2i8 agricui^ture; of maine. 



• 



sionally he could judge whether it paid or not by the character 

 of the insects found. Many codHng larvse could be taken in 

 this way, as they would seek such places to pupate in. 



STATE COLLECTION. 



Many specimens have been added to the collection during the 

 year. These have been identified as far as possible and will be 

 arranged in their proper families as soon as possible. So many 

 letters were received asking for information on the different 

 insects sent in that it was quite an undertaking to give the 

 required information to say nothing of keeping a record of the 

 collection up to date. This was impossible during part of the 

 season so that quite a lot of material still remains to work on. 

 It is very important that this work should be carefully done as 

 many come to consult the collection for the purpose of identify- 

 ing specimens. The value of a State collection cannot be over 

 estimated, and we trust that all collectors in the State will recog- 

 nize the value of it and endeavor to contribute any rare speci- 

 mens from their several localities that they can spare so as to 

 help enrich the cabinets at the office. Credit will be given for 

 all such contributions and we hope many will avail themselves of 

 the opportunity of rendering valuable assistance in this line. 



The life histories of many of our insects are being worked up, 

 and the laboratory work in the insectary during the past season 

 was especially valuable along these lines. 



We are very anxious to secure eggs and larvae of many of our 

 common insects pests as well as those that are classed as rare. 

 Will not our friends help us out in this matter? 



We should like to add several more names to our list of those 

 who are interested in entomology who will act as corresponding 

 field agents. In this way we will be able to gain a great deal 

 of information that will be of inestimable value to our farmers 

 and orchardists. 



BROWN-TAIL MOTH. 



Since the passage of the revised act of 1907 the brown-tail 

 moth question has become much simplified and the several cities 

 and towns in the infested district have taken hold of the work 

 in earnest, with the result that at the present time the situation 

 is very hopeful. From returns made to date it is safe to pre- 



