

INSECT LIFE ral 
each other and to the other members of the Animal Kingdom, especially to 
‘ man. The exhibits are arranged in a continuous series, and 
Insect Life oa yan 
are numbered so that we can easily follow the plan beginning 
at the pillar farthest to the left. 
First is an introductory section illustrating by diagrams the importance 
of insects as shown (a) by the large number of species com- 
Importance 
ar ae pared with other animals [there are more species of insects 
than of all other animals put together! and (b) by their great 
influence on human interests. In the United States, the economic loss by 
insects is more than five times as great as by fire and there are more than 
twelve times as many deaths from insect-borne diseases as from railroad 
accidents. On the other hand, many of our crops and all beautiful flowers 
are largely dependent upon pollination by insects. 
Next in order is given an outline of the development of insects as a race, 
Evolution as their geological history, anatomy, physiology and embryology. 
Illustrated Then begins a graphic discussion of the principles underlying 
by Insects = evolution as illustrated by insects. 
Turning to the table cases at the northeast corner of the room, we find 
photographs of prominent American entomologists; also short biographies 
and bibliographies which form an introduction to the more detailed study of 
insects. One case is devoted to collecting apparatus and one to the classifi- 
cation of insects and their allies with typical specimens to illustrate each 
Insect Habits 2¢CUP: Another case treats of insect architecture. Others 
show how insects pass the winter, how they lay their eggs, 
catch their prey, etc. Collections of insects from particular environments 
and at special seasons hint at the interesting studies to be made along these 
lines. 
Then come a series of exhibits concerned with the enemies of insects 
ending with man and showing how insect pests are combated. 
Another side of the question is then taken up; the carrying 
of disease: by insects. Household insects, aquatic insects and 
insects which live underground in plants and on their leaves (including 
some fine models of plant galls produced by insects) are also shown. Bene- 
ficial insects such as the silk worm and honey bee are treated in some detail, 
and in connection with the latter are taken up social insects in general. 
Visitors desirous of studying specimens of local insects more in detail are 
cordially invited to do so by consulting the nearly complete 
collection to be found in this hall under the custody of the 
New York Entomological Society. 
Insects 
and Man 
Local 
Collection 
[Return to the elevators and ascend to the Fourth Floor.| 
