260 STATE BOARD OF HORTICULTURE. 



rapidl}^ in many sections of the State. This Ladybird has 

 proved most effective in tlie coast and bay counties, where it 

 finds a congenial home. Tlie other species, the Cryptolxvivs 

 montrouzieri (see Plate XXVII), has proved an effective enemy 

 of the mealy bug. The investigation is still in progress, and 

 (ieorge Compere, " Special Agent" of the State Board of Horti- 

 culture, accompanied by Prof. Albert Koebele, is at present 

 traveling over the Old World in quest of the natural enemies 

 of insect pests, which mission will no doubt be crowned with 

 success. 



