1902.] LESSONS FROM THE PAN-AMERICAN. 20/ 



the fumes will kill the borer. We can also accomplish some- 

 thing by capturing the beetles when we find them and by 

 dressing over any wounds on the tree caused by the borers. 

 Large dead spaces on the trunk are sometimes formed and 

 the bark peels off. In such cases a coat of paint will prevent 

 decay and prolong the life of the tree. 



A word about lady beetles. Nearly all of the lady beetles 

 are our friends and should not be destroyed. All except two 

 species in the Northeastern states feed upon other insects, 

 mostly plant lice and scale insects, and have proven to be an 

 important factor in holding some of the injurious species in 

 check. The dragon flies that dart about so swiftly in the 

 meadows and along the roadside, though they often terrify 

 young children, yet they are perfectly harmless and are among 

 our best friends. The larva of the dragon fly lives in the 

 water, and subsists almost entirely upon the larvae of mos- 

 quitoes. The adult insect, which is often known as the devil's 

 darning needle, catches many mosquitoes in its flight and de- 

 vours them. It has very large wings and is able to fly long 

 distances with a quick and strong motion which enables it to 

 turn quickly in the air and capture its prey. Though many 

 of these insects do not seem to us of very great importance, 

 they exert a powerful influence in holding in check some of 

 the noxious species, and thus make the world pleasanter for 

 us to live in. 



MORNING SESSION. 



Thursday, December 19th. 



Convention called to order at 10 a. m., Vice-President 

 Seeley in the chair. 



The President. We propose to open our session this 

 morning by singing the good old national air " America," 

 and we want everybody to join. When we have done that, 

 Prof. Phelps is going to give us some lessons drawn from 

 the Pan-American Exposition. 



" America " sung by the audience. 



The President. Now I have the pleasure of introducing 



