436 
estimated  loss  from  the  ravages  of  this  pest  is  about  three- 
quarters  of  a million  dollars  annually,  made  on  a conservative 
basis.  An  expense  of  $5,000  dollars  per  annum  to  cover  the 
salary  and  traveling  expenses  of  an  expert  for  from  one  to  three 
years  would  doubtless  bring  relief.  The  saving  thus  effected 
would  be  more  than  the  mere  prevention  of  further  loss.  The 
ability  to  raise  cucumbers,  melons,  squash,  etc.,  would  be  an 
added  inducement  for  immigrants  to  remain  on  our  soil.  The 
success  or  failure  of  our  attempts  at  colonization  or  domiciling 
labor  may  depend  upon  whether  or  not  these  people  can  add  to 
their  income  by  growing  the  ‘fruits  and  vegetables  now  made 
impossible  by  this  pernicious  pest. 
The  avocado  mealy  bug  is  another  pest  that  cannot  be  sup- 
pressed too  soon.  It  is  not  only  a serious  annoyance  to  the 
horticulturist  by  damaging  and  marring  many  ornamental  plants, 
but  is  a formidable  hindrance  in  the  cultivation  of  avocado,  figs, 
guava,  etc.  It  is  supposed  that  Central  America  or  the  West 
Indies  is  its  native  home  where  also  an  effective  enemy  may  be 
found.  The  suggestion  has  been  made  to  ask  Mr.  Koebele,  after 
completing  his  horn  fly  work  in  Europe,  to  visit  those  regions  on 
his  way  home  and  investigate  the  chances  for  relief  from  that 
quarter.  If  such  an  arrangement  can  be  made  it  would  be  highly 
desirable.  The  community  is  clamoring  for  and  is  entitled  to 
relief  from  this  noxious  pest. 
The  Smyrna  fig  wasp  ( Blcistopliaga  grossorum)  seems  to  bfe 
firmly  established  at  Moanalua.  When  out  there  with  Mr.  Ehr- 
horn  on  the  27th  we  observed  not  only  an  increased  number  of 
capris  ( Mammone? ) adhering  to  the  trees  as  a result  of  effective 
entrance  by  the  wasp,  but  many  smyrnas  were  also  found  in- 
vaded by  the  insects,  producing  the  first  perfect  Smyrna  figs  on 
the  islands.  The  fig  industry  can  and  should  be  made  to  pay  in 
the  Territory.  Land  and  climate  are  favorable,  cultivation,  dry- 
ing, packing  and  shipping  comparatively  simple  and  easy.  No 
great  initial  outlay  is  needed,  and  three  or  four  years  should 
produce  the  first  paying  crop.  We  have  in  this  industry,  in  addi- 
tion the  cooperation  and  help  of  the  Federal  authorities,  who 
propagate  and  distribute  gratis  many  choice  varieties  of  capri 
and  Smyrna  plants.  Whatever  agency  is  necessarv  should  be 
set  in  motion  to  give  this  promising  industry  a healthy  stimulus 
toward  progress. 
On  the  2nd  we  were  honored  by  a brief  visit  from  the  Gov- 
ernor, Congressmen  Scott  and  Taylor,  and  two  other  gentlemen. 
The  hour  was  rather  late,  nearly  6 p.  m.,  but  the  opportunity  was 
taken  to  give  the  Territory’s  guests  a fair  insight  into  the  work 
and  accomplishments  of  the  Division  of  Entomology  since  its  in- 
ception. 
On  the  24th  Mr.  Edward  M.  Ehrhorn,  the  new  Superintend- 
ent of  Entomology,  arrived.  As  his  duties  do  not  begin  until 
