Chap. XII.] 
THE COFFEE-BUG. 
441 
them. Two-thirds of the crop is lost, and on many- 
trees not a single berry forms. 
This Lecanium, or a very closely allied species, has 
been observed in the Botanic Grarden at Peradenia, on 
the Citrus acida, Psidium pomiferum, Myrtus Zey- 
lanica, Rosa Indiea, Carey a arbor ea, Vitex Negundo, 
and other plants. The coffee coccus has generally been 
first observed in moist, hollow places sheltered from the 
wind; and thence it has spread itself even over the 
driest and most exposed parts of the island. On some 
estates, after attaining a maximum, it has generally 
declined, but has shown a liability to reappear, espe- 
cially in low sheltered situations, and it is believed to 
prevail most extensively in wet seasons. "While in its 
earlier stages, it is easily transmitted from one estate 
to another, on the clothes of human beings, and in 
various other ways, which will readily suggest them- 
selves. Dr. G-ardner, after a careful consideration and 
minute examination of estates, arrived at the conclusion, 
that all remedies su^^ested up to that time had utterly 
failed, and that none at once cheap and effectual was 
likely to be discovered. He seems also to have been of 
opinion that the insect was not under human control ; 
and that even if it should disappear, it would only be 
when it should have worn itself out as other blights 
have been known to do in some mysterious way. Whe- 
ther this may prove to be the case or not, is still very 
uncertain, but every thing observed by Dr. Gardner 
tends to indicate the permanency of the pest. 
