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NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



to other causes, but a considerable proportion, aside from correspondence 

 with the observers themselves, I attribute to the activity of the voluntary 

 observers in advising others where to apply for information. One man 

 has been particularly active in this respect. It has been a source of 

 gratification to note that almost every outbreak of injurious insects in the 

 state has at some time or other been brought to my notice through the 

 voluntary observers, even though my first knowledge of it may have 

 come through other channels. I must add that in every instance the 

 reports of these agents have been conservative and trustworthy, so far as 

 I know. Toward the latter part of the summer the observers got hold 

 of the idea much better than earlier, and the later reports have main- 

 tained a higher average. It is yet early to state much as to the value of 

 the reports in settling questions^regarding influences affecting insects. 

 That can be determined only by observations extending through a series 

 of years. But from what is at hand, it seems very probable that our ex- 

 pectations in that respect will not be disappointed. 



For some reason or other, nothing was heard from three persons after 

 they had been appointed voluntary observers. They are F. Johnson, 

 Westfield, Chautauqua co., R. R. Livingston, Cheviot, Columbia co. y 

 and F. B. Lester, Westport, Essex co. Summaries of the reports received 

 from the other observers are given below. 



Summaries of reports 



The names inserted in brackets indicate determinations by the ento- 

 mologist. The others are presumably correct except where questioned. 

 The dates given after the records are those of the reception of the reports, 

 and are from one to three days later than the writing of the report. 



Albany county (E. T. Schoonmaker, \ Cedarhill) — Cicada [C. 

 t i b i c e n ] has appeared in limited numbers. Imported cabbage worms 

 [Pieris rapae] numerous and destructive. July 17. Katydids have 

 appeared this week, [cicadas are more numerous. Aug. 8. Second, 

 brood of Colorado potato beetles [Doryphora 10-lineata] have 

 appeared in limited numbers. Plant lice are doing considerable injury 

 to elm leaves. Aug. 21. Harvest fly [Cicada tibicen] is still 

 heard. Fall web worms [Hyphantria cuneaj are plenty and 

 doing some damage. Striped black walnut caterpillar [ ? D a t a n a 

 species] is causing some injury. Sep. 5. 



Broome county (J. Mace Smith, Binghamton) — Apple tree tent 

 caterpillar [Clisiocampa americana] is exceedingly abundant 



