214 GYPSY AM) BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 



avenue of relief. Among the important methods for control you have 

 sought the assistance of predatory and parasitic forms, and it is upon 

 this particular phase of the work that outside opinion has been invited. 



I'Yoin the experience of entomological investigators throughout the 

 world, there cannot be any doubt of the absolute warrant for extensive 

 effort in the introduction and colonization, under expert supervision, 

 of predatory and parasitic insects of the gypsy and brown-tail moths. 

 In placing this work in the hands of the Chief of the Bureau of Ento- 

 mology of the United States Department of Agriculture, you have, 

 shown an appreciation of the many problems involved in such an 

 undertaking, and have made sure that the best service of the country 

 will be given to accomplishing the most helpful results in an economical 

 manner. Dr. Howard, by virtue of his ability, studies, experience and 

 position, has the confidence of the scientific world in this undertaking. 

 The introductions already made, and the manner in which the entire 

 work of collecting, breeding and colonizing has been outlined, cannot 

 but stimulate the utmost regard for the methods in vogue, and en- 

 courage the hope that this biologic effort will bring relief to the terri- 

 tory now suffering from the ravages of two such serious pests. While 

 the introduction and distribution of parasites is not new to entomo- 

 logical endeavor, its full significance is not understood by all ento- 

 mological students, or by the people to whom it is of the most benefit. 

 From the results to be accomplished in the more extended study of the 

 life cycles and habits of the various forms of parasites introduced in 

 the fight against the gypsy and brown-tail moths, much greater possi- 

 bilities for the control of these and even other pests will be brought 

 to light. There can be little doubt of the outcome of such active and 

 well-planned methods. 



Having walched the progress of these moths for some time, by visits 

 to the infested areas and through published reports, I have become 

 greatly interested in the investigations connected with them and tho 

 means developed I'm- their control; and I do not hesitate to state that 

 in your present campaign yon have shown a very definite knowledge of 

 conditions and of the problems therein, and your efforts should merit, 

 the confidence and support of your people, as well as the people of 

 the nation. 



1,'KPORT OF PROF. HERBERT OSBORN, 



PROFESSOR OP ZOOLOGY AND ENTOMOLCOY. Omo STATE UNIVERSITY. 



COLUMBUS, O., Sept. 24, 1907. 



Mr. A. II. KIHK i i'. S , '< mil nl . 



DKAI; Sn;: -In accordance with your invitation to visit the labora- 

 tories and witness operations in connection with the efforts to introduce 

 parasites of the gypsy and hrovvn-lail moths. I spent several days in 

 the lii>t part of August in going o\er (he ground, making observations, 

 and examining into the work as thoroughly as possible. 



