240 
loss of trees per acre every year. Fortunately it differs from most 
other root diseases caused by related fungi, m that the Font's is not 
able to exist for long periods in ordinary soils apart from the plants 
ft is parasitising On this account energetic and early treatment of 
individual cases as they occur should in the course of a few years 
almost entirely rid most estates of this fungus. The department has 
rendered advice and assistance to many estates oil this subject and 
always ready to do so. 
Die-back has been shown by the Mycologist to be due to the 
same fungus that causes a similar disease in cacao in many parts _ of 
the world On a well-conducted estate, where the trees are healthy 
it is not a disease to be feared, but it must be wa ched I have 
known Diplodia for many years and have never fou “ * “ M® 
serious trouble except when the trees were originally unhealthy, thus 
predisposing them to attack. Careful attention to all wounds 
produced either by natural or artificial causes and cutting off diseased 
branches, well below the apparently attacked region, in early stage 
should ward off serious trouble on most estates in Malaya, 
the trees are originally unhealthy, either from bad drainage or other 
unfavourable soil conditions, there Diplodia may cause very serious 
losses, and special efforts made to ward off infection and to impiove 
the external conditions. 
Of insect pests, Termes gestroi is still commonly present and 
requires steady attention. The Entomologist has visited a number 
of estates in this connection and given advice as to treatmen . 
Most estates now treat this pest with success following the Entomo- 
logist’s recommendations. 
Borers have also received attention, they usually enter at a dead 
surface, but often proceed from this into the living tissues, where they 
may do considerable damage. Here, again, is seen the need of 
careful attention to wounds especially those made m tapping. 
Another phenomenon that may be described as a disease is the 
formation of large lumps of woody tissue covered with bark, too often 
seen on old rubber trees. These appear to be buds developing under 
pressure. The power to develop these seems latent in most rubbei 
trees, but usually some external stimulus is necessary to bring out this 
power. Occasionally no such stimulus can be traced, but e vast 
majority of lumps can be at any rate strongly suspected to be caused 
by bad tapping. Where the cut goes down to the wood, such a 
development is probable, but it may be that a cut, which does no 
go quite so deep and only grazes the cambium, may be sufficient 
stimulus. The lumps do not interfere with the health of the tree but 
they considerably reduce its value for tapping purposes. 
COCONUTS. 
I attach the report of the Acting Inspector of Coconut Planta- 
tions, which shows a steady and gratifying increase in this valuable 
crop, an increase shared in by all States. The increase in the area 
to 
