September, 1912.] 



muga worm, and it might add to the profits of the cinnamon growers 

 and indirectly help out that industry as well. We assume that the 

 Assamese muga will relish our cinnamon. We can hardly imagine it 

 having such bad taste as to object ! But a small experiment would be 

 easy. The muga silk is much more brilliant than the eri, and is reelable 

 — 2 points greatly in its favour. I think the muga feeds on several kinds 

 of leaves besides cinnamon, such as a species of laurel known as ' Soom ' 

 (Machilus odoratissima), the Champac (Michelia champaca), and the 

 Suabi (Tetranthera monopeta la). I mention the botanical names, as you 

 will know if they are natives of Ceylon, and whether they grow in 

 sufficient quantities for use as a food." 



The Government Enotomologist, reporting with reference to the 

 above, points out that the worm is closely allied to the Tussar silkworm, 

 but produces a white and glossier silk, that the eggs are hatched 

 indoors, but the worms are placed on trees outside for feeding, being 

 brought in again when about to spin. He considers it likely that the 

 muga will thrive in Ceylon and that it should certainly be given a trial, 

 remarking that if it feeds upon cinnamon in India it will certainly do so 

 here too and probably also on various species of litsea, 



It is proposed to secure eggs to rear the worms locally with a view 

 to ascertaining what local plants it will feed on. 



The Commanding Officer, Salvation Army, writing further on the 

 means of popularizing the silk industry, says : " In Hungary the schools 

 and teachers have been made the pivot for spreading information, and 

 nosv they produce tons of worms and cocoons yearly, and tens of thou- 

 sands are engaged in the industry. The Jaffna people appear very in- 

 terested in the industry. Our Peradeniya manager is arranging to spend 

 some time there, visiting the schools and colleges and giving illustrated 

 talks. We are producing a silk diagram card for use in schools. This 

 can be hung on the wall." 



Apiculture. 



In addition to the exhibits of wild honey in comb and in bottles 

 usually found at lccal shows, there was a good display of working hives 

 and bee appliances at the All-Ceylon Exhibition in July. The exhibitors 

 were Messrs. A. P. Goonatilleke, J. P. Obeyesekere, J. Victor Perera, and 

 R. E. Dias Bandaranayaka. The two first mentioned exhibitors were 

 awarded silver medals. Mr, A. P. Goonatilleke gave a demonstration in 

 the capturing of a swarm which was witnessed by His Excellency the 

 President and the members of the Agricultural Board. 



The comb-foundation machine made for the Society, to meet the 

 requirements of Apis indica, by the A. I. Root Co., U, S- A., is now work- 

 ing satisfactorily, thanks to the assistance of Mr. and Mrs. W. Hunter. 

 The machine may be seen at the Government Stock Garden, on application 

 to the Foreman, who will receive orders for comb-connection sheets. 



Replying to an inquiry from the Secretary, the manager of Cedara 

 Farm (South Africa) writes: "No pure breed of bees other than the 

 South African native bee exists here. Some years ago one or two, more 

 or less, successful attempts were made to introduce Italians, but they 

 have since died out or hybridized to such an extent that their influence is 

 practically a negative one. Legislation has now been introduced to pro- 

 hibit the importation of bees and bee appliances that have been used, 

 but allowing the entrance of honey and wax under permit. This has 



