82 ASSOCIATION OF ECOTSTOMIC ENTOMOLOGISTS. 



trunks of trees with insect lime and thus preventing its ascent. It is 

 obvious that the imbricated snout-beetle can probably be handled in 

 the same way; but this fact of its anatomy seems to have entirely 

 escaped observation, nor was the writer able to find reference to the 

 wings in any monograph. Again, experiments recently conducted at 

 Cornell University have shown that a liquid lice killer applied to the 

 perches will kill the lice upon fowls and is exceedingly efficient. How 

 is this done? Possibly Professor Slingerland can inform us, but it 

 is exceedingly suggestive in showing that some things are possible at 

 which most of us would have scoffed had we not the evidence of com- 

 petent observers. MigRt we not find that through study of the 

 nervous system of insects and exjieriments with substances or means 

 of affecting the nervous apparatus, a means of control for some pests 

 might be found ? Would not a study of the alimentary tract and its 

 physiology be of value? These are but suggestions. Who can say 

 what might come from such research ? 



(3) As regards the artificial control of insects with insecticides 

 and apparatus, we have to deal with a different problem. Is such 

 Avork really that of a scientist or that of an artisan? Certainly the 

 mere testing of one brand of an arsenical against another is not a 

 matter of science. Doctor Forbes has aptly said that such work 

 " really stands for the most part fairl}'^ across the boundary line of 

 horticulture and agriculture." We need further work upon the 

 origin aud perfection of insecticides, and this will require much true 

 research, but is not this within the chemist's field and should it not be 

 turned over to him with the cooperation of the entomologist, Avho will 

 aid in the testing of promising jiroducts of the chemical laboratory? 

 We need better spray pumps and other insecticidal apparatus, but 

 had we not better leave their construction to our mechanics or employ 

 mechanics specially for such work under the employ or with the 

 cooperation of the entomologist? Is it worth while for us to spend 

 time perfecting apparatus if we can avoid it. and even if necessary is 

 it true research in economic entomology? 



(4) In the control of insects by means of general methods of 

 farm practice, including such methods as rotation, planting, cultiva- 

 tion, tra]) crops, innnune varieties, etc., Ave meet Avith a similar prob- 

 lem. Is it the function of the entomologist to ascertain tiie A^ery 

 best Avay to groAV a crop to avoid insect depredations, how much fer- 

 tilizer to use per acre, hoAV to apply it, Avhat sort of inipleuients to 

 use, etc., iuA^olving all the questions of agricultural practice, or 

 should we seek to produce or find varieties innnune to insect attack? 

 Many of us haA'^e been forced into such Avork. Should it not be done 

 by our horticultural and agricultural colleagues Avith our cooperation, 

 and should not a rational policy of station management so divide 

 such problems that each of us Avill be Avorking on that phase of the 



