40 N. H. AGR. EXPERIMENT STATION. [Bulletin 151 



The subjects chosen for these investigations are such as promise far-reacliing 

 and important data,, both from the scientific and from the practical viewpoint. 

 The experiments necessarily may extend over two or more seasons, and it 

 is important that the work be carefully planned and that it be conducted 

 without interruption and with adherence to a well-defined program. 



Two such investigations have been» under way in this biennial period, — an 

 investigation of the Apple Maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella, Walsh; and a study 

 of the influence of temperature on insect hibernations and transformations. 

 Each of these is summarized below. 



2. Minor investigations. Usually these are suggested by important insect 

 outbreaks, as, for example, that of the Antlered Maple Worm in the hardwood 

 forests of this state in 1907, 1908 and 1909. They are carried on under the 

 Hatch Fund. Investigations of this nature are not planned on so exhaustive 

 a scale as those in the first group mentioned above, and usually are concluded 

 within one or two seasons. 



Two investigations of this nature have been made within the last biennial 

 period,— a study of the Oblique-banded Leaf-roller, Archips rosaceana, 

 Harris; and experiments in the control of the Black Flies, or Buffalo Gnats, 

 Simulium sp. These are briefly summarized below. 



3. Miscellaneous work. This includes the identification of numerous 

 specimens of insects sent in by correspondents, the recommendation of means 

 of control for insect pests, and kindred duties. 



Organization and Equipment. 



Changes in the personnel of the department are elsewhere noted. 



The new insectary, or outdoor laboratory, is the most notable addition to 

 the equipment, and has proved of the greatest usefulness in the work of the 

 department. Many experiments and studies could not be carried on satis- 

 factorily without it. The insectary was pictured and described in detail in 

 Scientific Contributions No. 3 of this station. 



Additional items of equipment are needed from time to time in the major 

 investigations. These have been provided. 



Correspondence. 



A constantly increasing number of citizens, both farmers and city dwellers, 

 are learning to make use of this department. Many insects are sent in for 

 identification, and many requests forwarded for instruction as to means of 

 avoiding or controlling insect injury. The writer believes that these requests 

 are of much value in bringing about closer relations between the station and 

 the people of the state, and in affording this department an opportunity for 

 immediate, practical usefulness. 



To assist in this work and to supplement the department letters, the writer 

 respectfully recommends that a series of uniform leaflets be issued on the 

 commoner insect pests. It is believed that one sheet for each would be suffi- 

 cient, that the subject-matter should be plain and concise, and that explana- 

 tory illustrations should invariably be used. It is further suggested that 

 these leaflets be punched in the margin, so that they may be inserted in a 

 loose-leaf binder, the complete file, therefore, being the equivalent of a com- 



