148 MAINE -TATE COLLEGE 



The Apple Maggot, Trypeia Pomondla, Walsh, still is doing 

 much damage in Maine as well as in adjoining states, if we can 

 judge from the demand for our article on this insect, published in 

 the Station Report for 1889. We received a long newspaper article 

 from a New Hampshire correspondent, which he had written to give 

 the fruit growers of his state the life history of this pest. The 

 article was accompanied by specimens in the "long-winged" stage 

 of their development, graphically described by the writer. The 

 specimens were a species of Ichneumon" which does not even belong 

 to the same order as Trypeta, which is a two winged fly. The article 

 was full of other errors. We notice this merely to warn farmers 

 and fruit growers against articles upon technical subjects by non- 

 professionals. To trace the life history of an insect requires great 

 care, and a knowledge of insect forms that can not possibly be 

 obtained except by long experience. 



In the above mentioned article at least three insects belonging to 

 different orders were regarded as stages in the life history of Trypeta 

 and none of them pertained to that insect Tne best way is to send 

 injurious insects to the professional entomologist. Absolute identi- 

 fication of a p st is the first thing necessary in coping with it. 



The Chinch Bug still continues to do damage to meadow lands 

 in the vicinity of Fryeburg. It will be well to do some field work in 

 that region another season to learn the extent of the infested district 

 and gain any information that will enable us to suggest remedial 

 measures. 



Tetranychus 2-macidatus. Harvey, was reported from Piscataquis 

 county the past season. While we were in Caieago, duiing 

 July, specimens ot this mite were submitted to us for examination. 

 They came from a greenhouse near Chicago, showing this pest is 

 widely distributed. 



DIRECTIONS FOR SENDING SPECIMENS. 



Regardless of the careful directions given in previous reports 

 for sending insects, several specimens were received the past season, 

 in envelopes or fragile paper boxes and when they arrived were 

 crushed almost beyond recognition. Other packages came without 

 the name and address of the sender upon them. Insects should 

 always be sent in wooden or tin boxes and some of the food plant 

 or injured material enclosed. Notes upon the habits of the insect 



