Dickerson: John B. Smith in Economic Entomology 23 



later development of economic entomology in this country; he 

 kept constantly in touch with its progress by association, observa- 

 tion and the published Hterature ; and he seemed to grasp and 

 remember what was being done. 



Secondly, he possessed good executive ability. His work was 

 always well thought out and planned, and having conceived a 

 problem he pushed it to completion with his characteristic perse- 

 verance and energy. It was due to the latter qualities that he 

 often succeeded in his work where another man might have 

 failed. It need scarcely be added that he was a man of good 

 judgment and sound common sense. 



Having accomplished a task or completed an investigation, 

 there was seldom any delay in publishing results, and this prompt- 

 ness was characteristic of Professor Smith in all his work and 

 was one of the factors, at least, I believe, in his accomplishing as 

 much as he did. 



He had faith in himself and was firm in his belief in what he 

 had accomplished, although willing to admit his error when con- 

 vinced that he was wrong. He knew that he might make mis- 

 takes but believed it was better to publish results and run the risk 

 of being in error than not to do so for fear of making a mistake. 

 A common saying of his was that " the man who didn't make mis- 

 takes didn't make anything." 



And he did not hesitate to express his belief when occasion 

 called for it. It was this quality, associated with those already 

 mentioned, that made him a born leader, and in the various meet- 

 ings that he attended he was recognized prominently among his 

 co-workers. 



And yet, be it said to his credit, there was something more, — he 

 made his opportunities. This is well illustrated in the mosquito 

 investigation. At a time when the problem was considered largely 

 in a humorous light, he went before the New Jersey Legislature 

 and so impressed its members with his faith in the undertaking 

 that, the money was appropriated to carry on the investigation. 



