ENTOMOLOGY. 1005 



lonse, and was in great part presented before the section on entomol- 

 ogy of tlie Association of American Agricultural Colleges and Experi- 

 ment Stations at its meeting in Washington in November, 1894 (E. S. 

 B., 6, p. 2G5). 



The chinch bug was destructive over much of the S+ate, and espe- 

 cially so in the southeastern portions. An extended drought the pre- 

 ceding year assisted in the outbreak by favoring the hibernation of the 

 bugs. Wheat, barley, rye, oats, and corn were all attacked to varying 

 extents. The most damage was done where winter wheat had been 

 cropped for some years before, and it is believed that the bugs were 

 favored in their hibernation by the presence of osage hedges. Experi- 

 ments with the chinch bug fungus diseases were not altogether 

 satisfactory, although they were successful in a number of cases. 

 Energetic treatment is urged to avoid extensive damage this year. 

 Burning over every possible place for hibernation in the fall and early 

 winter is advised, and the plowing of dusty furrows about the fields 

 liable to be attacked. Planting trap strips of grain to attract the bugs, 

 where they may be destroyed by spraying with kerosene emulsion, is 

 also advised. 



The western onion thrips [Thrips aWi) was quite destructive in the 

 State, feeding also upon various other plants besides onions. Several 

 generations developed during the year, attacking the plants by goug- 

 ing or corroding the surfaces of the stems and causing the leaves to 

 wilt and droop. The insects collected in the axils of the leaves, where 

 they were sheltered, and the eggs were deposited in the leaf substance. 

 Spraying with kerosene emulsion, as soon as the young thrips are 

 hatched, is advised, a second and third application to be given at inter- 

 vals of from 3 to 5 days. The use of bisulphid of carbon was success- 

 ful, but possesses drawbacks in the way of trouble and time involved. 

 Destruction of the onion tops by burning as soon as the crop is har- 

 vested, is advised. Another allied species of thrips also appeared and 

 caused some slight damage. 



The squash borer is described and its life history briefly given. 

 Heavy fertilizing, planting of extremely early and late varieties, col- 

 lecting the moths by hand in the evenings, destroying badly infested 

 vines, and covering the basal joints of the vines with earth are 

 recommended as remedial measures. 



The melon louse was quite damaging throughout the State, destroy- 

 ing many acres of melons and cucumbers, chiefly in August. Its life 

 history is briefly noted, and spraying with diluted kerosene emulsion is 

 recommended, the vines being lifted and the spray applied to the under 

 surface of the leaves as well as to the upper. Experiments were made 

 with different quantities of bisulphid of carbon, applied against the 

 lice for varying times, and the details and results are tabulated. The 

 insecticide was eva^jorated from small watch glasses or shallow tins 



