NES Se! hye SES el sd x | Secisammn cea unainate aS . Sl a AM RD ee ole ein Seared ¥ J Py PUBLIC DOCUMENT .... oe ite i DO eee Fe fpla.f ce SECOND ANNUAL REPORT ~ OF THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR | SUPPRESSING THE GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. JANUARY, 1907 << BOSTON : WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS, ss : 18 Post Orrice SQuaRE. -_ 1907. HOL MBL/w Ua LiC; DOCUMENT) 20.0. SECOND ANNUAL REPORT SUPERINTENDENT SUPPRESSING THE GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. INN PAN UA Rw POT: ii — ——SS= ——$— _. —————_a == C) _— in lve ——r—) Z GUIL AY =e y. — a i %, == © Fos rh A ¢\ —— f ~ 2 <9 \ Saas iy * ais —S= r& | CAs a : ————_—_] { --S2 > 2 eee a a. a 7 i \ > ay : ‘ if « ea te ’ 2 7 : Pate wan — 3 ——_ ~~. ee ad Cc 4 a aig A » ~~ ——- = ™ i. ae i = te | a i - :. q e fl a & 7 ‘ AL ie hb Vy ; * ‘ - ‘ A 7 a m - f 7 = 1 EPS eS a ee ma a o 7 S : os ha eh ope ee ye - i. ee a ‘ oA it : a n a ao ae 7 ue ps a) er oe ate mA PLATE | 6 Drawn by " Joseph Beidgham. Heliotype Printing Co. Boston GYPSY MOTH: EXPLANATION OF PLATE, Fies. 1 anp 2.— Female gypsy moths. Fics. 3 anp 4, — Male moths. Fic. 5.— Pupa. Fics. 6 AnD 7.— Caterpillars. Fic. 8.— Egg cluster. Fic. 9.— Eggs, magnified. Fic. 10.— Single egg, greatly magnified. (Used by permission of Massachusetts Board of Agriculture.) Lommontuealth of Massachusetts. THE GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. In the first annual report of the Superintendent for Sup- pressing the Gypsy and Brown-tail Moths, submitted Jan. 1, 1906, a somewhat detailed history of the moths in Europe was given, and their introduction into Massachusetts, their escape and gradual spread, as well as the previous efforts of the State to suppress them, were outlined. For this information reference to the above report may be made. The former work of the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture and the beginnings of the: present effort to suppress the moths early in the summer of 1905. were also described in full. It should be borne in mind that at the time the present State work against the moths began,. the eges had hatched and the caterpillars were already swarming in the trees; that the perfecting of an organization necessary to carry out the present law required much time and effort, and that but little in the way of effective measures could be accom- plished in controlling the caterpillars during the season of 1905. The same was also true of the efforts to approximately determine the size of the infested district,—a problem which at. this writing has not been definitely solved. While we know approxi- mately the bounds of the area occupied by the gypsy and brown-tail moths, to determine accurately the limits of the infested district will require a larger expenditure than seems to ~ the superintendent warranted under the present condition of State appropriations. These facts are cited merely to emphasize the fact that the report on the seven months’ work of last year was in the nature of a preliminary one, and that only at the close of the summer of 1906 were we able to complete a full year’s work against the moths. 10 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. Q The State work has gone far enough to reveal a most alarming state of affairs. The gypsy moth has been found spread through- out nearly all of eastern Massachusetts, many of the border towns in Middlesex and Worcester counties being infested, while the central towns are thoroughly infested from one end to the other. It is apparent that the State is called upon to make a most vigorous fight against one of the best-known and most important enemies of fruit and shade trees scattered throughout more than one-quarter of its area. The case is not at all comparable to that of the cotton boll weevil now ravaging the cotton fields of the southwest, which is restricted to a single food plant, nor to the outbreaks of insects like the chinch bug or Hessian fly in our western States, which feed on but few plants. While the gypsy moth has not caused important damage to field crops except in rare cases, it does attack the whole wide range of fruit trees, shade trees, forest trees and ornamental shrubs, and when unrestricted leaves only desolation and ruin in its path. It also naturally follows that wherever the pest finds lodgment, it obtains food on which it can thrive and develop, and within a few years increases into a colony of notable pro- portions. With the developments of the last year and the experience gained, we are now able to present a much more accurate state- ment of existing conditions than was possible at the time of the presentation of the first report. As many of those interested in the progress of the unique co-operative effort to suppress the gypsy and brown-tail moths in Massachusetts will not be able to find time to peruse all the details of this report, it has seemed — best to present the following summary of the same. Synopsis oF THE Report. 1. The area heavily infested by the moths has been deter- mined, but the complete extent of the infested district is not yet known; nor will be until funds are available for extensive scouting operations. 2. In the known infested district local work against the moths has been organized and prosecuted vigorously. Two lines of effort have been followed. Some 8,000 miles of streets have been worked over and kept practically free from the caterpillars, 1907.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 1B thereby largely preventing the farther spread of the gypsy moth. In upward of 90 per cent. of the residential districts both moths have been so well controlled that but little caterpillar damage was noticeable last summer. The woodlands are more severely infested by the gypsy moth than ever before. 3. In the enforcement of the law against these insects we have been greatly assisted by a general spirit of helpful co- operation on the part of city and town officials, and by citizens throughout the moth-aftlicted district. 4. In a few localities the work has been seriously hampered by the complication of local politics or by apathy, and in some cases by open opposition on the part of city or town officials. 5. The work of importing beneficial parasites is progressing satisfactorily. 6. By sections 8 and 9 of chapter 381, Acts of 1905, provi- sion is made for expenditures to May 1, 1907. Additional ap- propriations should be authorized applying to future operations against the moths until such time as they are brought under control. Recommendations are: — (a) A suitable appropriation should be made for the unin- terrupted continuation of the work against the moths over a period of at least three years. Similar provisions should be made for further investigation and importation of beneficial parasites. (b) In computing municipal and individual assessments the valuations of the previous year should be used. (c) The superintendent should be given authority to do the necessary work against the moths in such cities or towns as fail to provide the necessary appropriations or suitable organiza- tions for carrying on the work, subject to the approval of the Governor. The proportional cost of the same, as fixed by law, with a proper additional allowance for the cost of management, should be charged against such municipalities, to be collected in the same manner as other State taxes. (d) The superintendent should be given authority to take charge, at the expense of the State, of the work against the moths in certain public parks, cemeteries and other places of general resort, subject to the approval of the Governor. 12 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The act under which the work against the moth pests is being condueted requires the superintendent to “ separate so far as is practicable the expenditures on work against the gypsy moth from those on work against the brown-tail moth in each city and town.” Such a division of expenses is practically impossible to obtain. The work against both moths goes on at the same time, the same gang removing brown-tail webs and creosoting gypsy moth nests as a part of the daily winter routine. In spraying operations, as well as in other forms of field work, both insects are destroyed indiscriminately. Hence such a divi- sion of expenditure seems to be entirely out of the question. It has been impossible to obtain from several cities and towns a complete record of their expenses under the act at the time of submitting this report. The following statement includes the records of expenditures for work performed previous to Jan. 1, 1907, so far as obtainable. The balance carried forward from last year, namely, $14,524.35, was practically all paid out during the month of January, 1906, in reimbursements to towns and cities which for various reasons had failed to submit their vouchers at the time of closing our books. For the same reason, the balance carried forward to the credit of 1907 operations is apparent rather than real, and will be practically disbursed during the month of January in payments to those towns and cities whose records are yet incomplete. Balance from 1905, < ' Z . $14,524 35 General appropriation for 1906, ; : - 150,000 00 Special appropriation for 1906, June 14, . 75,000 00 — — $239,524 35 Office expenses : — Management, . ; > ; : , . $5,000 00 Salaries of clerks, . , ; ! : ; 2,681 82 Rent, ; : é ; : F : 1,250 04 Stationery and al ; : ‘ 4 ; 815 56 Printing, , ; , : ; ; : 313 59 Experts, P ; ; 5 : : : 507 95 Sundries, ; ‘ , ; ; : 1,250 55 Supplies and Poenitaire: , : : , : 244 20 1907. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 13 Field expenses : — Wages of employees, . ’ : ‘ . $27,584 09 Travelling expenses of employees, . 5 : 7,829 48 Supplies, ; é : : : : F 135 70 Sundries, ! : ; 4 : : : 28 14 Reimbursements to cities and towns, . . 171,038 74 $218,679 86 Balance Jan. 1, 1907, . ; 5 : ; Z $20,844 49 Parasite Appropriation. The greatly increased number of foreign shipments of par- asitic material, as compared with those of ‘1905, necessitated the provision of a large amount of apparatus and the employ- ment of much expert assistance during the breeding season, together with large disbursements to foreign collectors. The total expenses incurred in this work during the year 1906 are given below: — Balance Jan. 1, 1906, : ; . : . $7,894 91 Appropriation, 1906, : ; 3 : . 10,000 00 ———— $17,894 91 Expended in 1906: — Wages of employees, : : : : . $2,761 48 Travelling expenses, . : : 3 ‘ : 755 74 Rent, . : : , ‘ ; : ‘ : 180 00 Supplies, . : : ; ’ ; : : 891 42 Stationery and postage, . ‘ : ‘ : 17 99 Experts, . : ; : : ‘ ‘ ; 105 92 Sundries, . : : : ; : ‘ ‘ 379 01 Importation of parasites, . : ; : 00 6783 10,763 39 Balance Jan. 1, 1907, ; ‘ ; : ; ae Bikes AwaAtysis OF Town EXPENSES. Of the total amount expended by cities and towns receiving reimbursement from the State, there has been a considerable increase in the amount invested in tools and supplies, the largest items being power spraying outfits, insecticides, hose, ladders, axes, etc. The total amount spent in the 57 cities and towns 14 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. receiving reimbursement from the State to the amount of $148,860.36 may be distributed as follows: — Total amount spent, . : : , , -. « + » $315,215 6L Pay roils, *. : ‘ ; : : . $260,971 68 Travel, . . ; : : : : , 599 72 Rent, . : ; > 2 - : 3 206 09 Supplies, . ‘ : ‘ ; ‘ : 48,068 74 Sundries, . é ; ‘ : : ‘ 3,039 24 Stationery and postage, ‘ ; : PN 1,470 81 Printing, : : ; evil ‘ ; 859 33 $315,215 61 Financia Summary By Towns. The following table shows the required expenditure under the law, total expenditure and reimbursement of each city and town of the district infested by the gypsy moth during 1905 and 1906. The showing for 1905 includes all reimbursements on account of work done during that year, some of which had not been made at the time the last report of the superintendent went to press. 1905. 1906. Abington, . .. | $508 08 | $46 75 - || $1,016 16 = - Acton, . .| 33959] 150 00 - 679 17 | $108 23 - Amesbury, . | 1,059 49 | 667 20 - 2,118 97 | 902 75 - Andover, . . 1,221 62 | 1,010 00 - 2,443 24 | 2,075 49 - Arlington, . _—-. | ‘1,978 25 | 10,484 57 | $6,805 06 || 3,956 49 | 14,983 35 | $8,821 49 Ashland, . .