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being caught in this way on almost every tree. Besides the torches 
we used long sticks for beating the leaves to knock off or shake off 
the caterpillars. Brushes on long handles were also used for 
sweeping the insects from the leaves. 
All the insects were not destroyed, but that their numbers were 
greatly reduced was obvious on the appearance of the next flight of 
moths. Comparatively few moths developed. On the reappearance 
of the caterpillars the same methods were again resorted to, the 
whole area showing signs of having been affected being carefully and 
systematically treated. Three months after my first visit the pest 
had disappeared. Nets were also used for catching moths. 
As regards the damage done to the palms by cutting away or by 
singeing the leaves I do not think it is at all extensive and the palms 
recover extremely well. 
It should be added that under no conditions should any part of 
the palms except the leaves be scorched. Copeland refers to the 
risk of such treatment, if applied to the crown, on account of the 
probable attacks of the red beetle. 
Termites. — Ternies yestroi is said to be a serious pest of coconut 
palms in certain districts in the Peninsula but on the plantations 
visited regularly by me. the pest is little known and the injury caused 
is correspondingly of small account. 
1 have seen palms seriously injured by the insects boring into the 
tissues of the stem. Generally the injury in itself, except in very 
young palms or unless nothing but a mere shell of the stem is left, 
need not have a serious effect. It has been advised that lands taken in 
from virgin jungle and planted up with coconut palms be clean cleared 
of all timber. Such measures may be necessary where the attacks of 
while ants are considered serious but such measures are usually most 
impracticable and there must be strong evidence that the attacks are 
serious or are likely to have serious results before the planter will be 
convinced that lie should adopt them. I have never had reason 
to suggest the adoption of these measures and the usual treatment 
with the exterminator pump has been quite satisfactory. 
Scale bugs, — Scale bugs and mealy bugs are found commonly on 
the leaves of the palm but none of the many species cause any 
serious injury as far as 1 am aware and, therefore, they call for no 
comment here. The sooty mould, Meliola palmarum, is associated 
with several of the scale bugs parasitic on the leaves of the 
palm. 
Bats. — These animals are enemies of the coconut palm and have 
caused serious loss in certain district in the country. 
In February, 1914, Pratt wrote in the Agricultural Bulletin : 
The position of priority as a really serious pest to young coconuts in 
