ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. 243 
action would have been recognised. But experience has shown 
compulsion is requisite. 
While France, perhaps more than any other country, has 
sought to spread a knowledge of practical Entomology through 
its schools in agricultural districts, America has, more than any 
any other country, taken the very practical step of appointing a 
Commission to collect data on insect ravages. England, even 
with its vast agricultural interests at stake, alone seems indifferent 
and inactive. Switzerland, Belgium, and Germany do more than 
we do. France, through its’ Société centrale d’Apiculture, has 
encouraged the study of Economic Entomology in its elementary 
schools to an extent that would astonish many an experienced 
English school inspector. The société gives prizes for the best 
drawings, on enlarged scale, of familiar farm and garden insects. 
In some cases, these are from the pupils’ own dissections; in 
others they are but copies. No doubt the specimens of drawings, 
which are exhibited from time to time, are the pick of the work, 
just as our Science and Art Department shows only the pick of 
the work of the young art students. Granting this, it still proves 
France is in advance of England with regard to the spread of a 
study of Economic Entomology. 
The example set by America in collecting information is well 
worth consideration. - A Commission was appointed, and funds 
were voted; and the energetic way in which the Commission set 
about its work was worthy of the trust committed to it. 
The Commission, consisting of three skilled entomologists, 
was authorized by Act of Congress (approved March 8rd, 1877) 
to report upon the depredations of the Rocky Mountain locusts 
in the Western States and Territories, and the best practicable 
method of preventing their recurrence or guarding against their 
invasion ; and was attached to the United States Geological and 
Geographical Survey of the Territories under charge of Dr. F. V. 
Hayden. 
The Commissioners at once began their work upon receiving 
their appointments. 
Several thousand circulars asking for information were sent 
to persons in the locust areas, and two bulletins in pamphlet form 
were issued; one containing full information regarding the 
preventive measures and direct remedies then known against the 
young locusts, for immediate use by farmers; the second 