| 203.33 25 00 = 406 65 | 121 90 | : Avon, ; 181 48 15 00 - 362 96 - - Ayer, ; . 333 94 - ~ 667 87 - - Barnstable, .| 969 31 = - || 1,938 62 | 150 00 | - Bedford, . .| 24204] 131 92 - 484 08 | 2,390 50 | 1,906 42 Belmont, . . | 1,105 21 | 4,396 51 | 3,291 30 || 2,210 42 | 5,203 53 2,993 11 Beverly, . . | 2,500 00 | 3,500 00 - || 5,000 00 | 6,718 94 859 47 Billerica, . 439 47 - - | 878 94 | 1,984 39 | 1,105 45 Boston, . . | 2,500 00 | 4,798 56 | 1,149 28 || 5,000 00 | 15,613 96 | 5,306 98 Bourne, . .| 507 65 “ - | 1,015 09 | 132 34 - TINT. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 15 1905. 1906. 3 jl 5 ar ; ae a oe Boxborough, $49 38 = = $98 75 $11 50 = Boxford, 203 60 | $319 54] $115 94 407 19 | 1,088 19 $681 00 Braintree, . 981 55 821 92 = 1,963 09 | 1,873 16 = Bridgewater. 614 16 23 00 = 1,228 32 272 53 ~ Brockton. . 2,500 00 = = 5,000 00 = = Brookline, . 2,500 00 919 48 = 5,000 00 - ~ Burlington, 114 49 | 1,628 14 | 1,513 65 228 98 | 5,147 05 | 4,918 07 Cambridge, 2,500 00 | 6,900 63 | 2,200 32 || 5,000 00 | 7,957 07 1,478 54 Canton, 740 12 40 00 = 1,480 24 - - Carlisle, 80 71 = = 161 41 | 1,551 04 | 1,389 63 Carver, 303 42 20 00 - 606 84 = - Chelmsford, 617 55 450 00 = 1,235 09 | 2,207 73 972 64 Chelsea, 2,500 00 | 1,806 59 = 5,000 00 - - Cohasset, 1,281 46 500 00 - 2,562 89 | 2,058 00 = Concord, 1,098 01 - - 2,196 01 | 4,190 94 | 1,994 93 Danvers, 1,069 75 | 2,248 60 | 1,178 85 || 2,139 51 | 6,415 45 | 4,275 94 Dedham, 2,159 65 93 75 = 4,319 29 638 28 = Dover, 185 61 8 00 = 371 21 823 00 451 79 Dracut, 426 57 = - 853 14 - - Duxbury, 374 10 90 00 = 748 20 - = East Bridgewater, 326 18 70 00 - 652 37 615 21 - Easton, 964 18 - = 1,928 36 132 69 = Essex, 209 80 773 15 563 35 419 61 | 1,924 63 | 1,505 02 Everett, 2,500 00 490 20 = 5,000 00 | 4,667 51 = Framingham, 1,843 72 300 00 = 3,687 44 | 3,438 54 = Georgetown, ! 195 86 107 90 = 391 72 - = Gloucester, 2,500 00 | 2,171 32 = 5,000 00 | 4,724 35 = Groveland, 209 52 173 43 = 419 03 644 46 225 43 Halifax, 63 11 10 00 - 126 21 34 50 = Hamilton, . 560 38 | 1,306 10 500 00 || 1,120 77 | 2,472 01 | 1,351 24 Hanover,! . 274 16 105 00 = 548 32 605 54 = Hanson, 149 30 60 00 = 298 60 = = Haverhill, . 2,500 00 785 70 = | 5,000 00 | 1,391 36 = Hingham, . 872 69 100 00 = | 1,745 38 | 3,863 95 | 2,118 57 Holbrook, . 253 64 25 00 = 507 27 = = Holliston, . 310 23 = - 620 45 - - Hopkinton, 327 86 - = 655 71 67 40 = 1 These towns have not yet filed satisfactory returns for reimbursement. 16 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 1905. 1906. Hudson, $626 41 | $150 90 - || $1,252 82 | $349 83 ~ Hull, 909 23 15 00 - 1,818 45 - - Hyde Park, 2,500 00 | 350 00 - 5,000 00 | 2,876 52 | = Ipswich, 743 19 | 1,184 89 | $441 70 || 1,486 38 | 3,527 33 $2,040 95 Kingston, 283 29 50 00 - 566 57 = - Lakeville, 124 86 7 00 - 249 71 - - Lawrence, . 2,500 00 - - 5,000 00 - - Lexington, 1,165 46 | 3,990 52 | 2,825 06 || 2,330 92 | 10,217 11 | 7,886 19 Lincoln, 457 03 53 00 - 914 06 - - Littleton, 197 53 - - 395 05 49 25 - Lowell, 2,500 00 - - 5,000 00 | 1,076 21 - Lynn, 2,500 00 | 6,204 44 | 1,852 22 || 5,000 00 | 24,319 24 9,351 10 Lynnfield, . 147 28 | 1,777 74 | 1,634 94 294 55 | 3,795 36 | 3,500 81 Malden, 2,500 00 | 4,782 71 | 1,141 36 || 5,000 00 (13,298 00 4,149 00 Manchester, 2,030 05 | 1,121 57 - 4,060 10 2,619 86 - Marblehead, 1,420 26 | 2,829 99 | 1,127 78 || 2,840 52 | 3,055 27} 171 80 Marlborough, 1,895 80 - - 3,791 60 | 2,239 43 - Marshfield, 330 35 60 00 - 660 70 150 00 - Maynard, 704 93 20 00 - 1,409 87 - - Medford, 2,500 00 | 12,684 89 | 5,092 45 || 5,000 00 | 18,285 18 | 6,642 59 Melrose, 2,500 00 | 6,945 29 | 2,222 65 || 5,000 00 | 13,555 12 | 4,481 06 Merrimac, . 253 34 407 75 = 506 68 667 05 160 37 Methuen, 1,030 08 - - 2,060 16 | 3,921 90 | 1,231 74 Middleborough, 826 29 30 00 - 1,652 57 - - Middleton, 12919 | 62400] 494 81 258 37 | 1,336 11 | 1,077 74 Millis, 143 39 - - 286 79 | 128 98 - Milton, 2,500 00 | 585 26 - 5,000 00 - - Nahant, 1,064 15 | 230 00 - 2,128 30 | - - Natick, 1,325 73 - - || 2,651 45 | - - Needham, . 808 24| 105 97 ~ 1,616 48 | 1,383 48 - Newbury, 239 36 | 549 33] 309 97 478 72 | 2,500 04 | 2,021 32 Newburyport, 2,162 17 | 1,266 84 - 4,324 35 | 3,876 55 - Newton, . | 2,500 00 | 1,231 36 - 5,000 00 | 8,277 49 | 1,638 75 North Andover, . | 891 65 805 00 - 1,783 29 965 45 - North Reading, .| 13373 | 238 55 | 104 82 267 47 | 1,029 17] 761 70 Norwell, : | 167 46 85 00 - 334 91 - - Norwood, . | 1,025 55 15 00 - 2,051 09 - - —— PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 1907.] 17 1905. 1906. . eguitgd | otal, |Reimburse-| Reavired | ,.Totel. MReimburse ture. ture, ture. ture. Orleans, $116 72 = = $233 44 $90 00 - Peabody, 1,748 97 | $5,253 54 | $2,803 66 || 3,497 94 | 8,551 41 | $4,042 78 Pembroke, 189 78 95 18 | = 379 56 - ~ Plymouth, . 1,869 74 | - = 3,739 47 600 00 = Plympton, . 66 24 | 25 00 = 132 48 - - ‘Quincy, 2,500 00 | 1,023 97 = 5,000 00 | 6,129 25 564 63 Randolph, . 399 05 15 00 - 798 10 — ~ Raynham, . 148 17 - - 296 33 88 55 - Reading, 922 69 | 2,310 60 | 1,387 91 1,845 37 | 4,895 13 | 3,049 76 Revere, 2,439 45 | 3,994 77 | 1,244 26 || 4,878 89 | 3,505 39 = Rockland, . 659 09 250 00 = 1,318 18 575 45 = Rockport, . 614 54 688 11 73 57 1,229 08 | 1,234 79 5 71 Rawley, 148 78 248 73 99 95 297 56 | 1,064 66 767 10 Salem, 2,500 00 | 5,602 22 1,551 11 5,000 00 | 11,453 52 | 3,226 76 Salisbury, 170 50 762 19 591 69 340 99 | 1,978 20 | 1,637 21 Saugus, 866 77 | 8,922 25 | 8,055 48 1,733 54 | 15,522 71 | 13,789 17 Scituate, 701 91 110 00 - 1,403 93 280 75 = Sherborn, 178 90 40 00 = 357 80 957 88 600 08 Somerville, 2,500 00 | 1,100 00 - 5,000 00 | 5,855 04 427 52 Southborough, 283 92 100 00 - 567 84 337 61 - Stoneham, . 980 84 | 3,193 99 | 2,213 15 1,961 68 | 7,936 22 | 5,974 54 Stoughton, 636 46 282 00 - 1,272 92 = = Stow, 161 52 80 30 = 323 02 236 33 = Sudbury, 236 52 75 00 - 473 04 397 89 = Swampscott, 1,539 06 | 2,624 14 868 06 || 3,078 12 | 7,510 22 | 3,545 68 Tewksbury, 354 03 270 82 - 708 06 | 1,200 27 492 21 Topsfield, 190 24 626 45 436 21 380 47 | 1,258 44 877 97 Tyngsborough, 87 74 - - 175 47 102 00 - Wakefield, . 1,669 12 | 3,881 74 | 1,770 10 |} 3,338 24 | 4,945 01 | 1,285 42 Waltham, . 2,500 00 | 1,197 64 ~ 5,000 00 | 7,709 81 | 1,354 91 Wareham, . 658 31 25 00 = 1,316 62 = = Watertown, 2,431 91 | 4,099 24 | 1,333 86 || 4,863 82 | 7,703 99 | 2,272 14 Wayland, 382 54 10 00 = 765 08 944 45 179 37 Wellesley, . 2,221 43 246 41 - 4,442 85 | 2,469 34 = Wenham, 420 40 | 1,043 45 623 05 840 80 | 2,818 13 | 1,977 33 Westborough, 596 53 - - 1,193 07 - = West Bridgewater, 223 24 15 00 - 446 48 - - 18 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 1905. 1906. erry ee ee Required | ‘Total a: “ESRI: | mxpenas /Reimuyre| epend- | Began: [ioe Westford, . .| $319 59 | -" - $639 19 = 5 ts West Newbury, . | 208 52| $660 64| $452 12 |} 417 04 |$1.302 87| $885 83 Weston, . .| 1,009.50] 254 48 e 2,199 00 | 5,225 29 | 3,026 29 Westwood, .| 41596] 5000 831 93 7 62 ~ Weymouth, «| 1,413°07|' (175-00 e 2,826 15 | 3,745 61 | 735 57 Whitman,. .| 78716] 6000 E 1,574 32 = r Wilmington, | 245 50 - = 491 00 | 2,785 28 | 2,294 28 Winchester, | 2,058 73 | 3,379 16 | 1,056 34 || 4,117 46 | 14,056 96 | 7,951 60 Winthrop,. | 1,784 37 | 525 00 - || 3,568 74| 1,655 17 i Woburn, | 2,167 67 | 7,528 87 | 2,895 43.|| 4,335 34 | 6,483 12 | 1,718 22 Yarmouth, | 363 20 = 2 726 40 | 100 00 és ALLOTMENTS OF THE APPROPRIATIONS. Under a literal interpretation of the law providing for work against the gypsy and brown-tail moths, no provision is made for limiting the amount to be expended by any city or town upon which a reimbursement may be claimed from the State. As it was apparent that even a few towns having low liabilities might, if so disposed, use up the entire appropriation made for the benefit of the whole infested district, it was decided, after a conference with the Attorney-General and the State Auditor, that, in order to carry out the obvious intent of the law and to secure a reasonable and just division of State funds among the infested municipalities, it would be necessary to limit the ex- penditures upon which claims for reimbursement might be made. The adjustment of such allotments has been no small part of the work of this office. In each case, the allotment and consequent limitation of expense has been made first with refer- ence to the local requirements of the work, and second with ref- | erence to the original financial liability of the city or town under the act. In all important cases the needs of the work were thoroughly canvassed by the superintendent, and a final sum fixed upon, after conference with the agent in charge of the district and frequently with city or town officials. 1907] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. iis) As might have been expected, we have encountered a notable dilemma in connection with these allotments. In certain cities “required to expend $5,000 before receiving reimbursement — communities often burdened with heavy debt — there has been a constant protest against expending the total sum necessary, in the opinion of the superintendent, to secure the desired degree of progress in controlling the moths. Further than this, in many cases, since any reimbursement to such cities would not be available until after the 1st of January following the ex- penditures, certain mayors have opposed the increase of indebt- edness for running expenses under their direction, since the benefit of any State help would go to the credit of the succeeding administration, should they fail of re-election. While to those who give first place to the welfare of the public such a considera- tion seems small and unbusinesslike, it has in many cases been an important factor in preventing the proper supervision of funds for the work in hand. On the other side of the question, many infested towns of low valuation, where after a nominal local expense the State has been called upon to assume all further cost of work, have shown a notable, and, as a whole, commendable desire to push the work with the utmost vigor, borrowing money to finance the same on short-term notes, and repaying it as reimbursements became available. To steer a clear course between these two widely divergent expressions of public opinion has required the utmost patience and care, and there is no doubt that errors have been made on both sides of the case; but the superintendent and his advisers have at all times endeavored to insist that the needs of the work should be met as fully as possible, and at the same time that no unwise or extravagant expenditures should be made. Early in the year the available funds for 1906 were allotted as above indicated; and as soon as the additional appropriation of $75,000 made by the last Legislature became available, further allotments were made. Late in the fall, when it was apparent that certain cities and towns would not expend their full quota, while others would be obliged to cease operations for lack of funds, various transfers of sums were effected between these two classes of towns, so that the work might be continued in all 20 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. localities. At the close of the year allotments of the appropria- tion available for 1907 — $75,000 — were made, and the vari- ous town and city officials were notified. History or THE YEAR'S WorRK. Following the general policy which seemed wisest to the super- intendent at the beginning of the work, — first, that of checking the spread of the gypsy moth, and second, that of relieving in the shortest possible time the greatest number of people from annoyance and damage by the caterpillar plague,— our opera- tions during 1906 were practically confined to two lines. It having been satisfactorily demonstrated in past years that the principal spread of the gypsy moth occurred through the dropping of the small caterpillars upon passing vehicles during May and June, an especial effort was made to keep the street trees throughout the badly infested central district free from the moth pest, and this in itself has been no mean task. Badly in- fested street trees have been the most important factor in the spread of the moth. So long as it was impossible to ride with carriage or automobile under such trees without picking up hundreds if not thousands of