30 REPORT UNITED STATES ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION. 
vent swarms of devouring locusts from sweeping down upon the crops 
of the farmers of the temporary regions, who themselves and whose 
State authorities also are helpless in this matter. 
While, therefore, Congress might feel that it would not be justified in 
offering bounties for locust eggs and young locusts collected in these 
States as a means of destroying these pests in the temporary region, it 
does not follow that it would be improper or even unadvisable to offer 
bounties for their collection in those sections of the Western Territories 
where the swarms that visit the temporary regions originate. 
As heretofore stated, we have not presented this remedy as among the 
most important ones, because of the immense expense it is supposed it 
would require if carried out effectually. The plan was proposed in Min- 
nesota in 187G, and the proper authority for carrying it into effect was 
granted by the legislature to the counties; but it was found that it 
would impose such onerous taxes upon the counties suffering most that 
it was abandoned. 
Still, it is possible that the government may, by this means and with 
a moderate expenditure, do much to modify this evil. If the corps of 
observers suggested be established in Montana and Northwestern Da- 
kota, notice could be obtained by this means of heavy egg deposits ; 
"with a law of Congress granting bounties for eggs and young, wherever 
the facts ascertained by this corps made it apparent that heavy inva- 
sions were likely to result notice could be given that the bounty would 
be paid for all collected in the areas designated. This plan, if it can be 
carried out, would undoubtedly prove very beneficial, and so far as it 
extended, certain. There are, however, two serious difficulties in the 
■way: one is to induce persons to go so far away from inhabited sections 
for this purpose; the price necessary to bring this about would probably 
make the expense so great as to prevent the government from undertak- 
ing it. 
The plan of burning, heretofore mentioned, might be combined with 
it, thus rendering it more effectual. 
The possibibties would appear to justify the government in making 
one or two experiments in order to see the result, as in this way only can 
the feasibility and effectiveness of the plan be ascertained. In any case 
it is advisable to place a corps of observers in the section named, which 
should be connected with and under the control of the Signal Service 
Bureau, as it is essential to study carefully the climatic conditions under 
which the locusts increase most rapidly. Moreover, the value of the 
predict ions in reference to their migrations will depend largely upon the 
forecast of the season and the knowledge of climatic influence on these 
insects. After a few years' observations, this corps would be able to 
inform Congress, through the Chief of the Signal Service Bureau, 
whether it would be advisable to attempt to burn over the infested 
areas or to offer bounties ; and, in case the latter plan should be adopted, 
could act as agents of the government in measuring and paying. 
