Q4 Boston Society of Natural History 



The result of this field work, including the assistance from mem- 

 bers and others, has been most gratifying, as shown by the follow- 

 ing figures: 



The above figures include about 550 types, but do not include 

 the Harris collection, nor the exhibition series contained in sixty- 

 four glass-covered cases, 24 x 30 inches. In 1880, the New England 

 collection contained 3,000 species and 7,600 specimens. 



The introduction of many injurious insects into this country in 

 various ways, the destruction these have caused, and the introduc- 

 tion of their parasites to aid in controlling them, all serve to make 

 a study of Entomology both practical and imperative. We must 

 know our insect friends (and many are not aware that we have in- 

 sect friends). We must know which to save and which to destroy, 

 when to kill and when not to kill the injurious species, so that the 

 parasite species may have a chance to increase. Millions of parasites 

 are destroyed that could and should be saved. This is a great prob- 

 lem, as it takes years to restore "Nature's balance," when an injuri- 

 ous insect has been introduced into a new region without its natu- 

 ral enemies. This is especially true under existing conditions, when 

 the destruction of the forest, clearing, draining, and stream pollu- 

 tion have locally destroyed many of the natural conditions favor- 