the tiny spinning caterpillars, so long was it impossible to prevent transportation of the insect to non-infested localities, while the danger of the distribution of the moth by such means within the known infested region has been equally great. During the year 1906 there have been cleared of the moth pests and carefully attended, so far as figures reported by the local superintendents show, upward of 8,000 miles of streets, — a distance nearly equal to one-third of the circumference of the globe. Over this mileage of streets the shade trees have been cared for; eutting, burning and thinning operations, wherever necessary, have been carried on; and these have been followed by burlapping and spraying wherever the needs of the work have demanded. By a vigorous prosecution of the work on the street trees we feel that we have checked from 80 to 90 per cent. of the spreading of the moths. It is only fair to state, however, that, had larger appropriations been available, much more could have been done along this line. 1907: PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 21 The second line of effort was to relieve, as far as possible, the badly infested residential sections of the moth-infested district. It seemed best to the superintendent to endeavor to give the greatest possible measure of relief to the largest number of citi- zens within the shortest period of time, and to this end an effort was made to enforce vigorously the requirements of the law in the thickly settled districts. Having cleared street and other public trees of the moth pests early in the year, the towns in these sections took up the work of cleaning private estates of eges of the gypsy moth and nests of the brown-tail moth. This work was practically completed by May 1, with the exception of one or two cities which failed to comply fully with the require- ments of the law. The most conspicuous example of failure to carry out fully the requirements of the statute was at Salem, where, notwithstanding the earnest protest of the superintendent, funds were not made available for the thorough enforcement of the law in the matter of work on private estates. As a result, during the larval season these neglected estates yielded swarms of gypsy moth caterpillars, which, spreading outward, attacked the shade trees on the streets, and thus caused to be undone the very efficient work which had previously been per- formed against the moths on the public streets. It is impossi- ble to keep trees on streets clear from the moths unless the law is properly enforced on private estates which abut on the same. The condition of affairs at Salem is cited as an illustration of the interdependence of the work against the moth pest by the municipality and that done by private citizens, and as showing that, unless the law can be properly enforced on private estates, it avails but little to go to the expense of cleaning the adjoining street trees. It was possible to secure a vigorous enforcement of the law as applied to private estates throughout about 90 per cent. of the thickly settled sections of the moth-infested district. Property owners were instructed in the proper methods of work, and when it became generally understood that the provisions of the law were to be enforced, an enormous amount of private estate clearing was accomplished. Aside from the direct operations of creosoting gypsy moth nests and cutting and bnrning brown- 22 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. tail webs, much help was gained by the general cutting of hollow, diseased and worthless trees and of brush which served as hiding places for the moths. It was not possible to have a general cleaning up of all estates in the residential district, but there has been a most satisfactory beginning along this line. Many property owners, being unable to attend personally to the details of the winter work, employed contractors; while others preferred to have the work done by the local forces, to be later paid for in the form of direct taxes. : Following the winter work, a great deal of banding of trees with sticky material or with burlap was done. By the time the bands were on, the spraying season opened; and in all towns ‘which could be induced to purchase suitable apparatus, great gain was made in reducing the numbers of the moths by this means. The results of this general co-operative campaign against the moths, involving, as it did, a force of upward of 1,200: em- ployees and the assistance of many thousands of property owners, were apparent as the caterpillar season reached its height. For the first time in several years the citizens of our principal resi- dential districts passed through the summer without notable annoyance from the caterpillar pest, or without serious injury to their property. There were, of course, cases here and there in the district where the work had been neglected or poorly done and where small outbreaks developed; but by far the large majority of our citizens received the protection from caterpillar | annoyance and injury which they had anticipated, —a result most gratifying, and promising well for the future. It is not too much to say that, with the thorough testing which the present law against the moths has received, it is apparent that it provides an effective means for bringing the insects under control wherever a general co-operation can be secured. While as above stated the results in the fields in which we have worked are all that could be desired, we are obliged to report with regret that in the woodlands, which perforce were practically neglected during the season, the insects made gains.. Several thousands of acres of low-cost woodland were stripped by the cat- erpillars, and a notable extension of area took place in nearly all the woodland colonies. This is a matter which will be more fully | ( 1907. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 23 discussed at another point; but it is well to indicate that no permanent headway can be made against the moths so long as these woodland colonies remain as sources of infestation. Following the spraying season the field forces were put at work attending the burlaps, with good results. From June to August a part or the whole of the local forces were engaged in crushing the caterpillars beneath the bands and under the burlaps, and in destroying pup. In the past it has been the policy to allow the gypsy moths to emerge from the pupe and deposit their eggs before renewing the battle against them. Instead of continuing this method, it seemed best to the super- intendent to employ the men at the close of the caterpillar season in crushing pupe by means of wire brushes attached to poles; and in all thickly infested districts this practice gave excellent results. Large numbers of the moths while on the egg masses were also destroyed by means of creosote, and then the forces were transferred to the work of treating the nests on the trees from the ground up above the probable snow line. By October 1 the ground work, so called, was practically completed; and then efforts were directed to cutting out infested roadsides, and in some cases thinning belts of infested woodland adjoining roads. There was a gradual reduction of the forces from August to November 1, at which date the winter cleaning of street trees was begun, and is now in progress. The number of men actually engaged in destroying the moths under the direction of this office varied from 250 to 1,200, the maximum number being employed in the late winter and early spring of 1906. At the present time nearly 1,000 men are engaged in our field work, which number does not include the forees employed by the United States Department of Agriculture, Metropolitan Park Commission and other State boards, or Gen. S. C. Lawrence’s employees at Medford. The superintendent is glad at this point to acknowledge the help he has received from others interested in the work. The advice of the Honorable Attorney-General, the Auditor of the Commonwealth and the secretary of the Board of Agriculture have been freely sought and as freely given. The suggestions of the officials and several members of the Massachusetts Asso- 24 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. ciation for the Suppression of Gypsy and Brown-tail Moths have also been timely and most helpful. In matters of business policy the sound judgment and knowledge of practical field work against the moths of Gen. S. C. Lawrence of Medford have been of especial help; and, finally, the superintendent is glad to acknowledge his obligation to Assistant Superintendent L. H. Worthley, Secretary J. A. Farley, and Field Agents F. A. 3ates, J. W. Enwright, C. W. Minott and G. A. Smith. These men, charged with the performance of responsible duties, have continued to serve the interests of the State with fidelity, and efficiency, and to them in no small measure is due the credit of whatever degree of success has been attained this year. Thanks are also due to the local superintendents in the various cities and towns and to the inspectors employed by the central office for hearty co-operation and faithful service. Extent or Iyrestep TERRITORY. [t may be well to state at the outset that the actual limits of the district infested by the gypsy moth in Massachusetts are not yet known, and will not be determined until such time as funds for a thorough examination of the outlying towns by trained men are available. To correctly delimit the infested district, a force of at least 100 trained men might well be em- ployed throughout the greater part of an entire year. Such operations, however, have so far been impossible, in view of the great need of suppressing the moth in the badly infested central district. It has not seemed wise to spend largely of our limited appropriations in scouting operations, while in the central in- fested towns there has been an opportunity to destroy the moths by millions, and thus relieve a large part of our suburban popu- lation from caterpillar annoyance and damage to trees. The preliminary scouting operations have revealed alarming conditions. The gypsy moth has been found scattered over most of the eastern part of Massachusetts, some of the outlying towns in Middlesex and Worcester counties being generally in- fested, while the central towns of the district are thoroughly and heavily infested. The case of the gypsy moth presents certain features not here- ef Fig. 1. Gypsy moth caterpillar feeding on elm leaf. Fig. 2. Gypsy moth caterpillars clustered on elm. Figs. 3 and 5. Female gypsy moths laying eggs (reduced). Fig 4. Male gypsy moth. Fig.6. Pupa case > from which moth has emerged. 1907.