AND PROBLEMS OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA, 



195 



plantations clean. Unless stumping is thoroughly carried out and weeding is 

 particularly looked to, the plots become so unclean from vigorous weeds that there 

 is every encouragement given to the stainers to shelter from the sun and breed in 

 comfort. The presence of the silk-cotton tree has also been shown to be an 

 additional cause of the flourishing of the pest. If successful cotton plantations 

 are to be made silk-cotton trees will have to go. 



Collecting. This will be best undertaken early in the cotton season when the 

 sexes are coupling. From experience at Ibadan the best time is about the beginning 

 of November, but this will vary according to seasonal conditions or geograph- 

 ical position. 



With regard to the method of collecting, experience points to net-collecting as 

 being the most practicable, and the apparatus shown in the accompanying diagram 



Wood handle 



f folk.. 



*«■ "Telegraph 



Fig. 2. — Type of collecting net suggested for use against Red Cotton Stainers. 



(fig. 2) is suggested as being very convenient for the purpose. The credit for 

 the idea of a trap at the bottom of the net belongs to Mr. Ballon whose pamphlet 

 on the West Indian Red Cotton Bug gives a diagram of a collecting net. The 

 net is thrust under the plant, as indicated, and the stainers are shaken into it, 

 and when collecting is finished, they are killed by throwing into water and 



