THE ENEMIES OF COFFEE :—WHITE GRUB. 233 
has been written or said formerly, that if on estates I 
observed either Colombo coral lime or dolomitic lime of 
the country be applied and the soil well forked the 
grub will assurely be diminished. 
The worst of the so-called grubbed patches of coffee 
which I observed were not by any means the places 
where grub could be found in greatest abundance. I 
found them in larger proportion on several non-grubbed 
patches preying on rotting litter, decaying stumps and 
logs. 
‘hat the grub may be found with rootlets in its man- 
dibles, [ admit : such is the case prior to its transforma- 
tion; and with regard to grubs eating healthy coffee 
roots. I do not doubt itif caged along withthem and 
no other food to be had. 
It is well known that one of the breeding grounds and 
favourite resorts of the grub arethe ‘‘ patanas.” Now 
I have not visited many of those interesting places, but 
on those I have seen the coffee trees on the margin 
seemed none the worse for their proximity. Nowii the 
cockchafers thought that healthy rootlets were suitable 
food for their offspring, we should have found them 
there of course. I am aware that coffee adjacent to 
patanas in some parts has suffered, but on examination 
I am of opinion that there is an inducing cause. 
Perhaps the soil may be very peculiar where I have 
made my observations, and, should I ever visit other 
districts, I may have occasion to modify some of my 
opinions, but Dimbula is not the only district I have 
visited and observed. 
I cannot help thinking that if the rootlets of the coffee 
tree—the caterers of food for the maintenance of the 
plant—be afflicted with the fungi, that deterioration of 
tissues entering into its build must follow more especially 
in the leaves, where the food is elaborated which the 
rootlets have gathered. I am glad to learn that another 
gentleman who proposed some questions thinks that 
commonsense and the eyes nature has given are all-sujfi- 
cient ; why then ask questions? science can be no good 
to such a one. 
I should be sorry to retard planters in carrying out 
any of their schemes for the suppression of grub. There 
is nothing like experience even although it may be very 
dearly bought. I quite understand its value, as I had 
much to do with practical agriculture in England for 
many years. I hope that before planters condemn or 
favour my opinions they will give the matter their 
thoughtful consideration, noting the presence of sur- 
roundings of patches attacked by grubs with regard to 
shelter, food, agricultural conditions, such as drainage, 
nature of soil, nature of manures, state of weather &c., 
