REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR I914 55 



mean an Inevitable drop in the prevailing high land values. The 

 Entomologist, cooperating with other local and State agencies, 

 is endeavoring to arouse a general interest in the control of this 

 insect while the infestation is still in an incipient stage. 



Grass and grain pests. There was an extended and serious out- 

 break of grasshoppers on the border of the Adirondacks, portions 

 of Fulton, Saratoga and Warren counties, in particular, suffering 

 greatly. Warning notices were issued, giving directions for check- 

 ing the pests before the situation became serious, and later at the 

 request of the Governor, a special study of the problem was made 

 and, in cooperation with agents of the State Department of Agri- 

 culture, a most satisfactory demonstration of the efficiency of 

 poisoned baits was conducted. The grasshoppers of the State have 

 been carefully studied in this connection, and a detailed account 

 of these insects, their capacity for harm and control measures is 

 given in the Entomologist's report. 



There were numerous local and, in some instances, severe injuries 

 by army worms in mid July and early August. Newspaper 

 bulletins giving full information respecting this insect and methods 

 of control were issued at the inception of the attack. These out- 

 breaks invariably arouse considerable apprehension because of the 

 masses of caterpillars, though as a rule the damage is restricted 

 to comparatively small areas. The work of the past season demon- 

 strated the utility of poisoned baits similar to those employed 

 against grasshoppers. 



Studies of white grubs and June beetles, begun in 191 2, were con- 

 tinued, one of the most interesting developments being the rearing 

 of a number of a rather scarce robber fly, Promachus fitchii 

 O. S., and the large, white maggots observed in association with 

 and preying upon white grubs during both 1912 and 1913. Observa- 

 tions were also made upon the numbers of and injuries by the 

 beetles, and later in the season upon the abundance of the small, 

 white grubs, which latter, when numerous, invariably cause serious 

 damage the following season. Local conditions were characterized 

 in brief, practical accounts being sent to papers circulating in sec- 

 tion where the pests were most abundant. Grass webworms, 

 prevalent and injurious in a number of cornfields in Dutchess 

 county, were investigated. Control measures, as has been demon- 

 strated by earlier work, must be restricted largely to planting im- 

 mune crops on badly infested land. These small insects are by 

 preference grass feeders and, under normal conditions, may become 

 exceedingly numerous on land allowed to lie in grass for a series 



