161 

 HOW TO SECURE INFORMATION ABOUT INSECTS.^ 



It is both our pleasure aud duty to study all phases of in- 

 sect life. The fai-iiier and grower of ornamental plants does 

 it only ^y\un\ driven l)y necessity, and usually after the harm 

 is done. Naturally, he cannot be expected to know at sight 

 whether an insect is injurious or not. Very often he mistakes 

 the "good" for the "bad." In Hawaii especially, all plant 

 ailment is attributed to "blight." "Blight" is a very in- 

 definite word. An insect may be biting or sucking its food; 

 it may attack the blossom, leaves, branches, stem, or root of the 

 plant. Sometimes, indeed very often on these Islands, the 

 cause of the injury may be a fungus, a true blight. In each 

 case perhaps a different remedy is re(piired, and uitJcss icc sec 

 the actual or supposed culprit we caiutot sutj'jest a remedy. There- 

 fore, when information about insects is desired, specimens 

 should always be brought or sent with the inquiry. 



WRITE. 



We are always glad to see a farmer In our office making 

 inquiries. But when he writes and sends us specimens, these 

 and his letter, as well as a copy of our answer, are placed on 

 file, and we are thus given an opportunity to keep record of 

 his experience with the pest, and our work upon it. IMore- 

 over, the farmer can read our letter over and over again, and 

 still keep it for future reference. Verbal advice given in the 

 office he too frequentl}^ forgets before he reaches home. Our 

 advice to him, therefore, is to'itc and send spee'nnens. 



HOW TO COLLECT AND SEND SPECIMENS. 



It is desirable to have specimens of the injury as well as 

 the insect that inflicts it. AVe prefer Vuinei specimens when 

 these are procurable. In the absence of these, dead ones will 

 help us to identify the culprit. Collect during the day or at 

 night, with lantern in hand, depending upon whether the 

 damage is done during the day or night. AVe can identify 

 adult (mature) insects more definitely, so collect these when 



5— D. E. 



