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rubber trees and to remedy the evil Mr. Green recommends an 

 application of Kainit or Saltpeter, either of which is death to the 

 insect and vigor to the tree. It is unlikely that our Japanese 

 beetle, the grubs of which live in the ground, wiU attack young 

 rubber trees for the reason that the ground is usually wet in 

 rubber forests, a condition favorable for the fungus that kills this 

 beetle. 



8. Termites or white ants were found to invade rubber trees 

 and found to do considerable damage. They usually make their 

 entrance into hollows which it is advised to plug up. A some- 

 what alarming report was circulated about the habits of a species 

 of white ant (Termes gestori, Wasm.) in India to feed on the 

 latex of Para. It is found at the roots of trees where its nests 

 are located. Mr. Green believes that there must be an error 

 about this rubber-eating habit. There is no doubt, however, 

 that some species of white ant will attack rubber trees as well 

 as others and it is well to be on guard. 



9. The fungus disease referred to above seems to be the most 

 serious enemy of rubber plantations in Ceylon. I believe Dr. 

 Cobb has reported to some of the rubber plantation managers on 

 Maui upon diseases found on their plants and recommended 

 remedies. 



I am certain that we are still free from serious insect pests 

 on rubber plants and doubt whether the fungus diseases referred 

 to are of any material consequence. The above list of insects 

 affecting rubber in countries upon which we draw for our seeds 

 and plants should bring us to a full realization of the importance 

 of careful and conscientious inspection of rubber seeds and plants 

 imported from outside the Territory. You can depend upon the 

 thoroness of inspection of plants, etc., that come by way of Ho- 

 nolulu. But I presume there is always a chance for the ambiti- 

 ous (?) manager to import surreptitiously seeds and plants and 

 evade our inspection laws. If these notes succeed in impress- 

 ing you sufificiently with the importance of, so far as possible, 

 keeping out possible insect pest invasion to the extent that con- 

 signees will refuse to accept or introduce foreign rubber seeds or 

 plants unless they are accompanied by a stamp or certificate from 

 the Territorial Inspector indicating that they have received his 

 attention, thev will not have been presented in vain. 



