38 JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY [Vol. 5 



It is unfortunate, too, and in a measure accounting for the condition 

 just cited, that from the public viewpoint economic entomology is 

 not conspicuously constructive. People see the gratifying results 

 produced in agronomy, horticulture, animal husbandry, and agri- 

 culture, and usually regard entomological work as of minor importance, 

 a side issue, possibly, a little of which, a very little, is necessary to 

 secure best results in the other branches of agricultural work. 



A source of annoyance to the entomologist of a station, where the 

 funds of his division are controlled by the university authorities, is 

 frequently found in the relations to the comptroller or purchasing 

 agent of the university. The ruling that requires all supplies to be 

 bought by the purchasing agent is a "penny wise and pound foolish" 

 policy, where the custom prevails of this officer accepting the lowest bid 

 for material for scientific work. This results, at times, in the institu- 

 tion obtaining what the entomologist or other worker cannot use, and 

 is an actual money loss to the institution. I have known, in the past, 

 of a purchasing agent sometimes changing one's order, through a 

 mistaken sense of economy, the agent having apparently thought 

 something else would do as well. The loss and disappointment caused 

 in this way could be prevented if the professor in charge were allowed 

 to order his goods directly. While these mistakes and vexatious 

 delays are to be deplored, we should respect the necessity which 

 demands that an institution should be businesslike, and expenditures 

 kept within its income. 



Loyalty toward an institution on the part of its employees is, of 

 course, an absolute necessity, but we must not overlook the fact that 

 loyalty on the part of an institution toward its employees is equally 

 necessary. An entomologist employed by a station on a given salary 

 to do a certain stipulated amount of work, should not be compelled to 

 add to his work and responsibility without a perfect understanding 

 and an agreement to that effect between the director of the station and 

 himself. This principle is undoubtedly recognized by most directors. 

 When an institution, through its executive head, has adopted the policy 

 of saying to members of its working force (and it is to be regretted that 

 there are such institutions): "Show us a larger offer from another 

 institution, and we will consider raising your salary," a deliberate 

 invitation is extended to a worker to treat with other institutions 

 w^ith this object in view. Under these trying and unsanctified con- 

 ditions I believe an entomologist is justified in seeking rehef. The 

 policy smacks too much of business methods and too little of profes- 

 sional ethics and college courtesy. 



Co-operation in some large problem upon the part of members of a 

 station staff does much toward doing away with selfish aims and 



