1907 ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 13 



Skinner and listening- to a series of lectures given by him upon the trans- 

 mission of disease by insects. These lectures evoked the keenest interest 

 from the large audiences who heard them, and there were many expressions 

 of surprise at the intimate relation which was shown between the prevalence 

 of some diseases and the occurrence of such common insects as house flies, 

 fever mosquitoes, bed bugs, fleas, ticks, etc. 



In this connection we, as Canadians, must read with great pride the 

 accounts of the excellent work which is being done by Dr. Todd, of Victoria, 

 B.C., and Dr. Allan Kinghorn, of Toronto, in connection with the School of 

 Tropical Medicine, at iTiverpool, England. The last named is now in Africa, 

 on an expedition to the Zambesi, having been specially selected to investi- 

 gate the fatal sleeping sickness and allied diseases, which are conveyed by 

 insects. No less noteworthy are the investigations of animal diseases, which 

 are being carried on by Drs. Higgins, Hadwen and Watson, under Dr. 

 Rutherford, the Veterinary Inspector General of the Dominion. 



From a consideration of the facts above cited I cannot but feel that the 

 outlook for entomology and for entomologists is brighter than it has been 

 for many years. The study of insects is now recognized as a useful branch 

 of knowledge which affects materially the prosperity, comfort and health of 

 mankind. This is attested by its introduction into the curricula of many 

 colleges and schools and the appointment of Professors to instruct those who 

 desire to learn about insects. 



In Canada we have many good workers connected with our Society, or 

 working alone, who are year by year adding to the mass of scientific know- 

 ledge concerning Canadian insects. This knowledge is increasing rapidly 

 and is being placed on record for future use. Our society contains in its 

 membership a large number of enthusiasts, and I am pleased to know that 

 the publication of the annual Entomological Hecord in our reports has to 

 some measure fulfilled its designed object, in encouraging and bringing into 

 communication with each other and with specialists, many scattered workers 

 in distant parts of Canada, who, by learning what others were doing, were 

 enabled to be mutually helpful to each other. 



As indisputable evidence of the value of this knowledge, it was pointed 

 out by the Editor of thp Canndimi Eiitomoloqist in the issue for May last, 

 that the Government of the United States, (of perhaps the most practical 

 people in the world) passed appropriations for entomological purposes for 

 the fiscal year ending June 30th, 1908, of upwards of |650,000, made up as 

 follows : 



For Bureau of Entomology, Washington |136,000 00 



Emergency appropriations : 



Cotton Boll Weevil investigations 190,000 00 



Prevention of spread of Gypsy and Brown-tail Moths.. 150,000 00 



Eradication of Cattle Ticks 150,000 00 



1626,000 00 



and, in addition to this, part of another appropriation of |250,000 for the 

 National Museum is devoted to the care of the insect collections, in which 

 work several officers are permanently employed. A proportion of another 

 vote is used for the printing of bulletins, special reports, etc. These objects 

 will certainly take at least another |24,000, malang a gross amount of about 

 1650,000, appropriated in a single year to study and fight insects. 



Now, this large expenditure is only justifiable because it is believed 

 that commensurate benefits are received in return. This brings me to the last 



