26 
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 
[Vol. 11 
and to make them clear to the farmer. If extension entomology is to 
become more than a sporadic affair, and is to assume the proportions of 
a worthy national movement, we must show that the advice given will 
benefit the farmer in a very practical way. We do not make a con¬ 
sistent showing if under the same climatic conditions one state recom¬ 
mends one thing for the control of, say the apple leaf aphis, while the 
next state, under practically the same climatic conditions, recommends 
another or if a third state equally interested overlooks the insect al¬ 
together in its official publications. 
I look upon the present movement in extension entomology as era 
making. Economic entomology as an abstruse science, out of vital 
touch with the needs of mankind, would have very little reason for 
continuing and the science will grow and develop in proportion as it 
meets human needs. Economic entomology in America has been prac¬ 
tical, indeed very practical, but the time has come whan we should 
make the taking of the products of research to the farmer a definite 
scientific enterprise. 
Closely related to extension entomology is the special control work 
being done by entomologists under appropriation made to meet spe¬ 
cific needs. The organization in the states most likely to be charged 
with conducting such work is the one best qualified to conduct it, 
but because of the style of organization and methods used there seems 
to be no reason why this may not be connected with the work of the 
extension entomologists or conducted with it coordinately through 
the head of the department. As rapidly as sufficiently definite in¬ 
formation and special appropriations can be secured such special 
control projects should be started. 
Some comments on research entomology are pertinent. I have 
said that we are in need of more definite practical information concern¬ 
ing the control of our common pests. To meet this need we shall in 
many cases have to go back and conduct many experiments and minor 
studies to clear up practical points. Men of wide experience should 
direct these studies. The more formal and fundamental studies of 
the research entomologist are if anything more urgently needed now 
than before and I would not in the least minimize projects under the 
Adams fund which generally require several years for their completion, 
yet we must recognize also that we need funds for less formal studies. 
The sporadic nature of insect outbreaks affects research work as well 
as extension and quite often problems which vitally affect the saving 
of crops, come up for solution suddenly and need immediate attention. 
We must, therefore, provide for flexibility in our plans. 
In the present great national emergency we must be willing to 
do anything necessary within our power to increase the supply of 
