464 
thus the cultivation could be improved, while the output of sugar 
would be increased (to ascertain extent at least). More, it is sug- 
gested, might be done in the matter of soil fertilisation which it would 
seem has been somewhat neglected. The crops could be improved by 
the utilisation or the mill refuse, animal manure and green soiling 
with crops and commercial fertilisers could be used. Cane is an ex- 
hausting crop and what is taken from the soil should be, if possible, 
replaced, if the ground is to last for a long period. 
Ploughing is done by single buffaloes, and this ploughing does 
not go deep enough. Steam ploughs are suggested but are too 
expensive for the ordinary planter. A combination of planters might 
perhaps get round this difficulty. 
The adoption of modern methods as noted above would probably 
put the industry on a very sound footing and allow of further develop- 
ments. 
The monograph is illustrated with a number of photographs, and 
two of the old systems of ploughing by buffaloes, and of a steam 
plough with disc ploughs attached illustrate the difference between old- 
fashioned systems and modern methods. Negros does not appear to 
possess the advantage of canals through the fields which we possess in 
Province Wellesley, but has to transport its cane by tramways worked 
by men and the buffalo-cart, and the photographs of factories show a 
simplicity of apparatus which is in great contrast with the fine 
machinery of Caledonia and other estates. Some of the mills only 
are run by steam, others by water-power or by buffaloes, these latter 
are disappearing and steam mills are coming into general use, and to 
an Englishman it is satisfactory to learn that “ the steam mills are 
practically all of English or Scotch origin.” 
The literature of Sugar cultivation and manufacture is probably 
the most extensive of any of the literatures of tropical economics, and 
the supply of statistics of returns, analyses of produce and soils is the 
largest of any of these products, but the last word on sugar cultiva- 
tion has not yet been spoken, and in this monograph we have an 
important and interesting contribution to the study of the Sugar 
industry. — E d. 
A LARGE SOURSOP. 
(To the Editor, The Agricultural Bulletin). 
Sir, 
Yesterday I picked a durian blanda fruit which weighed Q%lbs. 
Is this a record weight ? The tree is a very fine one growing on flat land 
behind my bathroom. As a rule, it fruits very little, the fruits being 
small. 
Kota Tinggi, October, 9. Yours, etc., 
Too LATE FOR THE SHOW. 
(Can anyone beat this record? — E d). 