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 25 tofore recognized in combating other insects injurious to agri- culture and forests. It attacks the wide range of fruit trees, shade trees, forest trees and ornamental shrubs which may be grown in the temperate zone. Further than this, from the known distribution of the moth, occurring as it does throughout middle and southern Europe, western Asia and northern Africa, it is apparent to the entomologist that under favorable circum- stances it might establish itself throughout the entire United States. It occurs from Stockholm on the north to Algiers on the south, from England on the west across the Altai Mountains to China and Japan on the east, while Neitner records specimens which were taken in Ceylon. It is a fair statement that this dangerous pest of fruit trees will flourish wherever the apple and pear can be grown; and the same is also true of the brown- tail moth. It therefore naturally follows that wherever either the gypsy or the brown-tail moth may find lodgment within the United States it may there find food on which to thrive and develop, and in comparatively few years increase into a colony of notable size. During the past year, with the approval of His Excellency the Governor, there have been organized a few small scouting gangs for the careful inspection of localities in which it was thought the gypsy moth might occur; and unfortunately the re- sults of the inspections so made to date have revealed the presence of the moth in a number of towns outside the infested district known in 1905. All told, 25 of the towns known to be infested in 1905 have been inspected by these gangs with the assistance of the local authorities, and in addition 16 municipalities lying outside the border of the 1905 infested district have been ex- amined and found infested, viz.: Lowell, Dracut, Tyngsborough, Westford, Groton, Littleton, Ayer, Harvard, Boxborough, West- borough, Holliston, Millis, Easton, Raynham, Sandwich and Orleans. The work of scouting is still in progress, and will no doubt result in adding to the known infested district. As a matter of fact, the scouting of outside territory is a matter which will, under present or probable appropriations, require several years for its completion ; and no doubt during the coming year more towns will be added to the list of those known to be 26 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. infested by the gypsy moth. Worcester, Gardner, Fitchburg, Northampton, Holyoke, Springfield, Pittsfield, Lenox and Stock- bridge are all places particularly liable to infestation, and should be kept under constant surveillance. From the topo- graphical situation of Worcester, and the immense amount of automobile travel passing through the city in the summer months, we have been most anxious lest the gypsy moth should find lodgment there. A limited amount of scouting was done in the city in 1905, and during the latter part of August and early in September, 1906, 5 inspectors from this office scouted the residential district over a two-mile radius from City Hall. Although this work was done while the leaves were still on the trees, it is safe to say that had any important colonies of the moth existed they would have been discovered. We are glad to state that no moths were found, as a result of this inspection; but Worcester should be kept under constant surveillance, par- ticularly the easterly side toward Shrewsbury, along the main road leading to Marlborough. Compared with the returns presented in last year’s report, we now have 140 infested cities and towns as against 124, or 2,583 square miles of infested territory as against 2,224, in 1905. In considering these figures it should be borne in mind that the inspection of 1905 was necessarily restricted to a somewhat hasty examination of roadsides and orchards by a few trained men. Since it has now been possible to make thorough examina- — tions of what may be called “ sample” towns, both within and without the 1905 district, we are able to deduce conclusions of importance, although of a somewhat discouraging nature. It is apparent that the borders of the infested territory, not definitely known in 1905, will not be determined until sufficient money can be spent in thorough scouting operations. It is equally ap- parent, from the very large number of infestations found within the border of the 1905 district, that the gypsy moth is much more numerous in these towns than was suspected, and that a great deal of careful work will be required here. The worst of it all is, that these somewhat extensive infestations occur in towns which are practically non-revenue-yielding under the act, where the State must bear the principal cost of further ex- terminative work. 1907. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 27 Equally unfortunate in this connection is the discouraging condition of those woodlands which were known to be slightly infested last year. In places like Gloucester, Topsfield, Middle- ton, Dedham and Wellesley the woodlands are known to be seatteringly infested, “‘ peppered” (to use the phrase common among the local superintendents), as it were, here and there with small colonies, whose suppression will require a considerable outlay of money. Yet, on the other hand, if these slight infesta- tions are neglected, their increase to dangerous proportions will be but a matter of a few years. These woodlands occur as a rule in towns of low valuation, which will require much financial aid from the State. The complete list of cities and towns in- fested by the gypsy moth Jan. 7, 1907, is given below: — Abington. Concord. Kingston. Acton. Danvers. Lakeville. Amesbury. Dedham. Lawrence. Andover. Dover. Lexington. Arlngton. Dracut. Lincoln. Ashland. Duxbury. Littleton. Avon. East Bridgewater. Lowell. Ayer. Easton. Lynn. Barnstable. Essex. Lynnfield. Bedford. Everett. Malden. Belmont. Framingham. Manchester. Beverly. Georgetown. Marblehead. Billerica. Gloucester. Marlborough. Boston. Groton. Marshfield. Bourne. Groveland. Maynard. Boxborough. Halifax. Medford. Boxford. Hamilton. Melrose. Braintree. Hanover. Merrimae. Bridgewater. Hanson. Methuen. Brockton. Harvard. Middleborough. Brookline. Haverhill. Middleton. Burlington. Hingham. Millis. Cambridge. Holbrook. Milton. Canton. Holliston. Nahant. Carlisle. Hopkinton. Natick. Carver. Hudson. Needham. Chelmsford. Hull. Newbury. Chelsea. Hyde Park. Newburyport. Cohasset. Ipswich. Newton. 28 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. North Andover. Salisbury. Watertown. North Reading. Saugus. Wayland. Norwell. Sandwich. Wellesley. Norwood. Scituate. Wenham. Orleans. Sherborn. Westborough. Peabody. Somerville. West Bridgewater. Pembroke. Southborough. Westford. Plymouth. Stoneham. West Newbury. Plympton. Stoughton. Weston. Quincey. Stow. Westwood. Randolph. Sudbury. Weymouth. Raynham. Swampscott. Whitman. Reading. Tewksbury. Wilmington. Revere. Topsfield. Winchester. Rockland. Tyngsborough. Winthrop. Rockport. Wakefield. Woburn. Rowley. Waltham. Yarmouth. Salem. Wareham. ConpDITION OF INFESTED DistTRICT. A description of the infested district gives opportunity for a natural division between the central and the outer towns and cities. By the “central towns” are meant those comprising the principal, central, badly infested district, which includes all those cities and towns known to be infested in 1899, with a slight extension of the border as the gypsy moth spread outward. In all these towns the street trees and residential districts are generally infested, although the numbers of the moths have been greatly reduced. The woodlands in these towns are in a very serious condition, and here the principal stripping took place in the summer of 1905. The term “ outer towns” includes those lying outside of this badly infested central district. Here the infestation varies in point of severity from those towns where small gypsy moth colonies may be located on nearly every street and in all the principal woodlands, to the border towns where diligent search by trained men was required to determine the presence of the moth. In the case of each town the name of the local official in charge of the work is given, although in a few places the responsibility 1907. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 29 has been placed in the hands of a board or commission, who have placed the immediate field operations in charge of a fore- man. Central Towns. ARLINGTON. W. H. BrapieEy, Local Superintendent. The vigorous campaign against the gypsy moth inaugurated in this town last year has been carried on with undiminished vigor, has been well directed, and has at all times been heartily supported by town officials and citizens alike. The winter work against the moth having been completed early in May, the trees of the principal streets were banded with Tanglefoot, and all street trees were sprayed. At Arling- ton Heights much spraying was done in certain badly infested woodlands, in order to protect the residential district, where the property owners had shown a most commendable desire to clear their trees of the moths. Burlapping was generally fol- lowed throughout the town, with good results, while the spraying proved highly effective. Menotomy Rocks Park, which last year was a most serious problem, received constant attention, the trees being banded with Tanglefoot and burlapped, and the ground burned over with oil. This latter operation, which at the time caused some local criticism, was necessary because of the thousands of broken ege-clusters scattered among the rocks and ledges; and the results, by a fall inspection, have shown the wisdom and econ- omy of this method. While the park has suffered most severely in past years and as a consequence many of the trees have died, as a result of the vigorous measures there employed it is now in good condition as regards the moth pest. It will require constant attention for some years to come, but the cost of future work has been greatly reduced, and the park saved to the town. After the caterpillar season the local force was reduced to 18 men, employed principally in removing dead trees from the park and in cutting brush on badly infested roadsides. An arrangement was made with a contractor to cut brush and 30 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. worthless trees and destroy the gypsy moth nests throughout the Sucker Brook valley from Mystie Street to Arlington Heights, thus destroying an extensive breeding place of the moth, which had proved in past years a constant source of infestation. The fall inspection shows a great improvement in the condition of the street trees and residential districts of the town, but an enormous amount of work yet remains to be done in the infested woodlands. Plans for next year’s work should consist in the continued care of street trees and residential districts, more extensive work in the Arlington Heights section, and, if possible, a begin- ning should be made in clearing the gypsy moth colonies from the easterly side of the town. BELMONT. A. W. Euson, Local Superintendent. The moth-work on private estates, as well as on street trees in the early part of the year, was performed by a contractor, and was in the main satisfactory. During the caterpillar season principal reliance was put upon spraying, which gave good results, although the use of burlap in the central part of the town would no doubt have reduced the cost of the fall and winter cleaning operations. Early in August the local su- perintendent organized a small foree of men, which has been principally engaged in cutting brush along infested roadsides, cleaning the town trees, and in brush cutting and thinning operations in certain badly infested pasture land. Notable improvement is apparent in the general condition of the street trees and private estates in the residential district, but the pasture and woodlands of this town still remain in a most serious condition, especially as regards the gypsy moth. Much good work has been done on the property of the McLean Asylum, but much more remains to be done. The hollow or worthless apple trees scattered throughout the town will require much attention in the way of cementing and tinning, while many of them should be cut and burned. There is very serious infestation on the northerly side of Marsh Street, extending toward the Arlington line, which should have attention as soon as funds permit. 1907. