36 a EXPERIMENT STATION. [Jan. 



Some idea of the extent of the work in the chemical labora- 

 tories of the station may be gained by reference to the numeri- 

 cal summary of the laboratory work of the year on pflg&77a. 



Department of Entomology. 



The report of Dr. Fernald makes it apparent that fuller 

 provision for handling that portion of the entomological work 

 which the public reasonably expects from the college, and which 

 considerably limits the opportunities for investigation, should 

 be made. This part of the work of the year has involved the 

 identification of 149 different kinds of insects and the writing 

 of over 2,500 letters. This kind of work is much appreciated 

 and extremely useful, but under our present institutional or- 

 ganization it properly belongs to the extension service. 



The troublesome insects most frequently brought to the 

 attention of the department during the year have been various 

 kinds of plant lice, bean weevils, ants and white pine weevils, 

 the latter probably because of the general interest in the pine 

 connected with the knowledge of the threatened injury to this 

 important species by the blister rust. 



About 50 different species of insects have been found during 

 the year on imported nursery stock, several of which must be 

 regarded as potentially serious pests. This fact emphasizes the 

 importance of careful examination of such stock and effective 

 measures for ridding it of accompanying insect pests. 



Department of Horticulture. 



The more scientific and thoroughgoing investigations in this 

 department are being carried on by Dr. Shaw. Most of these 

 have been sufficiently referred to in recent reports. Only two 

 new developments need be mentioned: — 



The studies of local climate as affecting fruits — previous to 

 this year carried on with especial reference to the apple in 

 western Franklin County — have been transferred to eastern 

 Hampden County, where observations will be made almost 

 exclusively on the peach in the Wilbraham and Hampden 

 district. 



The only important new development has been the establish- 



