years from 1850 to 1887, both inclusive, the enormous sum of 

 $267,000,000. 



There was a serious outbreak in Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, and 

 Illinois, having its begmning probably as early as 1892, but reaching 

 its maximum severity, as in Ohio, in 1896. The loss in Ohio during 

 the years 1894, 1895^ 1896, and 1897 could not have fallen far short 

 of $2,000,000. If we could have careful estimates of the loss during 

 the last fifteen years it would in all probability swell the amount to 

 considerably in excess of $350,000,000 for the period from 1850 to 

 1909. (See map, fig. 6.) 



Fig. 0.— Areas in the United States over which the chinch bug occurs in most destructive numbers. 



(Author's illustration.) 



NATURAL, ENEMIES OF THE CHINCH BUG. 



Chinch bugs have few natural enemies, none of which, owing, 

 perhaps, to their repugnant odor, appears to be of any very great 

 importance when it comes to suppressing a serious invasion. They 

 are far more fortunate than most insects in escaping the attacks of 

 natural enemies that exert a tremendous influence in holding other 

 species in check. 



THE BOBWHITE OR QUAIL. 



Inland, the common "quail" or bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) is 

 the only bird that can be said to devour the chinch bug in considerable 

 numbers. It is said that from 300 to 400 chinch bugs have been 

 found in the crops of bobwhites; 100, however, is the largest number 

 found so far by the Biological Survey. As the bobwhite is one of 

 9917— Cir. 113—09 2 



