TWENTIETH REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 13 



operates. Advantage of this was taken by many counties and sums 

 amounting to several thousands of dollars in the aggregate were saved 

 to the farmers. While this direct saving was much appreciated by 

 the farmers, the fact that such a rate was made had much to do with 

 putting on a more general and more extensive campaign than would 

 have been possible without the concession, thereby resulting in much 

 increased saving of crops. 



SUMMARY OF THE GRASSHOPPER EXPERIENCES 

 DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS 



Montana in recent years has been experiencing a serious grass- 

 hopper outbreak. There has been more or less difficulty with this pest 

 since 1017 but beginning with 1020 and continuing to the present time 

 the outbreak has been widespread and very destructive. 



Table I shows in brief form the campaigns conducted since 1921. 



TABLE I.— SUMMARY OF GRASSHOPPER CAMPAIGN 



1921 1922 1923 l'J24 



County fuuds used.... 94,735 184,999 94,844 42,030 



Tons bait used " 5.57!> 4.2:>j 1,779 



Acres treated 296,227 739,551 466484 241,371 



Estimated saving 503,112 "7.150 1,616,750 794,300 



It will be observed that in 1024 there was a considerable dropping off 

 in the extent of the trouble. It is probable that in 1925 there will be 

 still less trouble from this pest, yet we expect more or less diffi- 

 culty. The species concerned is the lesser migratory locust which 

 now can not be distinguished from the old Rocky Mountain migratory 

 locust which fiftv years ago was exceedingly destructive over an 

 area in the Northwest extending through several years. Other species 

 of grasshoppers have been present in a lesser degree, but the main 

 source of trouble is the lesvser migratory locust, scientifically known 

 as Melanoplus a thin is Riley. 



To our knowledge during these four years a total of $416,608 has 

 been used from county funds and a conservative estimate of the sav- 

 ings effected through the joint agencies of this office and the counties 

 has amounted to $5,301,312. Much irreater savings could have been 

 brought about if we had had a more adequate organization. We have 

 been seriously limited because of insufficient funds. 



