8 



foliage, however large a proportion was used. In one case 24 

 pounds to 150 gallons of water were used without injury to the 

 leaves. A complete account will be given later in a bulletin. 



The study of the cranberry insects has been continued, and a 

 number of insects which have not previously been reported as in- 

 jurious to the cranberry have been found feeding on the vines. 



The biological collection has been largely increased, and not 

 only makes a fine display, but also proves exceedingl}' useful in 

 the work at the insectary. This collection consists of the eggs 

 and inflated caterpillars of all sizes, as well as the pupae and 

 moths of many of our common species, placed in a row in such a 

 manner as to show at a glance the life history from the egg to the 

 adult. The collection now fills five large trays. 



The card catalogue is now far advanced, and proves exceedingly 

 useful as a work of reference. 



The correspondence continues to increase, and occupies much 

 time, proving in many cases very irksome. 



A new insect has appeared in the plant-house and on the 

 grounds, on various species of plants, and may become a trouble- 

 some pest. This is an imported insect, a native of China, a 

 member of the order Hemiptera, or true bugs, and of the family 

 Coccidas, or bark-lice, and has been named Orthezia insignis Doug. 

 My attention was first called to it by Mrs. Goodell, who found it 

 on a plant received from the plant-house, where it appears to be a 

 common resident. A more complete account of the history and 

 habits of this insect will be given at another time. 



Meteorological Division. 



Much has been done toward perfecting plans and accomplishing 

 the work decided upon in our last report. From the beginning the 

 desire has been to make this division of a practical and useful 

 nature, and the growing interest which the public has manifested 

 in the observatory is most gratifying, and should be an additional 

 incentive tow^ard making the work one of general importance. 



A complete set of telegraph instruments has been placed in the 

 observatory, and a loop now connects the latter with the main line 

 at the centre of the town. This loop was placed on a line of elec- 

 tric-light poles between the town and college, belonging to the 

 Amherst Gas Company, the latter having kindly granted tbis 

 privilege, thus saving considerable expense to the division, and 

 the observatory now is in close touch with the Government 

 Weather Service. 



The forecasts for twenty-four hours in advance are received 

 daily about 10.30 in the morning, and are automatically recorded 



