206 Journal op the Department op Agriculture. 



ether species. A few other pests were noted, but no instance of 

 material damage by any of them. It was noticed that there seems to 

 be an inclination toward more thorough cultivation methods. Good 

 cultivation and thorough preparation of the land before planting are 

 to be encouraged, as they do much toward keeping the bollworm in 

 check. The Division of Entomology is continuing the investigation 

 of cotton pests ; and this work includes observations on the effect of 

 cultivation methods on bollworms and experiments on the control of 

 bollworms by dusting with arsenate of lead. 



January Insect Troubles. — During the month of January letters 

 have been received and dealt with by the Pretoria office of the Divi- 

 sion of Entomology upon the following pests and matters appertaining 

 to insect control. White ants : Destroying thatch, young gum trees, 

 willow wood, and citrus trees. Cotton insects : Giant crickets, 

 millipedes, and slugs destroying seedling plants ; caterpillars mining 

 in foliage; caterpillars feeding on foliage; Sudan bollworm. Maize 

 insects : Black beetles (Heteronychus arator) ; ants destroying seeds 

 planted in black turf. Orchard insects : Codling-moth ; pernicious 

 scale ; chafer beetles (Cetonids) ; elegant grasshoppers ; fumigation 

 for scale insects. Field crop insects : Tomato erinose due to mite 

 attack ; small cabbage moth ; plant bugs on beans ; caterpillars of 

 death's head moth on potatoes ; fly maggots (Dacus) in pumpkins ; 

 caterpillars on peas; melon aphis; veld grasshoppers; elegant locvists; 

 stmkvlieg. Flower-garden insects : Beetles destroying sunflowers ; 

 tortoise beetles on convolvulus ; elegant locusts destroying carnations ; 

 scale insect on orchid ; Australian bug on broom ; mealy bug on fern ; 

 tip-Avilter bugs; cockchafer grubs on roots. Miscellaneous: Bee 

 pirates ; hunting spiders ; beetle larvae in imported oil cakes ; pepper 

 trees as harbours for insect pests; bowling green troubles; Aveevils in 

 grain ; uses of carbon bisulphide ; sodium fluoride and fowl lice ; 

 cockroaches ; tampans in dwelling houses ; chafer beetles (Adoretus) 

 and processionary caterpillars on wattles ; robber flies ; borers in poles ; 

 giant scale (Aspidioproctu s) on cassia roots ; scale (Chionaspis 

 glohosus) on euphorbia. 



CO-OPERATION. 



January was a quiet month with the co-operative agricultural 

 societies. At this time of the year the disposal of the maize and 

 wool crops is the main business engaging the attention of the 

 directors. The recent marked decline in prices has made this a 

 ('ifficult matter, more especially as, following on the glowing results 

 attained by societies last season, many new members have joined, 

 and a record quantity of maize was delivered at the stores. 



This Division is extending to societies what help is possible in 

 the matter. General inspections have been carried out by officers of 

 the Division at several places. 



In response to a long-felt need, a Union Bill to provide for the 

 formation and management of both consumers' and producers' co- 

 operative societies and companies throughout the Union is now being 

 prepared. Arrangements are being made for a general conference of 

 all co-operative organizations in the Union to discuss the Draft Bill. 



