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Tree planting; increase of panikhets prevented by mithan owners; reappearance of caterpillars which destroyed jobs tears at Sakhalu |
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To Sakhalu. The bridle path all the way from the Kileki badly needs planting and a narrow strip must be reserved on each side when jhuming takes place. The Alder (Litisu in Sema) should be planted if possible. Failing that walnut (Ghakutibo) is a fast grower, and elder (Thochesu) which can be planted from cuttings in the rains, and schima wallichi (Michisu), which can be planted from seed, might be used. It is useless to plant oaks. The wild peach (chinitisu) can also be used. |
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The question of increasing panikhets is much complicated by the keeping of mithan. These are kept in large numbers by the rich men who do not care at all whether they damage poor men's crops and do not take the trouble to look after them. These beasts are always getting into and eating up the seedling patches with the result that several panikhets have had to remain fallow this year for want of seedlings. The only thing to do will be to fine the mithan owners considerably and severely. The rule in Mokokchung that no fines are taken for cattle trespass among Semas should not be applied to panikhets or seedling beds. |
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Half Satakha Inspection Bungalow is under repairs. This should have been postponed to the cold weather. There is no food for them here and they will have to go back to Kohima leaving the work undone. |
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The caterpillars which destroyed the jobs tears last year have reappeared, and appear to be increasing. They did a vast deal of damage last year, and I got the moth identified, but as it was said to be very susceptible to climactic conditions I had hoped it would have died out. I fancy the best way to get rid of them would be to offer so much per seer of caterpillars. If we are to have them always with us and if they continue to multiply it will soon not be worth while to grow crops at all. |
