THE EXPERIMENT STATION. 159 



only reach a few score in each colony of bees, we need* not be anxious 

 regarding them ; if they reach thousands then they would become a serious 

 pest. It will be necessary to learn their entire life history before we can 

 measure their possible damage. We can say more when we know how they 

 pass the winter. 



In 1888, early in the season, my assistant was called to the experimental 

 station of another State. This year the misfortune was repeated. Of 

 course it is not possible to do the most satisfactory work unless we can keep 

 our assistants. We must not only keep the men aiding us for the entire 

 year, but we must be able to keep the same man a succession of years. In 

 my opinion this is a matter worthy of serious consideration. I wish in this 

 connection to express my hearty appreciation of the good work of my assist- 

 ants the past season. Messrs. A. B. Cordley, C. B. Cook, F. H. Hillman 

 and F. J. Niswander have all aided me, and each has done excellent, con- 

 scientious work. Each has seemed deeply interested in the work. 



A. J. COOK. 



