12 MONTHLY NOTES ON GRUBS AND OTHER CANE PESTS. 
It must be made clear, then, that late planting will only succeed on 
soils which are so easily drained that they may be thoroughly worked 
during December and January. Most of our red volcanic soils are of 
this character, and these are the soils which are usually infested when 
planted early. Let me emphasise that it is thorough cultivation during 
the flight of the beetles which is effective in grub destruction, and that 
late planting is only recommended to facilitate this cultivation by 
coinciding with the flight and ovipositing of the beetles. 
I feel confident that the problem can be handled best on the heavy 
wet soils by application of abundant humus. Since these soils scour 
well, trash and green crops can be easily worked into them. After this 
preparation, I would advise early planting, for there is no question that 
this is best where it will succeed. The point here is that the grubs will 
leave the growing roots alone if the soil is rich in organic matter. 
CANE GRUB INVESTIGATION, SEPTEMBER, 1918. 
With reference to the editorial, “‘Dealing with the Cane Grub,”’ in 
the August ‘‘Sugar Journal,’’ we cordially appreciate suggestions from 
men of experience. Indeed, the solving of our problem rests largely with 
the growers themselves. Experimentation, with us, is necessarily limited 
to the restricted area about Gordonvale; and it is only by free discussion 
and suggestions that we can hope for early conclusions. The problem 
is a tremendous one, and a man, single-handed, might spend many years 
upon it. ; 
Through the splendid co-operation of a few growers we are beginning 
to see daylight along the lines of cultivation and the supplying of humus, 
as indicated in our recent reports. Our experiments with poisons, which 
are numerous, are not yet concluded. I may state, however, that I am 
seeking a more satisfactory method of applying the poison than that 
outlined in ‘‘ Bulletin No. 4’’ of this station. I cannot advise the open 
furrow alongside the stools, because of the tendency to dry them out 
too much. 
D1135 vs. Goru. 
In a former report I called attention to the rooting systems of these 
two cane varieties. I have been following the matter up and have found 
every evidence of the superiority in the ratooning qualities of D1135. 
It is a cane which comes away with abundant shoots, and, therefore, 
requires vigorous ratooning. It is advisable to slice right into the stool on 
each side, so that too many stalks will not develop and result in a 
grassy crop. 
Mr. C. V. Hives, who is a man of recognised experience and ability, 
has called my attention to an interesting experiment which he has had 
with the two above varieties. He planted four rows of Goru down 
through the centre of a field of D1135. The first ratoons on this block 
were cut last June; and after ratooning the second time he found that 
