hiss B24
Book .. eee pay

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

eee OOSSSSMNSTww==m—sawvwams—

REPORT

OF THE

Entomological Department

OF THE

Rhode Island State
Board of Agriculture

1913

: PROVIDENCE:
BE. L. FREEMAN CO., STATE PRINTERS
1914

REPORT

OF. THE

ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT

OF THE

RHODE ISLAND
STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE

19 t3

R+A3 |

RHODE ISLAND STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

Joun J. Dunn, Secretary.

~ ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT.

SNS Ae, EEN Bo 252055 nly 4 ee eee eel A ee Entomologist. :
CPW WOVELAND®...< sinc Fae eee Assistant Entomologist. —
ARTERY C. SVIEEIBIR: 1. 0.2 Serum eee eee Inspector of Apiaries. —

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
RECEIVED

AY 9, 1928

DOCUMENTS DIVISION

HONORABLE JOHN J. DUNN,
Secretary R. I. State Board of Agriculture.

Sir:—I beg to submit herewith to the State Board of Agriculture
the report of the entomological work of which the Board has placed
me in charge. In doing so I wish to gratefully acknowledge the
cordial and continued support of this work by yourself and members
of the Board. I also feel that an especial acknowledgment is due
to Mr. I. L. Sherman of the Board for the time and thought which he
has generously devoted to the control work against the San José
scale, elm beetle and the gypsy and the brown-tail moths in Newport
County.

The Board is also greatly indebted to Dr. L. O. Howard, chief of
the Bureau of Entomology of the Federal Department of Agriculture,
and his assistants for their codperation in the control of the gypsy
moth. The results achieved in suppressing this insect in Rhode
Island would not have been possible without Federal assistance.

Respectfully submitted,
A. E. STENE,

Entomologist.

REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPART-
MENT OF THE: R. 1. STATE BOARD
OF AGRICULTURE.

A. E. STENE, C. W. LOVELAND, ARTHUR C. MILLER.

The year 1913 has been one of considerable activity and develop-
ment in the Entomological Department of the State Board. The
Legislature at the January session of this year enacted a nursery
and orchard inspection law, the need of which has been called atten-
tion to in the reports of this department since 1906. This new law
contains a revision of the nursery inspection law, under which we
have been working for a number of years, whereby fumigation is no
longer accepted in lieu of an inspection certificate and agents who have
no plantation of nursery stock, which can be inspected, can be brought
under surveillance with regard to where they obtain the stock which
they sell. Further discussion of the new law and its operation will
be found on page 13.

In gypsy and brown-tail moth work the greatly enlarged infested
area and the increase in numbers of both insects have necessitated a
great many changes in methods of carrying on the campaign. The
development during the past year convinced us that still further
alterations in our plans must be made for another year. Further
discussion of this line of work will be found on page 22.

Mr. Charles Sweeney, foreman of the gypsy and brown-tail moth
work during the later part of 1912 and the first few months of 1913,
who was hired coéperatively by the State and the Federal Bureau
of Entomology, resigned his position with the state April 26, and was
transferred to Government work in the state of Maine. Mr. Carl
Faunce, of Beverly, Mass., was then engaged as foreman for the state,
and began work May 12. During the summer it became evident
that the nursery and orchard inspection work, provided by the new

Z

REPORT OF ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 5

law, would require additional help, and this necessitated that we
should dispense with the services of Mr. Faunce in order that someone
with considerable entomological training might be engaged to devote
part of his time to the new work. Accordingly Mr. Faunce severed
his connection with the Board at the close of the burlap season, August
9, and with the beginning of the winter campaign in September,
Mr. Horovitz, of Providence, who has been connected with the State
and Government work for a number of years, and for the past year
has served as assistant foreman, was appointed to take entire charge
of the men in the field.

Mr. Clifton W. Loveland, for many years a teacher of science
in the East Providence High School, and who has been employed by
the Board from time to time in inspection work and in various
entomological projects, was engaged as assistant entomologist
and he took up his services with the Department September 10th.

~The Department has been fortunate in securing the services of
Mr. Loveland, since he is not only greatly interested in the study of
insects, but is also an enthusiastic worker in the campaign for the
protection of our native birds. It is recognized, of course, that birds
constitute a tremendously important factor in the control of various
insect pests, and it is, therefore, expected that Mr. Loveland can
render excellent service to the Department not only in the entomo-
logical lines, strictly speaking, but also in endeavoring to foster an
interest in our insectivorous birds in order that these may be further
protected and give us greater assistance in the control of noxious pests.

GENERAL ENTOMOLOGICAL WORK.

A number of projects which have been under consideration in
past years have continued to receive such attention as time would
permit, although the additions to our work, necessitated by the
Nursery and Orchard inspection, examination of imported nursery
stock and the largely increased problem of the gypsy and the brown-
tail moths have not permitted us to do as much along these lines as
we had hoped to do with the addition to our working force.

6 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

The collection of injurious insects in the office has been kept in
mind. Some additions have been made and plans for a more satis-
factory arrangement of the specimens have been developed and a
little work has been done on them at odd times. An outline blank
to be printed and when filled out to be inserted in a loose-leaf note-
book is in the course of preparation. This will enable us to keep a
more satisfactory record of the insects of the state with which we
may come in contact and which we may have occasion to study. By
the use of this blank we may hope, as time goes on, to make a fairly
complete and valuable collection of information, at least, in regard
to the more important insect pests of the state.

INSECT NOTES.

Among the insects which have aroused considerable attention on
account of their presence in large numbers during the past year, the
tent caterpillar has probably held the lead. This pest was unusually
abundant last spring and the conspicuous ““tents’’ were in evidence on
wild cherries and seedling apples along all the roadsides of the State
and also in neglected orchards. Trees were, in most cases, completely
defoliated and the bare branches and twigs coupled with the presence

”

of large numbers of unsightly “tents,’? spun by the caterpillars,
presented a disfiguring appearance to the roadside scenery every-
where. This insect was quite abundant two years ago, and if we may
judge from the usual history of our native insects, and from, the fact
that the egg clusters now found on the trees are frequently more or
less injured, probably by birds, and attacked by parasitic insects, we
may look for a gradual subsidence of the pest beginning the present
year or at least with the summer of 1915.

