REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 57 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



Chief Entomologist of the United States Department of Agriculture, in Massachusetts, 

 into which state they had been imported from Europe. Considerable numbers of the 

 beetles were reared and two colonies were placed out and went into hibernation. Two 

 strong colonies of the tachinid parasite Compsilura were placed in the field, and before 

 the close of the season it was found that individuals from one of these had spread 

 three miles from the point of colonization and had parasitized the native Fall Web- 

 worm (Hyphantria textor), a most encouraging result. The parasites of certain of 

 the more serious native pests are being studied. 



In Quebec, a field laboratory is located at Covey Hill, south of Montreal, in an 

 orchard seriously infested with the more common species of apple insects. Here, Mr. 

 C. E. Petch, during the latter half of the summer, commenced an investigation on 

 the Apple Curculio (Anthonomus quadrigibbus) and also made observations on the 

 Apple Maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella). At the laboratory at Jordan Harbour, Out, and 

 at Bowmanville, Out., Mr. W. A. Ross continued his studies on the Apple Maggot. 

 While the wet season militated somewhat against the carrying out of all the work which 

 had been outlined, important results, which will prove of practical value, were obtained 

 and it is hoped that a third season will complete this thorough investigation. 



Owing to an outbreak of the Chinch bug (Blissus leucopierus) in Middlesex 

 County, Ont., Mr. H. F. Hudson was sent to the centre of the infested district where 

 he investigated the outbreak and the possibilities of control . measures. Although 

 serious damage had been inflicted in places, the insect does not appear to be spreading 

 rapidly and investigations will be continued during the coming year, when White 

 Grubs (Laclinosterna), which are causing serious and widespread damage, will also 

 be studied. 



Temporary quarters were furnished for entomological work in British Columbia 

 at Hatzic, in the Fra&er valley, and here Mr. R. C. Treherne commenced an investiga- 

 tion on the Strawberry Root Weevil (Otiorhyncus ovatus). An excellent beginning 

 was made on a study of the life-history of the species and a number of experiments 

 were carried out with a view of discovering practicable methods of control. The rota- 

 tion of strawberry beds associated with proper cultural methods appears to be at 

 present the most satisfactory method. A visit was made by Mr. Treherne to 

 the States of Oregon and Washington for the purpose of studying this and other 

 insects which are common in the Pacific Coast region. A permanent laboratory has 

 now been erected on the Experimental Farm at Agassiz, and this will serve as head- 

 quarters for the work in British Columbia. 



The extension of our work into the field by the establishment of field laboratories, 

 of which a brief outline of the work carried on during the first season has been given 

 above, has not only rendered possible the inception of really valuable investigations 

 on certain of the more serious insect pests and their control, but in many other ways 

 has enabled the Entomological Division to reach a larger number of people to whom 

 its work can be of service. As representatives of the Division, its field officers have 

 been able to advise farmers and fruit growers and carry on an educational campaign 

 which, if persisted in, must prove of incalculable benefit. 



INSECTS AFFECTING FIELD CROPS. 



The serious outbreak of cutworms in Southern Alberta was inquired into. It was 

 found that between th. rty and forty thousand acres of grain had been destroyed in 

 the neighbourhood of J'iethbridge. As the methods of control which were recom- 

 mended appeared to be ineffectual and as the chief injurious species (Porosagrotis 

 dclorata Sm.) had not been previously recorded or studied, arrangements have been 

 made to carry out a thorough investigation during the coming year. 



The experiments on the control of the Root Maggots were continued and the 

 results, on the whole, confirmed those of the previous years as. to the superiority of 



