58 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



Special Cicada exhibit. She also has given much time to mounting, 

 spreading and labeling the specimens. 



Nursery inspection. The nursery inspection work conducted 

 by the State Department of Agriculture has resulted in the Ento- 

 mologist being requested to make a number of identifications and 

 also recommendations in regard to the policy which should be pur- 

 sued by the State. Most of the material submitted for name is in 

 poor condition, may represent any stage in insect development, and 

 is often from a foreign country. This work, though time consuming 

 and laborious, is important, since the disposition of large ship- 

 ments must depend in great measure upon his findings. The possi- 

 bility of introducing the gipsy and brown-tail moths with nursery 

 stock originating in territory infested by these pests, justifies a most 

 careful examination of all such material and the adoption of every 

 reasonable precaution. 



Miscellaneous. A series of experiments planned by the 

 Entomologist and conducted for the purpose of testing the value of 

 heat as an insecticide, showed that the relatively moderate tempera- 

 ture of 120° F. is soon fatal to the common black cockroach so fre- 

 quently seen in warmer parts of dwellings. Buildings equipped with 

 ample heating facilities are adapted to this method of checking house- 

 hold and storeroom pests. Observations were made upon the 

 hibernation and development of the rose leaf hopper. An interesting 

 outbreak by an Iris borer was also investigated. Assistant Ento- 

 mologist Young had charge of the heat experiments, being assisted 

 in this by Miss Hartman. 



The Entomologist, as in previous years, has been called upon to 

 lecture upon injurious insects at farmers institutes, horticultural and 

 other gatherings, information respecting shade tree pests, owing to 

 their serious injuries this year, most frequently being desired. 



Office matters. The general work of the Entomologist's office 

 has progressed in a satisfactory manner. The correspondence shows 

 a marked increase over that of last year; 2219 letters, 23 postals, 

 1014 circulars, 1623 packages were sent through the mails and 42 

 packages were shipped by express. As heretofore, there has been 

 a most helpful cooperation on the part of all interested in the ento- 

 mological work of the State. 



