REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST I907 9 



Species, most of which were reared in 1907, together with a number 

 of preHminary keys. The State collections in this group represent 

 probably over 600 species. We have already described over 250 

 new forms, and it would not be surprising if, after working over 

 the material, there were nearly as many more to characterize in 

 addition to those previously described by other workers. The 

 classification of our American species has been in a chaotic state, 

 making it practically impossible to identify many of our forms. 

 Our work, now well in hand, will establish, when issued, a much 

 needed classification of this important group. It will be an ex- 

 tensive contribution, presumably of about 800 pages. 



The rearing of these insects requires a great deal of time and 

 attention, and the marked success along this line last season was 

 due very largely to the devotion of Assistant Entomologist D. B. 

 Young. The collecting of the insects and the galls in the field also 

 requires considerable time, and much of this work has been attended 

 to by assistant I. L. Nixon. Mr J. R. Gillett, a medical student, 

 was engaged throughout the summer in making microscopic mounts 

 of these insects, some 2000 most excellent slides being prepared. 



Gall mites. Several of these extremely minute forms are now 

 recognized as injurious to the fruit interests and it is probable that 

 further investigations will bring to light hitherto unsuspected in- 

 juries by the members of this group. It is extremely gratifying to 

 include as appendix B a catalogue of the " Phytoptid " galls of 

 North America by George H. Chadwick, Zoologist. 



Publications. Numerous economic articles have been con- 

 tributed by the Entomologist to the agricultural and local press. 

 The large number of new species of Cecidomyiidae taken in 1907 

 made it advisable to issue preliminary descriptions of some at least, 

 and a reprint from the report entitled: Nezv Species of Cecido- 

 myiidae, published January 30th, characterizes 179 new species. 

 The second volume of Insects Affecting Park and Woodland Trees 

 [N. Y. State Mus. Mem. 8] appeared February 25 and has repeat- 

 edly proved its value during the past season. The demand for 

 information respecting shade tree pests kd to the issuing of a 

 special bulletin on the White Marked Tussock Moth and Elm Leaf 

 Beetle [N. Y. State Mus. Bui. 109], which appeared May 10, while 

 the report of the Entomologist, owing to delays, was not issued till 

 July 16. 



Collections. The special collecting and rearing of Cecido- 

 myiidae by members of the office staff has resulted in enormous 



