39. 



until quite late in the season. I did not see half-a-dozen Archippus the whole summer. 

 The milk weeds stood in unbroken leaf until late in the fall, when they were taken posses- 

 sion of by extensive broods of Euchates egle larvae. Even Skippers were scarce, and it 

 was quite a treat to see a Philodice. On the 23rd of J une I took for the first time here a 

 Terias lisa, and there was not another yellow butterfly to be seen in the field. If Philodice 

 had been plentiful I might not have noticed it. The Noctuids generally were scarce, and 

 there was a noticeable absence of cut worms in both field and garden. There were but 

 few species of Gafocala abroad, and these not plentiful, except Habilis, which was so 

 abundant as to be offensive. To our delight the highly attractive Relicta appeared in 

 goodly numbers, which it was never known to do here before, and three dozen of them 

 were secured. In fall moths a few good things were taken, but not in any quantity. In 

 beetles, Garahidce were scarce ; wood-borers were moderately plenty, but they were very 

 late and straggling in appearing. Taking the season all through, it was not one of much 

 success for collectors. 



A NEW STATE ENTOMOLOGIST FOR ILLINOIS. 



Prof. Cyrus Thomas, to whom we are indebted for six out of the eleven valuable 

 reports which have been issued by the State of Illinois on noxious and beneficial insects, 

 has removed to Washington, and Prof. S. A. Forbes, of Normal, Illinois, has been appointed 

 State Entomologist in his place. We heartily congratulate Prof. Forbes on his well-de- 

 served promotion, and also congratulate the authorities of the State in that they have 

 secured the services of one so competent, thorough and painstaking as Prof. Forbes has 

 shown himself to be in his published papers on natural science. 



CIRCULAR OF INQUIRY CONCERNING CANKER-WORMS. 



The U. S. Dept. of Agr. in November last issued the following circular : 



In preparing a bulletin upon the subject of canker-worms, to be issued from this 

 Department, I find that much of our present information is of little service, for the reason 

 that until the year 1873 two entirely distinct species of Canker-worms were confounded 

 in description, seasons, habits, and geographical distribution. In many of the publica- 

 tions, of late date even, the distinction is made either not at all or insufficiently. 



The most widespread and best known species is the Spring Canker-worm ( Paleacrita 

 vernata, Peck). The female rises from the ground chiefly in spring, and secretes her 

 ovoid and delicate eggs. The second species is Anisopteryx pometaria, Harris, and 

 the female rises chiefly in the fall, and lays her eggs in serried and exposed masses. 



Will you please give such information as you possess, especially upon the following 

 points in regard to the occurrence of Canker-worms in your own locality : 



1. Which species, if either, is now found in your own locality, or has ever been 

 found % 



2. When was it first observed there 1 



3. During what years has it been especially injurious % 



4. During what years has it been entirely unnoticed 1 



5. Has the appearance of the perfect or parent insect been confined to either season, 

 the fall or the spring, or has it covered both ? 



Wherever any doubt can or does arise in regard to the species observed, it is par- 

 ticularly requested that specimens may be sent to the Department. All expenses for 

 packing and postage will be reimbursed to the contributor, if a request to that effect is 

 made ; or boxes and stamps for the return of specimens will be sent to any who will 

 notify the Department of intention to contribute information and specimens. 



