84 ENEMIES AND REMEDIES. 



themselves the most difficult to combat in these long 

 struggles which have been waged since Coffee cultivation 

 first rose to its present importance in the various countries 

 in which it is grown. From the mammalian kingdom he 

 has not much to fear or is generally able to devise effi- 

 cient remedies against their ravages. But besides the 

 peculiar conditions of climate, aspect, drainage, shade, 

 shelter and the many other drawbacks already alluded 

 to, particular attention must be paid to the prevention or 

 cure of certain maladies to which the Coffee shrub is 

 specially liable. The number of these insect forms and 

 and fungoid pests is considerable, but the only ones of 

 sufficient importance to merit description are leaf-blight, 

 fly, bug, borer and canker. 



Leaf-blight. — Is a fungus known as Homilica Vasa- 

 tux^ allied to the moulds, and is present in some form or 

 other all the year round, first attacking the under side 

 of the leaves causing spots or blotches, at first yellow, 

 but subsequently turning black. These blotches are 

 covered with a pale orange-colored dust or powder, 

 which easily rubs off; they gradually grow in size until 

 at last they have one part of the former with three parts 

 of the latter, thoroughly incubating them before use. 

 A disease known as leaf-rot, rather prevalent in some 

 countries, is distinguished from the above, and which is 

 referred to as a fungus named Pelicaalana Kolorga, 

 sometimes appears when the leaves of affected shrubs 

 become covered with slimy, gelatinous matter, turn black 

 and drop off, the clusters of berries also rotting and fall- 

 ing. There is every probability, however, that the 

 sulphur and lime treatment will be effective in this case 

 also, but the shed leaves and fruit should be collected 

 and burned as a precaution. 



