a firm believer in the benefits to be derived 
from surface stirring and the proper utilization of 
organic matter ; but, while endeavouring in every way 
to improve the mechanical condition of the soil both 
by superficial and deep culture, I am still convinced 
that, to be enabled to continue the persistent cultiva- 
tion of a special crop, due attention must be paid to 
the maintenance of the necessary quantity of mineral 
plant-food. 
In conclusion, I may be permitted to say a few 
words in regard to the effects which I am led to 
believe may result from the application of antiseptics 
to the soil. Professors Schcesing, Miiutz, and Warring- 
ton, after elaborate experiments relative to the ferment 
theory of nitrification, have conclusively proved that 
the presence of an antiseptic in the soil entirely 
prevents any oxidation, and, as leaf disease appears 
generally at a time when nitrogen in an available 
form is supposed to be deficient, I shall await with 
great interest the experiment of applying carbolic 
acid to the land. 
Doubtless, the addition of lime may alter the conditions, 
but I still suppose it will be granted that as long 
as the carbolic acid retains its virtue as a reme- 
dial agent for the cure of the disease, so long 
must its antiseptic powers be in full force and be 
calculated to hinder the conversion of nitrogen into 
an available state as plant food. 
I may remark, for the benefit of my brother 
planters, that potash, magnesia, ammonia, and phos- 
phates, have been found by Professor Jamieson to 
give the best results in the recent Aberdeen Agri- 
cultural experiments, that Professor Jamieson has 
come to the conclusion that "finger-and-toe" is mainly, 
caused by the application of large quantities of forc- 
ing manures highly saturated with sulphuric acid. 
(Field, 28th May 1881.) 
I have recently been making inquiries in regard 
to the price at which my neutral sulphate dressing 
can be supplied, and have been informed that, if it 
is to be composed of the very best articles, it will 
cost about £10 10s. per ton in Scotland. 
A commercial friend has favored me also with in- 
formation in regard to kainit, and recommends it as 
being a cheap source of sulphate of potash and magnesia. 
Doubtless a mixture composed of kainit, sulphate 
o£ lime (gypsum), mineral (undissolved) phosphate, and 
some local form of ammonia, would prove a most 
valuable manure, but I have one very great objection 
to kainit — the large percentage of chloride of sodium 
.t contains (^0 5) — a substance which, I have found in 
J iny experiments, most materially interfered with the 
action of the sulphate dressing recommended by me. 
I am aware that on some soils and at certain sea- 
sons of the year salt may be used with good results, 
in conjunction with various forms of ammonia, but, 
as far as I have tried it, I am of opinion that in un- 
skilled hands it may often do more harm than good. 
Will any of your contributors kindly oblige me by 
giving information in regard to the recorded effects of 
kainit in conjunction with ammonia on coffee.— I am, 
dear sir, yours faithfully, 
GRA. ANDKKSON. 
[Simultaneously with the above letter, Ave receive 
an official paper from the Government of Madras with 
opinions on Mr. Anderson's experiments, from which we 
quote as follows :— 
Government of Madras, Revenue department, 11th June 
1881. Read the following papers : From Colonel R. H 
Beddome, Conservator of Forests, to Surgeon- Major G. 
Bidie, M.B., Superintendent, Government Centra] Museum, 
Madras, dated Ootacamund, 6th May 1881, No. 125. 
I think that the applications recommended by Mr. 
Anderson are worthy of trial on small given areas, but it 
will probably be found that the expense would be pro- 
hibitive in relation to largo tstates, so the application 
will be really of no practical value even if as efficacious 
as anticipated. 
Government have no coffee cultivation on which to 
experiment, so it can only be done by private planters; 
but, considering the ravages of the leaf-disease, the ques- 
tion would be zealously taken up if planters anticipated 
any practical results. 
It would be an advancement in our present knowledge 
to prove that the attacks of the Hemileia fungus are 
the consequence of the juices of the coffee plant be^ng in 
a vitiated condition, ani if such be proved no trouble or 
expense should be spared in testing what applications 
will most cheaply and quickly prevent this; but, as far 
as my experience goes, young and exceedingly healthy, 
looking plants are constantly attacked as well as plants 
out of condition or old plants, and the assertion that a 
cessation of growth precedes an attack of the leaf-disease 
is not, I think, correct, as I have seen fine young plants 
one to two years of age in full growth on virgin soil 
suddenly and seriously attacked, and the disease generally 
kills these young plants right ont, when the old trees, 
though often in poor condition and unhealthy-looking 
previous to the attack of the Hemileia, are seldom, if 
ever, actually killed. 
From Surgeon-Major G. Bidie, M.B., Superintendent, 
Government Central Museum Madras, to the Secretary to 
Government, Revenue Department, Madras, dated 1st 
June 1881. 
In returning the publication which accompanied G, O., 
No. 604, of 6th April 1881, I have the honor to forward 
a letter from Colonel Beddome regarding Mr. Anderson's 
Essay on Fungoid Disease, and to state that I agree with 
Colonel Beddome generally in his recomixtendations and 
conclusions. 
It also accords with my observations that when leaf- 
disease appears on an estate it attacks young and vigorous 
plants as well as those in poor condition, but there can 
be no doubt that chemical manures like some of the kinds 
indicated by Mr. Anderson would be ol great service in 
helping the coffee to recover condition after a a attack of 
leaf-di-ease. 
In a paper by Mr. William Bidie of Coorg, which was 
recently read before the Linnean Society, he stated that 
he had observed that coffee plants raised from Ceylon 
seed were much more liable to an at'ack of leaf-fungu 
than Coorg plants, and implied that poesibly the germ 
of the disease lurked in the seed. Since that papes 
was read some Cryptogamie botantists have, it is 
stated, been investigating the subject and are said to have 
found that the embryo of a seed may contain the germs 
of fungoid disease. This would explain why, as pointed 
out by Colonel Beddome, young plants are often attacked, 
and also in some measure why the disease should prove 
so virulent in thena. It further points to the nec.ssity 
for exercising great care in the selection of seed. 
It would be premature, I think; to say moie at present 
as regards leaf-disease, seeing that an expert has been 
specially sent out from England by the Colonial Office 
