REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR I913 87 



The extensive plantings of white pine in recent years have given 

 the zvhite pine weevil almost ideal opportunities for multiplication 

 and, as a consequence, there have been numerous complaints re- 

 garding the work of this insect. The Entomologist, in cooperation 

 with Mr Waldo C. Johnston of Cooperstown, conducted a practical 

 test of the value of collecting the weevils by hand. It was found 

 that four collections could be made for about $1.25 an acre where 

 the trees were not more than 3 feet high and, as a result, no 

 weevils were to be seen later. There are reasons for believing 

 this to be a practical and possibly a profitable method of controlling 

 the pest in such plantings. It is planned to continue the investiga- 

 tions of this important pest. 



Original studies were also made of the spotted hemlock borer, an 

 insect which destroyed several hundred valuable hemlocks in the 

 New York Botanical Gardens, and one which has killed many trees 

 in the Appalachian region. A detailed account of this borer is 

 given in the Entomologist's report. 



The Rhododendron clearwing and the pitted Ambrosia beetle were 

 also studied. The first deforms and weakens the valuable Rhodo- 

 dendron, while the latter may destroy a considerable proportion of 

 one or more beds of this shrub. 



The work of the two-lined chestnut borer, a pernicious enemy of 

 both chestnut and oak, was observed in several localities about 

 New York City and appropriate recomrnendations made. A de- 

 tailed account of this pest has been given in New York State 

 Museum Memoir 8. 



The Entomologist has taken advantage of the recent outbreak 

 by bark beetles, to study the general conditions which may result 

 in serious injury by these borers. A careful examination of weather 

 records, especially those relating to precipitation, tends to support 

 the belief that a series of annual droughts may so weaken the 

 trees as to produce conditions very favorable for the multiplication 

 of the borers. A discussion of the data is given in connection with 

 an account of the hickory bark beetle. 



Flies and mosquitos. The interest in the control of the house 

 fly and the subjection of the mosquito has continued. Several 

 warning notices were sent out early in the year and a brief folder 

 on the house fly was prepared, the latter being widely circulated in 

 early summer. 



Gall midges. Studies of gall midges have been continued and 

 a number of species and three new genera described. The practical 

 character of this work is illustrated by the description of one midge 



