REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 1908 9 
T. Hartman. In addition, Mr Young rendered material service 
in separating our large amount of material into the major groups, 
while Miss Hartman has made over 600 microscopic preparations. 
Flies and mosquitos. The ubiquitous and well known house 
fly has been the recipient of much attention because recent investi- 
cations show it may be the responsible agent, under certain condi- 
tions, in the dissemination of typhoid fever and other grave in- 
testinal disorders. Observations upon its life history and habits 
have established the practicability of largely reducing if not elimi- 
nating this menace to health and personal comfort. A press bul- 
letin on this insect was issued and this will be supplemented by a 
more extended account. 
There is much interest in the control of mosquitos. The 
Entomologist inspected the work in progress on the Flushing 
meadows and has kept in touch with similar op:rations in other 
localities. Attention has also been given to the control of fresh- 
water species, especially the malaria-carrying form. The prac- 
ticability of such work has been established and we look for a 
great extension of interest in the local suppression of these annoy- 
ing pests. 
Aquatic insects. The studies of insects inhabiting our fresh 
waters have been continued by Dr James G. Needham. His report 
on the work done at Old Forge was made public in the report of 
this office for 1907. Dr Needham is now engaged in completing 
his monographic account of the stone flies (Plecoptera), a work 
which should be ready for the printer some time during the com- 
ing winter. Dr Betten has made good progress in his studies of 
the caddis flies (Trichoptera), and it is expected that his work 
upon this group will be completed the coming spring. These two 
publications, when issued, will supply a most important want in our 
knowledge of aquatic forms and add much of value to the series 
of reports and bulletins on aquatic insects. 
Publications. Many popular economic notices have been con- 
tributed by the Entomologist to the agricultural and local press, and 
a few accounts of more general interest have been widely dissemi- 
nated through the agency of the Associated Press. The large num- 
ber of Cecidomyiidae reared in 1907 rendered it advisable to pub- 
lish preliminary descriptions of these, and a reprint from the report 
for that year, entitled New Species of Cecidomyiidae II, was 
issued October 26, 1907. Owing to numerous delays in printing, 
the report for last year did not appear during the fiscal year, al- 
