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experiments suggested, if there is only a chance of success ; but they complain that 

 frequently writings, which are professedly written expressly for them, are unintelligible, 

 that there is too much detail concerning the life history, or that even under remedies 

 there is frequently a long string given without comments, some of which are good and 

 some useless. Now this is to a certain extent true, and is due I think to two causes,, 

 either, as stated in Insect Life, that " Economic entomology has heretofore greatly suffered 

 by the writings and pretensions of those who have no sort of appreciation of its real value 

 and importance, but who, writing at second hand upon subjects of which they have no 

 personal knowledge whatever, are just as apt to disseminate error as truth," or perhaps 

 to the fact that some entomologists have tried to cover too much ground, and, while 

 professedly writing articles for the good of a class which it is assumed has no knowledge of 

 scientific terms, at the same time endeavour to maintain their scientific status and secure the 

 credit of priority in description or discovery. I would venture the opinion that it is impos- 

 sible to combine these two causes advantageously, and that the scientific details and neces- 

 sary descriptions and discussion of theories would find a more appropriate place in the 

 scientific periodicals, and transactions of societies devoted to the subject ; whilst the 

 results — the practical application of our work for the good of the country — should be 

 published where, and in the manner, they can do the most good. It will be seen in this- 

 way that I give the highest place of honour to economic entomology, and this I really 

 believe to be a proper arrangement. The systematic classification of orders and genera 

 and the arrangement of large collections so as to understand the proper relationships 

 which exist are matters of engrossing interest, but the intelligent application of this 

 knowledge for the benefit of mankind at large draws such vast consequences in its wake 

 that it demands the attention of entomologists. So great, however, is the field of 

 entomology that it cannot possibly be covered by any one individual, and the work of 

 specialists in every department is necessary. Owing to the institution of the various 

 experiment stations in the United States with their several entomologists, doubtless the 

 attention of many will now be turned to entomology who otherwise would not have 

 thought of it ; and also so many men entering enthusiastically upon the field at the same 

 time to do original work will certainly have the effect before long of producing eminent 

 and useful public officers. I therefore make a special appeal to you to consider now 

 wh< bher a union which would be the means of bringing together, at least once a year, all 

 those working specially in economic entomology, would not be a useful institution. Some 

 of the official entomologists have been well trained in economic entomology, whilst others 

 are young men fresh from college and with only a general knowledge of the subject. To 

 these latter, of course, by far the greatest advantage would accrue ; there is such an 

 infinity of small things and so many doubts which a word from one of greater experience 

 can settle, that the meeting, if only once a year, where questions of economic interest 

 alone would be discussed, would be, I believe, an inestimable boon to all of us. And, from 

 the favour with which this suggestion has been received by many of the fathers of 

 economic entomology, I believe that even they would reap sufficient benefit from the 

 experience of others to well repay them for any time they might devote to these meetings 

 for the encouragement of others or for the good of the cause. Without going into too 

 great detail, I shall' mention one or two of the advantages which it has occurred to me 

 will be secured in connection with such an organization. First of all, it will give 

 opportunities for a large body of earnest workers, in the same field and with the same 

 interests, to become acquainted with each other, and this I consider a point of great 

 importance. I regret to say that it cannot be denied that there is sometimes evidence of 

 unkind feeling towards fellow students in scientific writings. The social intercourse 

 which would be engendered by the union would do much to put an end to this. Many 

 small matters which might offend or hurt can be overlooked, or, as we say, " understood," 

 whin we know the man from whom they emanate, and I presume my experience of life 

 cannot have been very widely different from that of other people when I have found far 

 more to like than to dislike in everyone when you come to know them. Well, this union 

 will allow us to know each other. It will give us an opportunity for systematic work. 

 Problems frequently arise of paramount importance to the whole country ; by this means. 



