The Planter's Enemies 37 



manures (please refer to the advertising 

 section) in the proportions given by the 

 makers, the tree will soon throw some suckers, 

 some of which might develop to fine branches. 



It frequently occurs that the Borer has 

 practically destroyed some trees, and in some 

 cases it would pay the planter better to root 

 out those trees which have fallen victims to this 

 pest, and plant fresh seedlings, than to follow 

 the operation above indicated. 



It will be well to mention that the Borer 

 is a white or brownish grub, being the larva 

 of a small flying beetle common in the tropics. 

 It may be observed flying after rainy evenings 

 in March and April and even May. An 

 efficacious and inexpensive method of destroy- 

 ing this pest is by making bonfires in open 

 spaces where there is no risk of setting fire 

 to the trees or buildings. The beetles are 

 attracted by the illumination and fall into the 

 fire. I have known this pest in Salvador, 

 Soconusco, and other dry localities. 



This is caused invariably by planting the "Pudri- 

 trees too deep, and is therefore within the miento" 

 control of the planter. It is simply the result or Eot ' 

 of excessive moisture and deficient evaporation, 

 due to imperfect ventilation ; and, therefore, 

 knowing that this is the cause, the obvious 



