290 AGRICULTURF. OF MAINE. 



larvae feed on mushrooms and other fungi, on seed corn, pota- 

 toes, etc. The work on this last group is now practically con- 

 cluded and the results of the investigation appear in bulletins 

 published by the Station. Work upon the early stages of vari- 

 ous groups of flies is now in progress. 



In conclusion we may say that while the prime duty of the 

 staff of this department is that of investigating entomological 

 problems under the provisions of the Adams /\ct of the federal 

 government, its members are ever ready to determine insects 

 sent in by farmers, gardeners, and fruit growers, and to suggest 

 remedies for the control of pests. They are further always 

 glad to receive information from anyone concerning insect 

 ravages in any part of the State, either of new records or of 

 unusual and unprecedented outbreaks. Bulletins and circulars 

 dealing with the more important insects of Maine may be ob- 

 tained free of charge by applying to the Director of the Experi- 

 ment Station, Orono, Ale. 



Orchard Investigations. 



The necessity and value of experimental work in horticulture 

 was recognized by this Station from its inception, although no 

 special department was established at that time. Such lines of 

 horticultural work consistent with the station resources were 

 started at an early date. References to experiments, conducted 

 chiefly by the botanist and entomologist in orchard fertiliza- 

 tion and spraying for control of parasites, as well as variety 

 tests of tree fruits, bush fruits and grapes, are to be found in 

 the Annual Reports of the Station from 1888 to 1891. 



ORCHARD STUDIES BEFORE IQOQ. 



In 1899 appeared the first bulletin devoted specifically to the 

 orchard and its problems, and from this date the experimental 

 work was mainly devoted to pomology. The several bulletins 

 of the department from that time until Dr. Munson's resigna- 

 tion dealt chiefly witli the problems in apple production. Re- 

 ports of these experiments, conducted for the most part in the 

 orchards of Air. Charles S. Pope, of Manchester, were pub- 

 lished at intervals unrlcr the titles "Orchard Notes" or "Ex- 



