145 
MORXIXfi SESSIOX. AYGTST15, 1*94. 
The first paper was by Mr. Hopkins, as follows: 
NOTES ON SOME DISCOVERIES AND OBSERVATIONS OF THE YEAR 
IN WEST VIRGINIA. 
By A. D. Hopkins, Morgantown, W. Ya. 
In this paper I shall endeavor to give a brief summary of some 
observations of the year in West Virginia, which may be of interest to 
economic entomologists. As the year is meant to include the time 
between the Madison meeting and the present, I will also add some 
observations made at Madison and at other points out of the State. 
A Buprestid borer affecting oak trees. — Quite a serious trouble, affect- 
ing different species of oak in and around Madison, was observed, 
which caused the death of isolated and groups of trees of different 
ages. Upon examination, I found the larva of Agrilus bilineatus quite 
common in the bark of most of those that were just commencing to die. 
I also observed what appeared to be this same trouble at different points 
through Ohio. Wisconsin, and Indiana : and upon my return to West 
Virginia I noticed a number of trees dying in the same manner; one of 
which I examined, September 10, and found the larva of the same 
Agrilus mining through the inner living bark and outer sapwood. 
From what I have observed up to the present date with reference to 
the habits of this insect, it is very evident to me that it is capable of 
attacking and killing healthy oak and chestnut trees, aud should the 
conditions at any time be especially favorable for its increase I antici- 
pate that serious trouble will result from its attack. 
On the habits of Corthylus punetatissimus. — While on the excursion 
to the Dells of the Wisconsin, on August 18, I observed numerous 
hazel, sassafras, and a species of dogwood that had been killed or were 
dying from the attack of Corthylus punetatissimus. All stages of the 
Scolytid were found in their galleries in the base of the infested plants. 
On September 6 the same species was observed near Evansville, Ind., 
where young sugar maple, water beeches, iron wood, and black gum 
were being killed by it. On September 24 dead examples of this 
insect were found in the base of living sassafras saplings over two 
inches in diameter near Morgantown, W. Va. Two annual growths 
had formed over the entrance to the galleries, thus proving that the 
species does not necessarily kill the plants in which they breed. 
A Buprestid borer affecting oak twigs. — September 4 to 6, different 
species of oak, were observed around Evansville, Ind., to be affected 
with a rather serious trouble, resembling twig blight. The unusual 
appearance of the affected trees was attracting considerable attention. 
I found that the trouble was caused by a minute Buprestid, evidently 
