ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY UNDER THE ADAMS ACT. 83 



problem for which he is specially trained, and not encroaching upon 

 the field of another where often the entomologist may flounder 

 around to the amusement of those to whom it naturally belongs? 

 Most of us are unable to fathom all the depths of all branches of 

 agricultural science. Should we then attempt research in these 

 phases of economic entomology except in a cooperative way ? 



(5) Coming to the- study of the natural agencies in the control 

 of insect pests, we again come to fertile soil for research. (A) The 

 study of parasites is fast coming to the front. The mere recording 

 of certain parasites bred from certain insects is often of no practical 

 importance, l)ut when Ave come to consider the general ethology of 

 parasites in relation to injurious insects and the possibility of their 

 importation either for the possible effect upon the normal host or 

 upon other hosts, we may be led to the very best type of research 

 concerning them. The work of attempting to propagate hymen- 

 opterous parasites in sufficient numbers to be used commercially, now 

 being attenipted at the Texas College, in cooperation, I believe, with 

 the Bureau of Entomology, is a most valuable experiment. The 

 work of ]Mr. W. Dwight Pierce, recently described by him at a meeting 

 of the Association of the Cotton Belt Entomologists, in studying the 

 interrelations of the parasites of the boll weevil Avith the native 

 hosts of those parasites and the food plants of their natural hosts, 

 is a field of research well worthy the careful work it is receiving. 

 Or consider the influence of climatic conditions upon parasites. How 

 often have Ave observed an outbreak of an insect pest AAnth a partial 

 parasitism and AA-ondered Avhether to advise remedial measures or to 

 advise leaving its control to the good offices of the parasites ? Would 

 not a more accurate knoAvledge of climatic influences on parasites 

 greatly aid in our prognostications in such a case? (B) Similar 

 remarks might be in order in regard to the study of predaceous 

 insects. We have still much to learn concerning their economic 

 importance, and more particularly as to the best means of nudving 

 use of them. (C) So far Ave nuist confess to rather poor results 

 with fungi and bacteria used :.s artificial means of insect control, 

 but they are midoubtedly large factors in the control of Nature. 

 Here Ave nuist have the cooperation of the mycologist, but is there 

 not room for considerable more first-class research along this line? 

 Has the last Avord been said upon the control of insect pests by 

 diseases? (D) And, finally. Avhat do Ave really knoAv as regards 

 the effect of climate upon the mortality of insects? Prof. AVilmon 

 NeAvell, Avith his experiment Avith 28,000 boll Aveevils last Avinter. Avill 

 undoubtedly be able to give us much valuable data on this subject, 

 but I think he Avill admit that he has but made a start along the right 

 track. In this subject of the relation of climate to insect mortality 

 and control Ave must needs make use of meteorology and probably 



