The astonishing total of 3,383 pages is shown by the works men- 
tioned. Probably no group of insects has so quickly sprung from 
comparative obscurity as has this family. The great importance of 
their control in the lessening and prevention of diseases and in add- 
ing to the comfort of our citizens warrants the belief that these 
insects must receive considerable attention at the hands of economic 
entomologists in the future. 
Along with the werk on the San Jose scale, the boll weevil, and 
mosquitoes, much other important and good work has been accom- 
plished. On a closer examination many of our old-time pests are 
still disclosing new facts. Native or introduced species, previously 
of but little importance, have, under favorable conditions, become so 
numerous and injurious that their prompt and thorough study has 
become necessary. The efficiency of insecticides and remedial prac- 
tices has been constantly improved. Recent experiments with arse- 
nate of lead for the codling moth give promise of a stil greater re- 
duction of the percentage of wormy fruit. The evolution of our 
knowledge concerning the life and manners of almost any insect 
species and the development of measures for its control would furnish 
an interesting chapter in the history of economic entomology in this 
country, and the gradual accumulation of facts and improvements in 
remedial measures may properly be compared to the evolution of a 
harvester or sewing machine. Looking back over the subject, points 
in life history which at the time of their discovery appeared trivial 
enough, are seen, in the hght of the completed record, to have been 
the key to the situation. The determination of all points connected 
with the life and habits of an injurious species is not only warranted 
for scientific reasons, but we are only able to judge of the importance 
of any point after all the facts concerning it have been completely 
rounded up. 
The growing efficiency of our battery for insect warfare and the 
increasing famiharity of growers of crops with its use must result 
in the important lessening of insect injuries. With numerous spe- 
cies, as the Colorado potato beetle, cankerworms, cabbage worms, 
and other species feeding on exposed portions of plants, the arsen- 
ites are practically specifics, and the question of preventing losses 
resolves itself largely into inducing the utilization of these remedies. 
The successful control of other species is frequently more complicated 
and requires the exercise of considerable judgment. Thus spraying 
for the codling moth must be done with reference to the stage of 
development of the young fruit. The sowing of fall wheat, to avoid 
injury from the Hessian fly, must be timed with nicety. Poisoning 
cotton for the cotton boll worm must be done with reference to the 
condition of adjacent corn. 
It has perhaps been a standing excuse with us, in accounting for the 
