

INTRODUCTION. 



It is the intention in this publication to deal with a group 

 of insects which have been the subject of numerous in- 

 quiries and have heretofore received no special attention 

 in Kansas. The reason for this, doubtless, is that they 

 have not been known to exist in alarming numbers in the 

 state. While the present information upon the subject 

 contains no knowledge of their presence within the state, it 

 is not sufficient evidence of their absence. Other states be- 

 lieving them to be absent or present only within small limits 

 have been surprised and alarmed when, upon investigation, 

 they ascertain thje large areas infested and amount of dam- 

 age done. At the request of the owners, I have examined 

 a number of nurseries in this state and found no forms of 

 injurious scale insects present. The statement of Prof. F. 

 M. Webster, state entomologist of Ohio, that no scientist 

 can be positive of the absence of isolated colonies without 

 a microscopic examination of every twig, branch and trunk 

 of the trees inspected, carries with it much weight. Whiie 

 I cannot assume that the state is entirely free from these 

 scale pests, and while I do not desire to give cause for undue 

 alarm, I can, however, say that from the experiences of other 

 states Kansas is very likely to suffer from these, the most 

 pernicious enemies of horticulturists, unless strict -pv&t 

 cautions are observed. Upon the principles, then, that to 

 be forewarned is to be forearmed, and that a knowledge of 

 prevention is more valuable than application of curatives, 

 are based the reasons for this article. 



I am under many obligations to Chancellor F. H. Snow 

 for valuable suggestions offered during preparation of this 

 paper; to Hon. Jno, E. Frost, land commissioner of the 

 Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railway, and Hon. E. R. 

 Washburn, x^resident of the Kansas City, Fort Scott & 

 Memphis railway, for material assistance rendered in se- 

 curing data upon this subject. / S. J. H^., 



January 18, 1898. Si '' . ' ;- 7 



