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have already shown their value, and it is very probable that 

 in a short time he may be able to enunciate methods of com- 

 bating this serious pest, which will enable the planter to 

 reduce the evil to a very great extent. 



With all diseases, whether due to fungi, insect, or en- 

 vironmental causes, the " plant doctor' ' — i.e., the Myco- 

 logist or Entomologist — cannot be expected to wield a 

 magic wand at whose touch the disease disappears. These 

 investigators, by their knowledge of the nature of the evil 

 which is attacking the plant, are in a position to devise the 

 best means to attack the fungi or insects; and prevent their 

 having an easy prey, such measures generally and con- 

 tinually carried on result in the gradual decrease of the 

 evils dealt with, and often their complete extermination. 



Mr. Gallagher, the Government Mycologist, has, in ad- 

 dition to much useful work at the fungal diseases of cul- 

 tivated plants, investigated carefully the question of the 

 damage done to pacli by rats, and has evolved a method of 

 dealing with this pest by means of carbon bisulphide, which 

 is both practical and effective; Malayan cultivators have 

 been instructed in the method of using this vermin-killing 

 fluid so as to do as much damage as possible to the rats ; and 

 arrangements will be made for a regular supply of this sub- 

 stance from different centres in padi-growing districts. 



The Government Mycologist gives in his report, which 

 follows, a detailed account of the work he has done during 

 the past year; and his remarks should be carefully studied 

 by the planter, and they contain information of much prac- 

 tical value on the question of keeping estates free from 

 disease. 



In addition to this pathological work, Mr. Gallagher, 

 as Assistant to the Director, has been of much service in 

 the general technical work of the department. 



The climate of Malaya is exceptionally favourable for 

 rapid and healthy plant growth ; but these conditions of 

 constant humidity and heat are also favourable to the in- 

 sects and fungi, which cause nearly all the diseases to which 

 plants are liable, and for this reason neglect to take all pre- 

 cautionary measures that are possible, and dilatoriness in 

 combating the evil when it has come, are more culpable and 

 dangerous than in countries where alternate dry and wet 

 seasons are in themselves deterrent to plant enemies. 



The Government Chemist is so busily employed in 

 medical, legal and health work that little or none of his 

 time is available for agricultural questions, and this im- 

 portant branch of the scientific work of an Agricultural 



