THE TROPICAL AGRICULTURIST. 
[June i, 1882. 
Much attention has been drawn, especially since the visit of Colonel Beddome to Ceylon in 
September, to the large and usually readily distinguished trees to be found scattered over estates 
in Ceylon, and variously known as " hybrid/' " lanosa," or " large-leaved condaminea." These have 
been sent out from Hakgala nurseries in past years as (usually) succirubra but sometimes as 
officinalis, and are identical with the " niagnifolia," " pubescens," " robusta," &c, of the Nilgiri 
Government Plantations, from which we doubtless originally received them. In usually attribu- 
ting to these a hybrid origin, we in Ceylon took the same view as the late Mr. Mclvor of the 
Nilgiri Plantations, who first noticed them, and who published his belief that they originated 
there by crossing between succirubra and officinalis — a view, however, which he appears to have 
more or less modified afterwards. Colonel Beddome, as a result of his examination of these 
same plantations while under his care, has strongly denied the hybrid origin of the trees, and 
thinks they form a well-marked and distinct species, in which view he is, I believe, supported by 
Mr. Howard. In this opinion I am unable to share ; it was largely based upon the positive state- 
ment of Mr. Cross (now in the Nilgiris) that the plant is the " Pata de Gallinazo" bark of Chim- 
borazo which he collected there when with Dr. Spruce ; but there are great difficulties in accepting 
this story.* On the whole, the view most in accordance with the facts seems to be that it is a 
hybrid which originated in the plantations on the Nilgiris, and has acquired some permanence and 
stability. I am not however in a position to give definite information as to the amount of perma- 
nence from seed. Colonel Beddome maintains it to come as true to type as any other species 
(which if invariably true would be so far against the view of hybrid origin) ; the majority of 
observers here however positively state that a large proportion, variously estimated, turn out to be 
succirubra and officinalis. In Sikkim, where this kind (originally from Ceylon) is called "ignota," 
fully half the seedlings are said to come up officinalis. As it seemed very desirable that this 
valuable cinchona should possess a definite name, I have proposed to select from those in use the 
name robusta, the only onef which is not pre-occupied or otherwise unavailable. In the case of 
this also I think those who can should propagate from known good (analyzed) trees by cuttings ; 
but the more rapid increase by seed need not be neglected, as the young plants which show 
reversion can be readily removed. 
I am indebted to Mr. Moens, Director of the Cinchona enterprise in Java, for seed of 
C. cordifolia (from Carthagena) and C. lancifolia var. discolor of the Government plantations 
there ; to Mr. Gammie for seed of the Darjiling C. Ledgeriana ; and to Mr. Eowson for very 
carefully collected seed of the Nilgiri "pubescens" and " magnifolia." 
Seed of several species has been supplied to Australia, where both in Queensland and 
Victoria attempts at cinchona cultivation are being made. 
Cacao. — The varieties from Trinidad were planted out in February at Peradeniya, a few 
being also sent to Henaratgoda. Their names areas follows : — Condeamar (3 varieties), Forastero 
(3 varieties), Criollo ( Creole"), Cayenne (2 varieties), Verdilico, Sangre Toro. The plants suffered 
from wind at first, but there was but a single casualty, and all are now doing well. The shade- 
tree called " Bois Immortelle," Erijthrinaumbrosa, was planted with them, and already forms trees 
12 feet high.J A further instalment arrived (through Kew) in October, containing, in addition to 
some of the varieties previously sent, the yellow Criollo. These have also been planted out. 
In accordance with the instructions of the Secretary of State, a proportion of the first 
consignment were transmitted to Singapore and to Fiji, respectively. Those for Singapore arrived 
in that Settlement in March, and with the exception of four which died were expected to " make fine 
vigorous plants." On the contrary, I regret to say, that the Fiji consignment, which was ten 
* A comparison of the Nilgiri plant with Spruce's original specimens at Kew does not lend it any support 
whatever. On the contrary the two kinds are seen to be quite distinct in several respects. I am informed by 
Mr. Dyer that Spruce's specimens have been referred by M. Triana, one of the most careful and accurate botanists, 
who has made cinchona a special study, to C. erythraniha, Pav., which is considered a variety of C. pubescens, 
Vahl. Howard's plate of ' C. coccinea 1 M. Triana refers to C. hirsuta, R. & P. [Note added.'] 
f The name " magnifolia''' was given by Maclvor under the erroneous notion that the tree was the C. rnagni' 
folia of Howard's " Quinology." That totally different plant being no longer considered a member of the cinchona 
genus, but referred to the genus Buena, Wedd., the name C. magnifolia is technically available. Since however 
confusion might result from its employment, it seems better to avoid its use, 
% This Erythrina suffered in July from the attacks of a boring larva. The eggs seem to be deposited in or 
immediately above the axillary buds on the young shoots, and the grub bores at once into the pith. Tobacco water 
freely applied had a good effect, but many trees had to be topped. Two quite distinct though nearly allied species 
are mixed in these Trinidad " Bois Immortelles" (exclusive of course of E. suberosa which was also sent). 
