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the Philippines, because the dead material would be sure to attract ants, 
which in turn would draw other insects, such as white ants (anay) and 
serious complications might arise. When the insect has been killed and 
removed, it is essential to plug the hole with some substance which will 
prevent further attacks at that point. For this purpose various substances 
have been recommended, for example: tar and fine sand, plaster and 
sand, clay and tar, or, in place of clay, plaster or cement. This mixture 
should be forced into the holes as far as possible, because it then will act 
as a deterrent to the decay caused by the entrance of moisture subsequent 
to attacks of the beetle, while effectually closing an avenue of entrance 
for others. Another remedy is to use a paste of Paris green and flour, 
mixed with 10 or 12 gallons of water, and sprayed into the crown of the 
tree, This method would offer difficulties when tall trees are to be dealt 
with, owing to the impracticability of getting the spray to the right 
places. The Filipinos use various remedies, such as sand and coarse 
salt, which they place in the crown of the tree. They state that the sand 
gets between the articulations of the head and thorax of the beetle, where 
the constant friction sets up an irritation which eventually punctures the 
soft tissues, after which the insect dies. This may be true. There is 
a constant movement of the head and of the thorax, while the beetle is 
working its way into the tree, and although the articulations are protected, 
as explained aboye, by a fringe of closely fitting bristles, it is possible that 
fine sand might enter as suggested and thus seriously handicap the beetle 
in its boring operations, if not eventually killing it. 
I have been assured by a gentleman who is one of the most successful 
farmers in the Islands that natives on his plantation pour urine into the 
crown of the affected coconut trees and that this method effectually rids 
them of the pest. This is certainly not impossible. 
ASIATIC PALM WEEVIL. 
thynchophorus ferrugineus Fabr. 
“It has been observed that coconut palms, the green leaves, blossoms, 
and fruits of which appear in perfect condition, fall to the ground, with- 
out having any signs of decay, as though struck by a hurricane. In such 
instances it has been noted that (the trees) from the roots up to a meter 
in height, are completely undermined, the interior pulverized like sawdust 
and filled with nests of these worms, which have gained entrance through 
the roots and gnawed their way upward, deriving maintenance from the 
trunk.” * 
The gravity of the attacks of the Asiatic palm weevil is well summed up 
in the foregoing extract, for, while the condition referred to is not gen- 
erally reported from all parts of the Islands, there is every reason to 
* Extract of translation of a communication from Sefor Vicente P. Reyes, of 
Santa Cruz, Laguna, with reference to R. ferrugineus Fabr. 
