60 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



abundant than in earlier years, this being especially true in the 

 Hudson valley. There is a generally satisfactory control with 

 thorough spraying with the lime-sulphur wash at winter strength, 

 and in some localities there is little or no damage even in unsprayed 

 orchards. The work of parasites, first brought to attention a few. 

 years ago, continues and it is probable that these minute insects are 

 not unimportant factors in bringing about this gratifying condition. 



Pear thrips. The situation with respect to this insect remains 

 nearly unchanged. It is sporadically abundant and destructive 

 here and there in pear-growing sections, especially in the Hudson 

 valley, and despite efforts of fruit growers there is likely to be con- 

 siderable loss before the seriousness of the infestation is appreciated. 



Pear psylla. There has been considerable pear psylla in Hudson 

 valley orchards due, in some cases at least, to the delayed dormant 

 spray not being held until practically all the eggs have been deposited. 

 This pest, like the pear thrips, can be . controlled to best advantage 

 only by applications given within rather closely defined time limits 

 and many growers experience difficulties in recognizing the periods 

 when work of this kind can be done to the best advantage. 



Gipsy moth. An examination by the Entomologist of the region 

 formerly infested shows a very gratifying condition in that no living 

 insects in any stage have been found within two years and the 

 thorough spraying and other work prosecuted in this attempt to 

 exterminate the insect augurs well for the successful completion of a 

 difficult and costly, though economical, undertaking. 



Grass and grain pests. The cold weather and copious rains of 

 last spring were unfavorable to the development of sufficient grass- 

 hoppers to cause serious damage and in most sections these insects 

 were not unusually abundant, though as the season advanced small 

 areas, especially beside orchards, were found to be infested with 

 considerable numbers. The use of grasshopper bait was advised 

 in a number of such places and in several instances rather serious 

 damage to young fruit trees was reported, due to ignoring the insects 

 earlier and allowing them to develop unchecked. 



May or June beetles were unusually numerous in many sections 

 of the State, defoliating or partly defoliating individual trees and, 

 in not a few instances, strips of woodland. This condition was 

 pointed out earlier and an effort made to interest the farmers in 

 noting these results for themselves, since the amount of feeding 

 affords a basis for estimating the probabilities of damage another 

 season to susceptible crops, such as corn and potatoes planted upon 



