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/ PUBLIC: DOCUMENT. ...C BERLIN COLLMGRNoO,! 73:
DEP Ar’ PMIENTD OF ZOOLMHSY
FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SUPERINTENDENT
FOR
SUPPRESSING THE GYPSY AND
BROWN-TAIL MOTHS.
BOSTON :
WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS,
18 Post OFFICE SQUARE.
Q L 1906.
WON UU A
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PUBEIC DOCUMENT... . et Onto:
FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SUPERINTENDENT
FOR
SUPPRESSING THE GYPSY AND
BROWN-TAIL MOTHS.
BOSTON :
WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS,
18 Post OFFICE SQUARE.
1906.
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Commontvealth of Massachusetts.
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
I present herewith for your consideration the report of the
Superintendent for Suppressing the Gypsy and Brown-tail
Moths. This report is submitted in accordance with the
provisions of chapter 381, Acts of 1905, and contains a
statement of the results accomplished to date, together
with a record of expenditures and certain recommendations
bearing on the future needs of the work.
A. H. KIRKLAND,
Superintendent.
Boston, Jan. 1, 1906.
Eee Co Stee See ae
ORGANIZATION.
. H. KrrKkuanp, MS.,
.-M, ROGERS,
A. FARLEY,
. A. BATES,
W. ENWRIGHT,
. W. MINOTT,
. H. WoORTHLEY,
Superintendent.
Assistant Superintendent.
Secretary.
Field Agent, Southern Division.
Field Agent, Northern Division.
Field Agent, Wesiern Division.
Field Agent, Eastern Division.
6 OOS
Commontoealth of Massachusetts.
THE GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS.
The gypsy and brown-tail moths in their caterpillar stage
are well-known European pests of fruit, shade and forest
trees. As far back as authentic records exist, both insects
have been notably injurious at times in various sections of
central and southern Europe.
The gypsy moth has made itself felt perhaps more as a
general pest of trees of all kinds, while the brown-tail moth
is more common as an enemy of fruit trees. In fact, the
latter insect is known in France as ‘‘ la commune,” the com-
mon caterpillar. So common are both insects, and so im-
portant have been their intermittent ravages, that the very
earliest writings on European entomology contain mention
and often full discussions of their habits and of the remedies
best suited to counteract their attacks. At times their
ravages have so increased as to become of historic impor-
tance; then subsiding for a term of years, possibly even for
a generation, they have increased again to noteworthy mag-
nitude. The caterpillar plagues resulting from the unre-
stricted multiplication of these insects have often caused
the enactment of stringent legislation in many European
countries, and at other times their ravages have been even
sufficient to cause official days of prayer and fasting.
The brown-tail moth has been officially under the ban of
the Church, as witness the edict at Grenoble, France, in
1543, whereby the insect, which had stripped the trees of
the city and poisoned many of the inhabitants, was treated
as one of the works of the Evil One. Later in the same
8 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
century Chorier records a legal injunction issued by the
attorney-general of the province of Dauphiny, whereby the
insects were ordered to ‘‘ forsake and abandon the fields ”
where they were feeding. Curtis published in 1782 a quaint
account of an outbreak of the brown-tail moth near London,
whereby ‘‘ the inhabitants were thrown into the utmost con-
sternation. An appearance so extraordinary was calculated
to create terror; it was naturally interpreted as a visitation
from heaven, ordained to deprive men and cattle of their
food and finally leave them a prey to famine” (Donovan).
The alarm of the public was so great and prevailed to such
an extent that prayers were offered in the churches to avert
the calamity.
The history of the gypsy moth in Europe and.Asia is
equally full of striking incidents. Thus in 1720 Frisch
records the stripping ‘‘ of a double row of lindens from
Neustadt to Berlin,” while Schaeffer mentions the defoliation
of entire forests in 1752 in Altenburg, Leitz, Naumburg and
elsewhere as a result of the unchecked ravages of the gypsy
moth caterpillars. ‘Some of the common people thought
the caterpillars grew out of the ground like grass; others
thought they were created by the Evil One; still others
assured the writer that they had seen thousands of caterpillars
brought by the wind; and finally there were many who
thought these insects were sent as a punishment for their
’ The stripping and serious damage to the cork oaks
of southern France are recorded in 1731 by Brown, and a
repetition of this injury occurred in 1818. Daudeville in
1828 described an outbreak extending over sixty miles near
Saint Quentin, where the caterpillars « completely devastated
the trees so that they were entirely bare.” Later writers, like
Ratzeburg, Bazin, Taschenberg, Portchinsky and Koeppen,
have recorded notable outbreaks of the gypsy moth in Ger-
many and Russia. Instances like the foregoing, authenti-
cated by well-known entomologists, suffice to establish the
status of the pest in its native region. It should be stated,
however, that, in the careful study of the European literature
bearing on this subject made by the writer several years ago,
it was a significant fact that the history of any particular
sins.’
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1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 9
”
outbreak did not extend over more than three or four years ;
in other words, at the end of that period the moth was checked
by natural causes and its damage subsided.
THe Gypsy Morn.
In 1868 a French scientist, Prof. Leopold Trouvelot, then
residing at Medford, Mass., imported egg clusters of the
gypsy moth to use in certain experiments with silk-produc-
ing insects. The manner in which the moth escaped from
his care could not be determined by correspondence with
Professor Trouvelot after his return to France, but the late
Alvan Clark, the well-known lens maker of Cambridge, who
saw Trouvelot at Meudon, France, a short time before his
death, was told by him that he had the caterpillars netted in
on a shrub in his yard at Medford, and that during a gale
the netting was torn and the insects scattered. It is a
matter of record that he realized the importance of this
catastrophe and promptly notified the public through the
entomological magazines of that time. No attention appears
to have been paid to this note of warning, and the insect, once
becoming established, multiplied with increasing rapidity,
until in the late eighties its ravages became notable in certain
restricted districts of Medford and Malden. By 1889 the
moth had become so abundant in southern Medford that
the trees were completely stripped, and the caterpillars were
forced to swarm outward in all directions in search of food.
During this year specimens of the insect were sent to the
Hatch Experiment Station at Amherst, where, in the absence
abroad of Prof. C. H. Fernald, they were identified by his
son, Dr. H. T. Fernald, as caterpillars of the notorious gypsy
moth of the Old World.
After a vain struggle with the pest, the citizens of the
affected communities petitioned in 1890 for legislation for its
extermination, and similar action was taken by the State
Board of Agriculture, the Essex County Horticultural Society
and the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. The matter
was presented to the Legislature by Governor John Q. A.
Brackett, and on March 14, 1890, he approved the first act
authorizing work against the moth, and carrying an appro-
10 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
priation of $25,000. The work of combating the insect
was begun by a commission consisting of W. W. Rawson
of Arlington, Dr. Pearl Martin of Medford and J. Howard
Bradley of Malden. The early work of the commission soon
developed the fact that the territory occupied by the moth
was much greater than had been supposed, and the matter was
again presented to the Legislature, with the result that an
additional appropriation of $25,000 was made June 3, 1890.
The following year another commission, consisting of
Prof. N. S. Shaler of Harvard University, Gen. F. H.
Appleton and the Hon. W. R. Sessions, all members of the
State Board of Agriculture, and the last named the secretary
of the Board, was appointed by Governor W. E. Russell to
direct the work. After a few weeks this commission was
superseded by the State Board of Agriculture, which by a
special committee, composed at first of the above-mentioned
gentlemen, carried on the work against the gypsy moth from
May 19, 1891, to Feb. 1, 1900, during which time the
active field operations were under the direction of the well-
known naturalist, Mr. E. H. Forbush, while the scientific
and technical work was directed by Prof. C. H. Fernald.
Without going into details, it may be said that the work by
the committee of the Board of Agriculture, while dependent
upon annual appropriations of the Legislature and often
seriously delayed and restricted for lack of funds, was pros-
ecuted with varying degrees of success until in 1899 the
gypsy moth was completely under control throughout the
district.
THe Brown-tarm Morn.
This insect found its way to Somerville, Mass., in the
early nineties. The evidence bearing upon its importation
is entirely circumstantial, but it is matter of record that in
the centre of the original brown-tail moth colony there is
a florist’s establishment which for years made a specialty of
importing roses from abroad. It is also well known that
the brown-tail moth spins its winter webs on rose bushes.
Since the original infestation was located in a pear orchard
adjoining the field where these foreign roses had been culti-
vated for several years, there is strong presumptive evidence
1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT— No. 73. 11
that the moth was brought over on these plants. The insect
seems to have multiplied unnoticed for a few years in a
restricted area, but in the spring of 1897 it gained sufficient
headway to show itself as a serious pest in Somerville and in
a few localities in Malden, Everett and Revere. The gypsy
moth employees of the Board of Agriculture did a small
amount of work against the insect in 1897 while the cater-
pillars were swarming, but this was discontinued after the
Legislature declined to take action in the matter. In 1898
and again in 1899 $10,000 was, by vote of the Legislature,
set apart from the larger appropriations for work against the
gypsy moth for the purpose of combating the brown-tail
moth. This additional work was carried on under the
direction of the Board of Agriculture.
THe FormMER STATE WORK BROUGHT TO A CLOSE.
