An item of importance, and quite far-reaching in its significance is the fact (as reported at the recent meeting of entomologists at Columbus) that the odor in stable manure which attracts house flies, has been “artificially” produced, if that expression may be used, by a combination of ammonia and a little butyric acid.  A pan of this, covered by cotton, attracted hundreds of flies which deposited their eggs thereon.  The possibilities of making use of this new-found fact are most promising, and the discovery is especially significant in that it opens an immense and practically an untried field in entomological work; that is, the making use of different odors to attract different species of insects.  A series of experiments in this direction with the Mediteranean fruit fly, also recently reported, have been most surprising but too extensive to permit of discussion here.

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Nurserymen intending to import currants or gooseberries from Europe will be interested in learning that there is a possibility of a federal quarantine on shrubs of this genus grown abroad.

State Entomologist Circular No. 36, issued in January, 1916, and entitled the “Red Rose Beetle,” by S. Marcovitch (illustrated), is available for distribution.  Application should be accompanied by one cent stamp.

SECRETARY’S CORNER

PLANT COMMERCIAL ORCHARDS.—­It is well established that in certain localities at least in the state commercial orcharding is on a safe basis, offering reasonable financial profits if managed by those who take pains to inform themselves on the subject, and are then thorough going enough to practice what they know.  This spring will be a good time to plant such an orchard.  Orchard trees of suitable size were never more plentiful in the nurseries, and undoubtedly the sorts which you wish to plant can be readily purchased.  Ask some of your nearest nurseries for prices as to 500 trees, either two or three years old, whichever you prefer.

GIVE YOUR NEIGHBOR A CHANCE TOO.—­This means that you should not be satisfied simply in having secured something of value to yourself, but pass on to others the valuable opportunity which you yourself are enjoying.  It is a well established principle of life that the greatest happiness consists in giving happiness to others.  As any member can do his neighbor a favor, without any expense to himself, and indeed with profit, by putting his neighbor in touch with the valuable facilities offered by the Horticultural Society, there is evidently a double reason why he should do so.  For the small membership fee charged you can put into his hands all the material referred to on the next page.  Read it over and lend your neighbor a helping hand.