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GENERALIZATIONS. 



As scientists constantly in the field, we surely ought to be able to 

 arrive at some valuable conclusions or to formulate laws that others 

 could not discover. Such generalizations may be of great practical 

 value. Last winter was exceptionally warm throughout our iSorthern 

 States. The succeeding spring and summer were remarkable for the 

 numbers of cutworms — larvae of species of Agrotis and Hadena — and 

 slugs, or larvae of sawflies. If there is the relation of cause and effect 

 between these two facts — mild winter and prosperity of such insects as 

 pupate in the earth — further observation will prove it. If this is true, 

 a knowledge of the fact would be very valuable, as a mild winter would 

 warn farmers and fruit-growers of these terrible foes, and protective 

 measures would be in readiness to check the evil at the onset. 



THE WORK MUST BE PRACTICAL. 



To many, purely scientific work will be more inviting than work look- 

 ing towards practical results. The entomologist will note the great field, 

 and his limited time, and may plan to work only in physiological, an- 

 atomical, or systematic entomology, arguing that such work in the end 

 will do more for science, reputation, and possibly for the arts, than ex- 

 periments in applied entomology. Is there not great danger here ? Did 

 not the act which established the stations contemplate that all our work 

 should look towards econo my or economic ends ? If any of us ignore the 

 practical, do we not run the risk of injuring our own influence and use- 

 fulness, and also of placing the whole grand scheme in peril ? Akin to 

 this danger, is the one of making our reports too technical. While it is 

 desirable to incorporate all the science that can be made palatable, we 

 should be very cautious not to go too far, lest we send out reports that 

 shall not be read or understood. Then our work goes for naught, and 

 we are subject to very severe and very just criticism. Dr. Harris and 

 the late B. D. Walsh made real science appetizing to all. Happy for 

 our stations if we are able to copy them in this respect. 



OUR BULLETINS. 



Just what our bulletins should contain is a matter of greatest impor- 

 tance, and worthy of exhaustive discussion at this meeting. There is 

 something inspiring in the thought that we can gain the attention of 

 thousands several times each year. How careful must we be that we 

 win and keep the public ear ; and that we do our readers good. These 

 bulletins will, for the most part, be read and laid aside. Should not 

 the main thought then be immediate good; must we confine ourselves 

 to presenting only new matters, or only to the results of our experi- 

 ments ? Will it not be better to study the needs and condition of our 

 readers, and then give them just what we believe will do them the most 

 ^ood, even if we send out information that is old, providing we know 



