ENTOMOLOGY IN INDIA. 
17 
the requisite special knowledge. If proper attention was devoted to 
entomology in England, all specimens could be sent to the National 
Collection at the British Musuem and there compared ; at present this 
is not possible, and we are largely dependent on the kindness of 
workers in Europe and the United States. 
It can be seen that the accurate identification of an insect is no easy 
matter in every case ; in many cases it means months of waiting, and 
even years, as there are no workers for a large number of groups. As 
an accurate identification is necessary before publishing matter about 
any insect, this question is one of great importance ; a large number of 
insects have been accurately identified and can be seen in the Pusa 
Collections ; every assistance will be given in identifying insects, but the 
reader must realise what it means and be prepared to do the only thing 
he can to help, namely, to always send enough good specimens to allow 
of some being sent on to Europe, if the species is one that cannot be 
named from the Pusa Collection. This matter is discussed here because 
requests are constantly received for the name of an insect of which 
perhaps one mangled specimen is sent, and surprise is expressed because 
the identification is not immediately forthcoming. (See also Indian 
Insect Pests, page 57.) 
Entomology in India.— -This volume has been compiled primarily 
for the use of students of entomology in India and for those interested 
in the subject. A few words as to the present state of the subject in 
India will not be out of place. 
Entomology, as a subject, occupies the whole time of one section 
of the Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, and in this Institute alone 
there are three Entomologists with English University qualifications, 
and a staff of trained native workers. In connection with this Institute, 
there are a limited number of entomological assistants employed by 
the Agricultural Departments of each province for purely agricultural 
work and simple teaching. Whilst the ultimate object of work at 
Pusa is mainly agricultural and directed to useful practical ends, the 
work must rest on a scientific basis, and the collection, study, and classi¬ 
fication of all insects of the agricultural areas of India is a necessary part 
of the activities of the staff. It is open to any worker in India to visit 
Pusa or to write there for advice or assistance, which will be freely given. 
2 
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