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have already shown their value, and it is very probable that 
in a short time he may be aide to enunciate methods of com- 
bating this serious pest, winch will enable the planter to 
reduce the evil to a very great extent. 
With all diseases, whether due to fungi, insect, or en- 
vironmental causes, the “plant doctor” — i.e., the Myco- 
logist or Entomologist— cannot be expected to wield a 
magic wand at whose touch the disease disappears. These 
investigators, by their knowledge of the nature of the evil 
which is attacking the plant, are in a position + o devise the 
best means to attack the fungi or insects, and prevent their 
having an easy prey, such measures generally and con- 
tinually carried on result in the gradual decrease of the 
evils dealt with, and often their complete extermination. 
Mr. Gallagher, the Government Mycologist, has, in ad- 
dition to much useful work at the fungal diseases of cul- 
tivated plants, investigated carefully the question of the 
damage done to padi by rats, and has evolved a method of 
dealing with this pest by means of carbon bisulphide, which 
is both practical and effective. Malayan cultivators have 
been instructed in the method of using this vermin-killing 
fluid so as to do as much damage as possible to the rats, and 
arrangements will be made for a regular supply of this sub- 
stance from different centres in padi-growing districts. 
The Government Mycologist gives in his report, which 
follows, a detailed account of the work he has doue during 
the past year; and his remarks should be carefully studied 
by the planter, and they contain information of much prac- 
tical value on the question of keeping estates free from 
disease. 
In addition to this pathological work, Mr. Gallagher, 
as Assistant to the Director, has been of much service in 
the general technical work of the department. 
The climate of Malaya is exceptionally favourable for 
rapid and healthy plant growth ; but these conditions of 
constant humidity and heat are also favourable to the in- 
sects and fungi, which cause nearly all the diseases to which 
plants are liable, and for this reason neglect to take all pre- 
cautionary measures that are possible, and dilatoriness in 
combating the evil when it has come, are more culpable and 
dangerous than in countries where alternate dry and wet 
seasons are in themselves deterrent to plant enemies. 
The Government Chemist is so busily employed in 
medical, legal and health work that little or none of his 
time is available for agricultural questions, and this im- 
portant branch of the scientific work of an Agricultural 
