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BLIC DOCUMENT.... La INR Gade

FIRST ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

SUPERINTENDENT

FOR

SUPPRESSING THE GYPSY AND
BROWN-TAIL MOTHS.

January, 1906.

BOSTON :
WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS,
18 Post OFFICE SQUARE.
1906.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT .... pee NO de’.

FIRST ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

Woe. SUPERINTENDENT

FOR

SUPPRESSING THE GYPSY AND
BROWN-TAIL MOTHS.

JAN AR Y¥, 906.

BOSTON:
WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS,
18 Post OFFICE SQUARE.
1906.

APPROVED BY

Tuer STATE BOARD OF PUBLICATION.

D. OF Ds
APR 25 1908

Ly

Commontoealth of Massachusetts.

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.

I present herewith for your consideration the report of the
Superintendent for Suppressing the Gypsy and Brown-tail
Moths. This report is submitted in accordance with the
provisions of chapter 381, Acts of 1905, and contains a
statement of the results accomplished to date, together
with a record of expenditures and certain recommendations

bearing on the future needs of the work.

A. H. KIRKLAND,

Superintendent.
Boston, Jan. 1, 1906.

ORGANIZATION.

A. H. KrrKLAND, MS.,
D. M. ROGERS,

J. A. FARLEY,

F. A. BATEs,

J. W. ENWRIGHT,

C. W. Minott,

L. H. WorTHLEY,

Superintendent.

Assistant Superintendent.
Secretary.

Field Agent, Southern Division.
Field Agent, Northern Division.
Field Agent, Western Division.
Field Agent, Eastern Division.

te

nt

J

Commontoerlth of Massachusetts.

THE GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS.

The gypsy and brown-tail moths in their caterpillar stage
are well-known European pests of fruit, shade and forest
trees. As far back as authentic records exist, both insects
have been notably injurious at times in various sections of
central and southern Europe.

The gypsy moth has made itself felt perhaps more as a
general pest of trees of all kinds, while the brown-tail moth
is more common as an enemy of fruit trees. In fact, the
latter insect is known in France as ‘‘ /a commune,” the com-
mon caterpillar. So common are both insects, and so im-
portant have been their intermittent ravages, that the very
earliest writings on European entomology contain mention
and often full discussions of their habits and of the remedies
best suited to counteract their attacks. At times their
ravages have so increased as to become of historic impor-
tance; then subsiding for a term of years, possibly even for
a generation, they have increased again to noteworthy mag-
nitude. The caterpillar plagues resulting from the unre-
stricted multiplication of these insects have often caused
the enactment of stringent legislation in many European
countries, and at other times their ravages have been even
sufficient to cause official days of prayer and fasting.

The brown-tail moth has been officially under the ban of
the Church, as witness the edict at Grenoble, France, in
1543, whereby the insect, which had stripped the trees of
the city and poisoned many of the inhabitants, was treated
as one of the works of the Evil One. Later in the same

8 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

century Chorier records a legal injunction issued by the
attorney-general of the province of Dauphiny, whereby the
insects were ordered to ‘* forsake and abandon the fields”
where they were feeding. Curtis published in 1782 a quaint
account of an outbreak of the brown-tail moth near London,
whereby ‘‘ the inhabitants were thrown into the utmost con-
sternation. An appearance so extraordinary was calculated
to create terror; it was naturally interpreted as a visitation
from heaven, ordained to deprive men and cattle of their
food and finally leave them a prey to famine” (Donovan).
The alarm of the public was so great and prevailed to such
an extent that prayers were offered in the churches to avert
the calamity.

The history of the gypsy moth in Europe and Asia is
equally full of striking incidents. Thus in 1720 Frisch
records the stripping ‘* of a double row of lindens from
Neustadt to Berlin,” while Schaeffer mentions the defoliation
of entire forests in 1752 in Altenburg, Leitz, Naumburg and
elsewhere as a result of the unchecked ravages of the gypsy
moth caterpillars. ‘*Some of the common people thought
the caterpillars grew out of the ground like grass; others
thought they were created by the Evil One; still others
assured the writer that they had seen thousands of caterpillars
brought by the wind; and finally there were many who
thought these insects were sent as a punishment for their
The stripping and serious damage to the cork oaks
of southern France are recorded in 1731 by Brown, and a
repetition of this injury occurred in 1818. Daudeville in
1828 described an outbreak extending over sixty miles near
Saint Quentin, where the caterpillars ‘* completely devastated
the trees so that they were entirely bare.” Later writers, like

sins.”

