64 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA : 



concerted raid was made on all the shops in the City and 

 suburbs, and, when the pest was found, it was promptly 

 and effectually dealt with ; the prohibition of sweet 

 potatoes from Queensland quickly followed. 



Prevention and Remedies. 



As sweet potatoes are not likely to be largely grown in 

 Victoria, although they will thrive in the warm part of the 

 State, it will suffice if I give Mr. Tryon's advice : — 



" We would suggest that the tubers should be unearthed 

 as a demand for them has arisen, and consumed with as 

 little delay as possible. All the affected ones should be 

 destroyed, or used as food for stock ; also, if practicable, 

 in a district where it manifests itself, all the sweet potatoes 

 raised there should be consumed on the spot, and during 

 the succeeding season no sweet potatoes should be grown." 



As this pest, like the root borer, is without proper wings, 

 the danger of spreading would be largely minimized ; but 

 it might be spread by other agencies, such as dirty bags in 

 which sweet potatoes have been carried. We have too 

 many pests already, and who knows whether these beetles 

 may not take a fancy to our potato crops ? We must keep 

 a strict watch on these matters, and, above all, when the 

 pest is discovered, act promptly and persistently, as by 

 such means only can the trouble be brought under control 

 or, better still, stamped out. 



