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Vol. XXVIII. LONDON, OCTOBER, 1896. . No. 10. 



SOME NOTES ON INSECT ENEMIES OF TREES. 



BV A. D. HOPKINS, WEST VIRGINIA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 



The Study of forest and shade tree insects is a line of entomological 

 work demanding especial attention in the State of West Virginia. During 

 the past two years I have carried out quite an elaborate line of investiga- 

 tions and experiments on this subject. The Jirsf object was to conduct 

 investigations with reference to the forest conditions, the distribution of 

 forest trees, and the relation of certain kinds of forest growth to the occur- 

 rence and range of the several life zones, and minor divisions of the same 

 in the State. Second, to ascertain as far as possible the principal insect 

 enemies of forest growth and their habits, as well as to study the climatic 

 and other conditions that might be favourable or unfavourable for their 

 multiplication ; or the extension of their depredations. Third, to deter- 

 mine by experiments and otherwise some improved and practical method 

 of preventing the losses that are occasioned by the more destructive kinds, 

 especially those caused by bark and wood infesting insects. 



Sufficient evidence has been obtained in the first object to enable me 

 to prepare a preliminary map of the forest divisions of the State and the 

 probable range of the life zones. Considerable information has also been 

 added with reference to the habits of some of the more destructive insects, 

 and some results have been obtained towards successful methods of pre- 

 venting serious losses from their attacks on felled timber. 



The studies with reference to preventives and remedies include a line 

 of experiments which has already given good results and promises better 

 ones in the future. The experiments include the cutting of different kinds 

 of trees twice a month, year after year, until sufficient evidence is obtained 

 to enable me to arrive at some definite conclusions with reference to the 

 proper times to cut timber to secure the least possible damage from insect 

 attack. 



This line of experiments has been carried on regularly in different 

 sections of the State since April, 1895. Observations are made from 



