Report of thf Entomologist. 247 



That pernicious weed known as St. John's Wort still continues to 

 spread and flourish. Late experiments, however, have proved that 

 this weed is amenable to treatment, but to secure practical results a 

 large monetary outlay will be absolutely necessary 



The Loranthus, or mistletoe trouble, has again cropped up, and I 

 have furnished a report on same, and feel certain, if my recommenda- 

 tions are adopted, that much good will result, the matter from a 

 forestry point of view being a most serious one. 



In connection with the investigations and experiments, I may 

 mention that a number of lectures to growers have been given in 

 various parts of the State, most of the lectures having been well 

 attended. 



Museum of Economic Entomology and ORNiTHOLoay. 



Since presenting my previous report many additions have been 

 made to the collections here, especially in the life-history work, 

 mostly contributed as before by myself and assistant, C. French, Jr., 

 also by the acquisition of several small lots purchased from persons 

 who were either giving up or leaving the State. 



The fine collection of insectivorous birds has also been materially 

 added to and now forms a most interesting collection, the privilege of 

 the examination of which is largely availed of by the [rural public, 

 teachers and others. 



A visit from sixty teachers from|the Summer |School at the Train- 

 ing College caused many subsequent enquiries, as has also the valuable 

 " Nature Courses" now, we hope, firmly established in our schools. 



Library. 



The library connected with this branch has not been added to 

 much of late, although some fine works as "British Coccidae/' "Indian 

 Scale Insects'' The Zoological Record/' the various valuable American 

 publications, and also those of Australian ent(jmologists are welcome 

 additions to the fine collection of books. It is to be hoped that with 

 the improvement of our finances we may be again able to keej) the 

 library up to date. A large number of valuable books nrgently re- 

 quire binding, and a list of all books and publications in the library 

 is noAV in contemplation. 



CouN'j'RY Exhibitions. 



The im])ortant work of making this branch and its work known 

 principally in country districts has not been overlooked. The fol- 

 lowing are jilaces to which specimens have been sent and exhibited 

 under Mr. Knight's supervision : — -Lang Lang, Davlesford, Bulu Euln, 

 Melbouriie, Geelong, Yarrawonga, Benalla, Nhill, Sale, Bainisdale, 

 Kyneton, Kilmore, Mansfield, Warrnambool, Cobram, Charlton, 

 Echuca, Seymour, Yarram, Traralgon, Frankstou, P>ox Hill, Eitzroy, 

 Birrogurra, Cheltenham, AWdderburn, AVindsor. 



