196 MAINE STATE COLLEGE 



"When the Experiment Station was organized two years ago, 

 and an Entomologist appointed, it was decided to milce a careful 

 study of this insect. 



To thoroughly investigate an insect the first step necessary is to 

 make out its complete life history. With a knowledge of its life 

 changes the weak points are made known and advantage can be 

 taken of them in devising methods to hold it in check or destroy 

 it. 



Knowing that prominent Entomologists who had written about 

 Trypeta pomonella, differed much upon several points in its life 

 history ; and also aware that its eggs and egg laying habits were 

 entirely unknown ; plans were laid to carry out a series of careful 

 observations, embracing a study of the whole life of the insect 

 and an investigation of the subject so far as possible in all of its 

 bearings. 



It became apparent at once from the nature of what had been 

 written, that it would be impossible to glean the true from the 

 false, and therefore hazardous to accept any statement, however 

 noted the authority, without a careful verification. 



During the last two years, under the most favorable circum- 

 stances, we have carefully reviewed all the published statements, 

 accepting such as were verified and rejecting what appeared 

 untenable. 



The material at our command has been ample. Hundreds of 

 infested apples of many varieties have been inspected. Maggots 

 by the thousand ; hundreds of pupae ; thousands of eggs, taken 

 from the apples and from the ovaries of the females ; and over 

 two hundred flies, brdd or captured about the trees, have been 

 examined. From these examinations we have found reason to 

 correct many statements, confirm others and add much that is 

 cew, especially about the eggs and reproduction of this insect. 



We have been materially helped in our investigations by the 

 aid and encouragement of others. In fact, without the assistance 

 so cheerfully given by many, our work would have been impos- 

 sible. We desire especially to thank Mr. Chas. S. Pope, Mr. J. 

 W. True, Hon. Z. A. Gilbert, Mr. D. H. Kuowlton and Mr. S. 

 R. Sweetser, members of the Pomological Society, for specimens 

 sent, observations made and kind encouragement in the work. 

 We are greatly obligated to Mr. L. H. Merrill, of the Experiment 

 Station for photographic work, to Profs. Riley, Comstock, Lintner 

 and Cook for answering questions, loaning literature or aiding in 