At the close of 1899 the work against the gypsy moth
was well in hand. Effective methods had been developed
and their value proven; a trained and well-disciplined corps
of men had been organized; the boundaries of the infested
district had been determined with much accuracy ; the street
trees of the region had been freed from the caterpillars and
their consequent spreading checked; the woodland colonies
had been given a severe scourging and in some cases anni-
hilated; the moths had been exterminated in many places ;
in short, the gypsy moth pest had been so thoroughly
brought under control that a general state of apathy toward
the work existed throughout the district which but a decade
before had been swept by caterpillar hordes. In 1900 the
Legislature, through a special committee, investigated the
management and general policy of the Board of Agricul-
ture’s operations against the moth and came to the conclu-
sion that a continuance of such work along these lines was
unnecessary. The report of this committee argued that
the gypsy moth need not be considered a serious pest:
‘¢ We find no substantial evidence that gardens, crops or
woodlands have suffered serious or lasting injury, or are
likely, with that proper precaution or oversight which pru-
dent owners are disposed to give to their own interests,
12 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
to be subjected to that devastation which one would have a
right to anticipate from these reports. . . . It appears to
us that the fears of the farmers throughout the State have
been unnecessarily and unwarrantably aroused, evidently
for the purpose of securing the effect of those fears upon
the matter of the annual appropriations. . . . We do not
share these exaggerated fears, and the prophecies of devas-
tation and ruin are unwarranted, and in the most charitable
view are but the fancies of honest enthusiasts.”! While the
committee recommended the continuation of the work on
lines somewhat similar to those of the present act, the prac-
tical result of this report was the refusal of the Legislature to
make any appropriation, and the State work was brought
to a close.
UNRESTRICTED INCREASE OF THE MoruH.
As would have been expected, during the years 1900 and
1901 but little notable damage was caused by the gypsy
moth, although evidence was not wanting to the trained
observer that it was rapidly multiplying in woodlands and on
neglected private estates. It was apparent that non-resident
property owners particularly paid practically no attention to
the increase of the insect, and that farmers and others own-
ing infested woodland areas were unwilling, because of the
expense, to fight the pest. In 1902 numerous estates were
severely injured throughout the central district, while wood-
land colonies of some magnitude had developed from which
the insects were swarming in all directions. The summer
of 1903 showed that the moth had established itself again in
alarming numbers in various parts of the infested district.
Serious colonies had developed in the woods of Arlington,
Medford, Saugus and Malden, and the Lynn Woods colonies
had assumed notable proportions. In 1904 it was apparent
to all that the gypsy moth had developed to a remarkable
degree, reinfested the areas from which it had been cleared
and even extended its bounds into previously non-infested
territory. The caterpillar outbreak was sufficient to con-
1 From report of special committee appointed to inquire into the state of the work
of exterminating the gypsy moth. — House, No. 1138, March, 1900.
‘GOBI ‘oung ‘sav{{Idiey¥v0 Gout AsdAS Aq poiejsvaop ‘UO4SsUITLY ‘yIVq Ssyooy AWOJoUSW
1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT—No. 73. 13
vince every tree lover of the necessity of concerted action
against the moths. While in many places in the afilicted
district the trees under the charge of municipal authorities
were cared for with considerable success, private estates and
woodlands in June and July presented shocking scenes of
devastation. In many places the work of fire could not have
been more thorough or alarming. From Belmont to Saugus
and Lynna continuous chain of woodland colonies presented
a sight at once disgusting and pitiful. The hungry cater-
pillars of both species of moths swarmed everywhere ; they
dropped on persons, carriages, cars and automobiles, and
were thus widely scattered. They invaded houses, swarmed
into living and sleeping rooms and even made homes un-
inhabitable. Thousands of cases of poisoning of human
beings resulted from the swarming of the brown-tail cater-
pillars. Real estate in the worst infested districts underwent
a notable depreciation in value. Worst of all, pines and
other conifers — altogether too scarce in eastern Massachu-
setts — were killed outright by the gypsy moth caterpillars,
while shade trees and orchards were swept bare of foliage.
Property owners who were disposed to care for their own
estates suffered and became discouraged from the neglect of
their neighbors. It was evident that the moth pests were
in the ascendency, and that they could be controlled only
by prompt, thorough and systematic effort.
The experiences of the caterpillar season of 1904 resulted
in the formation of various local associations, with the object
of securing co-operative work against the moths among
citizens of the several municipalities. Notable stimulus to
public opinion followed the visit to the infested district, in
the summer of 1904, of Prof. C. L. Marlatt, first assistant
of the Bureau of Entomology, United States Department
of Agriculture. After spending three weeks in an exami-
nation of the district, Professor Marlatt was outspoken in
urging the necessity of renewing work against the moths on
some comprehensive plan, which would secure the co-opera-
tion of the individual property owner, the municipality and
the State. Asa result of the various forces working toward
a common end, late in 1904 the several local village im-
14 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
provement and anti-moth societies were organized into the
Massachusetts Association for the Suppression of the Gypsy
and Brown-tail Moths, under the presidency of the Hon.
George R. Jones of Melrose, recently president of the
Massachusetts Senate. A strong effort was made to har-
monize conflicting ideas as to how best to proceed against
the moth pest; and the efforts of the association, with the
co-operation of the State Board of Agriculture, the Massa-
chusetts Forestry Association and various other interested
organizations and of individuals, finally resulted in the pres-
entation of a bill to the Legislature to provide for the sup-
pression of the gypsy and brown-tail moths. This bill, with
various amendments, is the act under which the present
work is carried on. It was signed by His Excellency
Governor W. L. Douglas on May 8, 1905.
ScoPpE AND PURPOSE OF THE ACT.
The underlying purpose of the present act (chapter 381,
Acts of 1905) in relation to the gypsy and brown-tail moths
is to secure the co-operation of the individual, the city or town
and the State, each bearing a share of the responsibility for
the work and each sharing in its expense. (1) The function
of the State organization is first to secure systematic work in
each city and town ; to assist in the general campaign of edu-
cational work against the moths; and, by means of trained
employees, to make a thorough examination of the infested
district and to help train the local organizations to the maxi-
mum degree of efficiency. (2) The local organization of
each municipality is charged with the enforcement of the law
on private estates and with the care of the public trees. (3)
The individual, within certain limits of expense, is required
to destroy the moths on his property, under certain penalties
for neglect. This general plan of work is a most admirable
one, but for its success requires the intelligent and hearty
co-operation by all parties interested. A brief summary of
the essential features of the act may well be given at this
point : —
1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 15
The Moths are Public Nuisances.
The gypsy and brown-tail moths are declared public nuisances
and their suppression is required.
The Superintendent of Suppression.
A superintendent appointed by the Governor, with power, sub-
ject to the Governor’s approval, of appointing agents and assist-
ants, has entire general charge of the work of suppressing the
moths.
Duties of Cities, Towns and Individuals.
Cities and towns (under the advice and general direction of the
superintendent, and by such agent as they may designate or ap-
point) are required, under penalty for neglect, to destroy the eggs,
pup and nests of the gypsy and the brown-tail moths within
their limits, excepting that such work is not to be done by cities
and towns on property controlled by the Commonwealth; nor is it
to be done upon private property, excepting where the owners of
the same fail to destroy the eggs, pup and nests of the moths, in
accordance with the terms of the official notice to private owners,
noted in the section here following : —
Notice to Private Owners.
The mayor of every city and the selectmen of every town shall,
at suitable times, notify every owner of land located therein which
is infested with the moths, requiring him to destroy the eggs,
pupe and nests of the moths within a specified time.
When the mayor or selectmen decide that the cost of such de-
struction (on lands contiguous and under one ownership) will
exceed one-half of one per cent of the assessed valuation of the
lands, then they may designate in the notice a part only of such
lands on which the destruction shall take place.
Failure of Private Owners to destroy Moths.
If the owner does not, as required by the terms of the aforesaid
notice, destroy the eggs, pupze and nests of the moths, then the
city or town, subject to the approval of the State superintendent,
shall destroy them, and shall assess upon such aforesaid lands the
actual cost of so doing, to an amount, however, not exceeding
one-half of one per cent. of the assessed valuation of the land.
This amount, so assessed, shall be collected in the form of taxes,
and constitutes a lien upon such lands.
16 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
Redress by Abatement and Appeal.
The assessors may abate the moth assessment in the case of any
private land owner decided by them to be unable to pay it because
of age, infirmity or poverty.
Appeal to the county superior court, with special provision for
prompt hearing, is» provided by the statute for any person ag-
grieved by assessment on account of this work; provided a com-
plaint is entered within thirty days of notice of such assessment.
Appropriation by the Commonwealth.
To meet the expenses incurred under its moth-suppression law,
the Commonwealth has appropriated $300,000. Of this sum,
$75,000 may be expended during 1905, $150,000 (and any un-
expended balance) during 1906, and $75,000 (and any unexpended
balance) during 1907, up to May 1, 1907, inclusive.
For the purpose of experimenting with natural enemies for -
destroying the moths $10,000 is additionally appropriated for
each of the years 1905, 1906 and 1907.
Reimbursements to Cities and Towns.
1. Cities and towns with valuation of real and personal estate
of $12,500,000 or more, having spent $5,000 in any one calendar
year, shall be reimbursed annually fifty per cent (one-half) of all
further expenditure.
2. Cities and towns with valuation less than $12,500,000 and
more than $6,000,000, having spent an amount equal to one-
twenty-fifth of one per cent of such valuation in one year, shall
be reimbursed annually eighty per cent (four-fifths) of all further
expenditure.
3. Towns with valuation less than $6,000,000, having spent an
amount equal to one-twenty-fifth of one per cent of such valua-
tion in one year, shall be reimbursed once in sixty days for all
further expenditure.
Limits to required Expenditure by Cities and Towns.
No city or town with an assessed real and personal valuation of
more than $6,000,000 shall be required to expend in the suppres-
sion of the moths, during any one full year, more than one-fifteenth
of one per cent of such valuation. No town with an assessed real
and personal valuation of less than $6,000,000 shall be required
to thus expend during any one full year more than one-twenty-fifth
of one per cent of such valuation.
1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. sly
Valuations of 1904 taken as Basis.
Wherever valuations of real and personal property are referred
to in the gypsy and brown-tail moth suppression law, the valuations
of 1904 are meant.
Wilful Resistance or Obstruction.
Wilful resistance to or obstruction of any agent of the Com-
monwealth or of any city or town, while lawfully engaged in the
execution of the purposes of the moth-suppression law, is forbid-
den under penalty.
THE WORK BEGUN.
On May 8 the writer was called from New York, where
he was located at the time, at the request of His Excellency
W. L. Douglas, Governor of Massachusetts, to consider
accepting the position of superintendent for suppressing the
gypsy and brown-tail moths, and at an interview with His
Excellency May 10 the appointment was tendered. This
offer was wholly unexpected and unsolicited in any way.
