ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY UNDER THE ADAM.- ACT. 83 



problem for which he is specially trained, and not encroaching upon 

 the field of another where often the entomologist may flounder 

 around to the amusement of those to whom it naturally beloi 

 Most of n- are unable to fathom all the depths of all branches of 

 agricultural science. Should we then attempt research in these 

 phases of economic entomology except in a cooperative way \ 



(5) Coming to the study of the natural agencies in the control 

 of insect pests, we again come to fertile soil for research. (A) The 

 study of parasites is fast coming to the front. The mere recording 

 of certain parasites bred from certain insects is often of no practical 

 importance, but when we come to consider the general ethology of 

 parasites in relation to injurious insects and the possibility of their 

 importation either for the possible effect upon the normal host or 

 upon other hosts, we may be led to the very best type of research 

 concerning them. The work of attempting to propagate hymen- 

 opterou> parasites in sufficient numbers to be used commercially, now 

 being attempted at the Texas College, in cooperation. I believe, with 

 the Bureau of Entomology, is a most valuable experiment. The 

 work of Mr. W. Dwight Pierce, recently described by him at a meeting 

 of the Association of the Cotton Belt Entomologists, in studying the 

 interrelations of the parasites of the boll weevil with the native 

 hosts of those parasites and the food plants of their natural hosts, 

 i> a field of research well worthy the careful work it is receiving. 

 ( )r consider the influence of climatic conditions upon parasites. How 

 often have we observed an outbreak of an insect pest with a partial 

 parasitism and wondered whether to advise remedial measures or to 

 advise leaving its control to the good offices of the parasites ! Would 

 not a more accurate knowledge of climatic influences on para<ite< 

 greatly aid in our prognostications in such a case? (B) Similar 

 remarks might be in order in regard to the study of predaceous 

 insects. We have still much to learn concerning their economic 

 importance, and more particularly as to the best means of making 

 use of them. (C) So far we must confess t<> rather poor results 

 with fungi and bacteria used is artificial mean- of insect control, 

 but they are undoubtedly large factor- in, the control of Nature. 

 Here we must have the cooperation of the mycologist, but is there 

 not room for considerable more first-class research along this line? 

 Has the last word been -aid upon the control of insect pests by 

 diseases 1 (D) And. finally, what do we really know a- regards 

 the effect of climate upon the mortality of insects? Prof. Wilmon 

 Newell, with his experiment with 28,000 boll weevils last winter, will 

 undoubtedly be able to give lis much valuable data on this subject, 

 but I think he will admit that he has but made a start along the right 

 track. In this subject of the relation of climate Co insect mortality 

 and control we must need- make use of meteorology and probably 