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 31 A large tract of infested pasture land is held by Messrs. E. F. Atkins and H. O. Underwood, and co-operative work in connec- tion with the town forces is now in progress on this property. The large amount of work which these gentlemen have done against the moths on their estates, not only in 1906 but in years previous, is worthy of highest commendation. Many other property owners in the town have shown a most helpful spirit of co-operation, and a marked gain has been made against the moths in the districts which have been worked over. The region around Little Spy Pond and the badly infested willows along Concord Avenue should receive attention at an early date. It is hoped that funds sufficient to attack the woodland problem may be available early in 1907. This town has had the advantage, in its campaign against the moths, of the services of a practical business man, who has carried on the necessary operations vigorously and economically, and often at much personal inconvenience. To him is due in large measure the degree of success so far attained. Equally commendable has been the attitude of the town officials and hearty co-operation on the part of citizens. The work next year should include a thorough burlapping of street trees and those on private estates, and a general campaign of spraying throughout the residential district. Spraying will also be necessary in woodlands adjoining the principal streets of the town. BEVERLY. JOHN W. Lovert, Local Superintendent. Early in February the work of clearing the moths from pri- vate estates was turned over to a contractor, who, from the large operations in which he was engaged elsewhere, was not able to give it as complete attention as he or this office desired. The natural result was, that at first the work was not done in a satisfactory manner, which necessitated inspection and reinspec- tion on the part of the local authorities and employees of this office. In May a limited amount of spraying was done on the street trees and on certain badly infested private estates. So far as winter and spring work on these estates is concerned, we do not 32 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. feel that progress commensurate with the outlay has been made. During the summer the street trees were burlapped and thoroughly attended, large numbers of caterpillars being thus destroyed. In late summer the brush in badly infested locali- ties was cut and burned, and these places put in good condition for next season’s work. The entire woodland of the city was scouted during the fall, and two large gypsy colonies, one off Essex Street and one off Brimbal Avenue, were found. This inspection showed that the woodland as a whole was generally infested with scattering gypsy moth nests, and is indeed in a most serious condition. It will be necessary to expend a large sum of money in the woodlands if the moth is to be held in check there. The condition of the residential section is decidedly better than that of 1906. At the present time the work of cleaning the street trees and destroying infested brush along roadsides is in progress. It is only fair to say that in Beverly the mayor and the city government have shown at all times the most gratifying willing- ness to co-operate with this office in the work, and that the administration of the local superintendent has been highly sat- isfactory. Boston. D. Henry SuLuivan, Local Superintendent. During the early part of the year the public grounds depart- ment, cemetery department and the school department cleared all trees under their charge of both species of moths. In April a force of 100 men employed by the park department made an effort to enforce the requirements of the law on private estates, but, owing to the lateness of the season, little was accom- plished. The principal work done on private estates was at Brighton, East Boston and in part of Roxbury. No burlapping was done in the city, but during June a considerable amount of spraying was done by the park department, with generally good results. Owing to the serious neglect of private estates during the winter, there was an unfortunate outbreak of the 1907. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 33 brown-tail moth in the early summer, and in certain sections very serious gypsy moth depredations occurred. The responsi- bility for this condition of affairs was principally due to the failure of the city to provide the necessary funds for a thorough campaign against the moths during the winter season. When the time for fall work arrived, through the active co- operation of His Honor the mayor, suitable funds were provided for the enforcement of the law on private property; and a force of upward of 100 men has been engaged in clearing and destroy- ing the gypsy and brown-tail moths on private estates. This work has been vigorously prosecuted, and, if it can be continued through the winter, should yield a large measure of relief to the most seriously infested districts. Much yet remains to be done in the way of cutting worthless brush and dead trees in the outlying wards, where the gypsy moth occurs in numbers; and next season the general use of burlap and spraying should be followed. There has been some decrease in the numbers of brown-tail moths in the city, and it is hoped that we shall soon be able to bring both insects under control in Boston. BROOKLINE. Usip Prerin, Local Superintendent. This town is thoroughly infested by the gypsy moth, and, because of the large amount of ornamental shrubbery and many valuable shade trees, does not lend itself as readily to the use of wholesale methods as in the case of towns where real estate has a lower valuation. It results, therefore, that in Brookline we are practically restricted to the use of burlap, spraying, and the destruction of egg clusters by hand. The work of suppressing the moths, both on private property and on the streets, has been undertaken by the town without reference to the owner’s liability. In this work much assistance has been given by public-spirited citizens, who have employed contractors to clear many of the principal estates. The use of the burlap at Brookline gave very satisfactory results in 1906, but the local situation is complicated by a large number of wooden tree-guards, which harbor the egg clusters of the gypsy moth. 34 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. Next season’s work should include the general use of the burlap on all trees in the town, while considerable spraying will be necessary in certain districts. BURLINGTON. W. W. SKELTON, Local Superintendent. Serious infestation of this town continues, although the num- bers of moths have been greatly reduced on street trees and residential sections. In the woods the gypsy moth has increased in numbers, the colonies in the Cummingsville section being the most serious. In the woodlands which were thinned out and treated last year a notable gain has been made; those which were not so treated are in a worse condition at present than ever heretofore. Work against the brown-tail moth early in the year was followed by the burlapping of trees in the gypsy moth colonies, and a limited amount of spraying was done with a hand outfit in the southern part of the town. The work in this town has been ably managed, but large expenditures will be required here next year. The purchase of a power sprayer is recommended. CAMBRIDGE. J. F. DONNELLY, Local Superintendent. The work in this city during the past year has been canton on in a generally satisfactory manner, the largest number of 7 men employed at any one time being 105. The residential districts during the early part of the year were cleared of the gypsy and brown-tail moths, and later on the important infested sections were burlapped, while a considerable amount of spray- ing was done on the worst-infested private estates. In the sections so treated the fall inspection shows not over 20 per cent. as many gypsy moths as in 1905; and, had it been possible to carry on this work in the entire city in the same manner, doubtless equally as good results would have been obtained. The work of cleaning the street trees is now in progress, and we have assurances that this will be followed up by vigorous 1907. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 35 enforcement of the law on private estates. The worst gypsy moth districts are in the vicinity of Baldwin and Kirkland streets, Norton’s Woods, and a section between Massachusetts and Concord avenues from the Cambridge station to the Belmont line. This latter section includes a large area of swampy land, thoroughly infested, and which no doubt serves as a source of infestation for the adjacent residential districts. There is also an important infestation between Coolidge Avenue and the Charles River reservation. The work here as a whole has been well supported financially, although, as in the case of nearly all our cities, there has been a delay in providing funds at seasons when the work could have been prosecuted to the best advantage. CHELSEA. ALFRED L. Magali, Local Superintendent. We are glad to record a notable gain made against the moths in this city. The work here has been well organized, well directed, and has received at all times the liberal support of the mayor and city government. Were it not for the probable danger of reinfestation from districts lying to the north, the gypsy moth could easily be stamped out in this city. In the early part of the season the work of destroying the brown-tail moths was completed, and a general campaign of burlapping and spraying gave excellent results. The fall inspection shows that there are not over one-half as many gypsy moths in Chelsea as in 1905, the principal colonies occurring in the section locally known as “ Prattville,” near the Everett line. The general use of the burlap and some spraying will be required here in 1907. DANVERS. THOMAS EH. TinsLEy, Local Superintendent. This town is generally infested by the gypsy and brown-tail moths, the gypsy moth infestation on private property being of a most serious nature. Much efficient work and large expendi- tures will be necessary here in 1907 to keep the gypsy moth under control. 36 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. In January a large part of the private property was cleared of the moths by the local superintendent, and infested brush and trees cut in the badly infested localities. The serious in- festation in Burley Street was treated in a most excellent manner. During the summer spraying was followed with good results, while all private and public trees were burlapped and thoroughly attended. A limited amount of scouting done this fall by Inspector F. C. Worthen showed a number of important woodland colonies of the gypsy moth which should be attended to during the coming year. At the present writing the work of clearing the street trees and cutting and burning infested brush is in progress. ESSEX. Oris O. Srory, Local Superintendent. In the early part of January the work of destroying the brown-tail and gypsy moths on private property was commenced, with the discouraging result that nearly every orchard in town was found infested by the gypsy moth; some of these orchards are in very serious condition, and hollow trees there should be either cemented, or cut and burned. The trees on streets and in residential sections were burlapped and thoroughly attended during the summer, large numbers of caterpillars being found on private property. If the gypsy moth is to be checked in Essex, much vigorous work will be necessary in the orchards next season, and spraying can be followed here to great advantage. Brush along infested roadsides has been cut and burned, but work of this class remains to be done on Apple Street and along the Manchester Road. The woodlands are known to be infested in spots, and should be thoroughly scouted as soon as funds permit. EVERETT. WILLIAM KENNERLY, Local Superintendent. This city is comparable to Chelsea in having no large wooded areas and being a thickly settled residential district. The local superintendent went over the town thoroughly early in the season, destroying both forms of moths, and doing an excellent 1907. