2 
Indian Forest Records. 
[Vol. VIII. 
the seasonal history of the insect, or to have solved the problem of 
its control. Before this is possible it will be necessary to establish 
experimental stations and permanent observation areas, and to collect 
statistical data on an extensive scale. The enquiry has almost 
reached the stage at which it becomes sylvicultural rather than 
entomological, and it is believed, that if the research methods outlined 
here are utilised, much of the required statistical information can be 
obtained in the absence of expert entomological assistance. There is, 
nevertheless, occupation for 2 years for a whole-time entomologist 
working on this pest alone. 
In urging upon everyone concerned the extreme importance of a 
thorough investigation into the beehole borer of teak it may be of 
interest to state that the calculated losses to Government, on teak 
timber extracted departmentally, are placed at ten lakhs of rupees 
annually. If the losses to firms are added the total annual losses 
must reach three or four times this amount. Even allowing for con¬ 
siderable error in calculation, the gravity of the problem, in view of 
a possible reduction in the output of teak, cannot be overlooked and 
it behoves the Forest Research Institute in association with the 
Forest .Department in Burma to spare neither men nor funds in an 
endeavour to work out the life-history of this forest pest and to 
devise control measures. The subject is of more than local interest 
as it involves the maintenance of supplies of a timber which plays an 
important part in our national security and trade. 
The writer wishes to express his indebtedness to the Chief Conser¬ 
vator, Conservators, and Divisional Officers of Burma for assistance 
in arranging tours, transport, labour, etc., and for valuable advice and 
information. Opportunity is also taken to record his appreciation of 
the work of the Forest Zoologist’s touring staff on unfamiliar ground 
and under trying climatic conditions* 
Submitted for publication on 28th November 1919, 
[ 230 ] 
