April, '141 PEAIRS: TEMPERATURE AND INSECT DEVELOPMENT 



179 



Fig. 15. A true mathematical hyperbole, showing the relation of the recii^rocal 

 to the curve. 



slant in a manner highly satisfactory and seem to prove not only that 

 there is a thermal constant, but that it is the constant for the develop- 

 mental curve. 



The fifth law proposed is based only partly on the same data as the 

 others and is greatly strengthened by the results of later experiments, 

 the reports from which are not yet ready for publication. 



A study of the curves themselves and the data upon which they 

 are based will help to an understanding of the conclusions advanced. 

 The figures show only a very few of the typical ones but should serve 

 to throw light on the methods of calculation employed. 



If the above conclusions, however faulty they may be and however 

 much the laws may need revision, help to place the study of tempera- 

 ture and its effect on the activities of insects on a definite basis, the 

 writer feels that their presentation here Avill have been justified. 



Question: I had always supposed that there was a certain point of 

 optium temperature for development and I do not understand how 

 this idea conforms to the statements given in this paper. It would 

 seem that the higher the temperature the more rapid the development 

 without any limit. How can we adapt this idea to the figure that the 

 speaker has exhibited? 



Mr. L. M. Peairs : You will notice that I stated in my paper that 

 the development increases within normal limits of development, and 

 we have not worked out the top of the curve. 