Ratzeburg, Bazin, Taschenberg, Portchinsky and Koeppen,
have recorded notable outbreaks of the gypsy moth in Ger-
many and Russia. Instances like the foregoing, authenti-
‘ated by well-known entomologists, suffice to establish the
status of the pest in its native region. It should be stated,
however, that, in the careful study of the European literature
bearing on this subject made by the writer several years ago,
it was a significant fact that the history of any particular

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1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 9

outbreak did not extend over more than three or four years ;
in other words, at the end of that period the moth was checked
by natural causes and its damage subsided.

THe Gypsy Morn.

In 1868 a French scientist, Prof. Leopold Trouvelot, then
residing at Medford, Mass., imported egg clusters of the
gypsy moth to use in certain experiments with silk-produc-
ing insects. The manner in which the moth escaped from
his care could not be determined by correspondence with
Professor Trouvelot after his return to France, but the late
Alvan Clark, the well-known lens maker of Cambridge, who
saw Trouvelot at Meudon, France, a short time before his
death, was told by him that he had the caterpillars netted in
on a shrub in his yard at Medford, and that during a gale
the netting was torn and the insects scattered. It is a
matter of record that he realized the importance of this
catastrophe and promptly notified the public through the
entomological magazines of that time. No attention appears
to have been paid to this note of warning, and the insect, once
becoming established, multiplied with increasing rapidity,
until in the late eighties its ravages became notable in certain
restricted districts of Medford and Malden. By 1889 the
moth had become so abundant in southern Medford that
the trees were completely stripped, and the caterpillars were
forced to swarm outward in all directions in search of food.
During this year specimens of the insect were sent to the
Hatch Experiment Station at Amherst, where, in the absence
abroad of Prof. C. H. Fernald, they were identified by his
son, Dr. H. T. Fernald, as caterpillars of the notorious gypsy
moth of the Old World.

After a vain struggle with the pest, the citizens of the
affected communities petitioned in 1890 for legislation for its
extermination, and similar action was taken by the State
Board of Agriculture, the Essex County Horticultural Society
and the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. The matter
was presented to the Legislature by Governor John Q. A.
Brackett, and on March 14, 1890, he approved the first act
authorizing work against the moth, and carrying an appro-

10 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

priation of $25,000. The work of combating the insect
was begun by a commission consisting of W. W. Rawson
of Arlington, Dr. Pearl Martin of Medford and J. Howard
Bradley of Malden. The early work of the commission soon
developed the fact that the territory occupied by the moth
was much greater than had been supposed, and the matter was
again presented to the Legislature, with the result that an
additional appropriation of $25,000 was made June 3, 1890.

The following year another commission, consisting of
Prof. N. S. Shaler of Harvard University, Gen. F. H.
Appleton and the Hon. W. R. Sessions, all members of the
State Board of Agriculture, and the last named the secretary
of the Board, was appointed by Governor W. E. Russell to
direct the work. After a few weeks this commission was
superseded by the State Board of Agriculture, which by a
special committee, composed at first of the above-mentioned
gentlemen, carried on the work against the gypsy moth from
May 19, 1891, to Feb. 1, 1900, during which time the
active field operations were under the direction of the well-
known naturalist, Mr. E. H. Forbush, while the scientific
and technical work was directed by Prof. C. H. Fernald.
Without going into details, it may be said that the work by
the committee of the Board of Agriculture, while dependent
upon annual appropriations of the Legislature and often
seriously delayed and restricted for lack of funds, was pros-
ecuted with varying degrees of success until in 1899 the
gypsy moth was completely under control throughout the
district.

Tue Brown-tait Morn.

This insect found its way to Somerville, Mass., in the
early nineties. The evidence bearing upon its importation
is entirely circumstantial, but it is matter of record that in
the centre of the original brown-tail moth colony there is
a florist’s establishment which for years made a specialty of
importing roses from abroad. It is also well known that
the brown-tail moth spins its winter webs on rose bushes.
Since the original infestation was located in a pear orchard
adjoining the field where these foreign roses had been culti-
vated for several years, there is strong presumptive evidence

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT— No. 73. 11

that the moth was brought over on these plants. The insect
seems to have multiplied unnoticed for a few years in a
restricted area, but in the spring of 1897 it gained sufficient
headway to show itself as a serious pest in Somerville and in
a few localities in Malden, Everett and Revere. The gypsy
moth employees of the Board of Agriculture did a small
amount of work against the insect in 1897 while the cater-
pillars were swarming, but this was discontinued after the
Legislature declined to take action in the matter. In 1898
and again in 1899 $10,000 was, by vote of the Legislature,
set apart from the larger appropriations for work against the
gypsy moth for the purpose of combating the brown-tail
moth. This additional work was carried on under the
direction of the Board of Agriculture.

THe ForMER STATE WORK BROUGHT TO A CLOSE.