A good many people have confused the tent caterpillar with the
gypsy and brown-tail moths and frequent allusions were made to
the abundance of these two pests, the statements being based on
peoples’ observations of the large number of tent caterpillars. It
may be said, however, that although the insects destroy the tidy
appearance of our roadsides and defoliate many neglected apple

REPORT OF ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT.

trees, nevertheless they cannot be considered a serious menace to the
plants in which we are really interested. For instance when we con-
sider the fact that the wild cherries on the roadsides are a menace
on account of their harboring other insects pests and plant diseases
and are of little value for shade or ornament, we should hardly feel
greatly concerned over their defoliation or possible destruction. The
attack of the insect on neglected apple trees is also of little consequence
since such trees are of small value to the owners. On the other
hand the gypsy moth is destructive to all kinds of fruit and forest
trees, and it is difficult to control; and the brown-tail moth, in addition
to its possibilities for rapid increase and its quite large range of food
plants, is a very serious menace on account of the poisonous effects
of the hairs shed by the caterpillar. The situation illustrates the
rather common tendency of people generally to become exercised
over the immediately visible depredations of some insect which may be
less important than some other insects, the work of which is far more
destructive, but which has not come within their personal observa-
tion. A bulletin is now in preparation describing the tent caterpillar
and the fall webworm, another of our more common insect pests,
and it is hoped that this may be published this spring in time to
be of value for the coming season to people interested in shade trees.

Some study has been given to the Box Leaf Miner mentioned
in the reports of this Department three years ago and which seems
to be somewhat on the increase in Newport where it was first located.
The insect is an imported pest, and aside from the Rhode Island
infestation, according to a letter from Mr. ES. Sasscer, of the Depart-
ment of Agriculture, it has been reported to occur only in the following
States: Maryland, New York and Connecticut. This insect was
first brought to the attention of this office in May, 1910, by Mr. Bruce
Butterton, of Newport. It was recognized as something new among
the enemies of box and was forwarded to Dr. E. P. Felt, of New York,
for identification. He reported that it was the “Box leaf miner,
Monorthropalpus Buxi’’ and it probably has been introduced from
Europe. Lack of time prevented further observation of the insect

8 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

at that time, but last summer Mr. Butterton again wrote in saying
that the insect was on the increase and threatened to destroy
thousands of dollars worth of box plants on the estate of which he
has charge. Mr. Butterton also sent a small infested plant and from
this a partial life history has been observed. The imago form of the
insect appears about the third week in May and the insects begin
at once to lay eggs by inserting them through the epidermis of
the leaf. So far observations seem to indicate that the eggs are
always deposited through the upper epidermis. The eggs hatch
within a short time and the larva lives entirely within the leaf
and passes the winter in a dormant state. Further and more
extended observations in regard to its life history are planned for
this spring and summer.

The writer recommended to Mr. Butterton that he spray the
plants at frequent intervals, about the time that the insects emerge,
with a contact insecticide or else fumigate the plants about the same
time. Mr Butterton followed out the suggestions for spraying and
afterwards reported that he had had excellent results. It is proposed
to follow up the matter of spraying a little more fully next summer
with the view of ascertaining the exact time when spraying is most
effective and the kind of spray material to use.

Another insect which has occurred in the state for the first time,
so far as we know, the past year, is the “Apple seed chalcis,” Synto-
maspis druparum, Boheman. ‘This was found in crab apples sent to
this office from Elliot V. House, Apponaug. This insect has appeared
in some other parts of the country and has been described by Prof.
Cyrus R. Crosby of the Cornell University Experiment Station.
Further observation on its distribution in Rhode Island will be made
during the coming year.

Among the other insects and also plant diseases which have been
sent into the office and identified by the writer or by some one else
at his request are the following: (A large number of specimens of
some of them were sent in from different parts of the State; of others
only single specimens were submitted).

REPORT OF ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 9

LIST OF PLANT DISEASES IDENTIFIED IN 1913.

Apple Rust, (Gymnosporangium macropus).

Apple Scab, (Venturia inaequalis).

Sooty Blotch, (Phyllachora pomigena).

Bitter Rot, (Glomerella rufomaculans).

Black Knot of Plums, (Plowrightia morbosa).

Nectria Canker, (Nectria ditissima).

Peach Leaf Curl, (Hxoascus deformans).

Peach Scab, (Cladosporium carpophilum).

Brown Rot Fungus on peach twigs, (Sclerotina fructigena), (Identi-
fied by M. B. Waite, Bur. Plant Industry).

Pear Leaf Blight, (Fabraea maculata).

Pear Scab, (Venturia pyrina).

Potato Scab, (Oospora scabies).

Ash leaf Rust, (Puccinia fraxint).

Quince Rust, (Gymnosporangium clavipes).

Shot Hole Disease on Plum, (Cylindrosporium Padt).

LIST OF INSECTS IDENTIFIED IN 1913.

Apple Seed Chalcis, (Syntomaspis druparum).

Asparagus Beetle, (Crioceris asparagt).

Box leaf Miner, (Monorthropalpus buat).

Brown-tail Moth, (caterpillar), (Hwproctis chrysorrhoea).

Bud Moth, (larvee), (T’metocera ocellana).

Apple Tree Tent Caterpillar, (Malacosoma americana).

Red-Humped Caterpillar, (Schizuwra concinna).

Spiny Elm Caterpillar, (Huvanessa antiopa).

Case bearers, ( ys

Chauliodes pecticornis.

Chermes pinicorticis, (Identified by Dr. L. O. Howard).

Euonymus Scale, (Chionaspis euonym).

Clover Leaf Weevil, (Phytonomus punctatus), (Identified by Dr.
Webster, Bureau of Entomology).

Goldsmith Beetle, (Cotalpa lanigera).

10 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

Cottony Cushion Scale, ([cerya purchasi).

Cottony Maple Scale, (Pulvinaria innumerabilis).

Elm leaf Beetle, (Galerucella luteola).

Kight-spotted Forester, (Alypia octomaculata).

Margined Blister Beetle, (H'picauta marginata).

Fall Canker Worm, (Alsophila pometaria).

Ichneumon Flies, (Thalessa lunator).

Lappet Moth Caterpillar, (Tolype velleda), (Identified by Prof.
Barlow).

Lecanium Scale on Clematis, (Specimen sent to Prof. Sanders, Wis.,
‘for further identification).

Lecanium Corni, (identified by Dr. L. O. Howard).

Luna Moth, (Tropea luna).

Mud-dauber wasp, (nest).

N. Y. Plum Tree Scale, (Hulecaniwm juglandis).

Oyster Shell Scale, (Lepidosaphes ulmi).

Peach borer, (Sanninoidea exitiosa).

Plum Curculio, (Conotrachelus nenwphar).

Polyphemus Moth, (T'elea Polyphemus).

Promethea Moth, (Callosamia promethea).

White Marked Tussock Moth, (Notolophus leucostigma).

