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to our advantage to keep out. The matting of roots and soil is not 
safe. Such are, therefore, invariably condemned either to be 
burned or returned. In the majority of cases the former is 
chosen by consignees. We are determined to insist upon abso- 
lutely clean, pest-free turnips. 
ARGENTINE ANT. 
The so-called "Argentine Ant (Idiomyrmcx humilis, Mayr.) 
because of the country of its supposed origin, was recently re- 
ported discovered in and about Oakland, California. The dis- 
covery is important because during the four years of its pres- 
ense in Louisiana, the first state of the Union invaded by it, it 
has proven to be a most formidable household pest, tho it is 
apparently quite injurious also to horticulture. I gather this 
information from a paper in the first number of the Journal of 
Economic Entomology, a new periodical, by the Louisiana State 
Entomologist, who made careful observations on its habits. The 
discovery is important to us because the locality is so near the 
port from which we receive most of our supplies and are there- 
fore in danger of an early invasion by the pest. That the dis- 
covery is authentic we had recently confirmed by specimens and 
letter from Air. E. M. Ehrhorn, the California Entomological in- 
spector. The condition requisite for the insect to be established 
here is that- a complete colony, including a mated queen, be 
brought over. Such a colony would be located either in the ship 
or in the cargo. Were the ant to confine its life among plants 
we could be reasonably certain of keeping it out. But since it is 
more likely to locate in groceries and just as likely to be in lum- 
ber or hardware cargo, the question assumes a different aspect. 
It is up to the grocers to look out for the pest perhaps more than 
upon anyone else. 
STAFF. 
Mr. G. A. Jordan, the Inspector's assistant, tendered his resig- 
nation on the 15th. It was accepted by your President and Com- 
mittee on Entomology and Mr. D. B. Kuhns appointed in his 
place. 
VISITORS. 
Dr. Filippo Silvestri, an Italian entomologist of world-wide 
fame, paid us a two weeks' visit. He came over from the States 
specially to make a study at close range of the work of the Terri- 
tory in fighting its insect pests by means of their natural enemies. 
He left very enthusiastic over our work and much gratified with 
the visit. 
Very respectfully, 
Jacob Kotinsky, 
Superintendent. 
