BLUEGUM BLIGHT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2201, 27 May 1908, Page 4

BLUEGUM BLIGHT.

A visitor to Pin-corn No. 2 settlement states tiiat the gum plantations thoro are recovering from tlio dainago dono to them bv blight a few seasons ago. Tlio “Tiniavu Tlorald” says that on stripping looso bark off tlio trunks a few of tlio tiny blue ladybirds which are responsible for the disappearance of the blight unny bo found; also reel ones. Much more common, is tlio largo dull drab colored insect, the bluegum weevil, whoso duty in life is probn'oYy mlschovious to the gums, through its larvae. Residents in the settlement point to a plantation between Lynlldalo and Pleasant Valley, which was not aflocted by tlio blight, though others all around it were. The explanation ot its escape may be found in the tact that this plantation, a small compact clump, has all along boon a starling rookery. “Tlioro’s a million starlings thoro,” was one rpugh guess at their numbors. ‘‘They make quiot a black cloud when they como homo in the evening,” was another indication of their numbors. The relation between the prosonco of starlings and tlio absenco of blight deponds on tlio supposition put forth in tlio Herald last summer that tlio gum blight was carried a>out by sparrows. Iho sparrows would keep clear of the starlings rookery. :