78 



which the latter is perhaps only a variety, and to the Fort Jack- 

 son fig (F. rubigijwsa). Contrary to the usual belief, it is likely 

 that one wasp may fertilize two of these trees on account of their 

 close alliance and similarity of fruit structure, but since the trees 

 have similar habits one would be as good as another for use 

 here. Of the Moreton Bay fig, Dr. J. H. Maiden, the world- 

 famous botanist of Australia, says that no other Australian tree 

 could be more suitable for reforestation work in Hawaii. He 

 claims that it is exceedingly hardy, thrives in very rocky, shallow 

 soils, stands no end of abuse by cutting, etc., and resists winds 

 and hurricanes splendidly and adds that the seed is readily taken 

 by birds but that he has never observed the seed germinating 

 on the roofs of dwellings or otherwise appearing in undesirable 

 places. 



The Peepul tree is the tree in India held sacred both by Hindus 

 and Buddhists and lives to a great age. 



Since the project of introducing seed fertilizing wasps on the 

 Ficus is an experiment, the final outcome of which no one at 

 the present time is able to foretell, it seems wise to me to limit 

 it for the present to these five species. 



On account of the recent discovery that one wasp may fertilize 

 the seed of more than one species of FicuSy the entomologists in 

 the field should be cautioned to study the habits of approved 

 wasps intended for shipment to Hawaii before they are intro- 

 duced here to make sure that none of them \\\\\ fertilize the seed 

 of any other species of Ficus which would not be a distinct 

 addition to the Hawaiian forest flora. 



I, therefore, recommend : 



1. That for the present the introduction of fertilizing wasps 

 be restricted to those which perform only on Ficus Bcnjamina, 

 elastico, inacrophylla, religiosa and retusa. 



2. That the Chief Plant Inspector be instructed to allow the 

 introduction of wasps fertilizing the seed of onlv these five 

 species. 



3. That the entomologist now engaged in this project be 

 informed at once of this limitation and be requested to study 

 the habits of wasps in the field and to send none which will fer- 

 tilize the seed of any of these five species and other species of 

 Ficus which will not be a distinct addition to the present Hawai- 

 ian forest flora. 



Respectfully submitted. 



C. S. JUDD 



Executive Officer and 

 Superintendent of Forestry. 



With the foregoinq- as a basis, the Board at a regular meeting 

 held on March 4, 1921, passed the following motion: 