Rose Bugs, (Macrodactylus subspinosus).

Cecropia Moth, (Samia cecropia).

Shot Hole Borer, (Scolytus rugulosus).

Squash vine Borer, (Melittia satyriniformis Hbn).

Stink Bug, (Podisus spinosus).

Horse Fly, (Tabanus atratus).

Unicorn prominent, (Coelodasys unicornis).

Fall Web Worm, (Hyphantria cunea).

Eriophyes quadripes, (on maple).

SUGGESTIONS FoR 1914.

In addition to the plans already mentioned or to be taken up in
connection with nursery inspection and brown-tail and gypsy moth

REPORT OF ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 11

work, it is hoped that time will permit some work designed to aid
growers in learning to. combat the following insects: beet leaf miner,
onion thrips, squash bug and squash borer, cabbage maggot and
cabbage aphis, white pine weevil, codling moth and apple maggot.

Mr. Loveland has given some time to gathering information on
cutworms, also in regard to a leaf-tier, Phlyctinia rubigalis, a green-
house insect that has given florists considerable concern, with a
view to compiling leaflets giving a résumé of important facts relating
to the life histories and known methods of control.

A few plant diseases also should be considered. Among them are:
apple scab and canker, peach rot and peach scab and plum and cherry
black knot.

As part of the plans for further work on the gypsy and brown-tail
moths and along general entomological lines, a small room in the
storehouse occupied by the State Board of Agriculture has been
fitted up with a dark room and a few simple appliances which will
enable the Department to accomplish certain lines of work hitherto

impossible on account of lack of facilities.
ELM BEETLE AND SAN JOSE SCALE WORK.

The Board of Agriculture failed to secure appropriations in 19138
for continuing work against these two insects. Some residual funds
from last year, however, were employed in supplying arsenate of
lead for elm beetle spraying and in encouraging spraying or in conduct-
ing demonstrations in methods of dealing with the San José scale.

In the elm beetle work the usual method of codperating with the
cities and towns was followed. This year, however, no aid was
given other than supplying arsenate of lead except that where it
was desired, as for instance in Newport County, the spray apparatus
of the Board was loaned to the towns free of charge.

8,250 pounds of arsenate of lead were purchased by the Board and
furnished to the cities and towns as follows: Providence, 5,500
pounds; South Kingstown, 500 pounds; Woonsocket, 700 pounds;
North Smithfield, 650 pounds; and the city of Newport and towns

12 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

of Newport County, 900 pounds. Altogether, approximately 15,700
trees were sprayed, and while the beetle was not so numerous as in
preceding years, especially where annual spraying has been followed
for two or three years, nevertheless the good results of the spraying
work were readily discernible.

In the San José scale work, Mr. James H. Richardson, a practical
orchardist who has had a great deal of experience in spraying, was
engaged during January, February and March in visiting orchards
in Providence and Kent Counties and in arranging for spraying demon-
strations wherever there seemed to be need of such work. Mr. Rich-
ardson was able to devote only part of each week to the work, but
examined forty-two orchards, talked with the owners about methods
of spraying and incidentally gathered considerable information of
value about the orchard conditions of the sections through which
he traveled. He found that the demonstrations carried on by the
Board a few years ago as well as the general dissemination of informa-
tion in regard to the scale through bulletins and agricultural papers
had resulted in a thorough appreciation of the methods and value
of spraying, and that demonstrations were not generally necessary.
Two of the spraying outfits belonging to the Board were put into the
field, however, and were kept busy when the weather permitted the
work to be done.

Present indications are that the San José scale is no longer the
most difficult problem with which the orchardist has to contend.
Modern methods of spraying when intelligently applied, are thor-
oughly effective in controlling this pest, and besides when lime and
sulfur is used, the spray is of great value in helping to control
plant diseases. It can be said that orchardists have learned more
about spraying in the past ten years than during all the rest of the
time that this work has been carried on and the San José scale has
been the schoolmaster. Furthermore, parasitic enemies or other
unfavorable conditions seem to be affecting the welfare of the scale
so that it is no longer multiplying so rapidly as it did when it first
arrived. A little lady bug, Pentilia misella, has been noticed in

REPORT OF ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 13

considerable numbers in many places in the state and no doubt is
doing its share in checking the spread of the insect. In view of
present indications, therefore, we may hope that the scale has been
placed in the same class as the potato bug and several other insects
which at one time were expected to render impossible the production
of the crops which they attack. In the future the orchardists can
feel reasonably assured that if he conducts his orchard according to
modern practices as to spraying and cultivation, the San José scale
will not be a serious problem. In fact at the present time two older
insects in the point of attack on our apple orchards are doing more
damage and many orchardists have not yet learned the application
of the best methods of control. These are the apple maggot and the
codling moth. Both of these insects can be readily controlled and
it would be worth while if funds were available for the Board to
conduct some demonstrations in the methods of dealing with them.

NURSERY AND ORCHARD INSPECTION.

Since 1906 the writer has been calling attention in his reports
to the Board to certain discrepancies in the Inspection Law as first
enacted. At the January session of the Legislature for 1913 a new
law, enabling us to bring our inspection work more nearly up-to-date,
was enacted. This is known as the Nursery and Orchard Inspection
Law and provides for the annual inspection of nurseries, the control of
agents selling nursery stock, but not having a place where nursery
stock is grown, and for inspection of various horticultural plantations
whenever it is deemed necessary. Time and the amount of money
appropriated for the administration of this law have not permitted
carrying out all its provisions except as they are related to nursery
inspection. Moreover, the enforcement of provisions in regard to
orchard inspection must be preceded, in the same way as was the
nursery inspection, with a campaign of education before it can be
rigidly enforced. It presents, however, a possible means of coping
with any injurious insects, especially such as may be imported on
nursery stock from abroad, and it is probable that it may help us

14 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

to solve the brown-tail moth situation, for the control of which the
funds, now provided by the State, are entirely insufficient.

It was especially fortunate for the Department that the services
of Mr. Loveland were secured last fall. Through his work it was
made possible to give more time and care to the inspection of nurseries.
As a result not only the regular nurseries which had been on our list
for a number of years were inspected, but a number of small establish-
ments, largely carried on by florists, were also looked up and their
stock examined. Fifteen nurseries,—mostly nurseries that have been
inspected from year to year,—were found to be in good condition and
were granted certificates at once. Nine others, after cleaning up
according to the inspector’s directions, were also certified. There
are still six places which have not complied with the regulations of the
Board and which will be closely watched the coming spring.

