“1k 
torch and a kumbli. There appears, however, to be no organised 
system of destruction of these combs and, where these are situated 
within estate limits, it is within the power of the planters to put a 
stop to such practices. There is a large colony of Apis dorsata 
underneath the arches of the Sidapur bridge and, when these combs 
- cea the bees are said to make the road practically impassable 
or traffic. 
“The Indian bee (Apis indica) builds in suitable hollow trees 
scattered throughout the wooded areas. The nests are robbed when 
found, but are not hunted for systematically. 
“ The small bee (Apis florea) builds in bushes, etc., almost every- 
where. The nests are robbed when found, the honey being usually 
squeezed out and eaten onthe spot. Itwould be impossible to protect 
this bee, but planters might do something to protect the nests of Apis 
indica on their own estates, as the taking of a nest usually leaves 
tell-tale evidence of chopped trees, etc.” 
6. After this preliminary inspection of the areas in question, it was 
possible to draw up a regular plan of the experiments proposed to be 
done in April 1918, and the following letter was therefore sent to the 
Planting Expert on 24th Jannary 1913 :— 
(i) Districts in which experiments are to be made. 
“The planting communities of the Shevaroy Hills, Mysore 
(Bababudins), and South Coorg are the only ones which have so far 
signified their desire for these experiments to be undertaken in their 
respective areas. For the present year, therefore, it is proposed to 
confine the experiments to the districts named above. 
“JT would point out, however, that the value and interest of any 
experiments and observations of this nature would be considerably 
enhanced if they could be checked by comparison with similar 
experiments and observations in other districts (such as the Anamalai 
Hills and Travancore) where the conditions are apparently more 
favourable for the successful pollination of coffee. The planting 
communities ot these more favoured districts have not, it is true, seen 
any necessity for any investigation into this subject, because they are 
already satisfied with their outturn, but such investigations would 
perhaps prove of considerable value in considering the possibility of 
increasing the outturn of the less favoured areas. 
(ii) Staff required to carry out the experiments. 
“7 think that, to minimise risk of errors, the experiments should 
be carried out in duplicate in each district. We shall therefore 
require two observers each in the Shevaroys, Bababudins, and South 
Coorg. 
* As you are aware, I am at present under orders tu proceed to 
Pusa to take over the duties of Imperial Entomologist as soon as I 
am relieved here at Coimbatore. As to who my saccessor will be, or 
when he will arrive, I amas yet without any information but it is 
probable that he will reach Coimbatore some time in March. If this 
isso, it will rather upset the experiments as, if I have got to go to 
2-a 
