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being caught in this way on almost every tree. Besides the torches 

 we used long sticks for beating the leaves to knock off or shake off 

 the caterpillars. Brushes on long handles were also used for 

 sweeping the insects from the leaves. 



All the insects were not destroyed, but that their numbers were 

 greatl}' reduced was obvious on the appearance of the next flight of 

 moths. Comparatively few moths developed. On the reappearance 

 of the catei'pillars the same metliods were again resorted to, the 

 whole area showing signs of having been affected being carefully and 

 systematically ti*eated. Three months after my first visit the pest 

 had disappeared. Nets were also used for catching moths. 



As regards the damage done to the palms by cutting away or by 

 singeing the leaves I do not think it is at all extensive and the palms 

 recover extremely well. 



Jt should be added that under no conditions should any part of 

 the palms except the leaves be scorched. Copeland refers to the 

 risk of such treatment, if applied to the crown, on account of the 

 probable attacks of the red beetle. 



Termites. — Termes gestroi is said to be a serious pest of coconut 

 palms in certain districts in the Peninsula but on the plantations 

 visited regularly by me the pest is little known and the injury caused 

 is correspondingly of small account, 



I have seen palms seriously injured by the insects boring into the 

 tissues of the stem. Generally the injury in itself, except in very 

 young palms or unless nothing but a mere shell of the stem is left, 

 need not have a serious effect. It has been advised that lands taken in 

 from virgin jungle and planted up with coconut palms be clean cleared 

 of all timber. Such measures may be necessary where the attacks of 

 white ants are considered serious but such measures are usually most 

 impracticable and there must be strong evidence that tlie attacks are 

 serious or are likely to have serious results before the planter will be 

 convinced that he should adopt them. I have never had* reason 

 to suggest the adoption of these measures and the usual treatment 

 with the exterminator pump has been quite satisfactory. 



Scale hugs. — Scale bugs and mealy bugs are found commonly on 

 the leaves of the palm but none of the many species cause any 

 serious injury as far as I am aware and, therefore, they call for no 

 comment here. The sooty mould, Meliola palmarum, is .associated 

 with several of the scale bugs parasitic on the leaves of the 

 palm. 



Bats. — These animals are enemies of the coconut palm and have 

 caused serious loss in certain district in the country. 



In February, 1914, Pratt wrote in the Agricxdtural Bulletin : 

 " The position of priority as a really serious pest to young coconuts in 



