October, "09] JOI'RNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 345 



government, justly recognizing the danger of these insects spreading 

 to other states, is assisting by giving particular attention to the pre- 

 vention of the further spread of the insects. In addition, both the 

 commonwealth of JMassachusetts and the federal government are co- 

 operating in a comprehensive scheme for the introduction and study of 

 natural enemies of these pests in the hopes of securing some efficient 

 natural check upon the hordes of devastating caterpillars. 



The presence of the boll weevil in the cotton-growing fields of the 

 South has wonderfuDy stimulated popular interest in entomological 

 investigations and has resulted in the establishment of excellent quar- 

 antine regulations against this insect. A secondary development has 

 been the greatly increased interest in the general work of the economic 

 entomologist and more adequate provision for local investigations of 

 that character. 



Another incidental outcome of insect legislation is the enactment of 

 laws regulating the purity of insecticides. This is but the logical 

 sequence to the fertilizer laws now in force in many states and the pure 

 food law of the general government. 



The recent introduction of brown-tail moth caterpillars on nursery 

 shipments from abroad has emphasized most strongly the necessity 

 of quarantine regulations upon the Atlantic coast. This occurrence is 

 but one of a series which amply justifies this nation in protecting itself 

 from dangerous insects as well as destructive fungi. It is only a ques- 

 tion of time before some such legislation will be enacted. Those 

 responsible for the bill will undoubtedly draft a comprehensive 

 measure which will afford ample protection without inflicting un- 

 necessary restrictions. State legislatures are exhibiting greater 

 friendliness toward comprehensive measures since the}' have become 

 acquainted with the beneficial results which may follow, and it is to 

 be expected that marked progress toward efficiency and moderate 

 uniformity in requirement will accompany all subsequent amendments. 



