The locust plague and its suppression / by Æneas Munro.

  • Munro, Aeneas.
Date:
[1899]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The locust plague and its suppression / by Æneas Munro. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    first to have power or dominion over every living thing, and this includes the locusts. 24. Conflicting' theories.—Fortunately or unfortunately, it appears that on this subject especially, everyone thinks himself capable and entitled to propound a plan of operation for the destruction of the pest; so that it has actually passed into a proverb that “ Every fool has his theory.” This view is not peculiar to this country, it prevails in every country visited by the locusts. The black man as well as the white man has his theory and thinks his view and plan of campaign the best, and that those who differ from his methods are of little or no value, and consequently he, and not they, should be supported. 25. Distrust engendered.—Hence carelessness and indifference spring up, and there is want of compliance with the executive or central authorities. A complete callousness is therefore manifested not only in regard to the methods considered most worthy of a trial, but also a sort of contempt or ridicule of the officials themselves. Motives of an altogether unworthy nature are attributed to the authorities and officials in both exalted and humble stations. Great prudence and tact are required on the part of the authorities in dealing with this matter, and patience and willingness are also required on the part of the public. There can be no doubt that in managing and dealing with this subject errors are extremely prevalent on both sides—on the one probably as much as on the other. The authorities, knowing probably how inadequate are the means at their disposal for the purpose of lessening or checking the mischief, are very often far too ready to treat lightly the wail of the farmers, heard here, there, and everywhere at the same time, just as the insects are devouring or about to devour the entire fruit of their labour. The feelings of the farmers are very acute, and at such a moment they cannot bear with philosophic equanimity the slightest ruffle. If practical sympathy is not put into action in their favour, they chafe, and farmers are not slow to recognise true from false sympathy. They may not be able to express them- selves in words, but their hearts are quick and can recognise aid if extended to them in a true and proper spirit, just as much on an average as other people can do who assume greater airs of acuteness and importance. Why should they not ? Human nature is human nature all the world over, and it is a good thing that it is so. Farmers are not fools, and what is more, they are capable of reciprocity. It comes, then, to this, that they should be dealt with honestly and fairly, and make-believes should never be put before them. 26. Apathy of farmers and indifference of officials.—It is, however, not to be affirmed that the farmers are always right. They are not. As a rule, they are industrious; but, in regard to the subject-