The writer at once returned to New York and laid the
case fully before the business interests with which he was
connected. A release of services having been secured,
he returned to Boston, and on May 15 qualified for the
office.
It was apparent that considerable time and effort must be
expended in preliminary work. There was no exact knowl-
edge of the bounds of the infested district ; no organization
was available for work; the trained employees of the Board
of Agriculture had become widely scattered ; the somewhat
complex provisions of the law required careful study; an
office force had to be organized and a careful system of ac-
counting devised, while tentative plans of work were required
almost immediately. The only available assets, if such they
may be called, were the knowledge of effective methods
as developed by the previous State work, the records pre-
served by the Board of Agriculture and particularly the
availability of a limited number of trained men familiar with
the moths. The services of these men have been of the
greatest value.
18 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
On May 16 the office of the Superintendent for Suppress-
ing the Gypsy and Brown-tail Moths was established in its
present location. As rapidly as possible, a nucleus of a
force of agents and inspectors was obtained, and frequent
conferences were held with the Attorney-General for infor-
mation and rulings concerning the law under which the
superintendent was to act. During the remainder of the
month the work of organizing the office and field force was
pushed as rapidly as possible, a system of bookkeeping
developed and necessary details attended to.
ORGANIZATION OF THE OFFICE.
The matter of developing a proper system of accounting
received early attention. It was apparent at a glance that,
under the somewhat complicated provisions of the law,
accounts would necessarily be opened with all the cities and
towns of the district, while other arrangements must be made
for the accurate recording of the various classes of expendi-
tures so that their totals might be determined at any time
without delay. A modification of a system of bookkeeping
which has been successfully employed by one of our largest
corporations was adopted, arrangements made for the nec-
essary books, vouchers and records, and letters sent to the
known infested cities and towns requesting the name of the
person or board who would have charge of executing the pro-
visions of the law.
The superintendent, being unable to attend unaided to the
organizing of the work, as well as to answering the numer-
ous inquiries for information and assistance which were
continually pouring in, was assisted in the office by the field
agent first appointed, Mr. J. A. Farley, late of the United
States Biological Survey. Mr. Farley brings to the present
work technical knowledge of great value, while his long
experience in the former State work against the moths has
made his services particularly desirable.
During May and June the superintendent held conferences
almost nightly with city and town boards, explaining to them
the requirements of the law and soliciting their co-operation
in suppressing the moth pest.
Thousands of gypsy moth caterpillars clustered at base of
banded tree. Arlington, June, 1905.
1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. Lys
PLAN OF WorK.
It was apparent that the work must progress along two
lines: first, to obtain an accurate knowledge of the extent of
the infested area; and second, to organize work against the
moth in the cities and towns where the caterpillar plague
was already in evidence. Until the bounds of the infested
district were known, and a general idea of the severity of the
infestation was obtained, no final apportionment of the State
appropriation could be made. On the other hand, the need
of a large amount of immediate work was obvious, particu-
Jarly in the badly infested central cities and towns. To carry
on these dual lines of effort the territory was roughly divided
into four divisions, each being placed in charge of a field
agent who had had large experience in work against the moth
as well as in handling men and in dealing with the public.
Under these agents were placed a certain number of trained
inspectors, whose work at first was principally that of ex-
amining cutlying territory, while the agents devoted their
efforts toward organizing municipal operations in the central
region. When the scouting had been brought to a close, the
operations were well under way in a large number of cities
and towns, and the inspectors were then detailed to follow
up this local work, to co-operate with the local superintend-
ents, and, when necessary, to instruct them in the most
efficient methods of combating the pests.
In selecting employees it has been the policy of the super-
intendent to hire only men of experience and proved ability
in the work against the moth pests. It has seemed unwise
to employ untrained men in the execution of this law so long
as the services of experienced men could be obtained. This
has resulted in the disappointment of a great many applicants
for employment, but the superintendent has felt that only
by insisting on the highest grade of efficient service could
the insects be brought under control.
MappinG THE INFESTED TERRITORY.
The problem of first importance was to determine the
extent of the infested territory. As is well known, the area
occupied by the gypsy moth in 1899 embraced 359 square
20 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
miles. In the time which had elapsed between the cessation
of the work of the State Board of Agriculture and the be-
ginning of the work under the present superintendent, 8
additional infested municipalities were reported from various
sources, namely, Billerica, East Bridgewater, Framingham,
Gloucester, North Andover, North Reading, Scituate and
Weston. This added to the known infested district an area
of 191 square miles, making a total of 550 square miles.
It was well known to the superintendent that a large
spreading of the moth had occurred from the badly infested
sections lying immediately to the north of Boston. The
spreading of the caterpillars through the agencies of traffic
is a well-established fact. It was impossible to ride through
Medford, Malden, Saugus or Arlington during May or June
of 1904 and 1905 without becoming covered with gypsy
moth caterpillars, and it was evident that a large spreading
of the insect had taken place. To determine just how far
the moth pest had spread, and to ascertain the size of the
problem on hand, a corps of about 10 trained men was
organized and sent out into the regions suspected but not
known to be infested, to the north, south and west of the
moth-area of 1899. These men had had the benefit of sev-
eral years’ experience in gypsy moth work for the Board of
Agriculture, were thoroughly familiar with the moth and
its habits, and were known to the superintendent to be
reliable and trustworthy. After the territory was divided
among these inspectors, they were instructed to make a
diligent search for the moths, and after finding them in
any city or town to spend several days in scouting to de-
velop the local situation, and then push on to the next
town.
The result of this examination of the outlying territory
was most astonishing. Town after town in all directions
was found infested, and not until fall was the outer edge of
the infestation reached. This border line comprises Salis-
bury, Amesbury, Merrimac, Haverhill, Methuen, Andover,
Tewksbury, Chelmsford, Carlisle, Acton, Stow, Hudson,
Marlborough, Southborough, Hopkinton, Ashland, Sher-
born, Dover, Westwood, Norwood, Canton, Stoughton,
1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 21
Brockton, West Bridgewater, Bridgewater, Middleborough,
Lakeville, Wareham and Plymouth.
Outside this line a complete belt of towns has been scouted
without finding the gypsy moth. Briefly, the whole of
Essex County, over one-half of Middlesex County, half of
Norfolk County and practically the entire county of Plym-
outh were found to be infested. As against 359 square
miles of territory infested in 1900, we now have a total of
2,224 square miles occupied by the gypsy moth in varying
numbers. In other words, the territory to-day is nearly
six times as great as when the work of the State Board of
Agriculture was abandoned. (See map.)
Presented in tabular form, the infested district by periods
is given below : —
Dane N pa no cies Area in Square
BOW reais edi fedlY EIB TOIT les 34 359
1905, ; : : : : : : : 124 2,224
The present infested district embraces nearly one-fourth
of the entire area of the State. While, as previously stated,
a row of towns along the outer border has been scouted
without finding evidence of the moth, it should not be in-
ferred that the insect does not occur in these towns or even °
in places farther from the known infested district. It should
be remembered that a scouting of a week’s duration in the
caterpillar season may not disclose the presence of the moth
when it is in small numbers, but that it may be readily
detected later after its buff egg clusters have been laid and
are revealed by the falling of the leaves. The fact that a
snmmer scouting reveals no moths is at best but negative
evidence.
The infestations found varied greatly in extent, growing
less as the distance from the central infested district in-
creased. The section south of Boston, uninfested in 1900
and now completely infested, well illustrates this point. .
22 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
Quincy and Braintree were found to be generally infested ;
and in Weymouth, Hingham, Cohasset and Hull a consider-
able number of moths were found. South of this section the
infestations diminished in size, until at Lakeville, Middle-
borough and Wareham only a few specimens of the insect
were discovered. The presence of the moth, even in small
numbers, in these outlying districts is of grave significance,
since only a few years are necessary for the insect to become
thoroughly established where remedial and preventive meas-
ures are not diligently employed.
That the automobile has been an important factor in the
distribution of the gypsy moth within the past three years
does not admit of dispute. It was impossible to ride through
the infested sections immediately to the north of Boston
without becoming thoroughly coated with caterpillars dur-
ing the spring months of 1903, 1904 and 1905. During the
current year, in the caterpillar season, the superintendent
had occasion to keep a rough record of the number of gypsy
moth caterpillars found on himself and vehicle after trips
through the infested district, and this varied from 3 to 129.
Automobiles, with the wide surface on which the caterpillars
may rest, will, of course, intercept more of these as they
spin down than a carriage or other vehicle. Where pleasure
driving or teaming is limited in a day’s trip to from 10 to 20
miles, the automobile in the same time passes over from 40
to 100 miles. Itis of great significance that the places where
automobilists are accustomed to stop for meals or supplies
are most generally infested by the gypsy moth. Favorite
trips with the automobile are to Gloucester, Newburyport
and Plymouth. All these places are now known to be in-
fested by the gypsy moth, in fact, the insects occur there
in much greater numbers than even in the intervening terri-
tory. The means of distribution will be more fully treated
in another place.
mre
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Gypsy moth infested district in Massachusetts: 1900, 359 square
miles; 1905, 2,224 square miles.
1906.]
PUBLIC DOCUMENT— No. 73.
List of Towns and Cities infested by the Gypsy Moth,
Abington.
Acton.
Amesbury.
Andover.
Arlington.
Ashland.
Avon.
Barnstable.
Bedford.
Belmont.
Beverly.
Billerica.
Boston.
Bourne.
Boxford.
Braintree.
Bridgewater.
Brockton.
Brookline.
Burlington.
Cambridge.
Canton.
Carlisle.
Carver.
Chelmsford.
Chelsea.
Cohasset.
Concord.
Danvers.
Dedham.
Dover.
Duxbury.
East Bridgewater.
Essex.
Everett.
Framingham.
Georgetown.
Gloucester.
Groveland.
Halifax.
Hamilton.
Hanover.
Jan. 1, 1906.
Hanson.
Haverhill.
