320 



(cotton red spider), occurring on strawberries and violets, has not yet 

 been fonnd on cotton in Arizona. If found in cotton fields, it is easily 

 checked by spraying with potassium sulphide solution (3 lb. to 100 U.S. 

 gals, water). Extensive defoliation of sage by the beetle, Trirhahda 

 canadensis, occurred on the Navajo Indian Reserve. This species has 

 also been observed on Solidago canadensis (golden rod) in New York, 

 and an allied form, T. luteocincta, on Artemisia calif ornica in California. 

 The outbreak of T. canadensis is probably not of great significance 

 and the insect will resume its normal status in a short time. If 

 injurious numbers continue to be present, the use of natural enemies 

 seems to be the only possible means of control. 



Proclamation concerning the Black Weevil Borer of Bananas. — 



Jamaica Gaz. Extraordinary , 28th April 1916. 



This Proclamation orders the destruction by fire or otherwise of 

 banana and plantain plants or parts of plants infected by the black 

 weevil borer [Cosmopolites sordidus]. No suckers may be planted on, 

 or removed from land found to be infested with this weevil. 



Watts (Dr. F.). On Legislating against Plant Diseases. — West Indian 

 Bull. Barbados, xv,no.3, 1915, pp. 158-165. [Received 26th Mav 

 1916.] 



Legislation against plant pests and diseases should be so framed that it 

 will meet changing conditions, but at the same time should be sufficiently 

 definite to afford communities the protection to which they are reason- 

 ably entitled. It is suggested that pests and diseases of plants should 

 be divided into two classes, namely, those causing serious injury, and 

 those which, though troublesome, cause less damage. Pests and 

 diseases of the first group should be made notifiable and should be 

 dealt with in schedules and regulations made under the Ordinance. 

 Pests and diseases of the second class would become known through 

 agricultural officers and cultivators of crops and legislation in this 

 direction should consist of the appointment of inspectors to report on 

 such pests and diseases. Neglect to control an infectious but non- 

 notifiable disease on the recommendation of the inspector should, 

 if necessary, be followed by a magisterial order to enforce control. 

 Penalties should attach to any neglect to comply with the latter and 

 power should be given to the Government, through its proper officers, to 

 carry out the necessary measures at the owner's expense. To prevent 

 the introduction of pests and diseases, imported plants should be 

 inspected on arrival and dealt with as required by the inspectors. 

 Provision should also be made to prohibit importation from countries 

 in which any dangerous pest or disease is known to exist. This paper 

 concludes with the draft of a bill framed on these principles to prevent 

 the introduction and spread of plant pests and diseases, 



