peach especially, with from 2,000 to ;^.000 acres in practically unbroken 

 rows of trees. Orchards of still larji^er size are planned and are being 

 planted at the present time. In the following table, compiled from 

 che reports of the Twelfth Census, is indicated the increase in bear- 

 ing trees, during the decade 1890 to 1900, of the more important 

 pomaceous and drupaceous fruits: 



Table I. — Number of bearing trees in orchards in 1900 as comjiared with those 



in 1890. 



The total increase in plantings of fruit trees of this class is thus 

 seen to liaA^e been 153,712, IOC) trees, a number sufficient to plant a solid 

 orchard, with trees 20 by 20 feet apart, of somewhat more than 

 1.400.000 acres. More recent information indicates a still greater 

 proportionate increase during the present decade. Thus, in the 

 State of Georgia I am informed that the present estimated plantings 

 of peach trees are aproximately 18,000.000, both young and old. 

 Leaving out of account the unreported young trees of the census of 

 1900. this shows the enormous gain of about 7.500.000 trees in four 

 years. The increased plantings of apple, notably in Missouri, are 

 also remarkable. In that State alone over 20.000,000 trees are re- 

 ported for 1900 as against 8,000,000 for 1890. 



These figures, I think, explain one of the principal causes for the 

 rapid development of economic entomology in America. The sudden 

 and wide disturbance of nature's balance between insects and their 

 food plants by the cultivation of large areas of crops has resulted in 

 insect depredations, both from native -and introduced species, of 

 such proportions as to render relief immediately necessary. 



Our problems have been, therefore, largely of a character to de- 

 mand earnest and instant elTort for their solution, and the rapidity 

 with which one problem has succeeded another has utilized to the 

 fullest extent our capacity for work. The results of investigations 

 have been of a character to justify tlie public in providing for their 

 continuance and extension, and the demand for Avorkers has been 

 greater than the sup])ly. This continued activity has brought about 

 a considerable accumulation of knowledge concerning injurious spe- 