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 37 piece of work. The street trees throughout the town were burlapped and carefully attended, while spraying was done in the worst infested sections. The result of this work shows a reduction of the gypsy moth to a point where not over 25 per cent. as many egg clusters can be found as was the case in the fall inspection of 1905. It should not be inferred from the above that the city is reasonably free from the moth, since it occurs in seattered numbers over the entire area, and much careful work will be required in the future to keep it in check. The most seriously infested section at present is in the Mount Washington district near the Chelsea line, along Elm Street near Woodlawn Cemetery, and near the Belmont Hill section of Mal- den. Much good work has been done in Woodlawn Cemetery, where a vigorous campaign has been carried on by the au- thorities in charge. Superintendent Marshall of the cemetery department has co-operated fully with the city and State au- thorities, and deserves much praise for the efficient manner in which he has succeeded in keeping the moth under control. On the part of the city the work has received proper and liberal financial support. It will be necessary to use the burlap generally over the entire city next year, while a limited amount of spraying will also be required. GLOUCESTER. W. D. Corutss, Local Superintendent. The general infestation of Gloucester was noted in the last annual report. The trees on the streets and private estates throughout the entire city were burlapped and carefully attended with good results during the caterpillar season, while spraying in badly infested sections was notably effective. As a result of the thorough work of the local superintendent, the street trees of this city are now in excellent condition, while considerable gain has been made in suppressing the moths on private estates. We have to report a general gypsy moth in- festation of woodland, about two-thirds of which has now been scouted, and also the finding of two large and important gypsy moth colonies: on Essex Avenue near Haskell’s Pond upward of 2,000 nests were found, while in the colony off Magnolia 38 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. Avenue, known locally as the “‘ Heater-piece,” between 10,000 and 15,000 nests have been destroyed. The finding of these large colonies has made necessary a considerable amount of cutting of brush and thinning of trees in preparation for next year’s work. The work of suppressing the moths in Gloucester has at all times had the hearty support of the city authorities, and it has been carried out in an efficient manner by the local superin- tendent. The interest and spirit of co-operation shown by the large property owners is worthy of special commendation. At the present writing all street trees in the city have been cleaned of the moths. ; LEXINGTON. CORNELIUS WELLINGTON, Local Superintendent. Lexington continues to offer one of the most serious problems in the moth-infested district. The town is generally infested from one end to the other by the gypsy moth, the woodlands being in particularly serious condition. The work here has been well supported by the local officials, has been carried on in the most excellent manner, and is worthy of all commendation. At the same time, much more could have been accomplished had sufficient funds been available when needed. The residential sections and roadsides in the eastern half of the town were thoroughly treated, and in many cases a strip from 30 to 50 feet wide on private property adjoining the highway likewise received attention. In the important colonies stone walls and the ground were burned over by the use of an oil flame, while practically all the street trees and many badly infested orchards were sprayed with good results. Upward of 17,000 trees were burlapped and attended, while some 2,500 trees were banded with Tanglefoot. Large numbers of eater- pillars were destroyed in their early stages beneath the burlap by the use of wire brushes, —an experiment which did not prove as efficacious against the larger caterpillars. On Woburn Street, in the northern part of the town, where very serious colonies have existed, a strip approximately 100 feet wide on either side of the road has been thinned out and put 1907.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 39 in good condition for the 1907 work. Wherever field work has been carried on during the past season a notable improvement is apparent; but it is only fair to state that large expenditures must be made in this town during the next few years, before the moth can be brought under control. LYNN. A. C. DoaK, Local Superintendent. About February 1, arrangements were completed for a thor- ough campaign against the moths in this city, — a date altogether too late, in view of the general infestation existing here. Mr. Doak employed a large gang of men, and entirely covered the street trees and private estates in the residential district. A very general infestation was found, and, considering the short period of time available before the hatching season, the results of this work showed in an especially gratifying manner. The usual campaign of spraying and burlapping was vigorously prosecuted, with good results. Lynn has been peculiarly exposed to continued infestation by the gypsy moth, because of the neglect of the large colonies existing in the Lynn Woods, which are now entirely and seriously infested. Hundreds of acres in these woods were stripped by the caterpillars during the past year, with the result that many fine pines, oaks and other trees have been killed. So severe was the caterpillar plague in this district last year that we were obliged to request the mayor to close the park to the public, which was done for a period of about two months. Early in the fall an arrangement was completed between the Lynn park board and the Lynn water board and the State for special co-operative work, to reduce the pest in the Lynn Woods. The first effort to be made is naturally that of protecting the park roads, so as to reduce as far as possible the scattering of the caterpillars on vehicles. To this end upward of 100 men have been employed in thinning strips 75 feet wide along the prin- cipal roads, thus permitting of economical spraying operations next season; and this work is now organized in a satisfactory manner. The superintendent is strongly of the opinion that, unless a large sum of money can be expended in the Lynn 40 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. Woods during the next two years, the major part of the park will be irretrievably ruined. There is no section in the whole in- fested district more badly and generally infested than the Lynn Woods, and heroic measures will be necessary if any part of the reservation is to be preserved. Too high praise cannot be given to the spirit of co-operation shown by His Honor the mayor and the city government in providing the funds for the commencing of this important work ; and the same is equally true of the efficient and businesslike administration given the city by the local superintendent. LYNNFIELD. Henry Law, Local Superintendent. During the early part of the year the local superintendent continued the work of clearing private estates from the moths, completing the same in residential sections before the hatching season. Early in May a large tract, where infested wood had been cut the previous year, was burned over, and some 60 acres of gypsy moth infestation done away with, the cost of burning being but $1.30 per acre. All the street trees in the town were burlapped and attended during the caterpillar season, while considerable spraying was done in the southern part, with good results. Following the caterpillar season, the local superin- tendent commenced cutting or thinning infested trees and brush in the southern part of the town, near the cemetery road. Some 8 acres of woodland, very badly infested, have been entirely cut over, and 12 acres have been thinned out and put in condition for spraying. The ground here will be burned in the spring as soon as the caterpillars appear. The work of cutting out infested roadsides has been prosecuted during the fall so far as funds would permit. While we have succeeded in keeping the street trees, and also the major part of the residential district clear of the moths, the woodlands re- main very seriously infested by the gypsy moth. To treat them will require more money than is now available; but effort will be made to isolate these colonies so as to prevent the eater- pillars from reaching the protected borders of the streets. It is apparent that in the course of a few years a very large part of 1907. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 41 the pine timber at Lynnfield will fall a prey to the moths, and that the hard-wood growth will be very severely injured. At the same time, all that can be done under present conditions is to isolate the colonies. At the present time the work of clearing the street trees and roadsides is in progress. MALDEN. GrorGE W. StiuEs, Local Superintendent. Considering the conditions of Malden to-day when compared with those of 1905, it is apparent to any one familiar with the city that notable progress has been made in suppressing both moths. The work of the former local superintendent, Mr. Thomas W. Powell, was of the highest quality, and his prelim- inary efforts have been most ably seconded by the present local superintendent. The condition of Malden is an example of the advantage of competent business management. Early in the year there was a general enforcement of the provisions of the law on private estates, and this was followed by a vigorous burlapping and spraying campaign. In certain badly infested woodland districts, notably those along Salem Street, the underbrush and decayed trees were cut and burned to much advantage. The work along Highland Avenue and Border Road is equally commendable. Next year’s plan of work should include the general use of the burlap, together with much spraying in all badly infested districts. MANCHESTER. WILLIAM YOUNG, Local Superintendent. The work of destroying the brown-tail and gypsy moths on private property was prosecuted vigorously during the early months of 1906, the gypsy moth being found particularly abundant along Summer, Pine and School streets. In the Pine Street colony the brush was cut, trees thinned, and the stone walls and ledges burned out with oil. This treatment gave very satisfactory results, since in this colony during the summer only two infested trees were found. The same methods were applied 42 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. to the School Street colony, and no caterpillars were found there during the summer. All the street trees and those standing on infested private estates were burlapped and the burlaps care- fully attended during the summer, with satisfactory results. Strange to say, — at least from the standpoint of one familiar with the possible damage by the moth pest, — the local super- intendent met with considerable opposition, in the work of burlapping private estates, on the part of several large property owners. It must be admitted that the burlap is to some extent unsightly; but stripped or dead trees as a result of gypsy moth damage are much more repugnant objects. If the work is to succeed in Manchester, property owners must co-operate fully with the town and State authorities; and it is to be hoped that the conditions above mentioned will not prevail in 1907. The woodland has been thoroughly scouted by the local force, and two important gypsy moth colonies have been located, — one near the Essex line and the other on Pleasant Street. In the former upward of 5,000 nests were destroyed. The woodland is generally infested, while the street trees and residential sections show a great improvement over last year. The work of inspecting and clearing the street trees is now in progress. Manchester, because of its popularity as a summer resort, is particularly liable to infestation from outside sources; and, for the same reason, the moth infestations there should receive as thorough treatment as funds will permit. MARBLEHEAD. WILLIAM H. STEVENS, 2d, Local Superintendent. The former local superintendent, Mr. N. Allen Lindsey, had a thorough inspection made of all private property in this town, finding numerous important gypsy moth colonies. During the season of 1906 these places were thoroughly sprayed, while a limited amount of spraying was done on the street trees. The latter, as well as trees on private property, were burlapped and attended during the summer, large numbers of caterpillars being destroyed. At the Curtis estate, where a serious colony had been discovered, it was necessary to cut and burn several large infested 1907. