ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. 



Philadelphia, Pa., May, 191 7. 



Entomology as a National Defense. 



Dr. L. O. Howard, Chief of the Bureau of Entomology, 

 United States Department of Agricuhure, writes : 



It is unnecessary to call attention to the important work 

 which the entomologists of the country can do in the present 

 crisis in the way of increasing crop production by the control 

 of injurious insects. The Bureau of Entomology is organiz- 

 ing its forces to bring before the country at large essential in- 

 formation of this character through brief publications and 

 through the activities of men at various field stations. While 

 no part of the field should be neglected, it is felt that special 

 attention should be given to insect outbreaks involving staple 

 crops, and to the preservation of stored grain, forage, etc. 

 Probably in some instances it will be feasible to reduce infesta- 

 tion or spread by prompt measures. For this reason the en- 

 tomological service of the United States as a whole should be 

 on the lookout for unusual insect conditions, and where con- 

 certed action is essential, such co-operation should be arranged 

 at the first possible moment. 



The Bureau of Entomology wishes greatly to increase its 

 reporting service on insect pests. We will have the co-opera- 

 tion of the crop reporters and farm demonstrators throughout 

 the country and would like to have also the co-operation of all 

 State and Station Entomologists. This service will be con- 

 ducted with headquarters at Washington and it is hoped that 

 all those assisting will keep the central ofiice in constant touch 

 with the status of insect pests in their vicinity. With these data 

 in hand the central office will be able to tabulate and map the 

 occurrence of all injurious pests and to indicate to the men 

 in the field the sections which are threatened with insect dam- 

 age and the means for combating same. With this informa- 

 tion it will be possible to conduct a vigorous campaign against 

 threatening pests. 



The Bureau stands ready to assist State and Station Ento- 

 mologists whenever it is possible to do so. 



Dr. E. P. Felt. State Entomologist of New York and Editor 

 of the Journal of Economic Entomology, writes: 



Our countvy has entered a gigantic struggle in which ma- 

 terial assets ot many kinds play a most important part. There 



229 



