178 . STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



able value that I do not hesitate to urge every fruit grower to add it to his 

 librar}', for all will concede that it is incomparable in the direction of economic 

 entomology. 



For this volume, which has saved millions to our country, and which has 

 been received with enthusiasm in all the countries of Europe, and which is an 

 imperishable honor to Massachusetts, Dr. Harris received the sum of $175.00. 

 "It will never cease to be a subject of regret, to all who desire the promotion 

 of science, and especially science as related to practical life, and most of all to 

 the citizens of Massachusetts, that science could not have had the exclusive 

 attention of so gifted a naturalist. And I feel more than certain that when 

 you come to know the importance of his labors, you will not think I have 

 dwelt too long on this part of my subject. 



The next name which deserves mention is that of Dr. Asa Fitch, so long 

 State Entomologist of New York, whose valuable reports from 1855 to 1861 

 form, perhaps, the most important part of the very excellent agricultural re- 

 ports of the Empire State. Especially the early reports of this able and justly 

 celebrated worker, are of exceeding value, as exemplified by the remarks of 

 competent judges, that they saved annually to that State alone the sum of 

 $50,000. Surely Dr. Fitch's appointment was not very bad economy, as his 

 salary was never more than $1,000. It is much to be regretted that Dr. Fitch's 

 age and strength did not permit a continuance of the good work, and it is great- 

 ly to be hoped that the great commonwealth will soon find a Avorthy suc- 

 cessor. 



These reports are very full in their discussion of injurious and beneficial 

 species, afford us very clear descriptions of those insects which we shall have 

 most to battle, and are not without most valuable suggestions as to the best 

 means to wage a successful warfare against our worst insect enemies. 



These reports, as issued by themselves, were in such demand that it is ex- 

 ceedingly difficult to procure copies, but they are given in the transactions of 

 the Agricultural Society, and of themselves are of sufficient value to warrant 

 great effort by Agriculturists and Pomologists in securing these reports. 



Dr. Fitch, by his most patient and pains-taking experiments, has developed 

 many new facts in reference to insects already known and described, has dis- 

 covered several new enemies, giving details as to their history and habits, and 

 many parasites and predaceous insects, those best friends of the Agriculturist. 



I am happy to state that Dr. Fitch, like Dr. Harris before him, was quick to 

 appreciate the valuable services of the birds, not withholding the just meed of 

 praise from even the robin, blackbird, or crow, for too well did he know their 

 surpassing worth as abettors in the work of insect extermination. Very likely 

 his influence led to the appointment of the Committee on Ornithology by the 

 Horticultural Society of his State, a feature we might well imitate. 



The next person deserving of mention in this history is the lamented B. D. 

 Walsh, State Entomologist of Illinois. Dr. Walsh was not only a very able 

 scientist (my respected friend and teacher, the distinguished Dr. H. Hageu of 

 Harvard University, once told me that he had met no more able entomologist in 

 the United States than Dr. AValsh) but was so utilitarian in his]ideas, that prac- 

 ticality shone in and through all his vast knowledge and able researches. His ex- 

 centric style, plain, outspoken manner, and trenchant wit, secured the popular 

 attention no less than that of the scholar. I well remember how, at an enter- 

 tainment in Chicago, where were gathered many of the ablest scientists of the 

 land, that he seemed the very center of attraction. Dr. AValsh, in common 



