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THE TROPICAL AGRICULTURIST. 
The fertilization and subsequent ripening of the fruit in cacao is therefore a most important 
question. The method of pollination is not thoroughly known, and with this in view the flower is 
being studied ; when the method of pollination is discovered some experiments will be initiated to 
endeavour to produce an increased fertilization. 
A cacao tree has been under observation at Keenakelle, Badulla, elevation 3,800 ft., of the 
Caracas variety, but not very typical — probably a hybrid — which has for the last five years borne on 
average of 434 harvested ripe pods per annum. The tree is about 17 years old, 22^ feet high, with a 
spread of 30 feet, and an abnormally abundant leaf production. 
The propagation of cuttings from this tree has been tried, but so far without success, and a 
series of experiments as to the best method of striking cacao cuttings is in progress. However, any 
experiments in this direction by planters or others which add to our knowledge will be welcomed, 
as the ability to perpetuate the characters of any specially fruitful tree would be of great economic 
importance. 
198 seeds from eight pods on this tree were sown in an experimental plot. Each seed was 
weighed, and those above the average weight (3-4 grammes) were placed in one-half of the plot, and 
those below the weight in the other half. The plots were further divided into beds according to 
the pods from which the seeds came, the shape, size, weight, and thickness of wall of the pods being 
recorded. By this means data will be gained which will show the best directions in which to work 
in selecting cacao fruits for seed. 
For the same reasons a large number of cacao pods have been examined, measured, and 
weighed to find out what relation, if any, there exists between the size and shape of the pod and 
the number and weight of the seeds it contains. So far as the investigation has gone no such 
relationship has been found to be constant, the size of the pod in many cases being simply due to a 
thickening of the fruit wall, and in many cases the largest pods contain fewer seeds than are found 
in smaller fruits, but a definite conclusion cannot be formed until a mu.ch larger number of different 
pods have been so examined. 
Experiments as to the fermentation of cacao seeds before drying have been made with a view 
to finding whether the process can be accelerated with good results, and these will be carried on as 
far as possible. 
I have visited various planting districts to make observations and collect information and 
material for laboratory research, and have attended several meetings of District Planters' Associations, 
where matters of scientific and economic interest have been discussed and explanations given of 
certain technical points. B. CARRUTHERS, 
Government Mycologist and Assistant Director. 
2.— REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 
The following circulars have been issued from the Entomological Department during the year: — 
No. 17. — Tea Mites and some suggested Experimental Work against them. 
No. 18 (Supplement). — Insect Pests attacking Timber and Shade Trees in Ceylon. 
No. 19. — Some Caterpillar Pests of the Tea Plant. 
Correspondence. — 485 letters on entomological subjects were received and filed, and close 
upon 600 letters on similar subjects were despatched from the Department. 
Official Tours and Entomological Visits. 
A tour through the Badulla and Passara districts and across country to Batticaloa was under- 
taken in April, occupying sixteen days. The main object of the tour was to study a caterpillar 
pest that was seriously affecting the cocoanut palms in the neighbourhood of Batticaloa. On badly 
attacked estates the fronds of the palms were being completely skeletonized. A few trees are killed 
outright ; but this is exceptional. I was informed that they usually recover from the attack, but 
that their bearing capacity is seriously diminished for several years. It was found, as expected, 
that the properties that were suffering most severely were those on which no efforts had been made 
to check the pest, or on which unsuitable methods had been employed. On estates where prompt 
and intelligent action had been taken from the commencement of the attack, comparatively little 
damage was incurred. The only course to adopt is to watch for the earliest signs of the pest, 
which are quite easily detected, and immediately to cut off and burn the affected fronds. It is 
useless to wait until the leaves have been killed before removing them. By that time the caterpillars 
will have deserted such fronds and migrated to fresh ones. The insect responsible for all this 
damage is the caterpillar of a small moth belonging to the family Gelechiidce. The species appears 
