43 
(6) Claret canker — 
As a rule, found on trees 10 to 15 years old. ( See No. 5 
remarks.) 
(7) Leaf and pod disease — 
Attacks rubber of any age and is most active after a spell of 
rain. Irregular defoliation of young rubber, such as 
“ double- wintering,” etc., is suggestive and should always be 
carefully examined. * 
Contbol of Disease. 
Thi is where, I think, our planting system fails. Most 
planters have a “ nodding ” acquaintance with the history and 
treatment of the various disease and pests common to the country, 
but, is this sufficient ? Take the generality of estates out here. 
They rely almost entirely on the planting manager. He does his 
best “according to the book,” but, is it satisfactory in reality? 
Consider too, that each manager in turn relies on a working- cooly 
gang very briefly supervised. Is it not possible that something 
really essential has been missed or left undone ? Is a system 
controlling scientific work based on such lines correct ? It is true, 
our losses from all causes of pest and disease would probably never 
total what we have had to thin out, but is that adequate insurance 
against the futnre ? 
“We planters are not 'rubber doctors.’” I have even heard it 
said that we are only “ crude agriculturists,” which is probably true, 
because the economic equation to" our training is the “ almighty cost, 
per lb.” or “cost per acre” as the case may be. Therefore, if we are 
Jto keep up with a science that daily claims a larger share in the ethics 
of present-day planting methods, and if we are successfully to apply 
these teachings, ought there not to be on every estate a co-ordinate 
staff of some kind trained for field operations if not in actual control ? 
We have already group hospitals and group doctors. Why not 
mycologists ? 
This is tli e most effective means of getting into close contact. 
A man who is on the spot can devote his attention to things. A 
visiting mycologist only touches the surface. This could be further 
elaborated by kranis, overseers, and conductors, being taught a 
certain amouut of practical work in technical schools. In India, 
I believe, a great deal has been done and they turn out some very 
good men. What we want are such men who would take up a 
position in the working staff, correlative with doctors, dressers, 
attendants, etc., in the medical line. This slap-dash, easy-going 
method of ours is all wrong, and I believe the industry must waken 
up sooner or later to this. 
