40 
Department, Dr. Wiley, who soon reported that its chemical composi- 
tion interested him extremely and asked for a larger sample. Miss (or 
Mrs.) Watkins was applied to and promptly sent on about a pound, 
with the information that it made an admirable chewing gum, taking 
and retaining flavors better than any she had seen. The supply, she 
reported, was practically inexhaustible, and stated further that if it 
has any commercial value it will be a godsend to the Indians of her 
region. The chemical examination of this large sample has been una- 
voidably delayed, but it has been found that about one-half of the 
substance is soluble in chloroform. On cooling, it separates into beau- 
tiful yellow crystals. This part is evidently a true wax and is partly 
soluble in glacial acetic acid. The part which is soluble in glacial 
acetic acid separates when cool into pure white scales. The portion 
which is insoluble in chloroform is black and tough, and in general 
resembles rubber in its physical properties. Dr. Wiley expresses great 
interest in the product from a chemical standpoint, and the outcome 
may very possibly be one of practical value, since, as previously stated, 
the supply is well-nigh inexhaustible. The insect occurs mainly upon 
small oaks in the San Jacinto Mountains and also in the western foot- 
hills of the San Gabriel Mountains, California. 
Mr. Hubbard called attention to the fact that lac insects around 
Tucson were considered by the Indians of that vicinity to possess 
medicinal properties. 
The following paper was read by Mr. Mally: 
INSECTS OF THE YEAR IN OHIO. 
By F. M. WEBSTER and C. W. MALLY, Wooster, Ohio. 
The present year has not been characterized by any new or disastrous 
outbreak among insects in Ohio, though several of the older and better - 
known species have caused considerable uneasiness among horticul- 
turists and farmers. The periodical cicada (C0. septendecim), Brood xv, 
appeared over the larger portion of the eastern half of the State. The 
chinch bug (Blissus leucopterus) seemingly did not flourish during the 
early part of the hatching season, but later, in the southern part of the 
State, the young have developed in considerable numbers, being of 
course from the later deposition of eggs. 
The San José scale (Aspidiotus perniciosus) continues in the front rank 
of destructive insects demanding constant attention. More infested 
orchards have been reported during the late spring and summer than 
during the corresponding season of any other year. Usually, the pest 
is observed during the winter, while the foliage is off the trees, but 
this year there seems to be no cessation in the discovery of new cases 
of infestation. In connection with the kerosene experiments, carried on 
