INTRODUCTION. 



fTHE culture of alfalfa has reached such proportions in Kansas 

 that those directly interested are devoting their energies toward 

 making the returns as large as possible. Farmers in some parts of 

 this state are counting their alfalfa fields by the section plats. 

 Whenever such areas are devoted to one particular plant the course 

 of natural events is changed. Nature intends that there shall be an 

 equal distribution of plant life and animal life. Wherever one plant 

 predominates those forms of animal life which thrive best upon it as 

 a food-plant increase in undue proportion. This has been the case 

 with the chinch-bug and wheat, the corn-root worm and corn ; each 

 have thriven amidst superabundance of their favorite food-plant. 



That the relation between alfalfa and insect life might be more 

 fully understood, the writer was called upon to visit Edwards county 

 last fall. He then made note of the conditions, and published, in 

 connection with Professor Snow T , a report giving methods of cultiva- 

 tion that would eliminate objectionable insects from alfalfa lands. 

 He was asked to continue these studies at the beginning of this 

 year again, and, with the proffered cooperation of those interested, 

 to conduct such investigations and experiments as he saw fit in the 

 alfalfa regions. In acceptance of that request, believing that the best- 

 laboratory was the field, the writer went into camp fifteen miles 

 southwest of Kinsley, on the line between Edwards and Ford counties, 

 with tent and full laboratory equipments, prepared to study the 

 entomological conditions of that region with special reference to the 

 alfalfa plant. 



My first work might be termed a general survey of the territory 

 adjoining the camp. Accordingly, in company with Supt. J. H. 

 Smart, I drove over the alfalfa-producing region of Edwards and Ford 

 counties, and obtained a general knowledge of the situation. I was 

 soon struck with the prevalence of one species of grasshopper, and 

 also the possibilities of bee-keeping in this region, an injurious and a 

 beneficial phase of entomological research. To these two subjects I 

 determined to devote my undivided attention, to the exclusion of all 

 others. 



While at work here invitations came to visit Finney and Hamilton 

 counties, where grasshoppers were making inroads upon the growing 



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