420 THE AMERICAN NA TURALIST. [VoL. XXXIII. 
are features of the work of extermination that cannot be too strongly 
condemned. While the work for extermination is approved by the 
official vote of the Association of Economic Entomologists, it is un- 
favorably viewed by many eminent entomologists, by most scientific 
men living in the infested district, and by a large and rapidly increas- 
ing number of residents under the eyes of whom the work of exter- 
mination is carried on. It is also opposed by one of the original 
members of the committee appointed in 1891, a man deeply interested 
in the agricultural welfare of the state and country. 
The most effective testimony against extermination and in favor of 
suppression is the practical experience of a resident of Medford, Mr. 
Walter C. Wright. Mr. Wright lives in the heart of the infested 
district, and has upon more than thirty acres of land, the larger part 
woodland, brought about “a thorough suppression, and the time and 
expense which have been devoted to the work are not worth naming.” 
Mr. Wright adds: “ I should blush to ask state aid for it.” 
In view of these facts, is it worth while to continue the present 
extravagant policy? We answer emphatically, No! 
The common-sense view—and it was Huxley who said that science 
is but common sense applied to common things — was pointed out 
several years ago, and has been frequently repeated. It may be 
summed up as follows: 
1. Abandon the policy of extermination, and turn all resources 
towards the suppression of dangerous outbreaks. 
2. Formulate a law for the suppression of all insect and fungus pests. 
Employ a corps of men to point out to landowners and to town and 
- city authorities the proper mode of ‘coping with dangerous pests. 
If the landowners or the authorities fail to observe the law, after 
proper notice, the work should be done by the state at the delinquent’s 
charge. To enforce this law the employment of from ten to twelve 
men, with an annual appropriation of $50,000, will suffice. The work 
should be under the charge of the State Board of Agriculture. 
The advocacy of one view for ourselves and one view for the 
public requires no comment. 
Zodlogical Instruction in German and American Universities. — 
There is one very marked difference between the German and the 
American universities in regard to what belongs to the field of 
zodlogical instruction. In Germany a student would rarely think of 
going to the professor of zodlogy for instruction in matters relating 
to the vertebrates. He would nearly always turn to the professor of 
