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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    matter now in hand, it is feared that often they do not take sufficient and timely precautions to cope with the mischief. They may be, and no doubt often are, living or resting on the offchance that they may escape the plague, as it can scarcely be said to be quite universal. Sometimes, therefore, they live or exist in a haphazard way till it is too late. In this respect they are blameable, for they have never been unanimously alive to the very serious nature of this plague, and con- sequently there is no well-formed combinations amongst them to deal with it. A wail or piteous appeal for help comes from this, that, or the other farmer to the district official whose business it is to succour, and he in turn, not knowing how to obtain the desired help, perhaps replies in a twitting or ironical mood; and certainly in this respect abundant opportunity exists and proofs can be given. Offence is easily excited and spread. This alternate bickering is constantly manifested, and may be observed everywhere. It is due to carelessness and want of proper management. It is, moreover, preventible, and is a practical disgrace in connection with the putting down of such a terrible and crying evil. It is a slur on the administration and all connected with it. It shows that the public spirit of the people in the place is very low indeed. Education in morals and ethics, respecting the putting down of the plague, is at a low standard, and requires to be lifted up out of the slough and placed on its own proper altitude and level. If we take a fire or other calamity, it will be seen that such conduct would not be tolerated ; and yet here we have something that does much more damage than fire. The public mind, therefore, requires to be awakened and educated on this point. 27. Unanimity in aim imperative.—Now, if what is stated be true, as undoubtedly it is, when applied to a district, it holds equally true when applied to larger localities—provinces, states, colonies, or countries, bordering or contiguous with each other. Just as no person is independent of his fellow,—for, unconsciously, we—our sum total— are made up of the constituents of those we meet and who have influenced us,—so it ought to be recognised, for it is the truth, that no state or nation is independent of its neighbours. There is a mutual interdependence. One cannot exist alone. There is a community of interests pervading the universe. Therefore in battling with the plague it is necessary, if it is to be done effectually, that there should be unanimity in aim, while there may be diversity in method, in order to overcome the common foe. This is only rational, for the person who escapes nowr may be attacked shortly in his turn. There is none secure or free from risk. What is true of the person will also be found to be true of the district or nation. It is in certain things impossible to secure complete isolation and immunity from a pestilence. History proves this beyond all doubt. It is necessary, therefore, to be