closer eye on the weather.

And the Bermuda Biological Station for Research is planning a lecture on the fascinating act of nature.

BBSR faculty scientist and geologist David Malmquist will speak about "Hurricanes in Bermuda: Past and Future'' on June 3 at Hanson Hall.

During the lecture, which is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., Dr. Malmquist will discuss Bermuda's place in hurricane history which dates back to the 1609 sinking of the Sea Venture during a hurricane.

The lecture will also cover proxy techniques used by scientists, such as studying cave stalagmites for ancient evidence to document and date previous hurricane experiences on the Island.

A BBSR spokeswoman noted that work on hurricane prediction has increased in the past few years at the station with the formation of the Risk Prediction Initiative (RPI).

"With the support of insurance and reinsurance companies, RPI aims to extend the historical records of tropical cyclones (typhoons and hurricanes),'' she said.

"With a greater knowledge of the past, scientists hope to reveal long-term cycles in global climate.'' ALARM SOUNDED OVER PALM TREE DISEASES GVT ENV Alarm sounded over palm tree diseases A palm tree specialist could be brought in to Bermuda in a bid to tackle diseases that hit the species.

Officials at the plant protection laboratory at the Department of Agriculture are keen to assess what palm diseases affect the Island -- and are asking for the public's help.

They are asking anyone who notices anything suspicious about a tree, if it appears unhealthy, is losing leaves or they are discoloured or if there is premature nut fall.

A spokesman for the laboratory said they are often consulted after a tree is dead or is dying which makes it difficult to identify the cause of the problem.

"Suspected ailing palms will be visited by plant protection personnel in order to gather information as the genus and species of the palm, synopsis of the symptoms and development of the disease,'' said the spokesman.

The palm specialist is expected to give two lectures on palms, the dates for which will be announced later.

Anyone who has a problem with their palm should call Terry Lyn Thompson on 236-4201, extension 204.

US PLEDGE HELP IN MAJOR OIL SPILLS ENV US pledge help in major oil spills Bermuda will still be able to call on the support of the US in the event of a major oil spill.

The country has renewed ties with the US Coast Guard, and ensured that a long-standing agreement that provides for assistance in an emergency is still valid.

Two Coast Guard staff participated in a joint oil spill exercise recently and during Exercise Weatherbird and ties -- which date back to 1976 -- were re-established.

Dr. Tom Sleeter, Government Environmental Engineer, said the agreement also paved the way for training opportunities and joint exercises.

The 1976 memorandum was used after the grounding of the super tanker Tifoso in 1983, when members of the US North Atlantic Strike Team flew in to remove oil from the vessel.

During Exercise Weatherbird -- a simulation of a major spill off the North Shore which took place at St. George's over three days -- US Consul Bruce Berton and senior Coast Guard staff took part in talks on the links.

Dr. Sleeter said: "Through policy changes the relationship with Bermuda had become inactive, but as a result of the exercise we verified that the agreement was still in effect.

"The Coast Guard officials were very impressed with the Bermuda team's expertise and performance.''