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 43 willow trees, and this was followed by thinning operations in the fall months. This estate, with its badly infested stone walls, will require much attention next season, the plan of work in- volving a considerable amount of spraying and burning. While the street trees in Marblehead show an improvement over the past year, we are obliged to state that the condition of private estates is but little better than in 1906. The work done here by the local authorities has not been in all respects satisfactory, and the quality of it should be improved in 1907, if a net gain is to be made. The preliminary scouting of the woodland by Inspector W. A. Hatch having shown it to be generally infested, the local forces will during the winter months make a thorough examination of the same. MEDFORD. JOHN D. Dwyer, Local Superintendent. Notable progress has been made in the work against the gypsy moth on street trees and in the residential districts and to a considerable extent in the woodlands, which to-day show marked improvement over 1905. arly in the year a thor- ough campaign was made against both moths over the entire residential section, and some of the woodlands as well. The burlap was generally used on all public trees, while the large amount of spraying done in the caterpillar season was equally satisfactory. After the eggs were laid, little work was done by the city until late fall, when considerable cutting was done in the woodland between Fulton Street, Highland Avenue and the Malden line. The thinning operations in Russell’s woods, the so-called Syndicate Lot and the Dutton property last spring, if well followed up, would have doubtless shown good results the past summer; but for various reasons it seemed im- possible to carry on the necessary burning, spraying and bur- lapping operations. The most unfortunate feature of the whole season’s work in Medford was a serious neglect of the Medford water board property, lying between Forest and Elm streets. Here nothing was done until long after the gypsy eggs hatched, and the caterpillars stripped most of the trees. At the height of the caterpillar season protective belts were sprayed along the roadsides, and bands of oiled hay laid to prevent the in- 44 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. sects from passing on to adjacent property clear of the moths. This latter expedient was not wholly successful. The work against the moths in Medford has at all times dur- ing the year had the hearty support of His Honor the mayor, while citizens, as a rule, have co-operated in a very gratifying way. We cannot dismiss the discussion of the conditions of this city without reference to the notable and most practical assist-— ance given to the work by Medford’s honored citizen and well- known philanthropist, Gen. 8S. C. Lawrence. Notwithstanding the enormous expense entailed in combating the moths upon his own property, General Lawrence has voluntarily assumed the care of many badly infested private estates, and has also assisted the city in destroying the moths on several of its most important streets. Further than this he has at his own expense during the fall months thinned and put in good condition the entire water board property above mentioned, so that a repetition of the moth outbreak shall not occur here in 1907. His constant and hearty co-operation in the battle against — the moths is worthy of the highest commendation, not only of the citizens of Medford, but of all tree lovers in the moth-infested district. ; MELROSE. J. J. McCu.LoueH, Local Superintendent. This. city is comparable to Malden or Medford in its degree of infestation by the gypsy moth. Of particular note have been the complaints of damage by the moth pest in the High- lands district, adjacent to Wakefield. During the winter months the local superintendent carried on a very vigorous campaign against both species of the moths, and followed this up by bur- lapping and the use of sticky bands on the street trees. Not- withstanding these efforts, some damage was done by the moth pests in certain of the residential districts, while the woodland sections suffered most severely. The city of Melrose is unfortunate in that it comes close to the dividing line between towns which receive an 80 per cent. rebate and those to which a 50 per cent. rebate only applies. Because of the low valuation, it has been most difficult to raise sufficient funds to properly combat the moth pest at critical times. While the work in the a,° f « } ' - i : > q ‘, ; p * » y f * ? ' c= = . Sa nd v i ’ 4 ns a P yom ? ay : Tv. i sy <- ve ii = Lb tPF Sj - ae 4 a, 7 bod iy “3 ge nnn RR ‘QOGT ‘Tape ‘yavg syurg outg ‘your AsdAS ayy Aq por[ty sourd nJNReq JO SUTRUTAY 1907. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 45 residential sections has been highly effective, the only thing possible in the line of woodland work has been the spraying and burlapping of the infested borders and the main streets, and as a result gypsy moth colonies have increased in such sections. In the Pine Banks Park, which is one of the most beautiful small parks lying to the north of Greater Boston, a strong cam- paign was made against the moths during the past season. This park hes within the borders of Malden and Melrose, and is controlled by a joint board of park commissioners representing both cities. Upward of 600 dead pines, killed by the gypsy moth, were removed; and during the caterpillar season a vigor- ous campaign of spraying was carried on, with the result of greatly lessening the numbers of the insects. Burlap bands were used with good effect during the caterpillar season, while spraying operations were equally successful. While this park is still badly infested, it is but fair to say that a notable improve- ment in conditions is apparent over those existing in 1905. If this park is to be preserved for the benefit of the two cities, in whose ownership it is held conjointly, a thorough and systematic campaign against the gypsy moth will be necessary. At the present time the park is regarded somewhat in the light of an onus upon both cities; yet the superintendent believes that future years will amply demonstrate the wisdom of thoroughly caring for this, one of the most beautiful pleasure spots in the entire metropolitan district. It is to be hoped that the gypsy moth problem here will be placed in the hands of some board or official representing both cities, so that necessary operations may be prosecuted in proper season, and with the proper financial support. So far as the general proposition of caring for the infested district at Melrose is concerned, it may be said that the cost of keeping under observation the streets and residential districts will be less than in 1905. The operations in woodlands and partly improved property should be prosecuted with the utmost vigor. Burlaps will be generally required throughout the city, and a vigorous spraying campaign should show good results. 46 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. NAHANT. THomAS J. DEvENEY, Local Superintendent. This town from topographical considerations is an ideal one to free from the gypsy moth. It is practically surrounded by water, being connected with the mainland only by a long strip of sandy beach. The local superintendent made a thorough inspection of all private property in the town early in 1906, destroying all gypsy and brown-tail moth nests found. Several of the large estates were found seriously infested by the gypsy moth. During the caterpillar season all trees in the town were burlapped and earefully attended, with the usual satisfactory results. The work done by the War Department on the United States reservation has been carried out in a very thorough manner, and the property practically freed from the gypsy moth. Evident improvement has been made in clearing the private estates, and if the efficient work done this year by the local superintendent can be continued, there should be no diffi- culty in clearing Nahant from the gypsy moth, aside from the seattering insects which will no doubt be brought in from year to year so long as other towns near by remain infested. NEWTON. CHARLES W. Ross, Local Superintendent. The work against the gypsy and brown-tail moths in this city. has been carried on in a very satisfactory manner during the season, and has been well supported by the local authorities. It is to be regretted that more burlap was not used during the summer months, but we have assurances that another season will see a general burlapping campaign over the city. In the sections where the burlap was used and in those where it is possible to make a thorough cleaning of the trees in the winter months the conditions are greatly improved over those of 1905. In other sections of the city, particularly in the woodlands, there has been a large increase in the numbers of the gypsy moth, the colony on Parker Street being the most important infestation. The work of clearing the city trees of moth nests was begun early in November, and is being vigorously prosecuted. 1907. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 47 Next season’s work should include the liberal use of the burlap, and a large amount of spraying will also be necessary. The gypsy moth has become well established in Newton, and much eareful and thorough work will be necessary to hold it in check. PEABODY. JAMES F, CALLAHAN, Local Superintendent. This town continues to be seriously infested by the gypsy moth, although a net gain has been made in clearing the street trees and private property. In the woodlands the moths have increased to alarming proportions, and these latter colonies should be isolated, or at least cut off from the highways, before the opening of another caterpillar season. The local superin- tendent has continued to give the town excellent service, finished his work of clearing private estates early in the season, and carried on the burlapping and spraying campaign so far as funds would permit, with good results. In the section near Bartholomew’s Pond, near the Lynn Woods, a very serious woodland colony exists, while the wood- lands in West Peabody are dangerously infested. In the latter section upward of 12 acres were stripped bare by the insects last July. It has become necessary to thin a protective belt on each side of Lynnfield Street, to prevent the distribution of the moth next season. This work will be carried on also on Lowell and Forest streets, for the same reason. At the present time the work of clearing street trees and thinning protective belts is in progress. QUINCY. T. F. Burke, Commissioner of Public Works. From the immense amount of travel passing through Quincy to South Shore points, it is of greatest importance to keep this city relatively free from the gypsy moth. Inspections having shown the insect generally scattered over the town, after the completion of the winter work the trees were generally bur- lapped, and during the summer received good attention. There was not sufficient work, however, done on private estates to prevent the increase of the moth there, and as a result there 48 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. was some stripping of trees in a few localities. It became pos- sible in the fall months to start a more vigorous campaign against the moth, and to do a considerable amount of scouting through the local forces. At the present time the work of cleaning street trees is in progress. ‘The portion of the city known as Hough’s Neck has been quite thoroughly cleaned, with the exception of two orchards, and found in better condi- tion than last year. In the work against the brown-tail moth early in the year a force of some 30 men was employed, and as a result there was but little injury by this insect, except where scattered webs were left on the ground. It has been difficult at times to secure proper support for the work at Quincey, but there is now in evidence a more general desire to comply with the requirements of the law and to co- operate with the efforts being made by the central office. READING. Guy A. Hussarp, Local Superintendent. This town is another example of the advantage of having a thoroughly well-trained man in charge of the local operations. The local superintendent, because of his information acquired in the former moth work under the direction of the Massachu- ~ setts Board of Agriculture, was able to bring to the work of clearing Reading from the moth pests the advantage of experi- ence acquired in practical field operations. His efforts have been at all times ably supported by the officials of the town, while the co-operation of interested citizens has been equally constant and effective. Throughout the town the street trees are in a notably improved condition as regards both moth pests, while the same is equally true of the thickly settled residential district. The superin- tendent regrets to note, however, the gradual extension of the woodland colonies in the westerly and northerly sections of the town, where, because of the lack of suitable funds, the gypsy moth has been allowed to multiply in unrestricted numbers. It is to be hoped that another season sufficient funds will be available for the thorough prosecution of the work against the moths in these sections. 