No. 4.] WORK OF COLLEGE AND STATION. 203 



generally understood that Professor Fernald, who is in 

 charge of the entomological department of our station, exer- 

 cises a general supervision over that work. His work with 

 the cranberry insects was begun in 1<S90 ; but so little is 

 known concerning some of them that consideral)le time must 

 probably elapse before results of great practical utility are 

 obtained. 



The study of insecticides has also engaged a share of Pro- 

 fessor Fernald's attention. Much has been learned within a 

 few years in regard to their use 5 but the questions what to 

 use, in what strength to use, and when and how to apply, 

 cannot yet in many cases be answered, and he is seeking for 

 the answers. 



The preparation of a card catalogue of North American 

 insects is now eno-aoino- a laroe share of the workin<j force 

 of the entomological department. When completed, l)y 

 reference to it one can see at a glance just where to find 

 everything which has ever been written upon any North 

 American insect; and can thus learn what is already kno\\^n 

 concerning it, — a point of the greatest importance for one 

 engaged in the study of insects. 



In the horticultural department a large share of attention 

 is devoted to the testing of new varieties of fruits. Pro- 

 fessor Maynard, who is in charge, regards this work as very 

 important, believing that the farmers and gardeners cannot 

 well afford the cost of making such trials. To show some- 

 thing of the extent of this work, allow me to present a few 

 figures. There are on trial now on the grounds of the 

 station one hundred and twenty-five varieties of strawberries, 

 one hundred and twenty-five of grapes, twenty-five of black- 

 berries and twenty of raspberries ; while all the new vari- 

 eties of pears, peaches, plums, and cherries are put on trial 

 as they come out. Few of these new varieties are found 

 valualile ; but this fact does not lessen the necessity for such 

 work, for all are highly extolled by their introducers, and 

 their claims must be put to the test of impartial trial. 



Of the different investigations undertaken in this depart- 

 ment, perhaps none has attracted more wide-spread at- 

 tention than the comparative trial of steam versus hot- 

 water heating. I have no time for details ; suffice it to say 



