REPORT OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. I95 



REPORT OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST. 



To the Hon. A. JJ\ Giliimu, Commissioner of Agriculture: 



I herewith submit my fourth annual report for the year 1908. 



Our insect pests have made a record during the past year 

 both in numbers and in the extent of their ravages. This is 

 accounted for by the very exceptional season ; the climatic con- 

 ditions being such as to favor the development of many species. 



Although there was a very marked increase in many species 

 yet in some the decline, due to parasitic and fungous influence, 

 has been quite noticeable. This is true as regards the red- 

 humped and yellow-necked apple caterpillars ; these have been 

 reduced at least 90%. The mourning cloak caterpillar was so 

 infested with parasites during the summer of 1907 that hardly 

 any damage was reported from this pest during the past season. 

 In some sections of the State grasshoppers did very extensive 

 damage especially in the grain, corn, beans and young fruit 

 trees ; many pastures were stripped bare of the usual fall feed. 

 The elm-leaf beetle was reported as having been found in the 

 southern part of the State during the summer of 1907 but no 

 specimens were sent to the office. During the past season it 

 has been found in considerable numbers at Kittery and York. 

 The San Jose Scale has not reached us as yet. 



The past year has been a notable one as regards the making 

 of history. There are epochs that occur in our National life 

 that in after years prove to be the stepping stones to a much 

 broader plane of living. The past year has given us one of 

 these epochs that will surely stand for the betterment of our 

 whole Nation. I refer to the great National, State and private 

 uplift due to the so-called Conservation problem. The solution 

 of this great problem is so far reaching in its effect that we may 

 well apply it in connection with our subject in hand. The term 



