JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 



OFFICIAL ORGAN AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGISTS 



JUNE, 1910 



The editors will thankfully receive news items and other matter likely to be of in- 

 terest to subscribers. Papers will be published, so far as possible, in the order of re- 

 ception. All extended contributions, at least, should be in the hands of the editor the 

 first of the month preceding publication. Reprints may be obtained at cost. Con- 

 tributors are requested to supply electrotypes for the larger illustrations so far as pos- 

 sible. The receipt of all papers will be acknowledged.— Eds. 



We include in this issue, a paper extending somewhat beyond the 

 scope of the Journal, yet nevertheless of great interest to economic 

 entomologists, since it gives in compact form, many very serviceable 

 facts about an extremely valuable bird. The data upon its vegetarian 

 food is so closely interrelated with its animal diet that it seemed 

 inadvisable to attempt to separate the two. We are confident that 

 many entomologists will find it very convenient to have this data 

 accessible. 



The passage of the Insecticide Act of 1910 marks an important and 

 most timely advance in the right direction. Heretofore almost any 

 compound containing arsenate of lead might be sold under that name. 

 After January 1st next, all preparations of this recently developed 

 and extremely valuable insecticide falling below a specified standard, 

 are debarred from interstate commerce. The recent great advance 

 in work with insecticides, accompanied by enormous increases in the 

 demand for materials, has resulted in a number of manufacturers 

 entering this field. AVe are convinced that the majority are content 

 to place upon the market excellent preparations at moderate prices. 

 Occasionally there is a rogue who preys more or less directly upon 

 the reputation of others. For example, one brand of arsenate of 

 lead sold in the local market under a trade name for twenty-five cents 

 a pound contains only four to five per cent, of arsenic oxide, while 

 another brand containing fourteen to fifteen per cent, arsenic oxide, 

 sells for fifteen cents a pound. Many a man fails to discriminate 

 between the two and accepts the dealers "just as good" at face value, 

 apparently forgetting that there may be a large profit in pushing 

 the lower grade goods. This substandard material, with the above 

 mentioned national law in force, will soon be driven from the market 

 or confined to a very limited field. Aside from the possibilities of 

 fraud mentioned above, there is a great gain in establishing standards 

 for recognized compounds. It prevents confusion and lessens the 

 danger of unsatisfactory' results following spraying operations. 



