ECOXOMIC ENTOMOLOGY IX MO(^AMBIQUE. 287 



and now we find the economic value of entomological studies 

 emphasised. The principal insects injurious to crops were 

 studied, and I'emedies, based on the previous expeinence gained 

 in the Union, were advised in order to assist those engaged in 

 agriculture. A detennined effort was also made to establish an 

 infoiTnation service on the movements of the migratory locusts 

 in co-operation with the South African Locust Bureau. Howard 

 being especially interested in insects which transmit diseases to 

 man or animals, more detailed studies were made on ticks and 

 the distribution of the various tsetse flies, and maps were pre- 

 pared and published giving the localities of the occurrence of the 

 different species of Glossina in this Province. Before he left he 

 was engaged in a study of the fleas infesting the various wild and 

 domesticated animals here, but the results of these investigations 

 I have not seen published. 



Stimulated by his example probably, another investigation 

 was undertaken of the occurrence of tsetse fly belts in the 

 Quelimane district, and a more detailed map prepared showing 

 their distribution. I have been able, on a recent trip through 

 that district, to verify the general correctness of the data there 

 given. Lastly, a trip made by Barrett in 1910 along the Rovuma 

 River, the most northern boundary of this territory, still further 

 increased our knowledge on this subject. 



After the departure of Howard in 1912 economic entomology' 

 here came practically to a standstill. Due to the War and its 

 aftennath, there was a period of over eight years before an 

 entomologist was appointed, when the writer was invited to take 

 up these duties. 



It was soon found that the difficulties confronting the 

 economic entomologist in this country are very great indeed. 

 Apart from the financial stringency, a condition which is found 

 in practically all countries at the present time, and which pre- 

 vents the Division being supported as much as is desirable or 

 even necessary for effective work, there are conditions here which 

 are totally different from anywhere in .South Africa. Data on 

 tropical crops are entirely lacking, while those on the insects of 

 sub-tropical and other crops are for the most part not applicable 

 here. Besides, the same crop here is often attacked by entirely 

 different insects from those which endanger the success of its 

 cultivation in the Union. It meaiit, therefore, starting de novo 

 to try and work out mu- own salvation. 



Before starting the study of the insects and their control in 

 the Province it was, of course, desirable to prevent the introduc- 

 tion of new ones. Our first work, therefore, was to establish an 

 efficient inspection service of all plants which were being 

 imported. The value of this inspection may be judged from the 

 fact that twice we have intercepted the dreaded pink boll worm 

 (Pectinophora qofisypiella. Saunders'), the most serious pest of 

 the cotton plantations, whose introduction would have seriously 

 handicapped the cotton industry from the start and have cost 