1907. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 49 Next season’s work will include the general use of the burlap, while spraying will be necessary in certain infested districts. The great number of car lines converging at Reading Square make it most important that the trees in this section should be thoroughly cared for. REVERE. A. H. DAVENPORT, Local Superintendent. Although the work in Revere has not shown the progress that it should have, in view of the amount of money expended, at the same time there has been much improvement over the conditions of last year. There has been a quite general en- forcement of the law on the infested private estates, while the street trees have been well cared for. It is to be regretted that more in the way of cutting wild cherry trees and worth- less infested brush along the many farm walls in this town could not have been done. In the northern part of the town, notably at Oak Island, infested trees have been badly neglected, with the result that a great deal of spreading of the moths has no doubt occurred from this point. It is hoped that the arrangements now in progress will result in clearing this district from the moth pests. Next season’s work should include a thorough effort to burlap all the street trees of the district, clearing of the Oak Island section of brush, the spraying of the remaining trees there and also those in the important infested residential sections. ’ SALEM. Amos StiILtuMAN, Local Superintendent. _In the report for 1905 the superintendent stated: “ The problem of suppressing the moths in Salem is a most serious one, and constant effort and the expenditure of a large amount of money for some years to come will be necessary to keep them under control.’ | The results developed in this city last season amply verity this statement and prediction. During the months of February, March and April the work of clearing the badly infested street trees was prosecuted in a generally satisfactory manner, but most unfortunately practically no funds could be obtained to 50 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. clear the numerous badly infested private estates. In spite of repeated requests and protests by this office, this work was neglected, while during the month of May, when spraying opera- tions should have been prosecuted, no funds were obtainable for this most important work. In fact, throughout the entire season the efforts of this office to obtain funds wherewith to carry on a systematic campaign against the moths over the entire city have been most seriously delayed and hampered by the non- action of the city government, — a condition of affairs wholly unexpected in a city which has shown in so many ways a constant and most commendable public spirit. No city or town in the entire infested district has caused the superintendent so much anxiety during the past year as Salem, and in none has so little progress toward controlling the moth been made. As a result of the neglect to clear the moths from private estates, these were soon seriously injured by the caterpillars, which then swarmed in large numbers into the street trees; and, as a consequence, the general condition of the whole city is much worse than in 1905. While the general use of burlap on street trees and the spraying of certain badly infested sections gave good results in many cases, it was impossible to overcome the effect of the neglected private estates. During August, September, October and November, when, had funds been available, a large amount of work could have been done with reference to making a net gain next year, it was practically impossible to obtain the necessary appropriations. If the people of Salem wish to have the moth increase in their city to a point where they will be obliged to decide be- tween very large expenditures or the loss of their trees, the dilatory policy of 1906 should be continued. If, on the other hand, the moth is to be brought under control in this city, sufficient funds should be provided for the thorough cleaning of the street trees and the vigorous enforcement of the law on private estates before the next caterpillar season. Following this work it will be necessary to burlap practically all the trees in the city, and to spray a very large percentage of them. Work on the street trees was begun December 3, and is now In progress. 1907. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 51 SAUGUS. THOMAS E. Berrerr, Local Superintendent. Work in this town has continued vigorously throughout the year, it being perhaps as badly infested by the gypsy moth as any town in the district. During the winter months the work of clearing private estates was prosecuted vigorously, with the result that by the opening of spring nearly every estate in the thickly settled district had been treated. A considerable amount of cutting brush and thinning trees was also required in this section. Trees on private estates were treated with Tanglefoot, and during the early caterpillar season hundreds of thousands of insects were crushed beneath these bands. The street trees and also several large areas of woodland near residential sections were burlapped and attended throughout the season. As soon as the caterpillars had appeared in numbers, spraying with two large power outfits was carried on in the residential section and along the principal infested streets, this work giving most excellent results. In the Breakheart Forest reservation, where the owners had made large expenditures to protect their trees, the town co- operated to a considerable extent in destroying egg clusters, burning over ground, and burlapping. The results here were satisfactory, taking into consideration the amount of money expended. The fall inspection shows a marked improvement in the general condition of street trees and in the thickly settled districts. In the woodland, necessarily neglected during the past season for lack of funds, the moths have made material gains. These woodlands are principally of low valuation, and unless larger appropriations are available, or unless the owners are willing to co-operate liberally with the town and State in combating the moth, these sections must necessarily suffer severely in future years. An effort will be made, by thinning protective belts, to isolate some of the more important of these colonies, and at least prevent them from extending to the high- way. The F. P. Bennett estate on Forest Street, with one or two other adjoining properties, for some years seriously infested, has now been put in good condition for next season’s work. On to GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. If the good work done in Saugus to date can be followed up by a vigorous campaign of burlapping and spraying next season, much progress will be made in the sections so treated. Libera! plantings of imported parasites have been made in Saugus, and it is hoped that in the course of a few years these beneficial insects will make themselves felt here. The work in this town has received hearty co-operation on the part of town officials and citizens alike, has been well handled, and the results accom- plished are of superior quality. SOMERVILLE, CHARLES I. BucKNAM, Local Superintendent. We are glad to be able to report again the excellent condition of this city with reference to the moths, and to comment most favorably upon the quality of the work done here. The condi- tion of the trees in this city is a striking illustration of the wisdom of employing a trained and efficient man to care for the moth pests, and keeping him continuously on the work, without reference to local political changes. Somerville is peculiarly exposed to continued infestation by the gypsy moth, owing to its proximity to badly infested sections of Medford, Arlington and Cambridge; yet, by reason of the thorough work done here each year, no more gypsy moth colonies have become established. It will be well to make a general use of the burlap throughout the city next season, while spraying will probably be necessary in a few localities. STONEHAM. G. M. Jerrs, Local Superintendent. We are again glad to commend the efficient and effective work done against the gypsy and brown-tail moths in this town by the local superintendent. Along the line of the cars from Winchester. to Reading, where two years ago thousands of gypsy moth egg clusters could be seen, but a few are now discernible. Over the entire town the street trees are in excellent condition, and there has been a vigorous and general enforcement of the law on private estates. The use of sticky bands and burlap during the caterpillar season has proved most effective in this town. An 1907, | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 53 effort has been made to thin the trees and cut the underbrush along the border of the Fells reservation of the metropolitan parks system, and this is still in progress. Over some 25 acres north of Doleful Pond the brush has been cut, dead and decayed trees removed, and the remainder put in good condition for next season’s work. Operations are now in progress on the Dyke estate, bordering the reservation, and it is hoped that by the opening of the caterpillar season the park border in Stoneham will be well protected from caterpillar invasion from without. Within the residential section an evident gain has been made against the moths, and it is apparent, if the present good work ean be properly followed up, a satisfactory permanent gain will be secured. SwaMPScort. GEORGE NEWHALL, Local Superintendent. The winter work by the local superintendent showed nearly every estate infested by the gypsy moth, often in large numbers. In the pasture area adjoining Salem, which was cut over the previous fall, the brush and débris were burned in May, while the caterpillars were small, with very satisfactory results. The remaining trees in this section were burlapped and attended during the summer. The fall inspection shows a great improve- ment in the condition of the street trees throughout the town and in the residential districts not adjoining woodlands. Where such districts adjoin infested woodlands there has been an in- crease in the numbers of the moth, —a fact which emphasizes the importance of brush cutting and thinning operations, which the local superintendent has so vigorously prosecuted the past fall. If the work done here can be followed up by thorough spray- ing and burlapping next summer, still more gain will be made in bringing the moth under control. WAKEFIELD. W. W. WHiTTREDGE, Local Superintendent. The condition of affairs as regards the gypsy moth at Wake- field is most serious, though important gain has been made in the combat against the brown-tail moth. Gain has been made in 54 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. clearing the street trees in residential sections, but the gypsy moth woodland problem is distinctly worse than heretofore. During the early part of the year there was a quite general en- forcement of the provisions of the law as applied to private estates. The use of the burlap on street trees gave generally satisfactory results, while spraying operations were notably effective. It is apparent to one familiar with the conditions of this town that a large amount of burlapping and spraying must be done here in 1907, if a gain is to be made against the moth pests. The work against the moths has been well supported by the loeal town officials, and has been well administered. Particu- larly commendable is the effort made by the local authorities to thin the trees along the border of the very badly infested section at Greenwood, which adjoins the western division of the Boston & Maine Railroad. WALTHAM. RicHAarD A. JONES, Superintendent of Streets. During the early part of the year the residential section of the city was cleared of both gypsy and brown-tail moth nests, and work was also prosecuted at Prospect Hill park and in the large woodland colony in the easterly part of the city. In the latter infested district upwards of 20 acres of woodland and pasture were cut over and burned, in co-operation with the efforts of the owner, and the condition here at the present writing is much improved over that of 1905. hale’ i ih Aa me ee ‘79 Ae Se ee, Ph i