536 



NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



been mainly to the biologic collection, as it was felt that special atten- 

 tion to this feature was necessary. Some of the newly acquired material 

 has been arranged to form the exhibit noticed below. As there was no 

 assistant last winter, it was impossible to begin the much needed arrang- 

 ing and classifying of the insects in the state collection, and the numerous 

 duties incident to the period of greatest insect activity prevented such 

 work in the summer. A case containing 68 trays, made after the same 

 plans as those used in the United States national museum, has been 

 provided, together with additional shelving, and with this increased 

 space at disposal, it is planned to get the collection in much better shape 

 the coming winter. 



Plans have been completed for adding to the state collection and at 

 the same time increasing the interest in insect life. Students in regents 

 high schools are allowed a nominal sum for insects sent to the state ento- 

 mologist in good condition, provided a certificate of actual attendance is 

 previously filed with him. As the plan was not made public till Septem- 

 ber i, it is too early to report results. 



The private collection of the late Dr J. A. Lintner is still in the office 

 and should be bought for the museum, as it is composed largely of native 

 forms from all parts of the state, besides containing many unique 

 specimens. 



Division library. The reference library of the division is sadly lack- 

 ing in many valuable works, though every effort has been made to sup- 

 ply deficiencies. Were it not that the entomologist has enjoyed the use 

 of the private library of his predecessor, the literature at his command 

 would have been very limited. Some provision should be made to sup- 

 ply this vital deficiency. As Dr Lintner's library was built up largely to 

 supplement the volumes possessed by the state, its purchase is most 

 urgently recommended. 



Exhibition of insects. In my previous report the exhibition of 

 small insect collections at fairs, grange meetings and other places where 

 farmers assemble was recommended. As a beginning, a collection repre- 

 senting one or more of the various stages of over 100 of the more im- 

 portant injurious and beneficial insects was prepared and placed on 

 exhibition at the state fair at Syracuse and also at the Oswego county 

 fair. A catalogue giving briefly the leading characteristics of the various 

 species and outlining the treatment of those injurious, was distributed. 

 The interest manifested indicates the desirability of making adequate pro- 

 vision not only for similar exhibitions at state and county fairs, institutes 



