TI3NTH ANNUAL REPORT OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 65 



The diseases mentioned are of such an obscure nature that an 

 expert is required to recognize and properly diagnose them. 



It is perfectly clear, therefore, that an apiary inspection law 

 is needed. Such a law should provide for a competent inspector, 

 make mandatory regulations and provide penalties for violations. 



In connection with the other duties of the office of the state 

 entomologist such a law could be executed without great expense, 

 and it seems desirable that the coming legislative session enact a 

 law authorizing this office to undertake these duties and providing 

 the necessary funds. 



NEEDS AND PLANS. 



During the past two years we have been obliged to ignore insect 

 outbreaks of a serious nature on account of a lack of funds for travel- 

 ing purposes and have been able to give but little attention to the 

 general pest conditions of the State. It is very expensive to travel 

 in Montana, and since the withdrawal of free transportation by 

 the railroads a few years ago we have been able to get around the 

 State less than previously. Much of the work requires us to take 

 long stage or automobile drives into the country away from the 

 railroads and our funds have not made this possible. It appears 

 that the numerous farmers who have recently come in from eastern 

 states and settled in eastern Montana have accidentally brought 

 with them some of the pests of the localities from which they came. 



Some of the problems which demand immediate attention are 

 here indicated : 



(a) The chinch bug ranks as one of the most destructive pests 

 of grass, grains and corn in the United States. This bug has appeared 

 within the boundaries of the state within the last two years in the 

 Milk River Valley. We should do everything in our power to 

 reduce the losses and prevent its spread to other districts. 



(b) A new and little known grain aphis has appeared in the 

 Judith Basin and has shown itself to be very injurious. One farmer 

 reported a loss of the crop on twenty acres and another of 5,000 

 bushels of grain. We should know more about a pest capable of 

 doing such damage in order that methods of control may be devised. 



(c) Grasshoppers have been abundant and very injurious in 

 cultivated crops in Dawson county during the past two years and 

 will doubtless reappear next year. If funds were available so that 



