TRANSACTIONS OF ALTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 325 



ENTOMOLOGY. 



President Starr called Prof. Rilev to the floor upon this subject. 

 He replied that he had no set report to make; he yet talked for half an 

 hour upon the subject of the arm}' worm, whose complete history is now 

 known for the first time. The theories of Dr. Walsh and others that this 

 insect laid its eggs in the fall at the roots of grasses is a mistake. It 

 lays its eggs in the spring and upon the blades of grasses, whether green 

 or dry. He proceeded to give a history of this insect and the means for 

 its destruction. 



He called special attention to the depredations of a worm that is 

 destroying the raspberry crop about CoUinsville. Helebore is a remedy, 

 when it can be administered properly and in time. He was trying other 

 remedies, and might have something further to report by and by. 



President Starr inquired about the suggested biennial coming of 

 the cabbage flea. 



Prof. Rilev begged to be excused from accepting any such con- 

 clusion, without further evidence. The history of this insect is not as 

 well known as it should be. If it takes two years for this flea to develop, 

 some one must give us its full history and tell us where it hibernates. 

 He felt that it was a reproach, almost, that we did not know more about 

 this insect. 



THE ALTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY TWENTY YEARS OLD. 



The Secretary read the following letter, received from Hon. W. C. 

 Flagg, of Moro, which was ordered to be published with the minutes: 



MoRO, May 27th, 1876. 

 O. L. Barler, Upper Alton. 



Dear Sir : I have run across the inclosed item, of quarter-centennial 

 history, which may be used to prove that the Alton Horticultural Society 

 is twenty-five years old; and, in any event, will be of interest to the 

 members. I have heard intimations of such an early organization, but 

 never found any documentary proof of it, till 1 accidentally came across 

 this. 



Truly yours, W. C. FLAGG. 



