324 WEST VIRGINIA EXPERIMENT STATION. 



the devastations now going on, but will prevent similar outbreaks in the 

 future. 



Heretofore, it has been deemed impossible to check widespread depre- 

 dations of insects in the American forests by any practical methods; there- 

 fore, the result of the introduction of this beneficial European insect into 

 the West Virginia forests, as an enemy and natural destroyer of the in- 

 jurious species, is being earnestly watched by scientists and practical men 

 in this country and Europe.* 



The experiment has gained the confidence of some of the leading Ento- 

 mologists in Germany, who gave efficient advice and counsel to our Ento- 

 mologist before he went to Europe and while he was there. Upon his re- 

 turn to this country, the practicability of the introduction of the species, 

 for the purpose above mentioned, was placed before the members of the 

 Entomological Society of Washington, for discussion, and it was there 

 determined by the U. S. Entomologist and other prominent members, that 

 the species could not be injurious, and the belief was generally expressed 

 that it would prove beneficial. 



If this experiment can be properly carried out, and succeeds in checking 

 the spread of the destructive species, it will not only prevent the loss of 

 millions of dollars worth of timber, but will demonstrate the possibilities of 

 this method of dealing with forest and other insect pests. 



We are informed by our Entomologist that it will only be by the intro- 

 duction of the German insect in the greatest possible numbers, and their 

 prompt and proper distribution, that we can gain the best results. It is, 

 therefore, apparent that the work should be thoroughly organized, and every 

 facility offered necessary to carry out the plans of the campaign against 

 these forest tree pests during the following spring and summer. 



In order to carry this work on properly and effectually a larger sum of 

 money will be necessary than can be drawn from the Station funds. As 

 it is a macter in which all owners of timber are interested, and especially 

 of general interest to the State, if it be possible to avoid it, we should not 

 be forced to ask for or accept further private contributions; but the ex- 

 penses, in our opinion, should be provided by State appropriation. 



The yellow locust, the different oaks, chestnut, wild cherry, poplar, 

 maple, and other valuable kinds of timber trees are being seriously at- 

 tacked by different destructive species of insects, which are annually 

 causing immense loss and damage. Since 1880. the loss to the agricultural 

 and timber interests of West Virginia, occasioned by insects, may be 

 safely estimated at one million dollars a year. New and destructive species 

 are making their appearance, and their depredations upon our orchard, 

 garden and field crops and live stock, added to the ravages caused by old 

 pests, is fully realized by farmers and others who are thus having their 

 profits reduced to a minimum. 



In consideration of the fact that hundreds of millions of dollars have 

 been saved to the agricultural and other interests of the United States 

 within the last ten years by the prompt application of remedies and meas- 

 ures discovered and recommended by Entomologists employed by the 

 Government and the several States, it is evident that this branch of scien- 

 tific work is of the greatest importance, and there is no doubt that a large 

 per cent, of the loss occasioned by insects in West Virginia can be pre- 

 vented at a comparatively slight expense, through systematic work carried 

 on by a Department of Economic Entomology, supported by sufficient 

 funds for accomplishing the work. 



JOHN A. MYERS, Director. 



Morgantown, W. Va., Jan. 26th, 1893. 