In connection with the examination of nurseries special attention
has been given to see that they are free from gypsy and brown-tail
moth infestations. In two cases Mr. Loveland has found gypsy
moth egg clusters and our gypsy moth force has at once been directed
to give special attention to the nurseries in question and to the
surrounding grounds. In like manner brown-tail moth winter nests
have been removed from all nurseries and surrounding grounds. In
this connection it is interesting to note that Mr. Loveland, in one of
his inspections, found that a nurseryman had removed the winter
nests, but had left them lying on the ground, thinking that in so doing
there would be no chance of the insects getting to the trees. The
owner of the nursery was quickly disabused of this idea and ordered
to rectify the mistake. A colony of the gypsy moth was found in
one of the Newport nurseries under circumstances which seem to
indicate that the insect had been brought to this country on the
stock (Koster’s Blue Spruce) on which the egg clusters were found,
although the present knowledge of the dispersal of these insects as
small caterpillars may perhaps account for the appearance of this
colony at a considerable distance from any other known infestation.
However, along with frequent reports which we are getting of the

REPORT OF ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 15

finding of both gypsy and brown-tail moths, and of other insects,
on imported stock, it emphasizes the fact that we must give more
attention to the inspection of such stock in the future.

In connection with the surveillance of agents the Board adopted
a number of regulations and. the writer prepared an application blank
which it is now required shall be filled out by agents before they can
secure a license to sell stock. So far only nine agents have been found,
but it is expected that later on some more may be rounded up.

A considerable part of Mr. Loveland’s time has been given to
the inspection of nursery stock imported from abroad. In spite
of the facts that such stock should be accepted by transportation
companies only when accompanied by an inspection certificate from
the country in which the shipment originates, it is evident, as already
noted, that inspection is sometimes lax or else stock is brought to
this country without having been actually examined by competent
inspectors. It is essential, therefore, that we should keep close
surveillance of such stock at the time of its arrival and also in a general
way, along with the horticultural plantations of native origin, in the
localities where they are planted. Such work takes a great deal
of time but it is exceedingly important since there are still a great
many plant enemies in foreign countries, both insects and plant
diseases, as yet unknown here but which, if imported and established
in Rhode Island, may become serious pests and entail great financial
loss to our growers. And furthermore, as has been pointed out in
a previous report, the establishment of serious foreign plant pests
in this state may lay the state liable to a Federal quarantine of the
affected plant or plant products which will work considerable hardship
and loss to the growers.

In connection with the inspection work we were fortunate in securing
through Dr. Spaulding of the Bureau of Plant Industry, in the early
part of last summer, a thorough inspection of our nurseries and pine
plantations to discover, if possible, whether there were any more
cases of the white pine disease present in the State. We are happy
to report that he could find no definite evidence of the presence

16 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

of the disease, and it is hoped that the inspection of the year before by
an agent of this Department and the destruction of the trees found
infested, may have stamped it out within this state.

As part of the campaign to keep track of injurious insects and plant
diseases, the following circular letter has been printed, calling atten-
tion to some of the dangers from the plant diseases here enumerated
and asking that those especially, who import nursery stock from
foreign countries shall keep closely in touch with the Department
so that if any new or unusual plant diseases are discovered, we may.
be promptly notified and may investigate the report before the pest
has had a chance to become too firmly established.

PROVIDENCE, March 1, 1914.

To Nurserymen and others interested in‘the control of injurious insects and plant
diseases.

Dear Srr:—Experience and study during the last quarter century or so has
developed two very useful and practical lines of scientific work known as Economic
Entomology and Plant Pathology. From these sciences we have learned to realize
more fully what an immense amount of damage to cultivated crops is caused by
injurious insects and plant diseases. Conservative estimate place the injury and
financial loss to crops and plant products from insects alone at nearly a billion
dollars per year, and plant diseases do not fall far behind in the amount of injury
to plants of economic value. The enormous sums mentioned do not take into
account the injury caused to domestic animals and to man through parasitic
insects and through insects which act as carriers of disease.

Fortunately the close study of injurious insects and plant diseases by the State
experiment stations and the Federal Department of Agriculture has revealed
many valuable facts about the habits and characteristics of the different pests
and from this knowledge, methods have been developed through which many
of the species have been brought under practical control, thus saving agriculture
and allied industries of the country millions of dol!ars annually, not to mention
the incalculable benefit which has accrued, especially in tropical countries, from
a knowledge of how to control disease-carrying insects.

We still have a large number of injurious insects and plant diseases for which
no practical methods of control have as yet been developed and which must,
therefore, be given further study before we can hope to deal with them in a
satisfactory manner.

REPORT OF ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 7

An interesting fact which has been brought out both by scientific study and
practical experience is that insects brought to us in one way or another from
foreign countries often prove more destructive than native insects. We need
only mention the gypsy and brown-tail moths, the San José scale and the elm
leaf beetle to convince anyone who has kept in touch with current events in horti-
culture and forestry during the last fifteen or twenty years that imported insects
can cause millions of dollars of loss to trees and other plants in which we are
interested.

Quite a large number of imported plant pests have become established in the
United States, but there are still a large number of species of insects and plant
diseases in foreign countries, second in destructivenesss to none of those which
have been imported, which may be brought into this country at any time and
established as serious pests to our plants and plant products.

It is of the utmost importance that the introduction of these pests be prevented
and to this end a Federal quarantine law has been enacted giving the United
States Department of Agriculture power to prescribe rules and regulations in
regard to the importations of foreign nursery stock and to establish quarantines
forbidding importations of plants and plant products liable to bring injurious
insects or plant diseases into this country. This law also compels each state to
assist in guarding against such introductions on penalty of being quarantined
should any seriously injurious insect or plant disease become established within
its borders. It is under this law that certain sections of this and other New
England states are now quarantined on account of the presence of the gypsy
and brown-tail moths.

From the above statements it can be readily seen that it is to the interest of
each state to make every effort to guard against the importations of plant pests,
and for this reason the Entomological Department of the Rhode Island State
Board of Agriculture is in thorough codperation with the Federal Horticultural
Board which has the enforcement of this law in charge. So far as funds permit,
the Department is also increasing its working force and facilities in order that it
may be of the fullest service to the people of the state in controlling plant pests
and we would earnestly urge every one to communicate with this Department in
regard to any plant pest problem and especially in regard to any new pest
which may be discovered.

In spite of the most rigid inspections, both abroad and in this country, insects
and plant diseasesmay be introduced and it is vitally important that the State
Board should be informed of their presence before they have spread to such an
extent that extermination becomes impossible.

