

support t the observer’s preconceived theories, but that all vct ae 
circumstances may be fully considered and examined in order 

'.— Granted that the canes must be under the normal standard of health — 
to be attractive, it is probably a matter of indifference to the insect — — 
Ene they have deteriorated through fungous diseases, the presence 
of an insect or another, &c. so iong as they are in the desired state. 
importance of the insect is not lessened by the facts of its wide. 
distribution. and varied habits, which I have been able to record. 
Every entomologist knows that of two species of insect which are - 

hardly distinguishable to the naked eye, one will be rare and y 
able to ma its succession from year to year, reas t ther 
will oceur everywhere and flourish unde t diverse conditions 
It is to the latter group that on bird injurious insect 

is ebori 
Jamaica, Madeira, and probably "Aust alia, of or in South Am 
i i of destruction makes 
it far more formidable than if it had never occurred away from the 
cane-fields, and it is earnestly to be hoped that no efforts will be spared 
to make that thorough inquiry into the causes of this outbreak in the — 
West Indian Islands upon which alone measures of treatment can be - 
properly based. 
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One other point s e be touched upon. It has been often noticed 
„that the attacks of an rease to a maximum, 
'and then cease for a considerable time. This is is especially the case 
with defoliating casera through causes which need not be n 
discussed. It may be the case with this beetle; and if so, its decre 
e wrong ibed to remedies which have not reall y checked i 
In view of the possibility of attacks at a later period this must be kept 
in mind should necessity arise / 
It is usual to conclude a discussion of this mes with an expression of — . 
opinion.. The impression left upon my mind by the whole of the _ 
evidence I have examined, to some of which I have not found it neces- 
sini to refer, is that : bos 
l. The — of Xyleborus voii are not independent of th 
health or condition of the 
2. No one wide cause will cecum t for them in the di sd isla 
3. A P coaster weakness ef the canes is a. wouring ‘ci 
: 4. Previous attacks of other borers are another, which may, dE i 
a 5. In Wentdad: excessive multiplication may possi ay have 
T something to do. with it, but this ppd ames “must fo llow 

ci ` 6 The effects F P ngoid- disease and of drought 
e require more consideration before they can epted | 
furthering them. There is s, however, no reason why these causes, 
© _ 8f present. ent, should not operate. : 
7. There is reason to suppose that the beetles are aittácted to. an 
. cane which has soured. ; 
lam prepared to change or modify any of these opinions upon forth 
Landis and I do not think that the time has come to assign to 
boy circumstance its relative ee as a factor in producing 1 the 


