550 NEW YORK STATE -MUSEUM 
The plan offers present correspondents the advantage that it will 
systemize their work and increase the interest of all in the important 
study of applied or economic entomology. If the recipient of this com- 
munication does not care to undertake personal observations, he is 
requested to place it in the hands of one who will be interested in taking 
part in the service. 
It was the intention to have approximately one observer in each county, 
though it was by no means expected that every county would be repre- 
sented. From the list of applicants, the appointment of 39 persons 
representing 33 counties was recommended April 19. This number was 
augmented by the subsequent appointment of eight others and in turn 
was reduced by the resignation of four, One resigned on the receipt of 
the stationery, on account of its appearing too official. Another was 
forced to give up the work before its inception, because of a severe illness, 
and two others found themselves unable to comply with the requirements 
from pressure of other duties. On May 16a circular letter with copies 
of bulletin 26 was mailed to 42 observers. The following extracts from 
the letter are given to show the general scope of the work: 
To voluntary observers : 
It is not expected that many will have time to prepare long reports. 
I desire specially to gather in brief form the observations and experiences 
of practical men with insects. Under no circumstances, omit the weekly 
report during the growing season, for even negative results have value. 
It is most desirable that the reports should be regular and received in 
Albany about the same time, so that they may be collated and the 
more vaiuable facts made known. For this reason each observer is urged 
to mail his report every Wednesday or Thursday in: order that it may be 
received at the office on Friday of each week. 10 stamped envelops, 
with paper, are sent herewith and more will be supplied as needed. 
The matter of more general interest in the reports will be brought 
together in brief form and supplied to agricultural papers, each observer 
receiving full credit for his work. For the most part, give attention to 
species of economic importance, such as those injuring plants of value, 
annoying live stock or proving a nuisance in the household. Inquiries 
regarding insects will be welcomed and answered as fully as ‘practicable. 
In most cases the reports will be more valuable if accompanied by 
specimens of the insect or its work, preferably both. Useful hints for 
collecting and observing insects will be found in Museum bulletin 26, 
mailed under separate cover. The species mentioned under “ Distribu- 
tion of insects” are of special interest and should receive close observa- 
tion from every fruit grower and farmer. 
Finally, do not become discouraged if at first there appears little that 
is new or of interest, but record what is seen, because one object of this 
organization is to ascertain actual facts regarding insect life. In time the 
eye will become trained and many things, hitherto unnoticed, will be 
observed, and much of this will be of considerable value not only to the 
