146 



The collection of insects by means of patrol gangs from the periphery 

 of the infested area now forms a definite item in the system of control ; 

 this work seems to be prodncing the desired effect, since no extension 

 of the infested area has been observed except at a single point, where 

 the patrols will be strengthened in the coming season. 



In certain infested areas plantations of Cordia interrupta were made 

 in December, and by April they had become sufficiently established 

 to enable T. parallela to be liberated with some prospect of success. 

 Where the infestation exceeded 10,000 per acre, the usual action 

 was taken to cause the owner to dig the larvae out of the field. 



In connection with the cost of the campaign an important change 

 has been made. The expenditure was formerly borne partly by the 

 Government and partly by the planters, but now, by means of an 

 export tax on sugar, the whole is transferred to the latter (Ordinance 

 No. 2 of 1920). This will produce more funds than before, and 

 the balance available will be devoted to the organisation of patrol 

 collecting gangs to work inside the infested area. 



In conclusion, there is no doubt that the sugar industry in Mauritius 

 has thus been preserved from one of the worst disasters that have 

 ever threatened its existence. The net value of the work exceeds 

 considerably the whole cost of the Department of Agriculture sin.ce 

 its establishment [see also R. A.E., A, viii, 498, etc.]. 



Destruction of Agricultural Tests.^ Cvpnts : Ann. Rept. Director 

 Agric. 1919-20, Nicosia, 1920, pp."l4-15. 



Work against the vine sirividhi [Zygaena anipclophaga], Eitrytoma 

 amygdali, Cydia [Carpocapsa) pomonella and PJithorimaea opercitlella 

 (Lita solanella) was continued [R. A.E., A, vii, 534]. Z. ampelopliaga 

 and P. operculella have diminished considerably in numbers. 



Cecidomyia ceratoniae, infesting carobs, prevails in most parts of 

 the island, though one district, formerly heavily infested, is practically 

 free as a result of five years' work. 



Spraying has proved so successful against scale-insects on lemons 

 that the intention of many gardeners to uproot their trees has been 

 abandoned. 



Regulations for the Introduction of Bees, Honey, and Appliances into 

 New Zealand. — N.Z. Jl. Agric, Wellington, xxi, no. 5, 20th 

 November 1920, p. 295. 



Details are given of the regulations made under the Apiaries Amend- 

 ment Act of 7th October 1913 with regard to the introduction of bees,, 

 honey and appliances into New Zealand. 



Jepson (F. p.). Shot-hole Borer Investigations. — Trop. Agric. 

 Peradeniya, Iv, no. 6, December 1920, pp. 368-373. 



An official trial of Speyer's paint mixture is described. The 

 unpainted bushes recovered from pruning very much more quickly 

 than the painted ones, and though infestation by shot-hole borer 

 [Xyleborns fornicatus] was appreciably reduced, it is considered that 

 in view of the extremely high cost of treatment and the insufficient 

 benefits derived, painting should not be recommended for use on 

 infested estates. 



The question is also considered of the effect on shot-hole borer in- 

 festation of the various methods proposed for restricting the tea crop 