At the close of 1899 the work against the gypsy moth
was well in hand. Effective methods had been developed
and their value proven; a trained and well-disciplined corps
of men had been organized; the boundaries of the infested
district had been determined with much accuracy ; the street
trees of the region had been freed from the caterpillars and
their consequent spreading checked; the woodland colonies
had been given a severe scourging and in some cases anni-
hilated; the moths had been exterminated in many places ;
in short, the gypsy moth pest had been so thoroughly
brought under control that a general state of apathy toward
the work existed throughout the district which but a decade
before had been swept by caterpillar hordes. In 1900 the
Legislature, through a special committee, investigated the
management and general policy of the Board of Agricul-
ture’s operations against the moth and came to the conclu-
sion that a continuance of such work along these lines was
unnecessary. The report of this committee argued that
the gypsy moth need not be considered a serious pest:
‘¢We find no substantial evidence that gardens, crops or
woodlands have suffered serious or lasting injury, or are
likely, with that proper precaution or oversight which pru-
dent owners are disposed to give to their own interests,

12 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

to be subjected to that devastation which one would have a
right to anticipate from these reports. . . . It appears to
us that the fears of the farmers throughout the State have
been unnecessarily and unwarrantably aroused, evidently
for the purpose of securing the effect of those fears upon
the matter of the annual appropriations. . . . We do not
share these exaggerated fears, and the prophecies of devas-
tation and ruin are unwarranted, and in the most charitable
view are but the fancies of honest enthusiasts.”! While the
committee recommended the continuation of the work on
lines somewhat similar to those of the present act, the prac-
tical result of this report was the refusal of the Legislature to
make any appropriation, and the State work was brought
to a close.

UNRESTRICTED INCREASE OF THE Morn.

As would have been expected, during the years 1900 and
1901 but little notable damage was caused by the gypsy
moth, although evidence was not wanting to the trained
observer that it was rapidly multiplying in woodlands and on
neglected private estates. It was apparent that non-resident
property owners particularly paid practically no attention to
the increase of the insect, and that farmers and others own-
ing infested woodland areas were unwilling, because of the
expense, to fight the pest. In 1902 numerous estates were
severely injured throughout the central district, while wood-
land colonies of some magnitude had developed from which
the insects were swarming in all directions. The summer
of 1903 showed that the moth had established itself again in
alarming numbers in various parts of the infested district.
Serious colonies had developed in the woods of Arlington,
Medford, Saugus and Malden, and the Lynn Woods colonies
had assumed notable proportions. In 1904 it was apparent
to all that the gypsy moth had developed to a remarkable
degree, reinfested the areas from which it had been cleared
and even extended its bounds into previously non-infested
territory. The caterpillar outbreak was sufficient to con-

1 From report of special committee appointed to inquire into the state of the work
of exterminating the gypsy moth. — House, No. 1138, March, 1900.

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1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 13

vince every tree lover of the necessity of concerted action
against the moths. While in many places in the afilicted
district the trees under the charge of municipal authorities
were cared for with considerable success, private estates and
woodlands in June and July presented shocking scenes of
devastation. In many places the work of fire could not have
been more thorough or alarming. From Belmont to Saugus
and Lynn a continuous chain of woodland colonies presented
a sight at once disgusting and pitiful. The hungry cater-
pillars of both species of moths swarmed everywhere ; they
dropped on persons, carriages, cars and automobiles, and
were thus widely scattered. They invaded houses, swarmed
into living and sleeping rooms and even made homes un-
inhabitable. Thousands of cases of poisoning of human
beings resulted from the swarming of the brown-tail cater-
pillars. Real estate in the worst infested districts underwent
a notable depreciation in value. Worst of all, pines and
other conifers — altogether too scarce in eastern Massachu-
setts — were killed outright by the gypsy moth caterpillars,
while shade trees and orchards were swept bare of foliage.
Property owners who were disposed to care for their own
estates suffered and became discouraged from the neglect of
their neighbors. It was evident that the moth pests were
in the ascendency, and that they could be controlled only
by prompt, thorough and systematic effort.

