552 NEW YORK STATE! MUSEUM 
to other causes, but a considerable proportion, aside from correspondence 
with the observers themselves, I attribute to the activity of the voluntary 
observers in advising others where to apply for information. One man 
has been particularly active in this respect. It has been a source of 
gratification to note that almost every outbreak of injurious insects in the 
state has at some time or other been brought to my notice through the 
voluntary observers, even though my first knowledge of it may have 
come through other channels. I must add that in every instance the 
reports of these agents have been conservative and trustworthy, so far as 
I know. ‘Toward the latter part of the summer the observers got hold 
of the idea much better than earlier, and the later reports have main- 
tained a higher average. It is yet early to state much as to the value of 
the reports in settling questions regarding influences affecting insects. 
That can be determined only by observations extending through a series 
of years. But from what is at hand, it seems very probable that our ex- 
pectations in that respect will not be disappointed. 
For some reason or other, nothing was heard from three persons after 
they had been appointed voluntary observers. They are F. Johnson, 
Westfield, Chautauqua co., R. R. Livingston, Cheviot, Columbia co., 
and F. B. Lester, Westport, Essex co. Summaries of the reports received 
from the other observers are given below. 
Summaries of reports 
The names inserted in brackets indicate determinations by the ento- 
mologist. ‘The others are presumably correct except where questioned, 
The dates given after the records are those of the reception of the reports, 
and are from one to three days later than the writing of the report. 
Albany county (E. T. Schoonmaker, Cedarhill)—Cicada [C. 
tibicen] has appeared in limited numbers. Imported cabbage worms 
[Pieris rapae] numerous and destructive. July 17. Katydids have 
appeared this week, cicadas are more numerous. Aug. 8. Second 
brood of Colorado potato beetles [| Doryphora tro-lineata]| have 
appeared in limited numbers. Plant lice are doing considerable injury 
to elm leaves. Aug. 21. Harvest fly [Cicada tibicen] is still 
heard. Fall web worms [Hyphantria cunea] are plenty and 
doing some damage. Striped black walnut caterpillar [? Datana 
species| is causing some injury. Sep. 5. 
Broome county (J. Mace Smith, Binghamton)—Apple tree tent 
caterpillar [Clisiocampa americana] is exceedingly abundant 
