84 ASSOCIATION OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGISTS. 



of i^hysiological chemistry; but such research seems to lie more 

 clearly within the province of the entomologist than of any of his 

 colleagues, unless perchance he is so fortunate as to have a profes- 

 sional meteorologist connected with the Station, which seldom occurs, 

 in Avhich case such work might be carried on cooperatively to better 

 advantage. AVe are doing something along this line in New Hamp- 

 shire and trust that in a few years we may know something definitely 

 as to the influence of climate on various phases of insect life and 

 mortality. 



Thus there are abundant opportunities for research of the highest 

 order in entomology, strictly economic and related to agriculture. 

 Pardon me for their lengthy enumeration. They have doubtless 

 occurred to most of those present. But sometimes it is Avell for us to 

 consider these matters definitely and in systematic fashion, and thib 

 paper has been presented merely with the hope that it may form the 

 point upon which discussion and thought concerning this whole ques- 

 tion may be brought to focus. Will not more research along the lines 

 above indicated tend to more clearly define the exact province and 

 scope of economic entomology? Indeed, will not such work be the 

 making of a distinct science of economic entomolog}^ and be the 

 means of giving it a scientific standing in the front rank of modern 

 sciences, thus commanding and attracting the best scientific ability? 



Mr. Hopkins emphasized the importance of investigators of eco- 

 nomic problems generally devoting a considerable part of their time 

 to the determination and verification of fundamental technical data 

 on Avhich to base authoritative conclusions. He also referred to the 

 confusion in our economic literature due to the continued quotation 

 of unverified statements. As an example, he had found, by study of 

 anatomical details, that the white-pine weevil {Plssodes strohi Peck) 

 is specifically different from two or three undescribed species hereto- 

 fore confused Avith it, not only in structural characters, but in life 

 history and habits. Therefore much of the literature, especially that 

 relating to remedies, is practically valueless, l)ecause it was founded 

 on facts relating to several species with different habits. He stated 

 further that in order to make the best progress in economic work 

 governing boards and the public must realize more tlian they have 

 heretofore that the economic entomologist must first haxc an authentic 

 identification of the species, based on a knowledge of the systematic 

 and technical facts, before he can determine the best methods of com- 

 bating the injurious or of utilizing the beneficial ones. 



INIr. J. B. Smith gave a short statement of the many difficulties 

 which surrounded the earlier entomologists, particularly those who 

 attempted to carry on systematic work. He related some incidents 



