February, '10] brittox : entomologist and farmer 19 



publication is supposed to contain timely information not important 

 enough or of enough permanent value to go as a regular bulletin. Like 

 the other bulletins and reports, it requires a special wrapper for mail- 

 ing, and can be sent out under the usual frank. We have also used 

 for the same purpose the "postal card bulletin" for short articles of 

 timely information. These are printed on postal card stock 4x7 

 inches in size, with the frank and space for the address on one side 

 and the printed message, with possible illustrations, on the other. 



These publications all have their place, and are of value in impart- 

 ing timely information, and are of great convenience to the official 

 entomologist as an aid in answering his letters. But none of them can 

 be sent out in quantity without a mailing list and considerable work 

 in addressing envelopes. 



During the past summer another method has been tried which has 

 long been in use by advertisers. We call it the "correspondence slip" 

 or "dodger," and it consists of a single sheet of paper of the proper 

 size to go into the letter envelope without folding. It may be printed 

 on one or both sides, and is adapted for only very brief messages. 

 Where possible a characteristic illustration is used in one corner, and 

 perhaps the seal of the institution in another. These slips are not 

 mailed to any list of names, but are simph- placed in all the letters 

 sent out from all departments of the institution at the time when the 

 information will do the most good. They are also enclosed at other 

 times, when the correspondent needs the message which they bear. In 

 this way they reach many names not on the regular mailing list, and 

 serve the purpose of calling attention to the work of the institution 

 perhaps outside of the particular subject of the letter, and also out- 

 side of the department where the letter was written. They bear no 

 date, and therefore are just as good a year hence as today, provided 

 there has been no change in our knowledge of the facts or of the best 

 method of treatment. So far only six of these slips have been pre- 

 pared, and each has been printed on a different color of paper, but 

 of course the list of tints would soon be exhausted. Press bulletins are 

 also in vogue at some institutions, and serve their purpose admirably. 



I realize, however, that many entomologists through no fault of their 

 own are unable to bring forth publications that could be considered as 

 ideal or even satisfactorj\ The plans are made by others higher in 

 authority, and the rules of the institution prevent the entomologist 

 from carrying out his own wishes and ideas. Perhaps there are scanty 

 funds for publishing ; or so much attention is required in teaching that 

 there is no time for anything else. Such conditions, of course, are to 

 be deeply regretted. 



