NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 13 



resented in the state collections. This large addition has necessitated 

 the rearrangement of many of the Coleoptera and in addition it lias 

 involved the study and identification of numerous obscure species. 

 This work has been prosecuted in addition to the many identifica- 

 tions for correspondents and other routine duties. 



Office matters. The correspondence has been along the same 

 general lines; the European corn borer, on account of its potential 

 importance and the unusual developments, occupied a prominent 

 place. The extraordinary outbreak of the corn ear worm during 

 the past season resulted in an unusually large number of inquiries 

 in relation to this insect. 



The general routine work has made unusually heavy demands 

 upon the Entomologist and his assistant, the latter being in charge 

 of the office and responsible for correspondence and other matters 

 during the absence of the Entomologist. 



There being no provision for the continuance of the special work 

 on the European corn borer, authorized by the Legislature of 1920, 

 it was impossible to continue W. A. Hoffman in the temporary 

 vacancy created in June of that year by the transferral of Mr. Young 

 to special work upon the European corn borer. Mr Hoffman 

 resigned from the staff, effective July 31, 1 921 and Mr Young 

 resumed his duties on the regular Museum staff October 1st. Hall 

 B. Carpenter of Somerville, Mass., appointed special assistant in 

 European corn borer work in 1920, resigned May 31, 192 1. 



Fannie T. Hartman prior to her transferal from this office in 

 midsummer, 1920, was very fully occupied in addition to the usual 

 duties of an assistant by translations of technical literature needed 

 in systematic work, the making of numerous microscopic prepara- 

 tions of small insects and the arrangement and care of pressed 

 specimens of insect work and the extensive accumulations of alcoholic 

 material. The vacancy created by the transferal of Miss Hartman 

 has not been filled owing to the impossibility of securing a qualified 

 assistant at the very nominal compensation available. The loss of 

 an assistant must inevitably circumscribe the work of the office and 

 may result in serious limitations. 



Horticultural inspection. The nursery inspection work of the 

 Bureau of Plant Industry, Department of Farms and Markets, 

 has resulted as in former years in a number of specimens represent- 

 ing various stages or recent developments, some in very poor con- 

 dition, being submitted to this office for identification. The satis- 

 factory identification of specimens originating in various parts of the 



