164 SUGAR 



become most numerous on the advent of rains after 

 prolonged drought. 



Two species of Termites occur frequently, and their 

 characteristically constructed nests may be seen in all 

 parts of the fields. They destroy all canes which have 

 been previously weakened by borer attacks, the tunnel 

 of the borer often serving as an entrance. They will at 

 times attack a healthy cane, though this seldom occurs. 

 These pests have received attention recently, and the 

 w-eeding gangs on all estates have orders to remove every 

 nest which they meet with. These are collected in sacks, 

 taken out of the field, and burnt. 



A species of mealy bug occurs at times in large 

 numbers beneath the sheathing bases oi the leaf. When 

 large numlbers are present they undoubtedly weaken the 

 vitality of the cane. These insects are destroyed in damp 

 weather by fungus. In dry weather they multiply rapidly 

 and remain healthy. 



Two species of Cercopidae, known throughout the West 

 Indies as frog-hoppers, occur at times in small numbers, 

 and their damage is negligible. Owing to the clean 

 weeding invariably indulged in, the numbers of these 

 pests never become a menace to the industry as they have 

 in Trinidad. 



This paper cannot be terminated without some refer- 

 ence to the splendid control work carried on by most 

 of the sugar estates through the instrumentality 

 of their managers. Although the pests have by no 

 means yet been controlled, combined efforts are being 

 put forth to this end, involving considerable inconvenience 

 and expense to ea,ch estate, which is accentuated by the 

 poor prices obtainable for Demerara sugar during recent 

 times. Efforts such as these on the part of the practical 

 man are exceedingly encouraging, and serve as an 

 example to agriculturists in other parts of the world, who 

 at times are inclined to consider economic entomology 

 more in the light of an interesting hobby than a serious 

 practice which will very handsomely repay the necessary 

 initial expenditure. 