Hingham.
Holbrook.
Hopkinton.
Hudson.
Hull.
Hyde Park.
Ipswich.
Kingston.
Lakeville.
Lawrence.
Lexington.
Lincoln.
Lynn.
Lynnfield.
Malden.
Manchester.
Marblehead.
Marlborough.
Marshfield.
Maynard.
Medford.
Melrose.
Merrimac.
Methuen.
Middleborough.
Middleton.
Milton.
Nahant.
Natick.
Needham.
Newbury.
Newburyport.
Newton.
North Andover.
North Reading.
Norwell.
Norwood.
Peabody.
Pembroke.
Plymouth.
Plympton.
Quincy.
Randolph.
Reading.
Revere.
Rockland.
Rockport.
Rowley.
Salem.
Salisbury.
Saugus.
Scituate.
Sherborn.
Somerville.
Southborough.
Stoneham.
Stoughton.
Stow.
Sudbury.
Swampscott.
Tewksbury.
Topsfield.
Wakefield.
Waltham.
Wareham.
Watertown.
Wayland.
Wellesley.
Wenham.
West Bridgewater.
West Newbury.
Weston.
Westwood.
Weymouth.
Whitman.
Wilmington.
Winchester.
Winthrop.
Woburn.
Yarmouth.
23
24 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
Moru CoLoNnigEs OUTSIDE OF MASSACHUSETTS.
The development of serious infestations of the moths in
neighboring States is at present of importance to the work
in this Commonwealth only so far as the danger of the rein-
festation of our cleared towns is concerned. That such
colonies do exist outside the State practically confines the
policy of work in Massachusetts to suppression only, with-
out attempt to reach absolute extermination. In fact, the
time when either pest could have been exterminated has
long since passed. The superintendent has kept in touch
with the developments in the neighboring States through
correspondence with experts interested in the matter, and
is thus enabled to present a brief summary of the conditions
there existing.
Gypsy Moth.
At Providence, R.I., there now exists a considerable,
widely diffused gypsy moth colony in the residential section.
Egg clusters are common in street trees in many parts of
the city, and as a result there has been and will continue
to be a continuous scattering of caterpillars by means of
vehicles —a_ scattering which will increase yearly unless
vigorous action is taken against the pest. The apathy of
the authorities who should deal with the matter is regrettable.
If the moth is neglected, the trees of Providence will soon
suffer severely, while it is quite possible that from this large
colony a part of the southern border of Massachusetts now
free from the pest will be exposed to infestation.
After the central office inspectors had located the gypsy
moth along the New Hampshire border, from Methuen to
Salisbury, the superintendent communicated with State
Entomologist E. D. Sanderson at Durham, N. H., and
suggested that the insect probably occurred in that State,
and that it would be most desirable to have an examination
made there by a trained man. At Professor Sanderson’s
request Inspector John Sweeney was temporarily released
from our service, and in a few weeks’ time located the moth
along the coast line from Seabrook to Portsmouth —a
notable avenue of travel. So far no gypsy moths have been
found in Maine.
‘OnUT}JUOD T[IM soToIyoA Aq Burs9414e0s pus
‘sie[[idiey8o You AsdAS wioay ooay ydoy oq JouUBD s00z} 400.148 ‘pouring puB 4jno useq sBy Ysnaq oy} [Ug
‘GOBT ‘toquiejdeg “‘ssvyT ‘U0JSUIXOT ‘opIspvod poysosul A[peq [BeoIdAy,
1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 25
Brown-tail Moth.
A single finding of this insect has been reported from
Providence. Prof. W. E. Britton of the Connecticut Experi-
ment Station, New Haven, states that to his knowledge no
findings have been made in his State.
The two lower tiers of counties in New Hampshire are
generally infested with the brown-tail moth, and Professor
Sanderson has had specimens sent him from the White
Mountain region. Notable flights of the moths have been
observed at Nashua, Concord and Portsmouth.
In Maine Prof. E. D. Hitchings, State Entomologist,
Waterville, has found the pest scattered along the coast in
various places. Portland, Rockland and Augusta are gen-
erally infested, while sufficient numbers of the moths have
been found at Bar Harbor to warrant local work against the
insect. The moth has also been reported at Eastport and
at ot. John; N. B.
In eight years’ time this strong-flying insect has become
disseminated along the entire eastern seacoast of New Eng-
land and westward to central Massachusetts and southern
New Hampshire. Even Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket
have not escaped its visitation.
ORGANIZATION OF Town Work.
The moth pest had made itself felt so severely in recent
years in the central municipalities that some of them already
had local organizations for combating it, or at least had
made an attempt to destroy the nests of the gypsy and
brown-tail moths on street and park trees. In other towns
and cities, village improvement societies, women’s clubs and
similar bodies had accomplished a great amount of good,
particularly in arousing property owners to the importance
and necessity of destroying the moths, but, in spite of all
this good work, there were throughout the district most
numerous and discouraging examples of neglected estates
where the pests swarmed in full force.
The provision of the necessary funds for prosecuting the
work was early urged on the worst afflicted municipalities.
It was found that in many cases the municipal budget had
26 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
already been made up, and that, despite the caterpillar
nuisance, it was difficult to secure appropriations in season
for effective work. In the case of many towns a special
town meeting was necessary, and all these delays militated
strongly against the success of the season’s efforts.
An additional reason for delaying local appropriations was
found in the fact that many municipalities had already made
large expenditures before the passage of the act for which
no reimbursement could be obtained. Thus the city of
Salem spent nearly $8,000 during the winter and spring
preceding the enactment of the law, while Medford, Somer-
ville, Cambridge and many other communities had already
made liberal expenditures. While the request for addi-
tional large appropriations may have appeared as a hardship
to some communities, it should be borne in mind that the
expenditures previously made had resulted in reducing the
amount of work necessary during the season of 1905.
In some cases there was evident a marked tendency to
delay making appropriations and in a few a strong attempt
to bring the work within the sphere of local politics, a state
of affairs which seems as remarkable as it is unfortunate.
The problem of combating the two moths calls for the best
thought and the heartiest co-operation of every one inter-
ested in preserving our trees from harm, and it is evident
that it ought to be treated as a business proposition, pure
and simple, without reference to political considerations of
any kind. The cost of the work will be great, even with a
maximum of efficiency and the utmost economy. While the
regrettable conditions mentioned have obtained in the case
of a few municipalities, the response from the cities and
towns as a whole has been most hearty and encouraging.
They have taken a broad view of the situation, have provided
the necessary funds, have placed competent men in charge of
the work and have endeavored to prosecute it vigorously and
effectively. In many places citizens having large business
interests have gladly taken up the burden of directing the
work, and have given freely of their time and often of their
personal funds in the effort to suppress the moths. Where
public service can command the well-trained energies of
1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 2%
such citizens, efficient work and encouraging results must
follow. In other places men familiar with the moths have
been placed in direct charge of field operations, and have
rendered most faithful service. It has been most helpful and
gratifying to the superintendent to have, almost without ex-
ception, the hearty co-operation of this corps of local super-
intendents, and to them in large measure is due the credit
for the results so far obtained. There has been good ‘‘ team
work” all along the line, and if this condition can continue
and the necessary funds are available, success in the end
will be attained.
With the assurance of systematic work throughout the
district, and that no town’s efforts should suffer from the
neglect of the adjoining municipalities, the appropriations
were as a whole freely made and the work inaugurated.
At the present writing 95 cities and towns out of the total of
124 infested with the gypsy moth have a more or less com-
plete organization for combating the moths, and upward of
1,500 men are so employed. In the remaining towns, only
scattering nests of the gypsy moth were found by the inspect-
ors, and but little work, relatively speaking, will be required.
As soon as fall work was well under way, the demands
on the superintendent’s time, both in field and office, became
greatly increased. Town and city officials in large numbers
sought the office for advice, while special problems in field
work needing attention constantly presented themselves.
To assist in attending to these matters promptly, with the
approval of the Governor, Agent Dexter M. Rogers of the
eastern division was transferred to the office as assistant
superintendent, where his experience and knowledge of the
work have been most helpful.
It is always a pleasant duty to acknowledge help received
from others. The superintendent has sought freely the
advice of the Attorney-General, the Auditor of the Com-
monwealth and the secretary of the Board of Agriculture,
and in every case their counsel and assistance have been as
freely given. The suggestions of the officials and several
members of the Massachusetts Association for the Suppres-
sion of the Gypsy and Brown-tail Moths have been par-
28 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan.
ticularly helpful. Finally, the superintendent is glad to
acknowledge his obligation to field agents F. A. Bates, J.
W. Enwright, C. W. Minott and L. H. Worthley, in charge
of the four divisions, men who have brought to this work
a thorough training and well-ripened judgment, and who
have been at all times closely in touch with the field opera-
tions. The superintendent’s thanks are also due to the
local superintendents of the various cities and towns, and
to the inspectors employed by the central office, for hearty
co-operation and faithful service.
Poxuicy OF Work AGAINST EAcH Species OF MorTH.
As soon as the size of the gypsy moth infested area was
determined, it became necessary to decide on the course to
follow with reference to each species of moth. The gypsy
moth had been found from the New Hampshire line to Buz- _
zard’s Bay and westward to Marlborough. Outside the
State it was known to exist at Providence, R. I., and to be
scattered along the New Hampshire seacoast to Portsmouth.
The brown-tail moth had been reported at Amherst, and was
known to occur at Fitchburg and Worcester. It extended
south to Cape Cod and north throughout southern New Hamp-
shire and along the Maine coast to Eastport, thus having a
much wider distribution than the gypsy moth. Since the
funds available were wholly insuflicient to cope with both
pests, it was decided to adopt the policy of suppressing the
gypsy moth so far as possible wherever it occurred, and to
confine work against the brown-tail moth to clearing street
trees and trees around or near residences. The following
reasons governed the decision : —
i. The gypsy moth spreads slowly, almost entirely by the
agencies of traffic. The female moth does not fly.
The brown-tail moth is a strong flyer and is borne by the
wind for many miles.
