December, '09] JOURNAL of economic entomology , 471 



of some of our common insects in the field. It bears directly on nature study 

 of Insects, which has been considerably neglected in the past, and should 

 appeal to many youthful readers in such a manner as to direct their atten- 

 tion and arouse their interest in the fascinating study of entomology in 

 the field. 



Twenty-Fourth Report of the State Entomologist, 1908, by E. P. 

 Felt, New York State Museum Bulletin 134, p. 1-206, 22 fig., 17 pi. 



This report discusses the most prominent features concerning economic 

 species in New York State during the year 1908. Among the insects treated 

 at length are the poplar sayfly, the grape blossom midge, concerning which 

 biological notes as well as technical descriptions of the adults and larvfe are 

 given, the gladioli aphid (Aphis gladioli) a new species found attacking 

 this host, the green cockroach, a central American form which was found 

 in the state during the year, and the common house fly which is considered 

 at some length, including a bibliography of the publications on the species. 

 A list of the publications of the entomologists office and a statement of the 

 donations received is also included. The appendix contains an article by 

 James G. Needham, relative to a peculiar new May fly, in w'hich a new 

 genera and two new species are described, and a Catalogue of the described 

 species of Scolytidae of America, North of Mexico, by J. M. Swaine. The 

 text is well illustrated by figures and plates and provided with a complete 

 index. This valuable publication should be in the library of every working 

 entomologist. 



Contributions Towards a Monograph of the Scolytid Beetles. 

 I. The Genus Dendroctonus, by A. D. Hopkins, U. S. Dept. Agric, 

 Bur. Ent. Tech. Series, Bull. 17, Part 1, p. 164, pi. 8, fig. 95 (June 30, 

 1909). 



Practical Information on the Scolytid Beetles of North American 

 Forests. I. Bark Beetles of the Genus Dendroctonus, b}^ A. D. 

 Hopkins, U. S. Dept. Agric, Bur. Ent. Bull. 83, Part 1, p. 169, pi. 2, 

 fig. 102 (Oct. 11, 1909). 



These two bulletins, which supplement each other in an admirable 

 manner — the former containing the more technical, or purely scientific 

 matter relating to the species of the genus Dendroctonus, the latter the facts 

 and suggestions of economic interest — together constitute the most impor- 

 tant contribution hitherto made to the study of the Scolytidae in this 

 country. They are, moreover, one of the best examples of the high stand- 

 ards that are being maintained by the Bureau of Entomology in the scien- 

 tific investigation of our insect pests. In this respect Dr. Hopkins' work 

 may, indeed, be regarded as a model not only for all future investigations 

 of the Scolytidje, but also of many other groups of insects. Confronted 

 with a genus of beetles of very diflScult taxonomic aflanities and immense 

 practical importance, he has undertaken his task with a truly German 

 "Griindlichkeit" and breadth of view. Before describing the twenty-four 

 known species of the genus he gives a fine account of the external anatomy 

 of Deiulroctonvs vaJens. the red turpentine beetle, one of the largest 



