44 



The Rosecbafer, Macrodactylas subs2n)iosus, has been less destructive 

 than usual. My studies on tbis insect bave appeared in bulletin form, 

 and I need only emphasize here tbat all my tests of remedial measures 

 were made in tbe field under ordinary field conditions, and tbat the 

 results are such as would likely be obtained by a farmer employing 

 them. 



Tbe Grape Flea-beetle made its appearance very early in tbe year, be- 

 fore even tbe leaves had made their appearance, and began eating the 

 buds. I recommended collecting in kerosene pans early in tbe day, and 

 this proved effective. About a pint of the beetles were sent me in 

 grateful acknowledgment. 



Root maggots have been very abundant, and onions bave been most 

 severely attacked. In some places the young sets bave been com- 

 pletely destroyed. Tbis pest is now pretty well distributed in tbe 

 trucking districts around Philadelphia. 



Aphides on orchard fruits, and particularly on apple, became very 

 abundant during a three weeks' drought near New Brunswick, and 

 blackened tips everywhere caused serious alarm. A cold storm lasting 

 two days broke the drought, and apparently checked tbe multiplication 

 of tbe species. There was no further increase of injury, at any rate, 

 and no other complaints reached me. 



Tbe melon vines have suffered greatly from attacks of Aphides, but 

 still more from a bacterial disease. Tbe damage done by tbe latter is 

 quite usually attributed to tbe Aphides. 



I have made some study of squash iusects, more particularly of the 

 " Borer" Melittia ceto, of which I have previously spoken. Tbe Striped 

 Beetle. Diabrotica vitfata, does not bother our large growers verj^mucb. 

 When they seem abundant, they use lime or plaster on a day when there 

 is a gentle wind, sowing it on broadcast. The beetles fly before it and 

 are driven olf the field. Tbe next man takes up tbe work on his field, 

 and so the beetles are driven off' until they reach some unguarded field 

 which is then usually injured quite seriously. Epilaehna borealis has 

 been very abundant, and has eaten characteristic i)atches at tbe edges 

 of theleaves. Tbe insects made their appearance as soon as tbe squashes 

 were well up, but did not begin mating or ovipositing until the middle 

 of July. Larvte were not found until August. Tbis gives quite a long 

 period for the mature insect. It is easily kept in check by tbe use of 

 the arsenites. 



Tbe Corn Bill-bug, Sphenophorus .wuJptiUs, appeared in large numbers 

 in Burlington, Salem, and Gloucester Counties, and perhai)s in other 

 surrounding regions. The beetle drilled the characteristic holes in tbe 

 young plants at or near the surface and thus destroyed many acres of 

 corn. I advi!?ed replanting after a short delay, and tbe second crop of 

 plants was undisturbed. Tbe insect was a new one to growers, and its 

 appearance in such numbers caused consternation. They were most 

 numerous on old sod, but by no means contined to such land. 



