riculturists as possible, I have communicated freely to the agricultural 

 and other papers of our State, notes in regard to such insects as have 

 been found injurious during the time I have been acting as State 

 Entomologist. 



In the preparation of my Manual I have drawn freely from the val- 

 uable writings of Dr. Harris, Dr. Fitch, Prof. Riley, Mr. Walsh, Dr. 

 LeBaron, Dr. Shinier, Mr. D. B. Wier, Dr. Packard and others, and 

 take pleasure in acknowledging here my indebtedness to the works of 

 these co-laborers in the Entomological field for the aid received from 

 them. 



I have also to acknowledge my indebtedness to the following per- 

 sons for the aid and assistance received from them in the way of spec- 

 imens, information, &c, especially to Prof. Riley, State Entomologist 

 of Missouri, Prof. Forbes, Curator of the State Museum at the State 

 Normal, also to various officers and members of the State Horticultural 

 and Agricultural Societies, the Editors of the Prairie Farmer, Western 

 Farm Journal, and Western Rural, and the Agricultural Editor of the 

 Inter-Ocean; Prof. Burrill, of Champaign University, Miss Emma A. 

 Smith and various others. Everywhere I have found those interested 

 in Agricultural or Horticultural pursuits, education and science ready 

 and willing to heartily co-operate in this, as they rightly conceive, 

 important work. 



I have also received valuable favors in the way of trip passes from 

 the following railroads in our State : The Illinois Central, Chicago 

 and Alton, Chicago Burlington and Quincy, Chicago and North- 

 western, and the Chicago and Rock Island. 



By this means I have been enabled to visit various portions of the 

 State for the purpose of ascertaining by personal examination the 

 operations of injurious insects and of attending the meetings of dif- 

 ferent Agricultural and Horticultural Societies. 



As these corporations are under no more obligations to furnish these 

 passes than are individuals to grant similar requests, it is proper that 

 I should mention them as substantial favors which have been granted 

 me as a public officer, as I have made it a rule to ask them only while 

 on official duty. 



In closing allow me to thank you for the deep interest you have 

 always taken in my work, your encouragement, and your earnest de- 

 sire that it might prove valuable to the great interest of the State. 

 I remain yours, very respectfully, 



CYRUS THOMAS, State Entomologist. 