2. The gypsy moth is a serious pest of all trees, both
deciduous and coniferous, and attacks all shrubs and some-
times even crops.
The brown-tail moth attacks deciduous trees, and is mainly
a pest of fruit trees and oaks.
‘(peonped YON) SUIs19MIO Ssoxos YIOq Jo syjou YIM ‘soavo,T ATOYOIW UL suOooD0D ‘PF
“SIBTTIGIOIVHO =°*E ‘SOSSBUUL SSM 'Z ‘(pesrejue ATJYUSITS) s83o SutAvl syjOoU eTBUIO,, “T
"UJOUL [I[BJ-UMOIG JO sosejs snowey,
1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 29
3. The gypsy moth is often hard to find, even when abun-
dant, and its treatment calls for a high degree of skill as well
as a liberal outlay of money.
The brown-tail moth is easily found in winter when its
webs are prominent at the tips of twigs. Its destruction is
relatively inexpensive and calls for no particular skill.
4. But few gypsy moths are likely to reach Massachusetts
from the small colonies outside the State.
A strong northerly wind during the flying season would
blow into Massachusetts multitudes of brown-tail moths from
the now badly infested New Hampshire border and from
southwestern Maine.
The facts being as above stated, it seemed to the superin-
tendent unwise to authorize large expenditures of money in
combating the brown-tail moth in woodlands, while in the
case of the slow-spreading and more dangerous gypsy moth
it was obvious that every possible effort should be made to
stamp it out wherever it occurred. It was therefore decided
to urge upon the local superintendents of work the necessity
of destroying the brown-tail moth on street trees, and of
insisting that every property owner destroy the pest on his
house lot and in his orchard, should he have one. In this
way the street trees are protected from injury by the cater-
pillars, and the danger from caterpillar poisoning, at least
from this source, is done away with for next season. This,
it seemed, was all that could be done against the brown-tail
moth.
With the gypsy moth it was decided to follow practically
the same lines with regard to shade trees and private estates,
and, in addition, to make a special effort to protect all road-
side trees, whether in the centres of population or in the
outlying country. The matter of prime importance in con-
nection with the gypsy moth is to prevent its farther spread
as the result of the dropping of caterpillars on vehicles. So
long as the street trees in our badly infested cities and towns
remain infested by the insect, just so long will the cater-
pillars spin down in May and June and be carried long
distances by the agencies of traflic over the road. It is
imperative, therefore, that street trees and roadsides most
30 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
frequented for travel shall be kept free from the moth pest,
and this has been the first effort of the present administra-
tion. In the central infested cities and towns a strong effort
has been made to clear the street trees of the gypsy moth
egg clusters, and in outlying districts wherever infestations
occurred by roadsides the brush has been cut and burned and
the trees remaining thoroughly treated. So long as roadside
brush remains infested by the gypsy moth, just so long will
it be practically impossible to keep the street trees free from
these insects. The superintendent regrets that in carrying
out this work it will be necessary to sacrifice for a time
a considerable amount of roadside shrubbery, yet if this
shrubbery is left in its present infested condition it will be
killed in a few years by the moths. By cutting and burn-
ing it now, the shade trees will be protected, their continued
infestation prevented and the moth pest destroyed. After
these roadsides become free from the moth, nature in a few
years will restore them to their former condition.
Many cases have arisen where badly infested woodland
adjoins roadsides, and in the spring months yields large
swarms of caterpillars to be carried away by every passing
vehicle. In such cases an effort’ has been made to thin out
such woodland and treat the moth nests along the road
borders so as to establish a zone of safety from 50 to 100
feet wide, and thus do away with farther scattering of the
insect. In the town of Saugus, for example, several wood-
land colonies abut on the public highways. From trees
which overhang the road the caterpillars drop on passing
vehicles. It is practically impossible to keep the central
residential districts of Saugus free from the moth while
these colonies exist, to say nothing of the adjoining towns
of Wakefield, Lynnfield, Lynn, Revere, Malden and Mel-
rose. In the case of these woodland colonies we have
deemed it advisable to establish protective belts as above
mentioned without reference to the action of the owners
of the infested estates, who later on will be called upon
to carry out the provisions of the act on the remaining
untreated property.
The act under which work against the moth pests is be-
1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —WNo. 73. dl
ing conducted requires the superintendent to ‘‘ separate, so
far as is practicable, the expenditures on work against the
gypsy moth and those on work against the brown-tail moth
in each city and town.” Since the law does not give the
superintendent control over the form in which reports from
cities and towns shall be rendered, it has been impossible to
make such division of expenditures. Repeated letters have
been sent to city and town treasurers and to the local super-
intendents in charge of the work, but it has been practically
impossible to obtain the information desired.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
The law requires the superintendent to present his annual
report ‘‘on or before the third Wednesday in January of
each year.” It has been impossible to obtain from several
cities and towns the complete record of their expenses under
the act. The following report includes the records of the
expenditures for work performed previous to Jan. 1, 1906.
The balance of the appropriation is apparent rather than
real, and will be practically expended during the month of
January in additional reimbursements to those towns whose
records as yet are incomplete.
Appropriation May 8, 1905, . : 5 : : . . $75,000 00
Office expenses : —
Management, . ; : ; ; : , $3,125 00
Salaries of clerks, . : : : : ‘ 1,292 00 Yo
Rent,; .. . : A : ; : 516 67 =
Stationery and aanieee, : : : : 913 34 /~
Printing, . : : . : : 951 91 |
Supplies, -aranca, ete , ‘ : ; : 545 30 Ls i!
Exponuamviees roy growing ea 8 167 85 \&
SamGUiCO MECC ge ei iy a 775 86 \<¢
Field expenses : — Nd y, %
Wages of employees, : : 9,130 24 Bip ae
Travelling expenses upermecndent and
employees), . : ; : 5 : 2,544 44
Supplies, : : : 3 149 46
Reimbursement to hities and ee : F 40,250 08
Sundries, : ‘ ‘ : ' 5 5 113 50
————__ 60,475 65
Balance Jan, 1,1906, . ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ : . $14,524 35
32 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
Parasite Appropriation.
The various expenses incurred in the work of importing
and studying parasites of the gypsy and brown-tail moths
are given below : —
Appropriation May 8, 1905, . : : . - : - $10,000 00
Services of experts and collectors, : : $852 88
Wages of employees, . i . E 5 745 39
Travelling expenses, . : : . + 116 08
Rent, .25 y ; ; : ; : : 85 00
Supplies, : : : : : : : 122 25
Stationery and postage, : : : 3 13 04
Sundries, : ; j : : : ; 170 45
Ee 2,105 09
Balance Jan. 1, 1906, .. : : . : : ~ . $f, 89291
The total amount spent in the 22 cities and towns receiv-
ing reimbursement to the amount of $40,250.08 may be
distributed as follows : —
Total amount spent, : 5 : : $76,811 76
Pay-rolls, : ; : : : : : $65,944 08
Travelling expenses, . : : . : 490 55
Supplies, : 3 : . . : ‘ 8,655 87
Sundries, : ‘ : : k : : 1,020 42
Stationery and postage, : 3 : : 483 37
Printing, 4 : : : 5 : : 185 47
Rent, : ; 5 F ; ; ; i 32 00
——— $76,811 76
As in the case of the central office, many expenses have
been incurred this year by cities and towns which will not
be duplicated in succeeding years. The items of ‘‘sup-
plies” and ‘* sundries” represent chiefly the investment in
the necessary apparatus for conducting the work. Ladders,
pruners, axes, spraying outfits, etc., have been required, and
these supplies, even after a proper allowance for deprecia-
tion, will be available for use for several years to come.
CONDITION OF THE INFESTED DISTRICT.
In describing the infested district, a natural division in-
cludes the central and the outer towns and cities. By the
‘* central towns” are meant those comprising the centre of
Roadside at Belmont, cleared of badly infested brush, and in condition for economical treatment,
1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 33
infestation, and naturally the ones most thoroughly infested
by the gypsy and brown-tail moths. The term ‘outer
towns” includes those lying outside of this central badly
infested district.
The degree of infestation varies in these latter towns from
those which are generally infested lying on the border of the
central district to the outer towns, such as Carlisle, South-
borough, Hopkinton, Stoughton, etc., where only a few
gypsy moth nests have been found. In each case the report
is based upon an examination by an inspector from this office,
supplemented by data furnished by the local superintendent.
The annual initial expenditure required to insure reim-
bursement by the State, both in 1905 and 1906, is given in
the case of each municipality.
Central Towns.
ARLINGTON.
WALTER R. CASWELL, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ ‘ . $1,978 25
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : : . 3,956 49
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : 5 UO sb 7
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; ; : ; ~
This town is now as seriously infested as any in the dis-
trict. The gypsy and brown-tail moths can be found through
practically the entire area, while the woodland colonies are
of notable size and importance. | 83929225
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; : F . 8,055 48
Saugus is generally and severely infested by both gypsy
and brown-tail moths. Practically all the woodland is in-
fested by the gypsy moth in dangerous numbers, and during
1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 53
the caterpillar season of 1905 a great deal of stripping took
place.
The town has shown a most helpful and commendable
interest in suppressing the gypsy moth. Town work was
begun promptly in May, upon the passage of the present
act, and has been prosecuted with vigor and with most satis-
factory results. The work has been under the supervision
of a thoroughly trained man and the results have been most
gratifying. During the caterpillar season a large part of
the street trees were burlapped and sprayed; and as soon
as the eggs were laid, a gang of men was put at .work
destroying them. At this writing the street trees through-
out the town have been cleared of the gypsy moth egg
clusters, and nearly all the necessary work against the
brown-tail moth has been performed. The infested road-
sides have been thinned out over approximately one-half
the town. Certain owners of valuable woodland who have
shown a disposition to make a liberal expenditure for sup-
pressing the moths have received the assistance of the town
force. About 200 acres of badly infested woodland have
been thinned out and put in condition for next season’s
work. Saugus presents one of the most serious problems
in the entire district. A great deal of burlapping and
spraying and other necessary work must be done next
season if the increase of the moths is to be checked.
