The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1895-08-23
Many Unsuccessful Experiments
Made to Destroy the Pest.
TOADs COSsrDEEED EFFECTIVE.
CommIssioner Marsdcn Makes Timely
Suggestions Regarding Beetle Pest.
FaVOrs a Reward for Catching the
Insects-Public Calamity May Result.

NIX. IDllOK - our IedulUS &TLlCle
in this mornings paper concerning
the ravages of the so-called Japanese
beetle is certainly alarming, and il
measures can be devised that will ex-
terminate this destructive insect, they
should be put in force as soon as pos
sible even if it calls for the expendi-
ture of large sums of money. What
those measures shall be it is impossi-
bic To say at this time. Many things
have been and are being tried, but
whether or not they will prove effect
i've time only will show.
Some two years ago the hopes of
The writer were raised TO the highest
pitch by reading an account in the
Tropical Agriculturist of the discov-
cry OF fungus parasite that was said
20 infest both the beetle and its larva
and to prove fatal to both. The ac-
count stated that Messrs. Tribourg K
Hesse of "a Rue des EcOles, Paris, had
succeeded in artificially propagating
this fungus (Botrytis Tenella) and
was by them placed upon the market.
a supply of the fungus was at once
ordered and received in due course.
Experiments were at once instituted
and the printed directions faithfully
followed, but without the least sue
cess. The same results attended the
efforts of the u. S. chronological
Department at Washington, d. c.,
where the most careful experiments
were made with the (Botrytis Ten
ellal without injecting a single larva
or beetle.
After a full account of the expert
ments the report of the entomologist
closes with these words, at will thus
be seen that the substance tested gave
absolutely no effect and produced no
practical effect at Washington
With the expectation of receiving
some advice that would guide us in
combating this pest, specimens of the
beetle and larva were sent to well
known entOmologists in the United
States, and also to the Chief Entomol-
OgIst at Toxic, Japan. Though all the
parties written to were able to name
the order and genus of the insect, none
were able to offer any suggestions as
to how to get rid of it, with the excep-
ton of the Toxic entomologist, who
wrote that the best method of getting
rid of the beetle was to place cloths
under the bushes upon which beetles
feed then shake the bushes and the
beetles will fall onto the cloth. Then
in which some kerosene has been
placed.
After this it seemed that the only
thing to be done was TO import such
things as would feed upon the beetle
and be harmless to anything else.
With this view some thousands of
toads were imported from California;
also a different variety from Japan,
and the horned toad or lizard from
oil
the beetle, but whether or not rep
tiles will become acclimatiZed and
breed in such numbers as to success
fully combat the beetle, remains to be
seen.
To procure a cargo of toads is nom
sense they could not be procured. To
De sure, they can be gotten in greater
numbers than they have been, and the
writer will only be too glad
to procure as many as
the funds at his disposal will
will breed, a sufficient quantity could
not be brought here TO have an ap-
preciable effect on the beetles. 1t
would, however, be a wise thing to
place colonies in all parts of the ISL
ands, so as to give them every chance
of becoming acclimated. L would adj
wise the introduction of some thou
sands more Of the horned toads. These
will cost about ten cents each, and IL
any of our public spirited citizens feel
disposed to second the work of the
bureau, we shall be happy to procure
the horned toads for them at cost
price.
While we are waiting to see the re-
suit of the introduction OF the toads,
much can be done by catching and de- !
stroying the beetle. The offer of a
small price per thousand would set !
hundred of boys to work and with |
effect in reducing the num-
bers of the pest. This is the only way |
it is kept down in Ceylon, Java and |
other Eastern countries that it is q ma /
tive OF. 1t has been found that by /
hanging up sacks, mouth downward, |
near the plants, that the beetle feeds !
on, they will creep into the sack to |
rest after the hard labors of the night. |
They can then be shaken into a pan /
OF water with little kerosene, which /
will soon kill them.
This is the time of the year beetles |
make the greatest development. They 1
will soon begin to decrease, and dur !
ing the winter months hardly one will |
be found. They will commence to |
breed again in the spring, and If |
systematic and general effort was
made at that time to collect them, |
1t would prevent much of the |
increase that takes place during the /
summer months and consequently !
less damage to the vegetation.
Your article says that the beetle has
the cane and coffee in Koolau.
Permit me TO doubt this, Mr.. Editor.
In Honolulu, where the beetle is par
plentiful, it does not attack
sugar cane or the coffee tree, while
everything around will be eaten.
Many reports of this kind have been
received, which upon investigation
proved uufounded. How soon il may
develop an appetite for both sugar
cane and coffee no one can say. 1t is
to be hoped they will not. In the
every effort should be made
10 get rid of the pest.
J. MARSDEN,