Diseases 277 



and forwarded specimens, which were submitted 

 to the Government Mycologist, who reported 

 as follows : 



" The leaves are attacked by Pestalozzia 

 palmarum, a very common leaf disease of coco- 

 nuts and other palms. It is rather more 

 prevalent than usual just now, probably owing 

 to the more ordinary infection during the 

 prolonged rains. As a rule, it occurs only on 

 the older leaves ; if it attacks the young leaves 

 it is a sign that the tree is not in good health, 

 and requires cultivation and manuring." 



Mr N. Wickremaratne, Agricultural Instruc- 

 tor, reported as follows in submitting specimens 

 of diseased coco-nut fronds : 



" I inspected some coco-nut trees on an 

 estate in Kalahe, in Galle, said to be attacked 

 with some disease, and submit specimens of 

 leaves, roots, &c. The estate in question is 

 about 2\ miles (in a direct line) from the sea. 

 The trees are about eight years old, some 

 in bearing and some not. The land is hilly. 

 The soil varies in character, and trees in 

 several places on different soils are attacked. 

 The disease was detected about two months 

 ago. There are rubber trees, three to four 

 years old, among the coco-nuts. Dark brown 

 spots first appear on the leaflets, which 

 ultimately become dry and break away, leaving 

 only the 'ekels.' The lower branches are first 

 attacked, and the disease travels inwards. In 

 course of time the tree dies. I had one of the 



