262 Forty- fifth Report on the State Museum. 



of the Rocky Mountain locust of the Western States and Terri- 

 tories, and the best practicable method of preventing their recur- 

 rence or guarding against their invasions. The investigations of 

 the commission were subsequently extended to the cotton-worm 

 of the Southern States, and to some other insects whose wide- 

 spread ravages had given, them a national importance. The 

 labors of this commission were attended with valuable practical 

 results, and have given us a large addition to our literature in 

 four octavo volumes and seven bulletins. 



In 1880, the State of New York resumed entomological inves- 

 tigations, after an interval of ten years — they having been inter- 

 rupted in 1870 by the impaired health of Dr. Fitch. 



There is not the time in which to refer to other entomological 

 work done more or less directly under State authority in con- 

 nection with agricultural and horticultural societies and agricul- 

 tural colleges, a long recital of which might be made. It is fit- 

 ting, however, that I should not omit mention of the impetus 

 which has been given to entomological research in the recent 

 establishment, under the "Hatch Bill," of Agricultural Experi- 

 ment Stations in at least twenty-eight of our States. In twenty- 

 two of these so far as I know, an entomologist charged with the 

 study of insect depredations and methods for their control has 

 been appointed, and, it is believed, that the same indispensable 

 work will be entered upon in each of the stations, as soon as 

 competent persons can be found to meet the requirements of the 

 position. Most heartily do I welcome this large addition to our 

 hitherto small body of economic entomologists, and very bright 

 are my anticipations of a greatly accelerated future progress, and 

 of the benefit to result therefrom to the agricuH.mil interests of 

 our country. 



Importance of Entomological Study. 

 Years ago, when insects were collected with no higher motive 

 than the possession of a fine cabinet, or when their study went 

 no further than giving them name and classification, it was cus- 

 tomary to ridicule the pursuit as trivial petty, unworthy of the 

 dignity of a man. All insects, whether bees, butterflies, or beetles, 

 were "bugs," and those who collected them were " bug -hunters." 



