21 



trunk, where they continued their attacks as before the applica- 

 tion of the paint. The experiment has therefore proved that 

 the paint is an effective against the attacks of white ants if 

 applied directly to the bark of attacked trees, but that it is of 

 little use if applied without first entirely removing all earthy 

 ant deposit from the trees. 



The trees experimented on were 29 full grown specimens 

 averaging from 2-| to 3^ feet in diameter. Ingredients for paint 

 to the value of Rs. 13-3-0 were purchased, bat as the full 

 quantity was not used, the actual cost of painting the 29 trees 

 operated on was Rs. 7, or at the rate of 3 annas 10 pice per tree 

 nearly. I therefore consider the paint too expensive for ex- 

 tended use on large sized trees, but its cost would not be pro- 

 hibitive for use on young trees or saplings. In districts where 

 it is found exceedingly difficult to establish the commonest and 

 hardiest of roadside trees, owing to the presence of white ants, 

 the paint, would, I feel sure be most useful. 



The following list of weeds of cultivation commonly found in 

 the colony may be of some use, and can be continued in future 

 reports, especially if farmers would be good enough to supply 

 me with recognisable specimens of weeds which may appear on 

 their ground, together with any information they may possess 

 about them, so that at some future time a fuller list with more 

 complete information may be published. 



WEEDS OF THE FARM AND FIELD. 



Acalypha Ecklonii. (Baill). Natural order, Euphorbiaceae. 

 — A small plant abounding in some places in the midlands, but 

 not specially troublesome. Called by the natives i-Boza. 



Aizoon canariense. (Linn). Natural order, Ficovleue. — A 

 prostrate herbaceous plant found all over South Africa, especi- 

 ally in cultivated ground. The ashes are said to abound in 

 soda. 



Argemone mexicawa. (Linn). Natural order, Papiiveraceae. — 

 Originally a native of Mexico, but now widely distributed in 

 waste places in most tropical, and sub-tropical countries. The 

 seed possess acrid narcotic, and purgative properties, and have 

 been used medicinally. In Natal this plant seems to be almost 

 confined to the coast districts 



Achy raw thes aspera. (Linn). Natural order, Amarantace&e. 

 — An upright herbaceous plant, found chiefly in the coast 

 districts, but reaching also some distance inland ; its barbed 

 seed vessels, which adhere to passing animals, would cause it 

 to be a great nuisance in the sheep-rearing counties. 



