154 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



grapevine. Its eradication was recommended, and it is believed that it 

 has been effected. 



Elm-leaf beetle. The widespread injuries for the last few ^^ears by 

 the elm-leaf beetle along the Hudson river valley, induced the prepara- 

 tion of an illustrated museum bulletin (Museum bulletin 20) on this most 

 pernicious insect, which was issued in the middle of July, at a time when 

 the extremely destructive work of the insect was apparent to all. The 

 demand for this bulletin indicates a general interest in the methods of 

 controlling this species. In addition, a number of articles treating of 

 this pest have been sent to local papers and addresses delivered in adja- 

 cent places at several m.eetings called for the special purpose of consider- 

 ing the best manner of subduing this insect. It is hoped that the agitation 

 of this year will lead to more effective control another season. 



San Jose scale. The recent law placing the inspection of all nursery 

 stock in the state under the direction of the commissioner of agriculture, 

 has emphasized the intimate relations that should continue to exist 

 between this office and his department. While the law was designed 

 primarily to prevent the spread of this scale insect, Aspidiotus perniciosus 

 Comstock, it was so drawm as to include ' dangerously injurious insects,' 

 and to the entomologist the commissioner gave the delicate task of deter- 

 mining what species came within the scope of the law. In addition, my 

 opinion has been asked in regard to cases in which appeal from the 

 decision of the inspector had been made to the commissioner of agricul- 

 ture, and many examples of scale insects were submitted to me for 

 determination. When it is stated, that in order to be positive in regard 

 to the identity of a scale insect, in many cases the creature must first be 

 treated with potassium hydrate and a microscopic preparation made,, 

 some idea of the time occupied by this work will be gained. 



Office publications. In addition to the bulletin on the elmdeaf 

 beetle, the early part of the year was largely occupied by the work inci- 

 dent to the publication and distribution of the late Dr Lintner's 12th 

 report, for the year 1896, and preparation of his 13th report, for the year 

 1897, now in press. The prominent place among economic entomolo- 

 gists occupied by Dr Lintner, and the most excellent character of all his 

 work, rendered it very desirable that his numerous publications should 

 be made accessible to all, so far as possible. Therefore, in addition to a 

 short notice of his life, a bibliography of his writings, giving ^a brief 

 abstract, title, place and date of publication, and a general index of his 

 13 reports, based on the extended one in that for 1894, have been pre- 

 pared as a supplement to this report, and will appear in a subsequent 

 bulletin. As much of this work had to be done in the early summer, at a 