Nurserymen especially should bear this in mind since the establishment of
quarantines in consequence of the presence of new pests will inflict upon them

18 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

)
considerable inconvenience in connection with the production and shipment of
nursery stock.

This office will be glad to receive any specimens of insects or plant diseases
which people of the state wish identified and if they cannot be identified here,
our arrangements with the Federal Horticultural Board enable us to send them
to specialists at Washington. No special care need be exercised in sending the
specimens except to see that they are put in containers so that they cannot
escape and will not be crushed in passing through the mails. In forwarding
plant diseases send fairly liberal samples showing such different characteristics
of the disease as may have been discovered, and in sending insects enclose with
the specimens some of the leaves or other material on which they are feeding.
It is well to give also in a letter as much information as possible about the occur-
rence of the insects or diseases and the kinds of plants which they have been found
to affect.

We can supply on request franks for sending in specimens and if necessary, we
will also supply suitable mailing cases. Furthermore, if conditions seem to
warrant, a representative of the office will be sent to investigate any new or
unusual outbreak of plant pests.

We earnestly solicit your coéperation in our effort to control injurious insects
and plant diseases and especially in bringing to our notice any new forms which
you may come across. Will you not also kindly aid us in passing on the informa.
tion contained in this circular to others who may be interested. We shall be
glad to send this and other circulars which we may have to any persons whose
name and address is sent to us with a request for information on injurious insects
and plant diseases.

Yours very truly,

A. E. STENE,

State Entomologist.

In connection with the plant pest control we are coéperating with
the Federal Horticultural Board, which has the enforcement of the .
Federal Quarantine Law in charge, and through their assistance we
are able to keep track of importations as they come in; it also gives
us an opportunity to secure the advice of the experts of the Department
of Agriculture in case we have problems coming up which may be
difficult for us to solve.

At the time of writing this report news has reached the office that
the ‘Powdery Scab” of the potato has been found in the state of

REPORT OF ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 19

Maine. Maine officials have promptly taken measures to stamp
out the disease and prevent its spread and have secured in this con-
nection the hearty codperation of the Federal Horticultural Board.
In view of the fact that we get a great many of our seed potatoes
from Maine, it seems advisable that our seedsmen and potato growers
should carefully examine such seed as they may purchase, and to
the end that this may be brought to the attention, especially, of
seedsmen the following circular letter is being sent to all such dealers
as we are able to locate. It may also be wise to send it out to potato
growers and to granges in the state.

To the Seedsmen of Rhode Island.

GrnTLEMEN:—You may probably have learned through the newspapers that a
European disease of the potato known as the “‘ Powdery Scab ” has gained entrance,
at least in one state in New England. This disease is considered by European
students of plant diseases to be one of the worst potato diseases with which they
have to contend and it is exceedingly important that its spread be checked in this
country. Should it gain entrance in Rhode Island, it will be a great menace to
potato growing which, as you know, is a very important part of our agriculture.

The United States Department of Agriculture is coédperating with the State
of Maine, where the disease has been found, and an effort is being made to prevent
the shipment from that state of diseased potatoes. Seedsmen and growers of
Rhode Island should be on the lookout for diseased potatoes and examine carefully
all seed tubers which they may handle, whether they come from Maine or not,
even though they have been marked as inspected, since it may be possible for
slightly diseased seed potatoes to escape even the closest scrutiny of careful
inspectors.

There is also a possibility that the disease may have gained entrance in other
parts of New England where it is not as yet known to exist and from which seed
potatoes are occasionally sceured.

The Entomological Department of the State Board of Agriculture which has
the work of plant disease as well as insect pest suppression of the state in charge,
is working in codperation with the Federal Horticultural Board and inspectors
of other states in control work of this kind and we hope that we may have the
hearty support of all persons in the state who may be concerned in any way in the
handling of agricultural products that may disseminate injurious insects and
plant diseases.

20 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

We trust, therefore, that should any suspicious seed potatoes come to your
notice and should you know of any cases where such potatoes are being sold,
where they may be used for seed, that you will kindly inform us in order that we
may take measures to prevent the establishment of the disease should it prove
to have gotten into the state.

Seedsmen and growers should also look out for another European potato
disease known as the ‘‘ Potato Wart Disease.’’ Quarantines have been established
by the Federal Horticultural Board against this disease and chances of its intro-
duction into the country have on that account been greatly lessened; nevertheless
we should second their efforts to the best of our ability and aid by keeping a close

watch for this disease among our seed potatoes.

Yours very truly,
A. E. STENHE,

State Entomologist.
APIARY INSPECTION.

Bee keeping is in a prosperous condition within the state and the
keeping of bees is arousing the attention especially of orchardists
since the function of bees as cross-pollenizers is becoming more widely
known. As indicated by Mr. Miller’s report, which is appended,
there have been no alarming developments in the line of bee diseases
the past season. Such cases as have occurred have been promptly
stamped out under the direction of the inspector.

Mr. Miller calls attention to a lack of completeness in our law in
that it does not provide for the inspection of bees which are shipped
into this state from other states. I believe that his recommendation
in regard to an amendment in this respect should be heeded.

Mr. Miller is revising the bee bulletin published two years ago,
the supply of which has been exhausted. A brief circular on bee
plants is also under consideration and I hope to arrange with Miss
Campbell of the Domestic Science Department of the State College
to prepare a leaflet on honey as food. The purpose of this leaflet
will be to disseminate information in regard to the many uses of honey
in human foods and to increase, if possible, its consumption.

REPORT OF ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 21

REPORT ON APIARY INSPECTION.

ARTHUR C. MILLER.

The apiary inspection work has been comparatively light during
the season of 1913. The European type of Foul Brood again broke
out in the town of Warwick and the inspector destroyed one colony
of diseased bees. Since then no further trouble has been reported
from this place. The same disease also appeared in Harrisville,
where it had been running some time before the inspector was notified.
Several colonies had died and the two surviving ones were treated,
but were too much depleted to survive.

In both places the disease was brought in with bees shipped in
from outside the state. Both Massachusetts and Connecticut now
have laws prohibiting the importation of bees unless accompanied
by the certificate of an inspector that they are free from any conta-
gious or infectious disease. A similar law is imperative here as bees
are constantly being brought here to supply the local demand.

The inspector wishes to urge caution in the use of lead poisons in
fruit spraying. They are working widespread harm in the destruction
not only of honey bees but of many other pollen carrying insects.
So much damage has been done in some places that beekeepers are
avoiding the vicinity of orchards in placing their apiaries. This
will ultimately cause serious loss to fruit growers.

