x 
Moore has an article upon “Truck Crop Insects” on p. 64; and Mr. 
Williamson one on “Wire Worms” on p. 69. 
The work indicated by most of these articles has been done 
entirely, or in part, with the funds appropriated for the State Ento- 
mologist. 
A Corn Bill Bug, Sphenophorus venatus, has done considerable 
damage to corn in this state and is the subject of original research 
work on the part of Mr. O. G. Babcock, formerly in our employ, but 
now in the West. This beetle was first reported by Mr. Babcock 
in 1912 to be S. parvolus, and Mr. Babcock is also responsible for 
the summary in connection with this insect on page 73 of the Four- 
teenth Report of the Entomologist. This identification has since 
been corrected, and the correct name is given in the first part of 
this paragraph. He also reported another species, S. vaea, as injur- 
ing corn. He states that the first named species did not appear in 
1913 until May 27th. Work with this pest has been carried on in 
breeding experiments at the Station and by observations in the 
field. 
Fly Campaign. In an effort to make our citizens aware of the 
dangers connected with the tolerance of the common House Fly, 
the Entomologist has given many lectures upon this subject in 
different parts of the state; has published several circulars; also in 
co-operation with the State Board of Health, has issued several 
thousand large, illustrated posters, and made a special feature of a 
striking exhibit at the State Fair in September, 1913. This exhibit 
is described on page xii. 
There seems to be a rapidly growing sentiment in Minnesota 
against this disease-carrying insect, due, in part, we believe, to the 
efforts of this Department and the State Board of Health, as well as 
to a general recognition everywhere of the importance of this 
subject. In consequence of this sentiment, possibly, the House 
Fly does not appear to have been as abundant during the summers 
of 1913-1914 as formerly, although of course we found it in large 
numbers in certain localities especially favorable to its increase. It 
is to be noted that the doctrine of municipal and individual cleanli- 
ness is more potent in this connection than merely the trapping of 
the fly. Mr. C. W. Howard of this division has been making the 
House Fly the subject of thorough investigation and will report 
upon his work later. The effect of the presence of automobiles in 
large numbers, supplanting the horse, undoubtedly plays a part in 
this lessening of the fly evil in cities. 
