Locusts : Season 1921-^2. S29 



2. The farmers in each circle meet and elect from among them- 

 selves a chairman. 



3 They then agree (whether the locusts are present on all farms 

 or not) (a) to assist each other with the destruction of all 

 the locusts within tlie circle, (b) to empower the chairman 

 of the circle to enter upon an alleged defaulter's farm with 

 a view to satisfying the circle that the locusts are not being 

 properly destroyed, and (c) to report to the magistrate 

 any occupier within the circle who fails to fulfil liis obliga- 

 gations, so that the magistrate may authorize the circle to 

 destroy the locusts at the defaulter's expense or take such 

 other steps as he may deem desirable. 



Bkeeding-up Places. 



As it is now generally believed that a portion of the South-West 

 African Protectorate is a permanent breeding-up place for locusts, in 

 the same way that a certain portion of the Karroo has always been, 

 steps are being taken to review the position in that territory and to 

 devise means for dealing with it. 



Prospects for Next Season. 



it is anticipated, provided the climatic conditions are favourable 

 for hatching, that there will be a widespread infestation again next 

 season, though its venue may vary a little from that of last season. 

 Some of the distiicts in the Cape that were heavily infested last season 

 report that no egg-laying has taken place, and it is possible that they 

 may remain free of locusts next season; but in all probability the 

 flying swarms that came in from the Kalahari and flew into the 

 western and northern districts of tlie Transvaal deposited eggs there, 

 and the campaign next season will be extended to these parts. The 

 magistrates of these districts are fully alive to the position, and 

 have already been asked to and are taking preliminary steps to 

 organize and prepare the districts for a possible campaign. Though 

 next season's infestation may be as intense and widespread as that of 

 last season, it is considered that with every district thoroughly 

 organized and prepared beforehand, which was not the case last 

 season, the destruction of the voetgangers will not present such 

 difficulties, and the turning point will be reached and the locusts got 

 well under control provided the climatic conditions in the territories 

 adjoining the Union permit of the authorities there also conducting 

 ;i successful campaign. 



Locust EiLii. 



The African Films Production Co., Ltd., assisted by the Depart- 

 ment, were successful in obtaining unique pictures showing the life- 

 history of the locust and the methods adopted by the Government to 

 combat the pest. The picture will be shown throughout South Africa 

 and should be of great interest to the farming community. The 

 magistrates will be advised of the date on which the picture will be 

 shown in their town in order that they may warn the farmers and 

 enable them to arrange to he present when it is shown. 