The inspector has been often called upon for instruction and
advice in beekeeping and many requests have been made for an
institute devoted to beekeepers. Several commercial apiaries have
increased in size and others established or planned. The quality
of the honey produced in the state is second to none and finds a
ready market at profitable prices.

22, STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTH WORK.

The past two years has marked a considerable change in our
outlook with respect to these two pests. In 1911 the work was
suspended on account of lack of appropriations and fears were
entertained as to the probable spread which would result. On
resuming work in 1912, it was found that our predictions in regard
to the probable spread made in the spring of 1911 fell far short
of the actual results. The appropriation granted in 1912 did not
suffice to take care of the insects in the old infested area and a partial
scouting of the territory revealed many new colonies. This was
especially true of the brown-tail moth. Where small colonies were
found only here and there in 1910, the work of 1912 revealed several
colonies of sufficient size to make trouble not only by defoliating trees,
but also by poisoning people through the hairs shed by the cater-
pillars. An effort was made to remove winter nests, but with the
added work required by the increase in the gypsy moth territory,
the funds were inadequate for a satisfactory campaign against either
pest. The year 1912 seemed entirely favorable for both insects
and the funds of the Board of Agriculture were barely sufficient to
go over the outlying towns and even in the gypsy-moth work, where
we had the usual codperation of the Federal Department of Agri-
culture, some of the older infestations received inadequate attention.

WORK OF THE YEAR 1913.

The year 1913 opened with the Federal Department of Entomology
doing all the work against the gypsy moth while the state forces
were devoting their entire attention to the brown-tail moth in an
effort to stem its rapid increase and continued spread over the state.

BROWN-TAIL MOTH WORK.

In the campaign against this pest the entire southern and western
border of the known infested territory from Newport County on
the South through the towns of Warwick, Johnston, Scituate, Glocester
and Burrillville on the West were carefully gone over. The men then

REPORT OF ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 23

worked eastward from Burrillville through North Smithfield into
Woonsocket and then shifted to Bristol, working northward into
Warren. In the outlying sections the men cleared all the infested
trees which they came across and this thorough work was carried
on through the town of Bristol. Mr. I. L. Sherman of the Board
superintended a similar campaign through Newport County. When
we came to North Smithfield and Woonsocket, however, the season
was so far advanced and the funds so far gone that it became evident
we could not cover the entire territory. A plan was therefore taken
up whereby the trained climbers of the state force were directed to
clear the high trees and the local property owners were called upon
to take care of the low trees. In Warren, where the town authorities
took hold of the matter and codperated with the state forces, this
plan worked out fairly well. In some of the other districts, however,
the scheme was not wholly successful, because neither the towns
nor the property owners made any attempt to second the efforts
of the State Board workers.

In Central Falls, through the activity of Mr. Sheldon, principal
of the High School, the high school boys were enlisted to eradicate
the nests and the state provided two men to assist them. This work
had excellent results since the people of Central Falls were protected,
to avery large extent, from the ravages of the pest and the accom-
panying poisoning, although the city was pretty thoroughly infested
earlier in the season.

In Pawtucket and Providence, the city authorities cleared publicly
owned trees, but property owners did not generally take a hand in
the campaign, so that a large number of cases of brown-tail poisoning
were reported from these two places during early summer, and the
pear trees and oaks in many places were totally stripped of their
foliage.

The following is an estimate of the number of winter nests removed
and burned by our men during the winter season of 1912 and 1913,
and up to January 10, 1914.

24 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

December 2, 1912 to April 19, 1913.

peur vallescd vie a2 orc: ie eR elake ye Olea Rr Pe en ere ee 3,740
INorch Smaithiteld ce. coin eek oes ee alee ne eae eee ce ea apa 3,675
IWiOONBOCKEL: fo ~ hk cage sees aucaneltee Meee Uae te 0 oa ae 30,470
Warren’ GB y 'OUr Men).c) i. Sena ee eee eee oe eee 7,860
Bristol ueie: So ciscw iso zitheca cd ROR, colt Raker teens eae ics eae seine cena 97,775
Barrin@tom sen gx ve iets cae eas Mae seme eee Pe ee anak ae 1,140
Hast MrowaG ences... cv. ats agent 4 sos en renee cee ee ate 5,065
INGWiOltm © OUT Ys .0e Gan hy k ok Met S272 oye Dieu eum ee a ey re 47,000
196,725
December 1, 1913 to January 10, 1914.

HAS FAG TEST WGI pee che ceeds co Sell pina) sagas el eae pe cust aaa ee 1,133
Northen e STO WARS eit eel ya Ble leh e A ener ce ence eae 2,827
Wieriayaneleay c: etic Sse gaia le TC yA iam Sela ace Beis ee es 1,400
BB aires 2 view oy, 3o ha RA ae ca ee 3,500
NewmmortEC OU Gy ica) 2:5 hehe. date A Gee ke ok eee ee 10,700
25,880

The work was again resumed at the earliest possible opportunity
in the fall of 1913. December 1 the men, who had been up to that
time devoting their attention to the gypsy moth, were divided into
two crews. The more expert climbers were delegated to the brown-
tail moth work and the rest remained on the gypsy moth work.

With a view to determining the extent of the spread and also to
clear the outlying sections, the brown-tail squad was first sent to
East Greenwich and directed to work south until they came to the
limit of the infestation. This project took them through the town
of North Kingstown. They were then shifted back to East Green-
wich and directed to work west and northwest along the border of
the infestation and this project took them through the eastern part
of West Greenwich, Coventry, Scituate, Foster, Glocester and Burrill-
ville. They then worked through North Smithfield and Smithfield.

REPORT OF ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. a,

after which the appropriation was found to be so nearly exhausted
that the work had to be stopped and accordingly the men were laid
off February 7, 1914.

Another squad of men, under the direction of Mr. I. L. Sherman,
had carefully gone over the towns in Newport County.

A little scouting but no removal of nests has been attempted
in the towns of the infested districts which had not been gone over
by our men for the purpose of removing the nests.

The work of the season indicates that there has been a considerable
spread of the insect during the past year, also a large increase in the
old infested areas. It also illustrates that where thorough work is
done in removing the nests from high as well as low trees, the increase
of the insects can be materially checked and satisfactory protection
to trees and to people afforded. In fact, in the towns where our
men did the most thorough work, the infestation found this winter
is no greater than it is in the newly infested towns situated in a similar
relation to some thickly infested locality from which the insect could
spread.

