493 



Helopeltis was the chief object of study. The damage done by it 

 increased on some estates and decreased on others, S. nitens and 

 T. cervina were so threatening in some places that extensive pruning 

 had to be expedited, the prunings being burned. In other infested 

 locahties coUection of the cocoons and of the caterpillars gave good 

 results. 



P. hardwicki is believed to be responsible for loss of quality in the 

 seed [R.A.E., A, ix, 369], and this is being investigated. In some 

 cases it was necessary to combat the tea-seed fly by burying or 

 destroying the seed. 



The increase in the number of requests for advice showed that 

 planters are realising the value of expert assistance. 



SiAHAijA (E. L.). Een Vergelijking van Keprisan en Schoonsnoei. 



[A Comparison between Skiffing and Stick Pruning.] — De Thee, 

 BiiUenzorg, ii, no. 2, June 1921, pp. 45-48. 



Among the points differentiating the effect on tea of skiffing (a form 

 of top pruning) and stick pruning are those connected with infestation 

 by Helopeltis. 



Bushes that have been subjected to skifQng recover more quickly 

 than if stick-pruned, probably because the new wood that is formed 

 soon hardens. The new twigs also suffer less from the fungi that follow 

 Helopeltis because their tissues are more woody. Where measures 

 are not being taken against Helopeltis, the critical period of an infes- 

 tation is therefore shorter with skiffing. But where Helopeltis is being 

 collected, that measure is hindered by skiffing, as the bushes rapidly 

 come in leaf. 



The author concludes that for various reasons it is often necessary 

 to alternate the two methods to obtain the best economic results. 



Menzel (R.). Over het Optreden van een Parasiet in Helopeltis. 

 [The Occurrence of a Parasite in Helopeltis.] — De Thee, Buitenzorg, 

 ii, no. 2, June 1921, pp. 55-56. 



Some specimens of Helopeltis have been found to harbour a Nematode, 

 and although there is no direct evidence that this parasitism proves 

 fatal, it is probable that a parasite measuring 20 mm. in length by 

 4 mm. in diameter must have some effect on the bug. The decrease 

 of the pest in the district from which the affected Helopeltis were 

 received may be due to this cause. Of 120 specimens examined, 

 67 per cent, were found parasitised. 



Similar parasites have previously been noticed in Java and in 

 British India. 



Garretsen (A. J.). Roetdauw. [Sooty Fungus.] — De Thee, Buiten- 

 zorg, ii, no. 2, June 1921, pp. 56-57. 



Investigation of cases of sooty fungus on tea showed that the 

 fungus, Hormiscinm sp., is a secondary pest, following infestation by 

 a scale of the genus Tachardia. 



Menzel (R.). Houtluizen onschadelijk voor Thee en Kina. [Psocids 

 are not injurious to Tea and Cinchona.] — De Thee, Buitenzorg, 

 ii, no. 2, June 1921, pp. 57-58. 



Psocids received from a cinchona estate in Sumatra prove to be 

 Psocus taprobanes, Hag., a species recorded from British India, Malacca, 



