340 JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY [Vol. 12 



before the Association and published in 1918.^ Working with the 

 differential grasshopper no appreciable difference was observed 

 between a series of baits with molasses and a similar series of baits 

 without molasses, 2,115 of the insects being recorded at the first and 

 2,104 at the second series. Considering the baits in which citrus fruits 

 were used the records seemed to show a decided decrease in the attract- 

 iveness in the bait when molasses (black strap) was included. 



Messrs. J. J. Davis and C. F. Turner of the U. S. Department of 

 Agriculture experimenting with the army worm (Cirphis unipuncta) 

 secured practically 100 per cent efficiency from the use of bran and 

 Paris green with water as needed. In another series of experiments 

 conducted in a greenhouse which the authors considered as indicating 

 "certain possibilities which should be tested in the fields" it was 

 found that "there seems to be no noticeable difference in baits where 

 molasses was used and where it was left out. "^ 



Mr. D. A. Ricker has recently published records on the attractive- 

 ness of baits to three species of grasshoppers, Melanoplus femur- 

 ruhrum, M. atlantis and M. hivittatus. By combining his records to 

 show the apparent effect of including molasses as an ingredient we 

 find that in five combinations in which molasses was used 176 grass- 

 hoppers were recorded at the baits while in five corresponding com- 

 binations in which molasses was omitted 236 grasshoppers were 

 recorded. 



Information from Questionnaire 



The responses to a questionnaire recently sent to the heads of state 

 entomological departments showed that in the majority of states 

 the Kansas formula for poisoned baits is recommended against both 

 grasshoppers and cutworms. In a number of instances the fruit 

 is not included in recommendations for baits against cutworms. The 

 responses in only nine instances contain information directly relating 

 to the matter of the value of molasses as an ingredient in poisoned baits. 

 In some instances the greater efficiency claimed for baits including 

 molasses or baits made with one kind of sweetening agent as compared 

 with another was stated to be a general impression or at least not 

 supported by definite experiments. 



Mr. L. B. Smith, entomologist of the Virginia Truck Experiment 

 Station, reported poor results against cutworms by omitting the 

 molasses from baits when used for the protection of cauliflower, 

 tomatoes, kohlrabi and peppers while no difference was observed on 

 account of the omission of molasses in baits used for the protection of 



1 Jovir. Econ. Ent., Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 181-182, 1918. 



2 Can. Ent., Vol. L, No. 6, pp. 187-192, 1918. 



