L98 GYPSY AND BK< nVN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 



in there being effective enemies somewhere for every insect pest may 

 have considerable value in connection with the problems upon which he 

 is e i for California and West Australia; but I am convinced, 



as 1 have said above. that these qualities would have little value in 

 dealing \\ith the celled ion and establishment of enemies for the gypsy 

 and hriwii-tail ninths. 



In discussing the position as a whole with others, I have heard the 

 criticism made frequently that the officials who have been concerned 

 with the tiulilinu of the pests were grossly negligent in not long ago 

 taking action to obtain natural enemies. I myself think it a great pity 

 that sieps were not taken when State work first began; but considering 

 the circumstances, I do not feel that any blame attaches to the officers. 

 It was known that in Europe the gypsy moth committed great ravages 

 from time to time, despite its natural checks; and hence its total ex- 

 termination was adjudged worth a large expenditure, and vastly pref- 

 erable, all things considered, to accomplishing its suppression. The aim 

 of the operations was made to eradicate the insect absolutely, and this 

 project was considered feasible by the leading entomological experts of 

 the States. To trouble with natural checks seemed quite unnecessary, 

 indeed an uncalled-for waste, since before the time in which the most 

 sanguine w r ould have expected introduced enemies to multiply suffi- 

 ciently to be of appreciable benefit could elapse, it was anticipated that 

 the pest would be exterminated, and any natural checks thereby rendered 

 utterly useless. The battle with the pest was stopped by the cessation 

 of appropriations while the issue was still considered in doubt. When 

 ii was taken up again, the idea of total extermination was abandoned, 

 and then, I understand, no time was lost in seeking natural aids to 

 effect suppression. 



In conclusion. I have pleasure in summarizing what 1 have expressed 

 at rather great length by stating that I consider the arrangements for 

 obtaining the natural aids admirably planned, their fulfillment entrusted 

 to safe hands, and that satisfactory progress is being made. I regard 

 ..ratifying success as highly probable, and expect to see it achieved 

 within a decade, if the work gets no set-back by a lack of funds at any 

 time, or by any ill-advised alteration in plan or personnel of staff. 



1,'KPORT OF DR. RICHARD IIEYMONS, 



AUSSERORDK.vn.n ' 1 1 KR HOXORARPROFESSOR UNO KUSTOR AM ZOOLOGISCHKN 



MUSEUM uiit KoKMcuriiKN ITXIVI.KSITAT IN BKKMX. 



BOSTON, MASS., Aug. 22, l'">7. 



I made use ,,f my stay in I'.nslmi. in August, 1007, in visiting the 

 Ma--:iclniselfs parasite station in Lynn, in order to learn the methods 

 which are used in (lie I'nited Stales of North America in combating in- 

 jurious insects. In this subject Kumpeau countries arc also interested, 

 as in (iermany and other European States -real outbreaks of injurious 

 Ctfl have taken place repeatedly, when every wood and field is devas- 



