REPORT OF STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 1 899 



537 



and other gatherings, but also for a complete collection of the injurious 

 and beneficial insects, which should be maintained as one of the perma- 

 nent exhibits of the museum. Such collections are educators of the 

 greatest value to the agriculturist, who in no better manner can become 

 familiar with the habits of the important insect pests he must fight. A 

 more detailed account of the exhibit at Syracuse will be found on subse- 

 quent pages. 



Voluntary observers. A corps of voluntary observers in entomol- 

 ogy was established for the purpose of bringing the entomologist into 

 closer relations with the public and also to facilitate the gathering of 

 information ; for the reception of weekly reports during the growing 

 season from all sections of the state could but result in bringing together 

 many important facts. The value of the service will be enhanced as the 

 work continues, for many of the previous records concerning some of our 

 more common injurious insects are remarkable either for their scarcity or 

 vagueness. There are now 43 observers, representing 39 counties. 

 Most of the reports submitted are valuable, while a few could hardly be 

 improved on. As the purpose of the service becomes better understood, 

 it is expected that more effective work will be accomplished. A sum- 

 mary of the work of this organization will be found on subsequent 

 pages. 



Entomological society of Albany. The organization of a local 

 entomologic society, though in no way officially connected with the 

 division, is worthy of mention, because it is an effort to quicken a home 

 interest in this important branch of natural history. The society was 

 organized May 19, now has an active membership of 23, and gives 

 promise of awaking considerable interest in insect life. In order to 

 encourage this movement, the facilities of the office are placed at the 

 disposal of the society and its members, provided there is no interference 

 with official duties. 



Acknowledgments. The thanks of the entomologist for aid ren- 

 dered are due to other workers along the same lines, particularly to those 

 connected with the United States department of agriculture, who have 

 most obligingly complied with every request. The hearty support and 

 encouragement given by the regents have done much to make the work 

 of the year successful, and it is with the greatest pleasure that I acknowl- 

 edge the same. 



Respectfully submitted 



Ephraim Porter Felt 



State entomologist 