SOMERVILLE.
CHARLES I. Bucknam, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, i , . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; ‘ . 5,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 1,100 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; ; : : ~
The city of Somerville is entitled to highest praise for the
very thorough and efficient work performed against the
brown-tail and gypsy moths since the cessation of exter-
minative work by the State in 1900. This work has been
in the hands of the inspector of trees, a man thoroughly
competent to judge of the needs of the situation, who for-
tunately has been liberally supported by appropriations
54 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
from the city government. As a result, the infestations in
this city by either brown-tail or gypsy moth are limited in
number, and principally confined to certain areas of land
which have been held for building purposes and which have
received no attention from the owners. The gypsy moth is
scattered to-day in small numbers throughout the city, the
principal infestations being in the western section. The
brown-tail moth is generally prevalent, but in small num-
bers. The occurrence of this insect (and frequently also of
the gypsy moth) in Somerville without doubt arises from the
numerous neglected estates in neighboring cities. At the
present writing the work of clearing both moths from the
street trees is nearly completed. A considerable amount of
burlapping will be required next season in the sections
where the gypsy moth still exists.
STONEHAM.
GEORGE M. JeErts, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; : z $980 84
1906, amount required before reimbursement, F F » 1,961 68
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : . 98,193 99
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; ‘ ; ; 640 45
Stoneham, with its large woodland areas, is thoroughly
infested by both species of moths. The gypsy moth is
abundant in dangerous numbers in the woodland in the
southern part of the town, and roadsides and orchards are
generally infested.
The work against the moths in this town is entitled to high
commendation. It was placed last summer in the hands of
a competent trained man, and has been liberally supported
by appropriation of town funds. At the present writing the
infested roadsides in all parts of the town have been cut
over and burned and the street trees and those on public
grounds have been cleared of gypsy moth egg clusters.
Work against the brown-tail moth is now in progress and
should be completed by February 1. Perhaps because this
town has been so severely afllicted by both moths, the
property owners are showing a most commendable interest
in destroying decayed or worthless trees and brush, and in
1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 55
clearing the moths from the remaining trees on their estates.
Next season the trees throughout the town should be bur-
lapped, and a considerable amount of spraying also will be
necessary.
SwaMPscort.
GrorGE NEWHALL, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; ‘ . $1,539 06
1906, amount required before reimbursement, - : 5 lO) UW
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . F 7) 2624 14
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; : : ; =
Swampscott is badly infested by both species of moths.
The gypsy moth colonies in the westerly part of the town
are of large size. In the woodland in the easterly part there
are numerous scattering gypsy moth egg clusters; but in the
Cedar Hill section, where a large moth colony was treated a
number of years ago by the employees of the State Board
of Agriculture, only a few moths have been found.
Work against the caterpillars was begun by the local
superintendent June 17, and a gang of men has been em-
ployed against the gypsy moth practically all the time since
that date. The infested roadsides have been cut out and the
remaining trees put in condition for burlapping next season.
Nearly all the large infested pasture area has been cut out
and should be burned early in the caterpillar season of next
year. Practically all the work against both moths on street
trees has been completed at this writing. Aside from burn-
ing over the infested pastures a great deal of burlapping and
spraying will be necessary next season to bring the gypsy
moth under control.
WAKEFIELD.
W. W. WHITTREDGE, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; 5 . $1,669 12
1906, amount required before reimbursement, P ‘ . 98,3838 24
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : . 98,881 74
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . i ; : le ciOmel)
Wakefield is now generally infested over its entire area by
both moths. The gypsy moth is most abundant in the
southern and eastern parts of the town and it occurs in scat-
tering numbers in the northern woodlands.
56 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
The local officials early made suitable provision for the
town work, and the necessary operations were carried on
during the summer and fall in a generally satisfactory man-
ner. ‘The street trees in the central district were burlapped
and attended during the summer months, and a certain
amount of fall spraying against the brown-tail moth gave
good results. A part of the infested roadsides has been cut
out and burned, but more of this work remains to be done.
The town park at Hart’s Hill has been cleared of dead and
worthless trees, the brush cut and burned and the moth
nests destroyed on the remaining trees. This particular
work has been performed in a very thorough and satisfactory
manner.
At the present time the local force is at work on street
trees destroying the nests of both moths, and will probably
be able to take up work on private estates by February 1.
The work next season will include a general campaign of
burlapping and spraying, and roadsides in certain sections
and in a part of the park reservation must be burned over
with oil.
WALTHAM.
RicHARD A. JonxEs, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, : : - $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; ; . §,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . j oe OTA 64
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : ¢ ‘ -
Waltham was practically clear of the gypsy moth at the
close of the former State work; but a hasty inspection dur-
ing the caterpillar season of 1905 revealed the presence of
the insect over the entire area, although none of the colonies
outside the woodland district were of notable size. In the
woods lying near Lexington Street in the northern part of
the city there is a large colony covering approximately 10
acres, over half of which was severely injured last summer
by the caterpillars. The brown-tail moth is generally scat-
tered throughout the city.
In past years considerable work was done by the city
authorities against this insect, both on street trees and on
private estates. During the past season the local work
1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 57
against both species of moths was prosecuted with vigor
and in a very satisfactory manner. In this city we have
had the hearty co-operation of the mayor and city govern-
ment, which has greatly favored the accomplishment of the
necessary work. The street trees have been cleared of the
gypsy moth egg clusters, and the work against the brown-
tail moth is practically completed at this writing. The
woodland colonies will have attention during the winter
months, and an earnest effort will be made to put the whole
city in condition for efficient work before the hatching period
of the eggs next spring. The trees in the infested sections
should be burlapped next season, and a limited amount of
spraying will probably be necessary.
WATERTOWN.
Francis H. Barnes, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ : . $2,431 91
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; F . 4,863 82
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ; . 4,099 24
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : ‘ ‘ 5 UBB kd
Watertown is now generally infested by both species of
moths, but is fortunate in the fact that it has so little wood-
land. The street trees and private estates are generally in-
fested by both moths, the gypsy being particularly abundant
in the eastern section of the town. During the fall months
the infested roadsides were cleared of brush and undesirable
trees, and at this writing about three-fourths of the street
trees have been cleaned of the moths.
The local authorities have shown a disposition to provide
suitable funds for the work, which has proceeded in a satis-
factory manner. The most serious problem in the town is
the large number of badly infested private estates, and the
notable apathy of many citizens with reference to destroying
the moths on their property. The trees throughout the en-
tire town should be burlapped and sprayed next season.
If thorough work can be continued here, the moths should
be brought under control before the close of the caterpillar
season of 1906.
58 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.
WINCHESTER.
Irvine T. Guiup, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, : : . $2,058 73
1906, amount required before reimbursement, s ; alt (eAao
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . 2 - 0,009) 16
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; : : : -
In the residential part of Winchester a great deal of
thorough work has been done in past years under the direc-
tion of the tree warden. While very satisfactory in view of
the local conditions, this work has been seriously interfered
with and often set at naught by the influx of gypsy moths
from the surrounding woodland colonies. There have also
been numerous cases of conspicuous neglect, even on the
part of well-to-do private citizens, who have failed to clear
their property of the moth pests. The woodland areas of
the town are infested by the gypsy moth in dangerous num-
bers, while the brown-tail moth occurs in large numbers
practically over the entire town. The section which adjoins
Woburn is particularly infested with this insect.
The town began work promptly under the present act, and
has prosecuted its campaign against the moths with a great
deal of vigor. The work of the local superintendent is en-
titled to highest praise and has been well supported by the
town authorities. A large expenditure of money must be
made in this town, however, before the moths can be brought
under control. A liberal amount of burlapping, banding
and spraying will be necessary next season. Atthe present
writing the necessary work on public trees has been practi-
cally completed, and a considerable amount of work has been
done by private citizens in the badly infested woodlands.
In co-operation with the city of Medford, the local force is
now engaged in thinning out the badly infested section
known as the Russell Woods, lying on the southern border
of the town.
WINTHROP.
FRANK W. Tucker, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, . j . $1,784 37
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : : : 0,009 74
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 525 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . - ; ; 3 -
1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 59
This town is now generally infested by both species of
moths, although no particularly dangerous colonies exist.
The town officials have provided suitable funds for the work,
which has been carried out under the direction of an active
and efficient committee. At this writing the trees on streets
and in public parks have been cleared of both species of the
moths, and the work on private estates has begun. Although
Winthrop is small in area, it has about 1,000 street trees
and nearly twenty-five miles of streets. The most important
infestations by each moth are in certain small fruit orchards.
The work in the town has been done in a satisfactory
manner, has been properly supported by the public, and if
these conditions prevail through 1906, the results should
be most satisfactory. Burlapping and a limited amount of
spraying will be required next year.
‘WOBURN.
PretTER E. McHveu, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ i . $2,167 67
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : ; . 4,335 34
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : . ¢,028 87
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : F : ‘ -
No city or town in the infested district is more in need of
thorough and efficient work against the gypsy and brown-
tail moths than is Woburn. Both insects occur generally
throughout the city. The central residential district, the
eastern section adjacent to Stoneham and Winchester and
the woodlands in the southern and western parts are all badly
infested by the gypsy moth. Large woodland colonies of
the gypsy moth have now developed to alarming propor-
tions.
During the caterpillar season a limited amount of spraying
was done in the city, and with the approach of the time for
fall work liberal financial provision was made by the city
government. Unfortunately the business interests of the
local superintendent prevented him from giving to the neces-
sary operations proper supervision. There has been in evi-
dence at all times in Woburn a most discouraging tendency
to make the work a question rather of employing labor than
of attempting to control the moths. Late in December, just
60 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
before the close of the fiscal year, a force of nearly 250 men
was put at work. The few trained foremen available were
simply unable to handle this large gang of men, and, although
repeated complaints were made by the State agents to the
officials in charge, practically no improvement in the condi-
tion was obtainable. It is safe to say that a gang of 25
men, properly directed and working throughout the season,
would have accomplished much more in suppressing the
moths than the poorly directed forces employed in 1905.
