•90 T BIN ID AD AND TOBAGO BULLETIN. [XIX. 2. 



This and subsequent experiments made on several other species, 

 including Saman and Immortelle, as well as on several kinds of vines 

 have abundantly proved that " Atlas Treservative " when applied to 

 even a narrow ring of the growing tissue, circulates ^\ ith tlie sap and 

 not only kills all species of vegetation but kills the root as well as the 

 •portion above ground, and is an ideal means of removing undesirable 

 weeds. The preparation moreover is efi'ective whether applied in the 

 growing season or in the season of rest. 



With regard to the object of seasoning timber standing, the experi- 

 luents have not been an unqualified success, all immature trees with the 

 exception of such species as Laurier-Cyp, Redwood and Wild Guava, 

 and large soft wooded trees such as Hog Plum, Angelin and Immortelle 

 :are, even if treated, readily atbackel by insects ; on the other ha id it 

 appears that mature harder wooded trees such as Crappo, though 

 normally attacked when felled green or killed by simple girdling, when 

 treated, are only attacked in the sapwood, the heartwood being left 

 omtouched. The same appears to be the case with the Saman. 



A large Crappo tree of over 6 feet in girth, treated in June 1918 was 

 found dead early in the following August and was felled on the 21st of 

 April 1920. At the cut the tree was found seasoned to within three 

 inches from the centre, the cone of unseasoned wood extending to about 

 12 feet up the stem, the remaining wood being found dry and seasoned. 

 This tree, of a species so notorious for cracking and splitting when 

 felled green, was seasoned standing, and was felled, cross cut and 

 shipped to Port -of- Spain as solid sound wood without any large cracks 

 or shakes. Two years was apparently not quite sufficient for the 

 complete seasoning of this tree, three years should therefore be 

 considered the minimum time necessary. 



The objects of the experiments have therefore been attained to the 

 following extent : — 



(a.) Mature trees of species normally somewhat resistant to insect 

 attacks can be made immune from such attacks, and the wood 

 seasoned standing in about three years, and 

 (6.) " Atlas Preservative " effectively kills all trees and plants to 

 which it is applied. 



"With regard to (6) above, particular attention was paid to all growth, 

 both large and small, surrounding the treated trees, and in all cases the 

 Preservative had no effect on anything but the individual tree to which 

 it was applied. 



The results of the experiments described above may be of some use to 

 those interested in timber operations and to Planters and others who seek 

 an inexpensive means of removing supertiuous shade or of exterminating 

 undesirable weeds. One gallon of Preservative is sufficient to kill about 

 80 trees averaging two and a half feet in girth, and two men are able to 

 poison 100 trees, if near together, in one day. 



Though " Atlas Preservative " has been used throughout the experi- 

 ments, there is no reason to believe that any other preparation of a 

 {iimilar nature may not prove as successful. 



