776 
THE TROPICAL AGRICULTURIST. [March i, 1882. 
sion that torrents, which rend tne mountains and destroy 
then - valleys, are one of the most powerful auxiliaries 
of those inundations increasingly frequent in the plains, 
and that the primary cause of the formation, as also of 
the extension of torrents, was the removal of trees. M. 
Surell established this theory in his " Etudes sur les 
Torrents des Alpes," and demonstrated the following 
propositions : — 
1. The presence of a forest on a soil prevents the 
formation of torrents. 
2. The destruction of a forest leaves the soil a prey 
to torrents. 
3. The development of forests causes the extinction 
of torrents. 
4. The fall of forests redoubles the violence of tor- 
rents,* even causing them to be reformed. 
It was admitted during the discussions of the law of 
1864 that in special cases the forest might be replaced 
advantageously, at least in part, by the close vegetation 
of a grassy sward. These principles being established, 
it was necessary to go to work gradually, and above all 
to carry out a series of experiments of such duration 
and extent as would secure unimpeachable evidence. 
Moreover, the laws being declared tentative, the funds 
supplied were only sufficient for preliminary experience. 
It is now more than sixteen years ago since the work 
was commenced. The numerous studies which have 
resulted, the valuable observations that have been made, 
and, lastly, the undeniable and living proofs obtained, 
have victoriously silenced all objections. M. Demontzey 
tells us that in the higher regions of the Alps, the classic 
ground of torrents, one can see now numerous forests 
of resinous trees suitable to the climate, showing vigor- 
ous growth, not only in the basins of reception of 
primary torrents attacked by these works, but even on 
their steep banks, fixed and protected for ever ; whilst 
these torrents themselves, once so formidable, have be- 
come streams not only harmless but most valuable, 
inasmuch as they supply good and abundant water for 
irrigation. The earlier chapters treat of the description 
and formation of torrents; their effect in the heart of 
the mountain, description of preparatory operations, and 
action of dams. This portion of the work is well and 
numerously illustrated, and a careful study of the draw- 
ings will assist in understanding the various means 
adopted to alter the character of torrents and prevent 
their mischievous character. 
The next portion of the work treats of planting. The 
object to be obtained is a woody vegetation which 
possesses the following conditions : — 
1. Roots so powerful as to inclose the soils with their 
numerous rootlets as in a net, so making them more 
porous and protecting them against being washed away. 
2. To afford a sufficient cover to shelter the surface 
from meteorological influences. 
3. To furnish humus more and more abundant, valu- 
able on one hand to fertilize the soil, and thus increase 
the growth ; and on the other, to furnish the retardation and 
the regulation of rain water or snow falling on the surface. 
4. To maintain, without momentary and perpetual 
interruption, these salutary effects, and develop them 
by the use of lime. 
Useful information is afforded as to the selection of 
trees. A mixture of Alpine and silver fir with oak seems 
to have done best in the climate of the Alps. Corsican 
and Austrian pines are also favourably mentioned. 
The "necessary preparation of the surface for the re- 
ception of either the seed or the young trees, and which 
is required to a greater or less extent, according as 
climatic conditions are favourable or unfavourable, are 
described at great length. The various modes of ex- 
ecuting works of planting and growing are carefully de- 
scribed, these works having been obligatory. The details 
as to optional works, assisted by grants from Govern- 
ment, are given with great minuteness, and, to some 
extent, are but a repetition of information previously given. 
Insect-destroying Apparatus. — The cotton-worm, Co- 
lorado beetle, and other insects injurious to the cotton- 
plant, may be destroyed either by sprinkling solutions 
of various chemicals, such as London purple, over the 
plant, or by dusting the foliage with various poisons in 
the form of dry powders. A number of appliances for 
showering the plants with the solutions or powders have 
been introduced, but none have been constructed upon 
so large and complete a scale as some new machines, 
shown at Atlanta for the first time. The largest of 
these sprinklers is automatic in action, may be easily 
moved by one horse or mule, and will thoroughly drench 
every plant in twenty rows at the same time. It con- 
sists of a horizontal triangular frame of wood and iron, 
supported on three wheels, — one guiding-wheel in front, 
and two trailing-wheels behind, — a tank for the liquid, 
and a sprinkling device of novel form. On top of the 
frame is erected a wooden tripod, or derrick, and from 
the centre is suspended, near the top, a barrel for hold- 
ing the solution. A rope, pulley, and small windlass 
are also provided for lifting the barrel to its place. A 
rubber pipe extends from the bottom of the barrel to 
the rear of the machine, where it divides into branches 
— each branch hanging down behind the machine and 
between every second row of plants. Thus, if there are 
twenty rows of plants to be sprinkled, there are ten 
branch pipes. The elevated position of the barrel gives 
a good head to the streams, and the motion of the 
apparatus over the ground keeps the solution agitated 
and prevents the mixture from clogging the pipes. — 
Century Magazine. 
The Keeping oe Bees. — The bee, an insect pro- 
perly known by few, and more often erroneously exciting 
fear, offers through its unsurpassable industry and 
its productiveness an inestimable branch of industry. 
Above all, as surpassing in diligence and divers other 
qualities, as well as in bodily attractions, the 
"Italian bee" deserves mention. These bees are so 
harmless that it affords indeed pleasure to handle 
them, and really astonishing are their efficiency and 
their care of the gathered honey. The queen is of 
a golden yellow and extremely fertile, the former 
quality having also reference to the ordinary bees, 
making it a sight worth seeing to watch the various 
hues showing when the insects fly about in the 
sunshine, so much so as to attract even the stranger's 
attention and make him their friend with a little 
closer inspection. Their significance and profitableness 
cannot be underrated. Many hundredweights of 
American honey are annually imported at a comparati- 
vely high figure, which expenditure might be saved 
in cultivating the trade here. Many people besides 
would find both bodily and mental recreation in 
devoting their surplus time to a few hives, and have 
as compensation their table furnished with a slice or 
two of the beautiful honey so conducive to health. 
Considering the employment in a more material light 
— i.e., the way of making a living by it — its advantages 
are obvious. There is no necessity of buying or 
renting land, as with the farmer, for either grain- 
growing or cattle and sheep raising purposes. The 
bees fly about looking for their food, simultaneously 
bearing fruit to the orchard and flower-garden, and 
thereby benefiting the fruit and flower grower. The 
little attention hitherto paid to the matter has caused 
it to remain in an inefficient, unremunerative state, 
which to remedy I have brought with me a number 
of Italian queen bees. I should be happy to enter into 
correspondence with any one taking an interest in 
the matter, with a view to turn it to account, and 
beg to add that the annual profit arising out of the 
undertaking, if properly and carefully managed, would 
soon exceed £200 sterling.— Wilhelm Abram, Bee- 
farmer, Care of German Consulate, Sydney. —Sydney 
Mail. 