We have assurances that during the coming year the moth
work in Woburn will be treated as a business proposition
and carried out on business-like lines. If this is done,
much relief from the pests should be obtained. If not so
done the money expended will be practically squandered,
and the condition of the city at the close of the year will be
even worse than at present.
Nearly all the infested roadsides in the city have been cut
out and about one-half of the street trees have been cleared
of both moths, although a considerable amount of reinspect-
ing will be necessary. The work of next season should in-
clude a vigorous campaign of spraying, burlapping and an
effort to control, if funds permit, the increase of the moth in
woodland colonies.
Outer Towns.
ABINGTON.
C. Frep SHaw, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, . ; - $508 08
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ ; ee LOLGeI6
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 46 75
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ‘ é ; i -
An examination of this town by inspectors from this office
revealed the gypsy moth in 12 localities. The brown-tail
moth is generally scattered throughout the town. ‘The street
trees have been cleared of both species of the moths, but as
yet little work has been done on private estates. Burlap-
ping will be necessary in the sections infested with the
gypsy moth during the caterpillar season of 1906.
1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 61
ACTON.
CHARLES J. WiLuiams, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, . ; : . $339 59
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . 3 Sh ara
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 150 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, : ‘ : ; -
A hasty inspection of the roadsides, street trees and or-
chards in this town revealed the presence of 4 small gypsy
moth colonies, and the brown-tail moth was found gen-
erally distributed throughout the entire area. The local
authorities have endeavored to co-operate fully with us in
suppressing the insects, and the work has been carried on
in a most satisfactory manner. At the present writing
nearly all the street trees of the town have been cleared of
both moths. The infestations here of the gypsy moth do
not offer any serious difficulties if the present thorough work
can be continued. Next season the trees in the sections
where the colonies were found should be burlapped and
carefully attended.
AMESBURY.
A. L. StTovER, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ : . $1,059 49
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ : 5 ills) 7s
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : 5 667 20
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : ; : ; -
The gypsy moth is scattered throughout this town, but
none of the colonies are of large size. The principal in-
festations are in the central residential district, although a
few colonies have been found in the northern part of the
town near the New Hampshire line. The brown-tail moth
is remarkably abundant and last summer caused considerable
damage to trees. The work against the moths has been
prosecuted vigorously and to our complete satisfaction. The
street trees have been cleared of both species of moths.
These trees in the sections infested with the gypsy moth
should be burlapped next season and carefully attended.
62 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.
ANDOVER.
J. H. Puaypon, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, : ; ap le22G2
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : F . 2,443 24
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 1,010 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . . : ; F -
About 50 estates infested by the gypsy moth have been
located in Andover by our inspectors. The principal in-
festations are in the centre of the town and around the
academy and seminary buildings. Small colonies have been
found scattered in the southern, eastern and western por-
tions of the town, and a general infestation by the brown-
tail moth is in evidence. Much good work has been done
here in the past by the tree warden, who has been properly
supported in his efforts by an excellent public spirit on the
part of citizens and town officials. At the present time
about two-thirds of the street trees of the town have been
cleared of the moths. A great deal of traffic passes through
Andover, and the danger both of bringing in additional moths
and of carrying others away from the infested localities is a
serious feature of the situation. The street trees should be
burlapped next season, and a considerable amount of spray-
ing will be necessary.
ASHLAND.
F. A. Morse, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ : . $203 33
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : - 406 65
1905, amount expended in work against moths, leetreatet 4 25 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, ; F ; ; . -
In Ashland the roadsides and orchards have been examined
and 4 small gypsy moth colonies located. The brown-tail
moth appears to be very scarce in the town. The town
work has been organized and everything necessary to sup-
press the moths has been accomplished. Burlapping will be
necessary next year in the sections infested with the gypsy
moth, and a thorough watch should be kept for the develop-
ment of any additional colonies.
oe
Panett”
pct eee ao
eet b
i ee
d by gypsy moth
dead in 1905.
ippe
, Malden, str
caterpillars in 1904
Lebanon Street
ines,
P
.
’
1906. PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 63
]
AVON.
V. iL. Snzetx, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : : . $181 48
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ; ‘ . 862 96
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, : 15 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; : : : -
Two small colonies of the gypsy moth have been found in
this town and have been treated by Inspector Joseph Silva.
The local superintendent has cleared the street trees of the
brown-tail moth, and also has nearly completed the exami-
nation and treatment of private estates.
BARNSTABLE.
EBEN SmitH, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, : ‘ : $969 31
1906, amount required before reimbursement, é ; : 1,938 62
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : é -
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . F : ; ; =
There are numerous brown-tail moth webs in evidence in
this town, and these should be removed before spring. A
9 Co)
preliminary inspection made late in December revealed the
presence of 1 gypsy moth egg cluster in a tree near one of
the largest hotels, a place much frequented by automobiles.
D >)
The local work has been organized and will be under wa
Cop)
early in January.
BEDFORD.
CHARLES W. JENKS, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : : . $242 04
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ; F . 484 08
1905, amount expended in work against moths, - : ee tole,
1905, amount of State reimbursement, ‘ : ‘ é : -
Over 60 places infested by the gypsy moth have been
located in this town. The most important colony was found
at the Parker estate on the Billerica road, where over 130
nests were treated on 16 trees. The brown-tail moth is
generally present throughout the town. : ; . ; -
1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 81
The gypsy moth is scattered over the entire area of Lin-
coln. All woodland tracts, so far as they have been in-
spected, are infested. The local superintendent has taken up
the work with a great deal of energy, and has been properly
supported by the town officials. Asa result, practically all
the necessary work against the moths on public trees has
been accomplished, and steps are now under way to apply
the provisions of the act to private estates. The infested
roadside brush in several sections is a source of danger, since
it will not be possible to keep the street trees free from the
moths unless this brush is thoroughly treated. There exists,
most naturally, strong local sentiment against cutting the
brush along the highways, and, as an alternative, a great
deal of spraying will be necessary in some places. This will
materially increase the cost of the work, and a part of the
expense may well be borne by those who insist upon this
method of fighting the moth. A thorough inspection of the
town should be made in the near future. Aside from the
spraying mentioned, the trees in the localities infested by
the gypsy moth should be burlapped next season and thor-
oughly attended.
MARLBOROUGH.
M. E. Lyons, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, : f . $1,895 80
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : ; -) 13,79) 60
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ; 5 -
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . A : : : ~
A small gypsy moth colony has been found in the Mount
Pleasant Street section of Marlborough, but the brown-tail
moth occurs in large numbers over the whole city, particu-
larly in the residential district. But little has been done
here as yet in the way of fall work, but we have assurances
that operations against the moths will be taken up in the
near future. It seems probable that a considerable expense
will be involved in suppressing the brown-tail moth in this
city. The gypsy moth infestation offers no special diffi-
culties in the way of treatment.
82 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
MARSHFIELD.
W. L. Spracue, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, : ; . $330 35
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : . 660 70
1905, amount expended in work against Sheen osuimated: . \ 60°00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, ; E ; ‘ : -
Eight estates in Marshfield have been found infested with
the gypsy moth, and the brown-tail moth is generally scat-
tered through the town. The gypsy moth infestations are
practically all in the central residential district, and have re-
ceived thorough treatment. The brown-tail moth nests have
been removed from the street trees, and work against them
on private estates is now under way and is being prosecuted
with commendable vigor.
The citizens of this town are awake to the importance of
suppressing the moths, and are co-operating to the fullest
extent in this work.
MAYNARD.
LuKE S. Brooks, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, P ‘ ; $704 93
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : , . 1,409 87
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 20 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : , : ; bo
Inspection of the roadsides and orchards in this town re-
vealed the presence of the brown-tail moth in considerable
numbers, and a single estate infested by the gypsy moth.
The local superintendent has shown a most commendable
activity in prosecuting the necessary work, and has the situa-
tion well in hand. Further inspecting will be necessary
next season, and the trees in the infested colony should be
burlapped and attended.
MERRIMAC,
GILBERT G. Davis, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, . , : . $253 34
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . i ; . 506 68
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 240 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, : : , , ; -
Ee a ll
area
‘Sse ‘PIoJpeTM ‘oouctMmeyT "OD *g “ueH Aq JNO poTAsBo B
Se eS
F 1906.]. PUBLIC DOCUMENT—No. 73. 83
While Merrimac is generally infested by the brown-tail
moth, but a single gypsy moth egg cluster has been found,
the infested locality being on School Street, near the central
part of the town. Work against the brown-tail moth was
begun about December 1, and has been carried on in a satis-
factory manner. The trees in and near the section where
the gypsy moth egg cluster was found should be burlapped
next summer.
METHUEN:
HENRY WAGLAND, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, : : . $1,030 08
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : ‘ 5 POO ake
1905, amount expended in work against moths, _. 4 : -
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ‘ ‘ : : -
Four gypsy moth colonies have been located in this town,
and the brown-tail moth is generally abundant, particularly
in residential sections. The local work has been organized
and carried out ina satisfactory manner. The trees through-
out the residential section have been cleared of both species
of moths, and work is now under way in the outskirts of the
town. The property owners have received notification, and
the enforcement of the Jaw on private estates will commence
about February 1. The local work has received cordial
support both from town officials and from citizens in general.
The burlap should be applied and attended next season where
the gypsy moth*colonies are located, and a thorough inspec-
tion of the town is desirable at an early date.
MIDDLEBOROUGH.
D. M. Pratt, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, j 3 : $826 29
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : : lage 4
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 30 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : é : =
9
The gypsy moth has been found in 3 places in Middle-
borough, viz., on Rock Street, Everett Street and North
Main Street. The infestations are practically of the same
nature as occur in other towns in southern Plymouth County,
84 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
only a few nests being found in one place. The brown-tail
moth occurs here in small numbers.
A great deal of burlapping and other careful work will be
necessary here ; but, as the property owners are disposed to
co-operate with the local superintendent, we are hopeful
that the moths may be promptly suppressed. All necessary
work against the moths has been completed in a very satis-
factory manner.