At the very urgent requests of people in very thickly settled sections
of Providence, a little spraying was done in the spring 1913 in the
hope that the insects might be checked somewhat, but we had
abundant proof that this line of work is of doubtful effectiveness.
The treeS were stripped before the leaves were well out and our
spraying of the remains of the foliage only served to scatter the
insects more rapidly to other trees that had not been previously
attacked. The same season afforded abundant opportunity for
many people, especially in Providence and Pawtucket, to realize
what a scourge this pest can become and we have been getting
reports all through the season of people who were compelled to seek
medical attention for the brown-tail rash.

GYPSY MOTH WORK.

The Federal Government devoted such time and funds as were

available during January, February and March to creosoting egg
4

26 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

clusters of the gypsy moth. They were unable, however, to cover
the entire infested territory and a considerable area was left without
any attention. The State appropriation for 1913 did not become
available until May and this was too late for any effective winter
or spring work against the gypsy moth. Arrangements were made,
however, to spray part of the worst infested territory which had not
been covered by winter work. The main part of this district was
included between Smith and Eaton streets, in Providence, also some
blocks to the west of the area mentioned, notably in what is known
as Shoe String Park. In this spraying work 1,238 trees and a good
many shrubs were sprayed at a cost of approximately $340.

The use of burlaps was also continued, but owing to the increase
in territory, it was impossible to cover the entire infested area. It
was, therefore, decided to devote the burlaps to the new infestations
in the hope that thorough and continued work would finally exter-
minate the insect in these areas. Burlaps were also put on along
the main roads leading from the old infested district.

The following is a list of places where burlaps were used and the
approximate number of larvee and pupe found and destroyed.

No. of Times No. of Pupe

City or Town. burlaps. turned. and Larve.
IPrOVAGeNCe: a1 ein Hea eee eee Pe ora eve ee 6,691 18 5,892
Cranston and South Auburm:. 30°00... ./...5.: 2,300 18 4,000
IBTISCO) Aa tne meer ns Ons perry ia) A RR 800 18 1,000
Ronrtsmoubhy peer een arses et sete ect tke ars 76 9 4
East Providence and Rumford.......... oe amas 1,500 18 2,450
Glocestertee nis tee rey ook eee tek More 270 8 0
Gumberlam Geese each cete kak ie ere ese iter 2,800 18 2,300
Ear aexe hatpedleh canes ye tess ceed Saeenie to Alea LM aRE LN cece 1,250 24 150.
North ‘Prowidemers.te patie acide eats oekc ot 3,650 16 6,600
North, Smibitveldetrac hae. oeaee researc a ncsstee: 950 16 5,250
JOHNSON Neue acpi lartne, > hoc ewes auc o Mitre rea tie 2,450 18 4,600
Pa wie tee cscs Soke: st cnc vor ello ocnen ae epn ica 1,000 24 2,100
Warwick us tocol che seo: anne ecte eeaeacre ae 300 16 500
IEA ITO PRM e! « eeereret tin Chee eno oes eretorce mute aparece 87 16 32
OaklandiBeachry sare cncrcca tee terior scat 2,700 16 11,800

26,824 46,678

REPORT OF ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 27

This gave us approximately 26,824 burlaps which were turned
from 8 to 24 times, according to location and the number of insects
which were met with, and a total of 46,678 larvee and pup were
destroyed.

The burlap season closed the first week in August. The burlaps
were removed and burned and the men were laid off August 9.

The work was resumed again September 8 and continued through
the year and until the funds were exhausted in February. The
outlying sections were given first consideration and when the funds
were exhausted, the men were working in the infested sections of
Providence. Up to January 26, 1914, 321 different infestations were
located and work carrried on with the following results: Trees
scraped and pruned, 420; trees cut down, 146; zinc patches put on,
1,020; cavities cemented, 78; acres of brush land cleared, 3634; total
number of egg clusters creosoted, 17,290. In this work the men have
used 240 pounds of zinc, 65 pounds of nails, 11 gallons of coal tar,
and 25 gallons of creosote.

EDUCATIONAL WORK.

The success of our entomological work will depend to an increasing
extent on the support given it by the public generally | No amount
of effort expended by the State in controlling insect pests will be
wholly satisfactory unless it is supported by individual property
owners. For this reason it is important that the residents of the state
should be instructed so far as possible in regard to injurious insects
and plant diseases, but particularly in regard to those which constitute
the most important present menace. To this end an exhibit was
prepared showing the life histories of the gypsy and brown-tail
moths, the methods of combatting them and various other lessons
of interest. This consisted of life history mounts, enlargements of
photographs of the insects and methods of work, results of careless
treatment of trees which favor the pests and some of the tools used
in the work. In addition life history mounts are in preparation,
copies of which can be sent to high schools; numerous articles for

28 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

the press have been prepared; illustrated lectures have been given
in various places and some popular leaflets and bulletins are in

preparation.

PRESENT STATUS AND FUTURE PLANS IN REGARD TO THE GYPSY AND
BROWN-TAIL MOTHS.

Both the gypsy and brown-tail moths are now thoroughly estab-
lished over a wide area of the state and so far as the brown-tail is
concerned, there is little hope of even checking its spread to say
nothing of exterminating it. The gypsy moth is also rapidly estab-
lishing itself in different sections of the state; in fact, partial reports
from Government scouts now at work (March, 1914), seem to indicate
that since the last complete inspection of the state by the Federal
Bureau of Entomology, the gypsy moth has spread until nearly
every town has one or more infestations. This rapid spread is due
no doubt in part to the increase of the insect in the older infested
area since 1911 when work was suspended for lack of funds.

To use a well worn illustration, the dissemination of the gypsy
moth may be likened to the spread of a forest fire. When the fire
is kept from blazing up, there is little danger of spread and the chances
of extinguishing it are good. When allowed to get beyond control,
however, sparks are scattered far and wide starting new centers of
conflagration and the work of controlling it is multiplied a thousand
fold. In a like manner the danger of spread of the gypsy moth is
small when the insect is kept thoroughly suppressed, but when it
increases in numbers so that trees are stripped and food becomes
scarce, the spread becomes increasingly rapid. Recent investigation
by the Federal Bureau of Entomology seems to indicate that the
chief method of dissemination is not by automobiles or through the
transportation of material carrying egg clusters, but through the
distribution of the small caterpillars by the wind. Through this
“aviation”? of the young caterpillars, the insect will, of course,
spread most rapidly in the direction of prevailing winds and it is
no doubt, for this reason, that the insect has been distributed over

REPORT OF ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 29

such wide areas in New Hampshire and Maine. It is also to be
presumed that the wide scattering of the insects in Rhode Island
during the past year is due to winds unusually favorable to the insect
while in the young caterpillar stage.

