206 (iVPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 



stroyed, were turned out in infested districts where it was thought that 

 they could do most good. 



The large and handsome predaceous beetle, Calosoma sycophanta, 

 which is known to prey on the caterpillars in Europe and which was 

 imported last year, had not yet appeared in numbers; but I was for- 

 tunate enough to see, on the day of my visit, the first American-reared 

 specimen of this species. It closely resembles our native Calosoma scru- 

 tator, and will doubtless be confounded with it by many until the dif- 

 ferences are pointed out by entomologists. 



There are some special features of this experiment in importing bene- 

 ficial parasites to control such well-established enemies as the brown-tail 

 and gypsy moths which must be borne in mind, and from which greater 

 success may be anticipated than from any previous efforts. The ex- 

 tensive scale on which the work is being prosecuted reduces the chances 

 of error, and allows parasitized material to be imported at all times of 

 the year and from a large number of different localities in Europe 

 whenever the parasites may be observed to be abundant. The fact that 

 the planning and carrying out of the details of the scheme have been 

 done by some of the best-trained economic entomologists in the world, 

 resident both in America and in Europe, and that ample funds were 

 provided by the State for any suggested plan of action which was 

 thought reasonable, all combine to render this one of the most im- 

 portant efforts in the annals of economic entomology. 



I have no suggestions to make with regard to this work. The great- 

 est care seems to have been taken in carrying out the many difficult 

 operations which are necessary in rearing parasites, in keeping accurate 

 records and in distributing the insects. 



After leaving the parasite laboratory, we passed through Swamp- 

 scott, Salem, Beverly, Manchester, Essex, Rowlej 7 , Ipswich, Newbury- 

 port and many other places. This gave another opportunity of seeing 

 the good work which has been done in controlling the caterpillars along 

 the main highways and in cities. The work of the spraying outfits in 

 woodlands and parks was also examined. That S.OOO miles of streets 

 should have been practically freed of devastating caterpillars of two 

 of the worst known pests of shade trees in only two seasons is a 

 triumph of applied science which must be of great encouragement to 

 all engaged in such work, and is an indication of what may be hoped 

 for in the near future in Massachusetts if the same plan of action is 

 persisted in. 



From what I saw during the journey now reported upon, and dur- 

 ing an extended trip taken the following day in company with Prof. J. 

 M. Smith of New Jersey and Prof. E. P. Felt of New York, I feel con- 

 fident that the vigorous campaign no\v being carried on under your 

 iiiaiia'rnent. including the systematic colonixing of (lie parasites under 

 Dr. Howard's direction, must result in the control of (lie two chief 

 ainst which it is directed, and, if continued, in their complete 



