State Museum of Natural History. 57 



In consultation with your Secretary, it was thought best, in view of 

 the alarming character of the attack, that general attention should be 

 called to it throughout the infested region, and instructions given as 

 to the best means for arresting it, particularly such as should be at 

 once resorted to, in order to reach as large a portion as possible of the 

 present brood. A circular of this character was accordingly prepared. 

 An edition of three thousand copies was printed, and they have been 

 very generally distributed throughout the portions of the State where 

 the attack had been observed, together with such contiguous territory 

 as it may be expected to reach in another season. The circular is 

 herewith presented ; 



Circular No. 1. — October, 1883. 



NEW YOEK STATE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY : 

 Department of Entomology. 



Directions for Arresting the Chinch-bug Invasion of Northern New 



York. 



Portions of St. Lawrence county, New York, are now suffering from 

 a serious attack of the chinch-bug (Blissus leucopterus) — perhaps the 

 most injurious of our insect enemies. 



It has already, in the third year (probably) of its introduction, and 

 the second year of the observation of its attack, spread to such an 

 extent, and shown such a rapid increase under very unfavorable con- 

 ditions, that a continued increase in its diffusion and destructiveness 

 is probable, unless effectual measures can be taken to prevent it. 



At present, only timothy and other grasses seem to have been at- 

 tacked. Wherever attacked, the root is destroyed, and the grass, con- 

 sequently, is entirely killed. 



With its increase, its ravages would extend to wheat, rye, barley and 

 corn, which are its favorite food-plants. 



Its extension over the State of New York, as now threatened, would 

 be attended with an annual loss of millions of dollars. 



It seems practicable, at this stage, to prevent this extension, by 

 earnest and combined effort throughout the district now invaded. 



The most favorable time for this effort has already passed ; but 

 much may be accomplished by immediate action. 



As it is of very great importance that this destructive insect — the 

 terror of our Southern and Western farmers — should not be permit- 

 ted to obtain a permanent footing in our State, hitherto free from its 

 depredations, a prompt and full compliance with the following direc- 

 tions is strongly urged : 



1. Let every farmer in St. Lawrence county and adjacent counties 

 in Northern New York (particularly in the western portion of St. 

 Lawrence and northern of Jefferson), examine his meadows for patches 

 of dead grass, looking as if winter-killed, indicating the attack of the 

 insect. As an aid to its ready recognition, the infested areas upon the 



TSen. Doc. No. 60.] 8 



