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our knowledge of the mode of attack of certain fungi upon the x’oots 
of rubber, and of their immense economic importance, was rapidly 
advanced, and the responsibility fixed upon decaying timber. With 
this extra, and even more important case against timber to support 
the policy of clean clearing, it became possible to advocate as a 
general estate method what previously might have been considered a 
counsel of perfection. 
In February of last year at a Planters’ Association lecture 1 
first recommended the general adoption of this common-sense method. 
The idea did not at once meet with unanimous approval, but the 
progress it has made in little more than twelve months has been 
eminently satisfactory. 
Early in 1916, also, I had the opportunity to devote some time 
to the consideration of coconut pests, and here too Termes gestroi 
proved to be by far the most serious pest, warranting a very 
considerable expenditure upon preventive treatment. 
The same arguments for clean cleai'ing apply to coconut cultiva- 
tion as to rubber, beetle grubs in the rotting wood replacing fungoid 
diseases as the supporting reason. 
That clean clearing is the only sure cure for Termes gestroi 
attack, I am fully convinced. Of all other methods tried, including 
the sulphur arsenic f umigator, it must be admitted that they have failed 
to eradicate the pest. In areas wherein Termes gestroi has become * 
established, particularly in old rubber, the fumigator is indispensable, 
but only as an adjunct — not as the principal method. Within two, 
or at the outside three years of felling, every available shelter for 
Termes gestroi , and consequently every likely infection centre for 
root diseases should have been destroyed. 
That clean clearing is in general worth while from a financial 
view point, I am satisfied also. But this is a matter upon which the 
economist and not the scientist will decide. 
To the practical planter belongs the solution of the problem, how 
best and cheapest to get rid of the undesired timber ; whether by 
double felling ; by single felling and clean clearing before planting ; 
by single felling and clearing when the rubber is well up ; by 
disposing of the wood for charcoal or firewood ; or what not ! The 
sooner the cheapest and the most effective method is established, 
the earlier will this, the most desirable of all plant sanitation 
methods, become a piece of the established routine of estate opening. 
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