1'j8 



the larva renders its destruction difficult except daring the earlier free- 

 living stages by the fine spraying of the arseuites on the under surface 

 of the leaves. The ideal treatment for the larger burrowing worms 

 were some rapidly spreading disease germ that would penetrate and 

 destroy them in their hidden recesses. The insect was reported as ex- 

 tremely abundant in cotton bolls during the summer, especially in Texas ; 

 but by the time the appropriation became available its numbers had 

 decreased, and it was too late in the season to do much more than pre- 

 pare for next year. We may expect, as a result of special investigation 

 much additional fact and experience both as to habits, natural enemies 

 and means of control; but it is my desire to make the trial of these 

 disease germs the special feature of the investigation. Of those em- 

 ployed in the investigation, Mr. F. W. Mally was a former assistant to 

 Professor Forbes and has some experience in the study and culture 

 of disease germs, while Dr. A. R. Booth is something of an enthusiast 

 on the subject and has already established the susceptibility, through 

 contact, of the Boll Worm to the Cabbage Worm Micrococcus fM.pieri- 

 dis) of Burrill. We hope to carry the germs through the winter so as 

 to continue the experiment as early as possible next year. 



I have had in mind as probably the most promising germ, that which 

 affects Nephelodes vinlans in a similar epidemic way, but which, as Pro- 

 fessor Forbes informs me, is a quite distinct Micrococcus, and I shall be 

 pleased to have any of you cooperate with me next year, by informing 

 me of any disease of this character that may prevail in your several lo- 

 calities. 



APICULTURE. 



While little attention has so far been given by the different stations 

 to the subject of apiculture, except at Lansing, it is nevertheless an im- 

 portant branch of economic entomology, and there is much promise of 

 good results yet to come from careful experiment and investigation. 

 One of the most inviting fields is the search for and introduction of new 

 varieties or species of bees ; for just as American apiculture has prof- 

 ited in the past by the importation of races like the Italians, Syrians, 

 and Carniolans, there is every prospect of further improvement by the 

 study and introduction of such promising races as are either known to 

 occur or may be found in parts of Africa and Asia. Apis dorsata is 

 believed to have many desirable qualities, and private efforts have al- 

 ready been made to introduce it and have failed chiefly for want of 

 means. The further study of desirable bee forage plants and the in- 

 troduction and acclimatization of such as are known to be valuable to 

 parts of the country where they do not yet occur, are very desirable. 



Much has yet to be done also in the line of systematic breeding, and 

 we should be able to make rapid advances in the amelioration of existing 

 races by proper selection, if we could assume practical and ready con- 

 trol of the fertilization of the queen. In these directions we are now plan- 



