422 
4 
Rats in Rice Fields. — I did a considerable amount of 
work on this investigation. Reports appear in the “Ag; 
cultural 811116110’’ for May and November, 1907. It 
now satisfactorily demonstrated that carbon bisulphide < 
a cheap, simple, and effective method of getting rid of i its 
in padi fields. I am still collecting information about I 1 .** 
habits of the padi- rat, and hope to publish a full report i a 
an early number of the “Agricultural Bulletin.” 
Lectures to Planters. — I have begun series of lectin s 
to planters on the build and nourishment of the Bara rubber 
tree, the production of latex, the relation of the plant to 
the soil, the general treatment of plant diseases, and other 
matters of agricultural interest. 
The lectures are intended to be of an elementary but 
practical nature, illustrated by diagrams, blackboard de- 
monstrations, and microscopic slides. I hope to deliver 
further lectures during the year, visiting the various Dis- 
trict Planters’ Associations. 
W. J. GALLAGHER, 
Gov ernni eft t Mycologis t . 
REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT ENTOMOLOGIST 
FOR THE YEAR 1908. 
The following report dates since my transference from 
the Institute for Medical Research to the Agricultural 
Department on the 1st September, 1908. During the past 
three months the increase of entomological work is about 
100 per cent., and there is a great deal to be done in studying 
the life history of those insects which have been sent to 
the Agricultural Department as pests of’ major or minoi 
importance. Only those which have been doing consider- 
able harm will be mentioned in this report. Since my 
transference I have been chiefly engaged in a study of 
Tenues gestroi on the Para rubber tree. The life history 
of this insect will be published in one year to 18 months, 
while a paper for the planters on the best methods for 
eradicating the evil has been written and will be published 
as soon as the blocks of the sketches already sent to Calcutta 
are returned. 
The important question of rendering houses white ant 
proof has been discussed, and with a view to obtaining re- 
liable information in connection with this, a series of ex- 
periments have been commenced. Four hundred pieces of 
wood of four kinds have been treated with various chemicals 
