365 



cuttings. In addition to direct injuries of this nature, the caterpillars 

 feed on the leaf-sheath, gnaw the surface of the rind close to the buds, 

 and frequently bore into cane-stalks, thus producing wounds favourable 

 to fungus diseases. Owing to their secluded habits and the insig- 

 nificant size of both larva and adult, a moderate infestation may 

 easily remain unnoticed, especially when affecting varieties of hard 

 cane. The caterpillars are usually seen during stripping or loading 

 operations, being forced to explore the surface of defohated canes in 

 search of congenial lii ding-places. Pupation takes place under a 

 silken covering previously spun by the caterpillar and completelv 

 hidden under pellets of excreta . The pupa is usually concealed between 

 the leaf-sheath and cane-stalk and attached near the base of the former. 

 By day, the moth rests in a conspicuous position on leaves of sugar- 

 cane, etc., and probably oviposits on the rind between stem and leaf- 

 sheath. Natural control is perhaps exercised by parasitic Hymenop- 

 tera, though as yet none have been bred from the scanty material 

 collected. A small earwig and two or more brightly coloured cock- 

 roaches of arboreal habits are probably predaceous upon it. This 

 pest does not call for remedial action unless affecting cane-cuttings 

 of soft varieties intended for seed. The introduction of infested cane 

 into districts brought under sugar-cane for the first time should be 

 avoided as far as possible. A simple and inexpensive method of 

 disinfection, which has been found to promote better germination and 

 also increase the final yield, consists in immersing the cuttings in 

 Bordeaux mixture solution for one hour before they are planted. 

 Bananas should not be grown close to sugar-cane, as their succulent 

 leaf -stalks afiord nourishment to the larvae. 



To get rid of Black Ants. — Queensland Agric. JL, Brisbane, N.S. iii, 

 no. 2, February 1915, p. 81. 



Corrosive subhmate is stated to be the best substance for destroying 

 black ants. Carpet-rag strings dipped in it and fastened round the 

 buildings will cause them to leave at once. If a tree or building be 

 smoothed to a width of about 6 or 7 inches, and this space well rubbed 

 with chalk, the ants will be absolutely prevented from climbing. 

 The chalk should be renewed from time to time. Other remedies 

 are : Washing with a solution of ammonia, washing with carboUc 

 soap, and pouring gasoline into the nests. White hme (slaked), 6 

 quarts ; kerosene oil, -| pint ; turpentine, one \\ine-glass ; soft 

 soap, 5 lb. ; cowdung, 3 quarts ; water, 16 quarts, makes a wash 

 for houses or trees. None of these remedies is however permanent, 

 but all require frequent repetition. 



Rainbow (W. J.). Two Beetles apparently new to Australia. -Austra- 

 lian Zoologist, Sydney, i, no. 2, 22nd February 1915, p. 46. 

 A specimen of the Cerambycid, Eburia quadrimaculata, new to 

 AustraUa, has been obtained from an imported oak chair, in which 

 the larval and pupal stages were probably passed. The species has 

 previously been recorded in Porto Rico, Guadeloupe and St. Thomas, 

 West Indian Islands. Another importation of economic interest is 

 the Dermestid, Attagenus piceus, Oliv., the carpet beetle, found on 

 woollen materials imported from London. ^ 



