rEOCEEDINGS OF THE THIRD EXTOMOLOGICAL MEETING 505^ 



The question of removal of bolls from the cotton-sticks before or 

 after pulling the sticks was not an important one from the theoretic 

 side. It was however considered important by the inspectors who 

 had to administer the law. 



This law was operative for two years and the organization used 

 was similar to that then recently introduced for the Cotton worm 

 campaigns. The Mudir [Provincial Governor] was in supreme command 

 in his province, and was assisted by the Inspector of Agriculture. Each 

 province was divided into zones, the charge of which was entrusted 

 to the Mamurs [District Officers] and these had the help of the Moawens 

 [Assistants] of Agriculture. In the villages the Omdehs [headmen] 

 were responsible for the whole village lands, but deputed the control of 

 portions of their command to the Sheikhs of the village. 



A campaign of pubhcity was organized before the commencement 

 of the work, in which the villagers were told what was wanted of them,, 

 and why. 



It was ordered that a special spot be set aside in each field, marked 

 with a red flag, for the burning of the bolls. The Sheikhs were instructed 

 to supervise the burning personally, and the Moawens of Agricul- 

 ture and administrative staff were specially asked to give this w^ork 

 personal attention as far as possible. 



Cotton-sticks were to be burnt if found standing with the bolls after 

 the date fixed, or if found cut or pulled without the bolls having been 

 removed. Any expenses connected with the burning were charged 

 to the owner of the sticks. 



No sticks were allowed to be pulled before the bolls were removed. 

 A WTitten permission had to be obtained from the Sheikh for this purpose, 

 the Sheikh verifying the facts before giving the permit. The neces- 

 sary routine for reporting to the Head Office was also worked out in 

 advance. 



The campaign of 1915 was very vigorously carried out, but it soon 

 became evident that the final dates allowed were much too late to be of 

 practical use ; and what is worse, the law taking no notice of fallen 

 bolls, many cultivators simpUfied matters for themselves by merely 

 beating the bolls off the trees instead of picking and burning them. 

 A modification of the law consequently became necessary. Our pre- 

 vious experience was consequently again embodied in legislation, the 

 result being Law No. 17 of 1916. 



This law is the first one which was drafted specially against the 

 Pink Bollworm. The previous ones had been based on Earias legisla- 

 tion, and were patchwork, having the defects of patchwork. 



