I see by the last issue of the Monthly an inquiry on the subject of insect depredations. Allow me a few words on this important subject. Is it not time to take decisive steps in this matter and form some systematic plan for insect destruction? I believe the time has come to effect this.

We have been long acquainted with the natural history of most of the insects injurious to vegetation, but here the matter drops, and but little practical has been achieved. This insect question has become one of the most important to the whole country, far more important than most people are aware of. For many years insects have increased at an alarming rate. At the present ratio of increase, if there be not some means devised to put a stop to their progress, the farmer, gardener and nurseryman may well be apprehensive for the future. Birds and parasites do a great deal, but much more than this must be done if we would successfully grapple with the enemy.

United States officials have told us: "The aggregate annual loss to the nation from insect depredations amounts to hundreds of millions, and there is a loud call for relief." But they do not tell us the way to relief. Now, therefore, let the question be agitated, and we have reason to expect some valuable results.

I have been informed that the U. S. Congress has in contemplation a bill calculated to give every man a chance to try and find out a proper remedy for totally subduing, or at least keeping under control, the different species of destructive insects, by awarding a suitable premium for the most reliable plans. This appears to be a move in the right direction, and will undoubtedly bring into the field all the skill and experience of which the country is capable; it may save a great deal of useless expenditure, for is it not apparent that practice, the result of patient trials, many experiments, and much research, is what we shall have to depend upon?

Botany, entomology and chemistry, though most excellent sciences in themselves, do not teach how to destroy insects. These however may help very much, if the knowledge they can impart be utilized properly for that purpose, but without practical experience which leads to a sort of intuitive knowledge of the subject, they are of but little use. Geometry may help a good mechanic, but it will never make one.

It is apparent, if such a law be carried out fully, it will give an impetus to renewed exertion - help to set the wheels of invention in motion - and with other wise and beneficent laws, tend to promote the general welfare.

A paper, too, issued by the Department of Agriculture, a sort of bulletin, weekly or semi-monthly, giving the new schemes and devices in the warfare against insects, and everything worthy of note, would strengthen the relations that should exist between the governing power and the people. They would see that by such work by the government, the real welfare of the whole community was being practically as well as theoretically cared for. Chambersburg, Trenton, N. J.