2 REPORT UNITED STATES ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION. 



bulletins, to coDtain a digest of the habits and best means of destroying 

 the locust, for immediate circulation. It was also agreed that by inter- 

 change of data collected and consideration of each others' work by 

 the Commission as a whole, the publications be made, as far as possible, 

 conjoint. 



On the 22d of March, 1877, the preliminary plan of action was 

 submitted to the Secretary of the Interior, and, as it met with his 

 approval, the members separated to begin work in the field as quickly 

 as possible, since the young locusts were already hatching and doing 

 damage in Texas and southerly regions. It was decided to have a 

 merely nominal ofBce at Washington, and that the headquarters of the 

 Commission should be at Saint Louis, on account of the more central 

 location of this city, and its greater proximity to the locust-region. 



The following circulars, issued a few days afterward, explain them- 

 selves : 



CIRCULAR No. 1. 



Department of the Interior, 

 Office of the United States Entomological Commission, 



— ' — '^^^ ■ 



Mr. . 



Dear Sir: The Commissioners are desirous of collecting, as soon as possible, all as- 

 certainable facts in reference to the migrations of the Rocky Mountain locust {Calop- 

 tenus spreius), and also regarding its appearance, habits, and devastations in your sec- 

 tion. 



We present below a series of topics upon which we shall be glad to receive data 

 from your locality. We expect you to dwell only on those topics upon which you have 

 positive information, and shall be glad to receive any facts or views not suggested by 

 this circular. Some of the subjects cannot be reported on till toward the approach of 

 winter, while others can be considered earlier. In responding, therefore, we ask our 

 correspondents to couple their answers with the number of the circular and of the 

 inquiry. 



We shall be glad to receive and will determine any of the different species of lo- 

 custs that occur in your locality, and particularly specimens of their different para- 

 sites and natural enemies. These are best forwarded by mail, packed in cotton, moist- 

 ened with alcohol, and placed in secure tin or wooden boxes. Living specimens may 

 be sent in tin boxes, and are preferred, where they will not be too long on the way. 



The inquiries have reference more particularly to the present year 1877, and when 

 facts are communicated that have reference to other years, correspondents will please 

 be careful to specify the particular year. 



The Commissioners will refund whatever expense maybe incurred for postage in re- 

 plying to this circular, or in forwarding specimens, should correspondents so desire. 



Copies of documents published by the Commission will be sent to correspondents 

 who forward data in accordance with this request. Communications may be sent to 

 either of the Commissioners. 



CHAS. V. EILEY. 

 A. S. PACKAED, Jr. 

 CYRUS THOMAS. 



topics on which data are requested. 

 1. Date and time of day of the arrival of swarms. 



la. Direction and force of the wind at the time. 



11). Temperature and character of the weather at the time (clear or cloudy). 



Ic. Direction of the flight, density, height, and extent of the swarms. 



