325 



same state of affairs as in the places examined, which really agree with 

 the conditions in general for the northern Mississippi Valley this fall. 

 As my examinations covered a strip about fifty miles in extent in 

 Buchanan, Andrews, and Nodaway counties, running- north and south 

 directly through the region reported as suffering from the grasshoppers, 

 it is probable that it represents tairly the conditions through all that 

 region. 



Evidently the common species, and especially M. fenmr-ruhrum, and 

 probably with it atlanis, have been more abundant than usual, pastures 

 and meadows have suffered, and in some instances winter wheat has 

 been attacked, but clearly with only a temporary check to its growth. 

 There is no reason from my observations to think that eggs have hatched 

 prematurely, certainly not in any large numbers, and, as it is probable 

 that eggs have been laid in considerable numbers, favorable conditions 

 for their development will probably show a plentiful supply of young 

 grasshoppers the coming spring. 



Where young hoppers were actually observed it seems quite probable 

 that they were young of Tragocephala or some of the hibernating 

 species. 



Some statements made, and especially at Conception, lead me to sus- 

 pect that atlanis might have been rather common and that some flights 

 may have occurred, but I could get no positive data regarding this 

 point. 



THE ANGOUMOIS GRAIN MOTH OR "FLY WEEVIL." 



(Gelechia cerealeUa.) 



By L. O. Howard.* 



The State of Virginia seems to be the original American home of this 

 destructive grain pest. Originally, without doubt, a European insect, 

 it was unquestionably imported by the early settlers of Virginia in 

 their supplies of wheat brought from the old country. From this cen- 

 ter it has spread in all directions through the country, but more exten- 

 sively and injuriously towards the south than towards the north, since 

 it does not thrive in a very cold climate. South of the wheat belt it is 

 a very serious enemy to corn, reaching its maximum as a corn pest in 

 Texas. In the extreme northern States it is frequently found in grain 

 which is stored, for one purpose or another, in buildings which are 

 artificially warmed, bnt although frequently carried north during the 

 summer in grain, it dies out in course of time in cold storehouses or 

 mills. It affects not only corn and wheat, but all other stored cereal 

 products. 



* Read before the Farmers' Institute of the Eighth Congressional district of Vir- 

 ginia, February 23, 1893. 