According to present agreement with Mr. Worthley, superintendent
of field work of the Federal Bureau of Entomology, his men will scout
the entire state before the close of the present winter season and
during the summer, the Federal forces will devote their attention
to exterminating the insect in the new infestations while the State men
will devote their time to suppressing the gypsy moth in the older
infestations. To do this will require a large part of the appropriation
asked for by the State Board of Agriculture. In fact, the appropria-
tion will hardly be sufficient unless spray apparatus, adequate to
carry on extensive operations necessitated by a much wider area
of the infestation, is provided. Burlapping work, which has been
carried on in the past with a view to accomplish the eventual exter-
mination of the insect, will be too expensive under our present
conditions. We must now devote practically our entire attention to
creosoting egg clusters in the winter time and to spraying, and possibly
tanglefooting in the summer time.

In taking up a campaign of spraying our small orchard sprayers will
be entirely inadequate and we must adopt the high power woodland
sprayers, which have been used in Massachusetts for several years.
Without such sprayers we shall be unable to do effective work
during the coming summer and it will be necessary for us to devote
some money for the purchase of such machines. The most difficult
question to determine is whether the state shall secure an auto-truck
sprayer or a horse drawn machine. In favor of the first named
machine are the facts that while our infested area is extensive; it
is not solidly infested so that in carrying on our spraying, it would
be necessary to move around from place to place a great deal.
Another argument in favor of the auto-sprayer is that a great deal
of time can be saved during the spraying work, especially where the
source of water is some distance from the trees to be sprayed. This

30 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

is a vital point since the length of time in which the spraying can be
done is comparatively short.

With regard to the brown-tail moth the situation is quite different.
It may be said at this point that the conception of the relative
importance of the two insects by people generally is at variance with
the attitude of those who have kept in touch with the history of the
two pests. To the general public the brown-tail, on account of the
rash which follows in its wake, is much the more serious pest. To
those who know the relative destructiveness, however, of the two
insects, the gypsy moth seems of far greater importance. The brown-
tail moth also is more subject to parasitic insects and other natural
checks and consequently its rapid increase in infested areas comes
to an end in a comparatively short time. Inasmuch as it spreads a
great deal more rapidly, there is not the same possibility of checking
its distribution as there is with the gypsy moth and efforts in this
line are out of consideration. So far as the state work is concerned,
therefore, the brown-tail moth must be looked upon as a problem
to be solved by each locality. Each individual property owner must
more and more depend upon himself for protection against injury
from the insect. In support of this idea is the fact also that the
brown-tail moth is of primary importance as a pest on fruit and
shade trees around dwellings and of less importance as a forest insect.

NATURAL CHECKS TO INSECTS.

Two or three years ago brief statements of progress by workers
in the employ of the Federal Bureau of Entomology and the state
of Massachusetts in regard to insect diseases and predaceous and
parasitic enemies of the gypsy and brown-tail moths, and perhaps
the somewhat undue optimism of some of the unauthorized announce-
ments from some of the men in the work were caught up by a few
newspapers and it was proclaimed by them that further appropriation
for combatting either the gypsy or the brown-tail moth would be
unnecessary. Those who have kept in touch with the history of
the two insects and especially those who have been most closely

REPORT OF ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. OL

connected with the so-called parasite work, prominent among whom
is Dr. Howard, Chief of the Bureau of Entomology, U.S. Department
of Agriculture, were not so sanguine regarding the speedy success
of the work which they had in hand. Based on information secured
from various reliable sources, but chiefly from Dr. Howard himself,
the writer issued a brief statement in 1910 warning against the too
optimistic feeling in regard to the solution of the gypsy and brown-
tail moth problem and the results of the past three years have fully
borne out the statements in the circular mentioned. In spite of
the fact, however, that it is necessary to throw cold water on the hope
of a speedy relief through parasitic and predaceous enemies of the two
pests, it should be noted that everyone, especially those that are most
closely connected with the work, is looking forward to eventual
success in this line. Considerable progress has already been made
and a number of predaceous and parasitic enemies are aiding materially
in the campaign against the insects. It should be remembered,
nevertheless, that parasitic and predaceous insects are not always
readily transferred from one country to another and that it may take
sometime for them to become established. This is true of host
insects as well as of their parasites. The gypsy moth for instance,
was introduced in 1869 and it took 20 years for it to become thoroughly
established and to increase sufficiently to cause general concern.
Furthermore, those who labor to establish the enemies of the gypsy
and brown-tail moths must exercise infinite care in order that secondary
parasites may not be introduced to destroy the effectiveness of the
primary parasites. The situation isdecidedly hopeful but it is certainly
not time as yet to cease applying the methods which have been found
effective in the past. In fact it may be doubtful if we can ever lay
aside entirely the mechanical methods of control. As everyone
knows, even our native insects, which have an abundant number
of natural enemies, are not always checked by them and there are
seasons when conditions seem favorable for their almost unlimited
increase. We need only point to the prevalence of the tent cater-
pillar during the past two seasons and to the not infrequent recurrence
of the so-called army worm.

32 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

It should be noted also that in Europe where the balance between
parasites and host insects has been as fully established as possible,
occasional outbreaks of both of the insects in question are recorded
with serious devastations of the trees and the plants which they
affect.

With the development of the work it becomes, to a certain degree,
more specialized and we shall need to exercise particular care in
securing and holding the men that can render effective service.
We will, therefore, be compelled to reduce the number of men whom
we have been in the habit of employing so that we can hold our best
men by giving them employment throughout the entire year. In
the past when we have done a great deal of burlap work, taking on a
number of men unaccustomed to our work has been possible since
through the instruction of a few men that we have held over, the many
could be taught to do efficient service in turning burlaps. Spraying
work, on the other hand, will require longer training, and as we have
already pointed out, the winter work of searching for and creosoting
egg clusters requires considerable experience and the habit of careful
and thorough work.

At the present time we feel that the men whom we have in our
employ are among the most satisfactory crews that we have ever had.
I take pleasure especially in commending the work of the foreman,
Mr. Horovitz. He has been in the work for a number of years and
has taken more than a usual interest in its outcome. During the
past season, also; he has shown himself as a capable foreman. Har-
mony has prevailed in the work and there has been encouraged on
the part of the entire field force a high degree of thoroughness and
effectiveness. Mr. Horovitz’s knowledge of conditions and _ his
reports indicate a grasp of the situation second to none of the men that
we have had in the same position in the past.

©

a

ee

IM

| ] HIN
HII il |

|
MK

Hi)

UL

HI

vi

1
||
Hlil

Ha | | ll

ut

|