275 



and a valuable microscope by Nacbet were likewise stored in 

 the small wooden building or " office " a few metres back of the 

 dwelling house, the latter within a few months of its centennial 

 anniversary. 



The faithful shepherd dog that for some years past accom- 

 panied the good doctor in his walks, sleeps nightly on the floor 

 of the little office porch, guarding these treasures of science in 

 their frail receptacle. Francis Gr. Smiborn. 



The biological collection of insects belonging to the New 

 York State Agricultural Society was arranged by Dr Fitch, 

 about ten years ago, when he was still holding his position of 

 Entomologist to the Society. It is arranged in six cases, 

 attached to the railing- of the second floor of the societv's 

 museum. In these cases are contained examples of the inju- 

 rious insects of the state of New York, in their several stages, 

 and in some instances accompanied by specimens of their depre- 

 dations, displayed in the following order : 



Case 1. Insects infesting grain and other crops; Case 2. 

 Grass insects ; Case 3. Insects of the garden ; Case 4. Insects 

 infesting fruit-trees ; Case 5. Insects infesting fruit-trees ; 

 Case 6. Insects injurious to man and animals. 



The number of specimens is about sixteen hundred. With 

 the exception of perhaps one hundred specimens subsequently 

 added, the present arrangement and labeling is that of Dr. 

 Fitch ; in the latter, a few changes would be required to make 

 it conform to present nomenclature. 



In a series of wall-cases occupying the western gallery of the 

 third floor of the museum are contained the larger biological 

 specimens illustrative of insect depredations on plants, timber, 

 furniture, etc., and exhibiting the larval stage, in alcohol, of 

 some of the larger forms. 



The State Agricultural Society, recognizing the value of 

 this collection, and the importance cf its preservation from insect 

 attack, upon the retirement of Dr. Fitch placed it under my 

 care. 



In the year 1874, four large hanging-cases of insects were 

 purchased of Dr. Fitch, for the State Museum of Natural 



