ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. 1S3 



diagnoses, and that at once. These cases, and many more, liave been sent to 

 the writer within a year past. 



How apparent, too, the need of experiments, such as require the most 

 thoughtful, pains-taking, and accurate attention. 



We know that white hellebore will destroy the currant slug [Nematus veu- 

 tricosis, Khiq), but the equally destructive drop catterpillar (Arbraxis ribearia) 

 which appeared in great numbers in South Haven the past summer, awaits a 

 satisfactory remedy, and the same is true of that worst pest of the apple or- 

 chard, the codling moth. I might mention a score of cases where experiments 

 were just as imperatively demanded. Does not the great saving to our peach- 

 men, by the simple method of fighting the curculio, discovered by Mr. Ransom 

 of St. Joseph, suggest that many of our preventives, which are considered sat- 

 isfactory, are capable of very marked improvement? 



A third need that economic entomology may work its most perfect work is, 

 that by free use of the press, all our farmers may learn what is their true pol- 

 icy in warding off these terrible enemies. For it is imperative that this war- 

 fare find recruits on every farm, and in every orchard and garden. The most 

 perfect preventives cannot work their best cure, without the most perfect con- 

 cert of action. Do you ask how all this can be accomplished? You may de- 

 mand and see to it, that a State Entomologist is appointed who shall give his 

 entire attention to this matter, or you may give it solely into the charge of the 

 Entomological department of the Agricultural College. Heretofore the Pro- 

 fessor of this department of the College, has had to teach from three to five 

 hours daily, which together with the entire charge of the Zoological and Geo- 

 logical museums, and the Apiary, has left little time or energy for any outside 

 work. I am happy to state that he is to be considerably relieved from such a 

 press of necessary duties for the coming year, and this will doubtless be more 

 and more the case, as the College comes to possess more means ; in which case 

 such work and investigations as indicated above, may largely engage the atten- 

 tion of this department, thus greatly benefiting the farmers and fruit-growers 

 of the State, as also exerting a valuable reflex influence upon the College itself. 

 There is no question but that a limited amount of teaching would add to the 

 influence and accomplishments of the investigator, and it is equally true that 

 the work as indicated above, in its full scope, would also enable the teacher to 

 be more eSicient in imparting instruction. 



Heretofore the College Entomologist has been so occupied that experiments 

 must needs be very limited, while time for visits and examinations in various 

 sections of the State, save in vacations, was entirely precluded. Already the 

 College has scattered active observing entomologists on farms all about our 

 State, already has arranged a fine cabinet for study and comparison, which is 

 much consulted by others than those at the College, already made experiments 

 which have worked out some valuable results, and with more opportunity, 

 which even now is being ofiered, still greater benefits will be received by the 

 College, and greater good will be extended to our most important industries 

 throughout the State. 