MIDDLETON.
M. J. Emerson, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : : 5 pee aly
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : : H vda}s). aif
1905, amount expended in work against moths, : . . 548 28
1905, amount of State reimbursement, ; ‘ ‘ ; . 419 09
The gypsy moth has been found generally scattered in
Middleton, but no large colonies as yet have been located.
The brown-tail moth is abundant everywhere, particularly in
orchards and along roadsides. The most important findings
of the gypsy moth were made along the road between Middle-
ton and Danvers. A large hotel in the southern part of the
town is much visited by summer travel, and the grounds here
are quite seriously infested. This colony should have
thorough attention to prevent a further scattering of the
moth. The trees on the main streets of the town should be
burlapped next season.
MILTON.
NATHANIEL T. KippDER, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, : ; . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : ; . 86,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : : 585 26
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . i : : ‘ -
Milton is fortunate in having had for several years the
services of a tree warden fully alive to the importance of
suppressing the gypsy and the brown-tail moths, and as :
result the insects have been kept well under control. Our
inspection shows that the gypsy moth is scattered in small
numbers throughout the town, including the woodlands in
the southern part bordering on the Blue Hills Reservation.
e
1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 85
The brown-tail moth is lightly scattered over the residential
part of the town.
Practically all the necessary work against the brown-tail
as well as the gypsy moth on street trees and private estates
of the entire town is completed at this writing. The trees
in the places infested with the gypsy moth should be bur-
lapped next season, and in certain localities spraying may be
necessary. It is also of importance to inspect the woodlands
thoroughly at the earliest opportunity.
NATICK.
Henry S. HUNNEWELL, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ é : $1,325 73
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; ; . 2,651 45
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : . -
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; ; ‘ ; -
Upward of 65 private estates in Natick have been found
infested by the gypsy moth, with scattering infestation on
street trees. The brown-tail moth occurs in average num-
bers throughout the town. The local superintendent has
under way a more thorough inspection of the town, and we
have assurances that the clearing of the street trees will be
taken up at an early date. The gypsy moth colonies offer
no particular difficulties in the way of treatment, but the
trees in them should be burlapped and sprayed next season.
This town possesses many beautiful estates, on which
numerous fine specimen trees may be found. It is of the
utmost importance, therefore, that the moth be exterminated
here, or brought thoroughly under control at the earliest
possible date.
NEEDHAM.
Ernest E. Rivey, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ ‘ ‘ $808 24
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ : . 1,616 48
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . i F 105 97
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . F ‘ ; : =
This town is generally infested by both the gypsy and the
brown-tail moths. The inspection of roadsides and orchards
86 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
has shown some 26 gypsy moth colonies, principally in the
Highlandville section. The brown-tail moth is scattered in
average numbers over the town. The gypsy moth colonies
should be easily brought under control if the present hearty
co-operation of the local authorities is continued. The
necessary local work is in progress, and has been carried out
in a very satisfactory manner. Further inspection of the
woodland should be made at the earliest possible moment.
NEWBURY.
BENJAMIN PEARSON, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, . ‘ ; . $239 36
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : ; a) aoe
1905, amount expended in work against moths, : ; 2 049533
1905, amount of State reimbursement, : : ‘ ; : -
The egg clusters of the gypsy moth have been found scat-
tered throughout Newbury, being particularly abundant in
the Oldtown section, where as many as 20 nests have been
found on a small estate. The most important infestations
are along the main road leading to Newburyport. About
one-half of the street trees have been cleared of both gypsy
and brown-tail moths by the local superintendent, and the
work is in progress at this writing. The trees in the sec-
tions infested with the gypsy moth should be burlapped next
season, and spraying will be necessary in a few localities.
A number of large orchards which are infested should be
sprayed. The condition of the woodland in this town has
not been determined, but an effort will be made to have it
inspected during the winter and spring.
NEWBURYPORT.
Tuomas T. Urron, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; P . $2,162 17
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : : . 4,324 85
1905, amount expended in work against MOUS es . . 1,266 84
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; : ; : -
From its topographical position the condition of New-
buryport is of particular importance, since nearly all the
travel to New Hampshire points passes through it, and any
1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 87
moth colonies existing here are a source of danger to a wide-
spread area. The gypsy moth has been found generally
scattered throughout all parts of the city, and the brown-tail
moth is notably abundant. A thorough inspection of the
city has been made, with the result that nearly every section
has been found infested with the gypsy moth. The largest
number of colonies was found in the residential section.
Many of them were of considerable size, over 100 nests
being found on a single estate. The residential section was
cleared of the brown-tail moth nests in the spring of 1905,
and as a result there was but little damage by these cater-
pillars during the summer.
In November and December the local superintendent, with
a small gang of men, carried on work against both insects
on the public shade trees. It has appeared to be difficult
to secure a suitable number of employees to carry on the
work to greatest advantage, and, as a consequence, only
about one-fourth of the public trees have been cleared of
the moths. Steps are now being taken to increase the
force of men, and it is expected that the entire city will be
covered before the egg clusters of the gypsy moth hatch,
next spring. A great deal of very careful work will be
necessary here to keep the gypsy moth under control. The
trees in the entire city should be burlapped next season and
carefully attended; in addition, spraying will be needed in
the worst-infested sections.
NortH ANDOVER.
PETER Hout, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, : . . $891 65
1906, amount required before reimbursement, 2 : aio e829
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 805 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : ; : : =
Gypsy moths were first found in 1904 in this town. An
examination in the summer of 1905 by an inspector from
this office showed the insect to be present in about half a
dozen localities. The town as yet has not been completely
scouted, and this work should have attention next year.
Burlapping will be necessary on trees in the known gypsy
88 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.
moth colonies. The brown-tail moth is present in aver-
age numbers. As yet but little has been done by the local
authorities, owing in part to the important business in-
terests of the local superintendent ; but we have assurances
that a vigorous campaign against the two insects will be com-
pleted during the winter months.
Norty READING.
F. Howarp Mossman, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, . ; F . $133 73
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ; ' op S267 AT
1905, amount expended in work against moths, : ; . 288 55
1905, amount of State reimbursement, : a : : : -
The southern and eastern sections of North Reading are
generally infested by the gypsy moth. The roadsides in this
district contain numerous colonies, and nearly every old
apple orchard shows specimens of both brown-tail and gypsy
moths. The general infestation by the gypsy moth is un-
fortunate because of the amount of woodland in the town.
It should be checked before it has opportunity to spread
farther. Already a considerable wooded area lying near
Haverhill and Pleasant streets is generally infested, and a
colony of importance has been located on the town farm at
Park Street. The work of the local superintendent is now
under way, and is being carried on in a satisfactory manner.
A great deal of cutting and burning of worthless trees will
be necessary, together with burlapping and spraying, next
season, in order to hold the gypsy moth in check, and many
miles of infested roadsides should have attention. The local
operations to date have been properly supported by the
selectmen.
NORWELL.
Joun H. SPARRELL, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, . . ‘ . $167 46
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : ; silt poe, Ol
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, : 85 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, : ; : ; ‘ -
Inspector Harry B. Ramsey located the gypsy moth early
in August at 10 different places in Norwell. A thorough
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1906. } PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 89
inspection of the residential section of the town is now com-
pleted, and no additional infestations have been discovered.
The local superintendent has cleared the street trees of both
species of moths, and has also performed the work necessary
on private estates. The infested sections will require bur-
lapping and careful attention next year.
- The brown-tail moth is more or less distributed over the
residential portion of the town, but so far as known it has
not yet invaded the woodlands.
Norwoop.
Frank H. Winstow, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, : : - $1,025 55
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ : 20a e099
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 15 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : : ‘ -
Four gypsy moth colonies have been found in Norwood.
None of them are of large size, but in one case the infesta-
tion is complicated by a number of hollow trees, which
must be either removed or cemented. The brown-tail moth
is not abundant here, and, if the gypsy moth infestations
receive thorough treatment next season, the problem of
suppressing the insects should not prove a difficult one. A
limited amount of work has been done against the moths by
the local superintendent. The entire town should have a
thorough inspection at*the earliest possible date.
PEMBROKE.
CaLviIn S. WEstT, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : ; . $189 78
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : ‘ . 39 56
1905, amount expended in work against moths, - . : 95 18
1905, amount of State reimbursemeat, : : : 5 2 -
In the latter part of August the gypsy moth was found in
this town by the State inspector, and since that time 12 addi-
tional infestations have been located. As in the case of
other towns in this vicinity, the moth was found widely
scattered, as no more than a single nest as a rule was found
in any particular locality. A few brown-tail moth webs
90 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.
have been found in the town. Nearly all the necessary work
against both species of moths has been done in a very satis-
factory manner by the local superintendent. The sections
infested by the gypsy moth should be burlapped and care-
fully attended next season.
PLYMOUTH.
GEORGE R. Brices, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; : . $1,869 74
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; ; ao Sian) 2/
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : “ -
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . i i ‘ : -
The infestations of the gypsy moth in Plymouth are of
particular, importance because of the immense amount of
summer travel which finds its way here. We are unable
at this writing to state how badly the town is infested, but
already the moth has been found scattered in small numbers
throughout the entire residential section, and a single nest
has been found at Long Pond village and at Darby Pond.
The large amount of woodland in Plymouth should be
thoroughly inspected at the first opportunity. A great deal
of camping takes place here each summer, one of the circum-
stances that render the camp sites in the wooded area
peculiarly liable to infestation by the moth. The brown-
tail moth has been kept under control in past years by the
efficient local superintendent. At this writing work against
both species of moths is being prosecuted vigorously and
in a very satisfactory manner. Burlapping will be neces-
sary next year wherever the gypsy moth exists.
PLYMPTON.
ZinA E. SHERMAN, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, . ; ; - $66 24
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : : me ley yks)
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, ; 25 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, ; : : : ‘ ~
Six small gypsy moth colonies have been found in widely
separated localities in this town.