550 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



The plan offers present correspondents the advantage that it will 

 systemize their work and increase the interest of all in the important 

 study of applied or economic entomology. If the recipient of this com- 

 munication does not care to undertake personal observations, he is 

 requested to place it in the hands of one who will be interested in taking 

 part in the service. 



It was the intention to have approximately one observer in each county, 

 though it was by no means expected that every county would be repre- 

 sented. From the hst of applicants, the appointment of 39 persons 

 representing 33 counties was recommended April 19. This number was 

 augmented by the subsequent appointment of eight others and in turn 

 was reduced by the resignation of four. One resigned on the receipt of 

 the stationery, on account of its appearing too official. Another was 

 forced to give up the work before its inception, because of a severe illness, 

 and two others found themselves unable to comply with the requirements 

 from pressure of other duties. On May 16 a circular letter with copies 

 of bulletin 26 was mailed to 42 observers. The following extracts from 

 the letter are given to show the general scope of the work : 



To voluntary observers : 



It is not expected that many will have time to prepare long reports. 

 I desire specially to gather in brief form the observations and experiences 

 of practical men with insects. Under no circumstances, omit the weekly 

 report during the growing season, for even negative results have value. 

 It is most desirable that the reports should be regular and received in 

 Albany about the same time, so that they may be collated and the 

 more valuable facts made known. For this reason each observer is urged 

 to mail his report every Wednesday or Thursday in order that it may be 

 received at the office on Friday of each week. 10 stamped envelops, 

 with paper, are sent herewith and more will be supplied as needed. 



The matter of more general interest in the reports will be brought 

 together in brief form and supplied to agricultural papers, each observer 

 receiving full credit for his work. For the most part, give attention to 

 species of economic importance, such as those injuring plants of value, 

 annoying live stock or proving a nuisance in the household. Inquiries 

 regarding insects will be welcomed and answered as fully as practicable. 

 In most cases the reports will be more valuable if accompanied by 

 specimens of the insect or its work, preferably both. Useful hints for 

 collecting and observing insects will be found in Museum bulletm 26^ 

 mailed under separate cover. The species mentioned under '' Distribu- 

 tion of insects " are of special interest and should receive close observa- 

 tion from every fruit grower and farmer. 



Finally, do not become discouraged if at first there appears little that 

 is new or of interest, but record what is seen, because one object of this 

 organization is to ascertain actual facts regarding insect life. In time the 

 eye will become trained and many things, hitherto unnoticed, will be 

 observed, and much of this will be of considerable value not only to the 



