LETTER OF SUBMITTAL. 
Alameda, Cal., July 7, 1889. 
Sir : I herewith submit uiy report upon the study of Lerya purchasi in 
Australia and New Zealand and the introduction of its parasites and 
enemies into California, undertaken under your direction and in ac- 
cordance with your letter of instructions. * 
Eespectfully yours, 
Albert Koebele, 
Special Agent. 
Prof. C. Y. Eiley, 
U. S. Entomologist. 
*The following is extracted from the letter of instructions : 
Washington, July 3, 1888. 
* * * As you are already aware you are sent to Australia for the purpose of mak- 
ing an investigation of the parasites and other natural enemies of Icerya purchasi 
with a view of introducing them into California. It will he necessary for you to go to 
Adelaide to see Mr. Frazer S. Crawford, who sent over the first Dipterous parasites 
and the Colostomas (or rather Honophlccbus crawfordi). This Dipterous parasi'e has 
been named hy Dr. Willsiton Lestophonus iceryce, and at Adelaide you will prohably 
he able to study this insect carefully. Make the most careful investigations where 
you can learn of the occurrence of Icerya, and find all of its natural enemies in Austra 
lia. Find out also the periods at which these parasites oviposit and ascertain the 
season at which success in importation will he most likely with each and all of them. 
Once on the ground you can see for yourself just what will be necessary to be done in 
order to bring about this result. You should also endeavor to place the Department 
in correspondence with as many observers as you can interest in the subject, and 
should by all means endeavor to get at least one man who will be able to devote some 
time to the matter and continue observations after you leave. It is barely possible 
that we may be able to re-imburse some such person for the time expended, but for 
this I will write you later, if indeed I do not see you personally in Australia in No- 
vember. You will, of course, inquire immediately upon arriving in Melbourne concern- 
ing the largest orange-growing districts in Australia, and also make inquiries as to the 
best places for observing Icerya, aside from Adelaide. If you will visit the Botanic 
Gardens in Melbourne you will be able to get some information there. Baron von 
Mueller, formerly director of the Botanic Gardens, is still a resident of that city and 
you will find him a very well-in formed person to consult. I inclose you letters of in- 
troduction both to Mr. Crawford and Baron von Mueller. * * * ■ 
On this trip your salary will be paid as usual by this Department, but your ex- 
penses by the Department of State through Mr. McCoppin. * * * 
7 
