CH. XV] DISEASES OF PLANTS AND THEIR TREATMENT 137 



monly carry living scale insects, often of dangerous kinds, and 

 such consignments are very often compulsorily fumigated, or 

 subjected to the vapour of hydrocyanic acid gas or other 

 destructive agent to kill any scale or other insects that may be 

 adhering to them. Against fungus pests this method is not 

 successful. 



Ceylon has lately established a " Pests Ordinance," under 

 which any dangerous pest may be proclaimed, with the methods 

 recommended for treatment. The employment of these is then 

 compulsory, and recalcitrants may be fined in the police courts. 

 This is now (1908), for example, being used against the stem- 

 bleeding disease of coconut palms. Inspectors are appointed 

 for every district in which it occurs. They instruct the 

 headmen in methods of recognising and treating the disease, 

 and with them make lists of all infected places. Notices are 

 then served on the occupiers to take the necessary measures, 

 and the headmen have to see that this is done, and prosecute 

 where necessary. 



