INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1910-11. 65 



been reported already, cannot be summarized here. Eri 

 thread of fine count has been produced on a commercial 

 scale by the Chhoi Silk Mill Co. at Bombay, and the use of 

 this fine thread should have an important influence on the 

 development of the industry. There is still some difficulty 

 in the disposal of small parcels of cocoons and thread by 

 rearers on a small scale, the mills being unv^illing to buy 

 except in large quantities ; a good deal of help in this direc- 

 tion has, however, been afforded by Calcutta firms who have 

 been taking small parcels for shipment of the silk to Europe 

 for experimental purposes. 



Lac-culture. — Experimental work in lac-culture was 

 continued, and brood-lac was supplied to applicants in 

 Bengal, Central India, Madras and Bombay. Fifteen 

 students were given a thorough practical training in lac- 

 culture and numerous inquiries on this subject were also 

 dealt with by correspondence. A continuation was made 

 of the collection of material in collaboration with the For- 

 est Department, with a view to the working out of the races 

 of Lac Insects by Mr. E. Ernest Green, Ceylon Govern- 

 ment Entomologist, 67 parcels containing 325 lots of speci- 

 mens from a large number of food-plants having been re- 

 ceived during the year. The material, as it accumulates, 

 is sorted out with a view to facilitate the working out of 

 the various races when the collection is completed. 



Apiculture. — Two strains of specially selected Italian 

 honey-bees were imported from England in November 1910, 

 with a view to ascertaining their suitability to the condi- 

 tions prevalent in the plains of India. The experiment 

 has so far proved a success, but it is too early as yet to pro- 

 nounce definitely on this. 



Demonstration,. — The most important item under this 

 heading^ is probably the Allahabad Exhibition. Apart 

 from the exhibits in the Silk House, 15 show-cases of in- 

 sects injurious to crops and 24 cases showing the food of as 

 many common Indian birds were prepared and exhibited 

 in the Agricultural Court, 19 show-cases of Indian insects 



