1909.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 31. 59 



REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGISTS. 



C. n. fernald; ii. t. fernald; j. n. summers. 



During 1908 the entomological work of the experiment sta- 

 tion has progressed along the usual lines. The correspondence 

 has been extensive, requiring much time and often a consider- 

 able amount of study before all the inquiries received could be 

 satisfactorily answered. The year has been a favorable one 

 for the increase to destructive numbers of many different kinds 

 of pests, and this condition has been reflected in the letters 

 received. 



The experimental work of the division has been the continu- 

 ation of investigations previously begun, these requiring so 

 much time as to practically prevent taking up additional lines 

 of research. Tests of the resistance of muskmelons under glass 

 to the effects of hydrocyanic acid gas have been continued, but 

 have not as yet been completed. A determination of the best 

 methods for the control of the cabbage maggot was started in 

 the spring, but, as was the case the preceding year, almost no 

 maggots appeared either in the experimental portion or else- 

 where in the field, so that no results of any great value could be 

 obtained. This, though disappointing, only signifies that the 

 experiments must be continued until the maggots become suf- 

 ficiently abundant to give real tests as to the value of the dif- 

 ferent treatments; and as these must be begun before the 

 maggots appear, it is very possible that the work may require 

 repetition for several years before any data can be obtained. 



Observations on the dates of the appearance of the young of 

 the more common and injurious scales have also been continued, 

 adding to our knowledge of this subject and making it possible 

 to more nearly set the date limits within which spraying for 

 these insects must be done in order to be effective ; but these 

 observations have not thus far covered a sufficiently long term 



