A Review of Applied Entomology in the British Empire.*

Abstract

In the selection of the subject of my address I had as my main motive the bringing of the entomologists of this country into closer touch with a large body of entomologists who are studying an infinite variety of problems in those widespread territories of the earth’s surface that together constitute the British Empire. This more intimate acquaintance is desirable for many reasons, but I will refer only to two of them. First, our Society recently decided to extend its membership outside the confines of North America and as a result a number of British workers, which number I am confident will increase, have been included on our membership rolls; I wish to introduce these members and some of their problems to you. Secondly, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the control of insect pests and the successful prosecution of entomological investigation, be it along practical or purely scientific lines, must be along international lines. Our experience, especially during recent years, has clearly demonstrated this fact, particularly in regard to the control of insects by their natural enemies. From the time when Koebele visited Australia in 1885 and brought the now famous Coccinellid Novius cardinalis to save the citrus groves of California from destruction up to the recent world tour of Silvestri in search of parasites of the fruitflies, we have had repeated instances of the incalculable value of international co-operation; but it would involve too great a digression to mention even the more important of these. In this line of investigation alone there lie immense possibilities which will be made more easy of realization to the benefit of all concerned by a more intimate knowledge of other workers and their problems in other parts of the world. Such a review as I propose to give will, I feel confident, show clearly how the British Empire by its widespread character and diversity of conditions of every kind, offers an unequalled opportunity for international co-operative effort, particularly to the Entomologists of the United States. The establishment of a chain of workers in all the continents which would result from such co-operation would have beneficial results of the most far reaching character on the entomological work of the future. If I am able to further the object to which I have referred, I shall consider that the time I am about to take up has indeed been well spent.