142 DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS. 



(i) Work upon the exhibit of insects for the Pan-American Expo- 

 sition. 



(j) Work in apiculture. 



Briefly summarized, the work of the Division under each of these 

 heads has been as follows: 



(a) INVESTIGATIONS UPON SPECIFIC INJURIOUS INSECTS OR GROUPS 



OF INSECTS. 



WORK ON INSECTS FROM ABROAD. 



The most striking result in this branch of work which has been 

 achieved has been referred to in its different stages of progress in 

 the last two reports. This is the introduction and establishment of 

 the fig-fertilizing insect (Blastophaga grossorum) from Algeria into 

 California, where it was practically used for the fertilization of the 

 large orchard of Smyrna figs at Fresno. An assistant was. sent to 

 Fresno in the spring of 1900, and remained there throughout the 

 season, making observations which completely cleared up the life 

 history of the insect and resulted in the ascertaining of important 

 facts previously unknown, although in southern Europe the insect 

 had been known and studied for very many years. 



This assistant also took active part in the practical work of han- 

 dling the insect and fertilizing the Smyrna fig crop. The results 

 exceeded the most sanguine expectations. A very large crop of 

 Smyrna figs was raised, dried, and placed upon the market in the 

 autumn of 1900. Tests made by chemists and by fruit experts 

 showed that not only were these California-raised Smyrna figs fully 

 equal to the imported product, but that they contained a larger 

 percentage of sugar. In the opinion of those well qualified to judge, 

 they possessed a superior flavor and were cleaner and more attractive 

 in general appearance. 



The experience gained during the summer and autumn of 1900 

 enabled the work, during the spring and early summer of« 1901, to be 

 carried on to much better advantage. The insect hibernated success- 

 fully, in many instances without artificial shelter over the trees, and 

 the prospects for the crop of the season of 1901 at Fresno indicate 

 that the output will be more than four times as great as that of the 

 summer of 1900, and last year's experience in preparation for the mar- 

 ket will improve the quality of the product. 



The fertilizing insect has been thoroughly established at Niles, 

 Cal. , where observations have been carried on throughout the whole 

 fiscal year by agents of the Division, and it has also been established 

 at several other points. The Division holds itself in readiness to fur- 

 nish a supply of the insects to any fig grower after he has succeeded 

 in raising to the bearing stage caprifig trees and Smyrna fig trees. 



Mr. George C. Roeding, the proprietor of the large orchard at 

 Fresno, went to Smyrna in the spring of 1901 for the purpose of 

 studying the methods in use in that country, under commission from 

 this Department. A full account of the work done and the results 

 obtained down to the close of the calendar year 1900 was published 

 in an article by the Entomologist in the Yearbook of the Department 

 for that year, and since that publication, continued work has been 

 done, the California operations having been carefully followed. It is 

 perfectly safe to state at this time that a new horticultural industry 

 of great future value to the country has been firmly established. 



