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during the summer of 1913, and possibly previous to that, as several groves 

 of that region were observed with foliage that seemed to be drying up, as 

 though injured by a serious drouth. The infected area seems to be rapidly 

 increasing, and the annual defoliation of the trees must in time prove a 

 serious injury, since the foliage on the majority of the infected trees was 

 practically useless by the first of July and in many cases even earlier. 

 What the favoring circumstances have been that have caused this remark- 

 able increase in the numbers of this insect is at present a mere conjecture. 

 It may be that the unusual heat and drouth of May, 1914, and of the sum- 

 mer of 1913, may have caused their rapid multiplication, or that the rela- 

 tively rapid increase of locust trees, their favorite food supply and breed- 

 ing place, has augmented their numbers. 



What the future may bring no one knows, but if this beetle continues 

 in as great numbers in succeeding years, they will prove a very serious 

 menace to locust groves, and the fence and telephone post industry of 

 southern Indiana. Judging from the undoubted rapid increase in the past, 

 the future is not promising. 



As a remedy Professor Enders and others recommend spraying with 

 arsenate of lead or other arsenical compounds. This no doubt would be in 

 a measure effective, if applied within a few days after the emergence of the 

 mature beetle June 25th to July 5th, and could be done on level or moder- 

 ately level ground, but since the tens of thousands of volunteer locusts are 

 on slopes so steep that they are almost inaccessible, it would prove a difficult 

 task indeed to get at them with a spraying outfit. It is not probable that 

 the pest, if it proves to be a serious one, will be eradicated in that way. It 

 is very difficult to get farmers to spray orchards, much less locust trees scat- 

 tered far and wide over rough, hilly land. It is to be hoped that an efficient 

 remedy may be provided, for, if not, this defoliator, in addition to the 

 borer, will probably end the locust industry. 



