128 
THE TROPICA!. 
AGRICULTURIST. [Ava. 1, 1903. 
ulij >Ti of the comparative absence of Bhd Life in 
Tea D.aLricCs in Ceylon, and the probable connec- 
tion between that circumstance and the present 
prevalence of caterpillar and other pests on Ihs 
bushes as being of general interest. 
Copies of Ihe coirespondence will also be circu- 
lated to the various District Associations for 
consideration and action.— Yours faithfully, 
A. PHILIP, 
Qoloinbo, May 1st, 1903. 
The Chairman, Planters' Association of Ceylon, Kandy, 
Dear Sir, — We enclose copy of a memorandam 
which we are forwarding to Managers and O vnersof 
Estates with which we are connected on the subject of 
the comparative absence of Bird Life in the Tea Dis- 
tricts in Ceylon, and the probable connection between 
that circumstance and the present prevalence of 
caterpillar and other pests on the bushes. We trust 
your Association may approve the object in view 
namely to restore in some measure the balance of 
nature, and that your members will give their support 
to these and other recommendations that may be 
considered likely to bring about in time the desired 
end. We need hardly say that the more the remedies 
are ma>ie general the mofe thay are likely to prove 
successful.— We are, dear Sir, yours faithfully, 
(Signed.) Geo. Stboaht & Co. 
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF BIRD 
LIFK ON TEA ESTATES. 
1. The varying conditions of altitude etc., of 
Estates must be taken into consideration in carrying 
©ut any of these recommendations. 
2. The object should be to encourage small insec- 
tivorous birds as maoh as possible with a view to 
keeping down caterpillars and other pests on tea 
boshes. 
3. All coolies on the estates should be given to 
understand what the object is, and that they or their 
children should not wantonly destroy nests of birds. 
4. The following recommendations are made under 
the advice of Mr Green, the Government Entomolo- 
gist, and of Mr Lewis, Conservator of Forests : — 
1st May, 1893. 
5. That some ravines be allowed to grow up in 
Lantana (according to elevation) and the so-called 
Raspberry, to encourage the nesting of both insectivo- 
rous and frugivorous birds. 
6. That the burning oS of patana and grass land 
adjoining tea estates be absolutely put a atop to. 
7. That where there are masses of rock, the grow- 
ing of Thunbsrgia and Cisaua be encouraged for the 
protection and nesting of shy birds. 
8. That fields be divided into blocks by growing 
fruit-bearing shruba such as the Mulberry, Duranta, 
and wild Rhea in hedges, these blocks being also 
useful as landmarks for manuring operations and 
other field worka. 
9. That there should ba several small breeding 
sanctuaries, for which ravines away from cooly lines, 
appear to be suitable.— (Signed). Geo. Steuabt & Co', 
Kandy, 2nd May, 1903. 
Messrs George Steuart & Co., Colombo. 
Subject : Preservation op Bird-Life Tea Estates. 
Dear Sirs, — I write to acknowledge receipt of your 
letter dated the 1st instant with enclosure, which will 
be laid before the Committee.— 1 am, dear Sirs, 
Yours faithfully, (Signji ) A Philip, Secretary to the 
Planters' Association of Ceylon, 
Colombo, May 18, 1903. 
The Secretary, Planters' Associaiian of Ceylon, 
Kandy. 
Dsar Sir, — We beg lo eucbje in the fn-mof an 
addenda a summary of suggestions that have been 
put forward by reoipieuta of o ir first cifcular on the 
preservation of Bird Life on Tea Estates, and we 
trust that it will be of use in tbe event of yonr 
Committee taking any action on the subject. —We 
are, dear Sir, yours faithfully, 
(Signed ) Gboege Stedart & Co. 
May 16, 1903. 
Addenda, 
PRESERVATION OF BIRD LIFE ON TEA ESTATES. 
10. The following ia a summary of suggestions 
that have been made by some of tha recipients of 
the first memorandum : — 
11. That the life of lizirda should ba strictly 
preserved aa well aa that of small birds. 
12. That rewarda should be offered to coolies for 
the destruction of hawks, jangle crow^, jays, snakes, 
wild cats, and any other enemies of amiU birds or 
lizards. 
13. The growing of Lantana is generally con- 
demned, as being subject to attacks of bug, which 
infects adjoining vegetation. 
14. It ia questioned whether the burning of patana 
be not beneficial in destroying the germ of insect 
peats as well as suakea, cats and other vermin. 
15. Cryptomeria Japonica is recommended as a 
sanctuary tree, and purple Ipomea and Passion 
Vines for rocky masses. 
16. Various grains (wet and di-y cultivation) are 
in one instance suggested for growth in ravines. 
Brambles of all kinds are generally recommended. 
17. Ic is suggested that Government might help 
in the supply of the most suitable seed or plants for 
the purpose of sanctuaries. 
(Signed.) George Steuart & Go, 
Kandy, May 20, 1903. 
Messrs Geo. Steuart & Co., Colombo. 
Subjects :— PRESERVATION OF BIRD LIFE ON TEA 
ESTATES. 
Dear Sirs, — I write to acknowledge receipt of your 
letter dated 18th instant with enclosure which will 
be submitted to the Oommittee at the next meeting. — 
I am, dear Sirs, yours faithfully, 
(Signed, A, Philip, Secretary to the Plantera' 
Association of Ceylon. 
PESTS ON ESTATES: IN OLDEN AND 
MODERN DAYS. 
Abbotsford, July 14. 
Dear Sir. — I yesterday reserved Scientific 
Staffs and Vigilance Committees, as I felt I was 
getting over greedy of Observer. 
(2) Scientific Staff :— I do not think any 
ordinary reasonable being can object to this 
Establishment. They are paid to do their duty 
and are as keen as mustard, I hear. So it will be 
a case of more from that lot whether we have any- 
thing serious the matter with us or not. 
Vigilance Committees :— I have every sym- 
pathy with these ; but I object to the loud and 
early crowing from Pedrutalagala or even Great 
Western. When our Hon Secretary came to me 
a.s a baby, I thought him an exceedingly promising 
child; but, alas ! Providence saw fit to remove him 
to a higher and worser district before I had time 
to inoculate him with even the rudiments of 
discretion. He, however, is not too old to learn 
now. So I'll chuck him one of my most cherished 
mottos viz., " Festina lente " as, perhaps, it niiy 
do him good. 
20 years ago whenever any one opened his 
Observer it was " Hullo, here's another new dis- 
ease on Abbotsford." I didn't like it when I 
