9 
Jasside, and of Professor Slingerland with the codling moth. Many 
good examples have been set us in this work by Drs. Riley and 
Howard and their able staff of assistants. There is this difference, 
however, in the duties of the Government entomologist. He must 
see that all portions of the country have a share of his attention, for 
he is the servant of all, and the publications from his office indicate 
that he is doing well his duty in this regard. 
In this connection I will pause long enough to say that it is not 
necessary to take for study some new pest that has never been intro- 
duced to the world. Much of the very best work in the investigation 
of life histories has been with the old pests that we were supposed to 
know perfectly. Since the work of Messrs. Washburn, Card, and Slin- 
gerland upon the codling moth we almost feel that we now have a new 
insect to talk about to the fruit growers in our respective States. A 
thorough study of almost any of the long-known pests would doubt- 
less bring out valuable new discoveries in habits, and result in the 
employment of better means of prevention or remedy. 
But we are not simply to make and report new discoveries; we are 
to ‘‘ discuss” them when we meet on these occasions. These discus- 
sions are not alone for those who are to learn for the first time of the 
new discovery. If one knows that whatever he reports here will be 
closely criticised by those who are present, he will be more careful to 
make sure of his conclusions before communicating them to the pub- 
lic, and the standard of our work will be raised to a higher level. 
So let us bear in mind the words of Dr. Fletcher in his presi- 
dential address in 1891, wherein he urged that we discuss all our 
experiences freely and in an informal manner at these meetings. 
Here, again, we have followed in a commendable degree the letter of 
our constitution. But discussion may do good or harm, depending 
upon the manner in which it is given; and there have been occasions 
when criticisms were not wholly in the friendly spirit which ought 
always to characterize them. Let our discussions never have any 
unnecessary bitterness in them. An adverse criticism, at the best, is 
not a pleasant morsel. If it is needed, let it come, but let it always 
come as of necessity. Make a child feel that his chastisement is nec- 
essary, that he has brought it upon himself, and that the infliction of 
it is a duty and not a delight, and you will not incur his estrangement 
or hatred by giving it, and he will take a deep interest in seeing that 
there shall be no occasion for its repetition. The usefulness of our 
organization, as of any other, depends upon united efforts and a 
feeling of brotherhood among its members. 
Next, it is our duty, according to our constitution, ‘“‘to exchange 
experiences and carefully consider best methods of work.” Experi- 
ence meetings are not monopolized by religious associations. They 
are equally important to the success of all organized effort. No one 
