9 



pennsylvanica , called here the black bug. In some potato patches it was quite abundant, 

 and the leaves were partially devoured, but nowhere did I see them in sufficient numbers 

 to materially injure the crop. Since the larva of this insect does not feed on the plant, 

 and the insect consumes the potato vine only while in the perfect or beetle state, no 

 serious injury is likely to result from its presence. Its larval habits are such that if 

 abundant one year it is almost sure to be correspondingly scarce the following season. 



In the garden of Mr. J. C. Phipps, the Indian Agent of the Government at Manito- 

 waning, I was surprised to find that the oyster-shell bark louse, which injures apple trees, 

 was not only abundant on the apple trees, but the stems of both black and red currant 

 bushes were also thickly clad with them to such an extent as to have killed a number of 

 them. I had never before seen this destructive insect attack the currant, but it has been 

 occasionally observed on currant bushes in the United States. 



For several years past I have had occasion to refer to the depredations of the forest 

 tent caterpillar, Clisiocampa sylvatica, which has devastated our gardens, orchards and 

 forests ; it has now happily almost disappeared, a result brought about, I have no doubt, 

 mainly through the agency of parasitic flies, several species of which have been preying on 

 them extensively. In some sections of the Province the rose-bug, Macrodactylus subspino- 

 sus, has been abundant and injurious. In East Flamboro' I am informed that they were 

 very destructive to the sweet cherries, devouring the fruit, and that they also injured the 

 grape crop by eating the bunches shortly after blossoming. Some grape growers have also 

 suffered considerably from the attacks of the grape vine flea-beetle, which devours the 

 buds just as they are swelling in the spring. 



At the late meeting of the Entomological Club of the American Association for the 

 Advancement of Science, in Boston, our Society was represented by Mr. H. H. Lyman, 

 of Montreal, and the Rev. C. J. S. Bethune, whose able report of the important proceedings 

 of the Club will be read with interest. It is gratifying to learn that the good work done 

 by the Club has given it such a standing that the Association has seen fit to establish it 

 as a permanent Sub-section, and the more important papers read will in future be published 

 in the yearly volume of proceedings. 



During the year the New York State Legislature has appointed J. A. Lintner, of 

 Albany, N.Y., as State Entomologist. New York was the first State in the Union to look 

 after the interests of agriculture in this direction and appoint an officer for the special 

 purpose of reporting on noxious insects. The many reports of the late Dr. Fitch, exten- 

 ding over a lengthened period, are well known and much valued ; his successor, Mr. 

 Lintner, is a man peculiarly fitted for the position — a most patient and accurate observer, 

 a skilled Entomologist ; with an experience in this department of some thirty years, he 

 brings to the task all the necessary qualifications. Seldom has there been an appointment 

 so judiciously made, and I feel sure that great good will result from it. 



Since I last addressed you a special Commission has been appointed by the Ontario 

 Government to inquire into the agricultural resources of the country, and the progress and 

 condition of agriculture therein, and recognizing the important and intimate connection of 

 Entomology with agriculture, the Government has seen fit to appoint your presiding officer 

 as one of the Commissioners. In performing the duties devolving upon me in this position 

 I shall endeavour to give to Entomological matters, bearing on agriculture, that prominence 

 which their importance demands. 



Wii. Saunders. 



The election of officers was then proceeded with, which resulted as follows : 

 President. — Wm. Saunders, London. 



Vice-President. — Rev. C. J. S. Bethune, M.A., Port Hope. 

 Secretary-Treasurer. — E. B. Reed, London. 

 Librarian. — W. E. Saunders, London. 



Council. — J. A. Moffat, Hamilton; James Fletcher, Ottawa; R. V. Rogers, Kingston; 

 G. J. Bowles, Montreal; J. M. Denton, London; W. H. Harrington, Ottawa; and Wm. 

 Couper, Montreal. 



