Page:A primer of forestry, with illustrations of the principal forest trees of Western Australia.djvu/117

111 and should fire occur, reduces its intensity. By the prevention of forest fires it is not meant that debris in cut-over areas should not be burned. In fact, this waste material acts as a good decoy for insects and if when well infested it is destroyed by fire, much good will result. Fire must, however, be kept out of forest reserves at all costs.

Small or occasional outbreaks of leaf, bud, bark eating insects can be controlled by spraying their food with arsenate of lead or other approved poison. The poison is taken into the stomach and causes ultimate death of the insect. Some species of leaf or bud nibbling weevils have proved very hard to poison, necessitating the use of arsenate of lead at the rate of 1lb. to six or eight gallons of water.

Scales, aphides, or other sap-sucking pests may be controlled by spraying their bodies with resin and soda wash, tobacco wash, etc.

In conclusion, may I suggest that every effort be made to increase public interest, particularly that of the young growing generation, in the protection of forests. Encourage a study of beneficial birds, animals, and insects, with a view to their protection. Help them to distinguish their insect friends from their enemies. Instil into their minds the necessity for the appreciation of our forest wealth, for economic, health, scenic, and climatic reasons.