182 



tifty-foiir species of insects were found to inliabit the chestnut. 

 We find that otlier observers liave recorded one hundred and 

 sixty-four species. \>y eliminating all duplications, the total 

 is four hundred and seventy-two. So you see that the chestnut 

 is pretty well inhabited by insects. This is only a beginning. 

 There are many more insects to be found on the tree and a great 

 deal to be learned about tiiein as a l)asis for ])ractical conclu- 

 sions and action. A more specific and comprehensive study of 

 chestnut insects is now being carried on under a special project 

 of the liranch of Forest Insects of the Bureau of Entomology. 

 This investigation will be extended into all parts of the country 

 where the chestnnt is, or has been, an important forest tree, and 

 especially in those States and sections where the people represent- 

 ing the private, municipal, and State ownership manifest a 

 special interest in this phase of the problem. We are assured of 

 the co-operation of the Commission and other State officials in 

 the work carried on in Pennsylvania and we hope to have the 

 co-operation of other States in any work done Avithin their boun- 

 daries. 



PofimbiJifies of (JoiitroJ. 



You will note that I am not discussing the control of the dis- 

 ease, because I do not pretend to know anything about that, but 

 that, as the insects are related to the trouble and the primary 

 cause of the wounds, we must consider control of the insects as 

 a primary measure. 



In the consideration of the j)Ossil)iliti('S of coutroling depre- 

 dations by the insects, it may be stated that under certain con- 

 ditions of public intcrcsl, wifh faciliiies Cor utilization of llic 

 affected product, and with a knowledge of the fundamental facts 

 and principh^s rehiting to tlie de])redators and their control, it 

 is entirely possibh' and as a business proposition it will pay. 



On the other hand, it has been forcibly demonstrated in a 

 number of cases that have come under our observation that any 

 direct attempt to combat an insect depredator without a knowl- 

 edge of essential facts and principles will result in failure and 

 a waste of energy and money. It has been shown that a few hun- 

 dred dollars expended in practical application after the essen- 

 tial facts have been determined will accomplish more than many 

 thousands of dollars expended without such knowledge. In 