The experiences of the caterpillar season of 1904 resulted
in the formation of various local associations, with the object
of securing co-operative work against the moths among
citizens of the several municipalities. Notable stimulus to
public opinion followed the visit to the infested district, in
the summer of 1904, of Prof. C. L. Marlatt, first assistant
of the Bureau of Entomology, United States Department
of Agriculture. After spending three weeks in an exami-
nation of the district, Professor Marlatt was outspoken in
urging the necessity of renewing work against the moths on
some comprehensive plan, which would secure the co-opera-
tion of the individual property owner, the municipality and
the State. As a result of the various forces working toward
a common end, late in 1904 the several local village im-

14 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

provement and anti-moth societies were organized into the
Massachusetts Association for the Suppression of the Gypsy
and Brown-tail Moths, under the presidency of the Hon.
George R. Jones of Melrose, recently president of the
Massachusetts Senate. A strong effort was made to har-
monize conflicting ideas as to how best to proceed against
the moth pest; and the efforts of the association, with the
co-operation of the State Board of Agriculture, the Massa-
chusetts. Forestry Association and various other interested
organizations and of individuals, finally resulted in the pres-
entation of a bill to the Legislature to provide for the sup-
pression of the gypsy and brown-tail moths. This bill, with
various amendments, is the act under which the present
work is carried on. It was signed by His Excellency
Governor W. L. Douglas on May 8, 1905.

ScorpE AND PURPOSE OF THE ACT.

The underlying purpose of the present act (chapter 381,
Acts of 1905) in relation to the gypsy and brown-tail moths
is to secure the co-operation of the individual, the city or town
and the State, each bearing a share of the responsibility for
the work and each sharing in its expense. (1) The function
of the State organization is first to secure systematic work in
each city and town; to assist in the general campaign of edu-
rational work against the moths; and, by means of trained
employees, to make a thorough examination of the infested
district and to help train the local organizations to the maxi-
mum degree of efficiency. (2) The local organization of
each municipality is charged with the enforcement of the law
on private estates and with the care of the public trees. (3)
The individual, within certain limits of expense, is required
to destroy the moths on his property, under certain penalties
for neglect. This general plan of work is a most admirable
one, but for its success requires the intelligent and hearty
co-operation by all parties interested. A brief summary of
the essential features of the act may well be given at this
point : —

1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT— No. 73. 15

The Moths are Public Nuisances.

The gypsy and brown-tail moths are declared public nuisances
and their suppression is required.

The Superintendent of Suppression.

A superintendent appointed by the Governor, with power, sub-
ject to the Governor’s approval, of appointing agents and assist-
ants, has entire general charge of the work of suppressing the
moths.

Duties of Cities, Towns and Individuals.

Cities and towns (under the advice and general direction of the
superintendent, and by such agent as they may designate or ap-
point) are required, under penalty for neglect, to destroy the eggs,
pupz and nests of the gypsy and the brown-tail moths within
their limits, excepting that such work is not to be done by cities
and towns on property controlled by the Commonwealth; nor is it
to be done upon private property, excepting where the owners of
the same fail to destroy the eggs, pup and nests of the moths, in
accordance with the terms of the official notice to private owners,
noted in the section here following : —

Notice to Private Owners.

The mayor of every city and the selectmen of every town shall,
at suitable times, notify every owner of land located therein which
is infested with the moths, requiring him to destroy the eggs,
pup and nests of the moths within a specified time.

When the mayor or selectmen decide that the cost of such de-
struction (on lands contiguous and under one ownership) will
exceed one-half of one per cent of the assessed valuation of the
lands, then they may designate in the notice a part only of such
lands on which the destruction shall take place.

Failure of Private Owners to destroy Moths.

If the owner does not, as required by the terms of the aforesaid
notice, destroy the eggs, pupz and nests of the moths, then the
city or town, subject to the approval of the State superintendent,
shall destroy them, and shall assess upon such aforesaid lands the
actual cost of so doing, to an amount, however, not exceeding
one-half of one per cent. of the assessed valuation of the land.

This amount, so assessed, shall be collected in the form of taxes,
and constitutes a lien upon such lands.

16 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

Redress by Abatement and Appeal.

The assessors may abate the moth assessment in the case of any
private land owner decided by them to be unable to pay it because
of age, infirmity or poverty.

Appeal to the county superior court, with special provision for
prompt hearing, is provided by the statute for any person ag-
grieved by assessment on account of this work; provided a com-
plaint is entered within thirty days of notice of such assessment.

Appropriation by the Commonwealth.

To meet the expenses incurred under its moth-suppression law,
the Commonwealth has appropriated $300,000. Of this sum,
$75,000 may be expended during 1905, $150,000 (and any un-
expended balance) during 1906, and $75,000 (and any unexpended
balance) during 1907, up to May 1, 1907, inclusive.

For the purpose of experimenting with natural enemies for
destroying the moths $10,000 is additionally appropriated for
each of the years 1905, 1906 and 1907.

Reimbursements to Cities and Towns.

1. Cities and towns with valuation of real and personal estate
of $12,500,000 or more, having spent $5,000 in any one calendar
year, shall be reimbursed annually fifty per cent (one-half) of all
further expenditure.

2. Cities and towns with valuation less than $12,500,000 and
‘more than $6,000,000, having spent an amount equal to one-
twenty-fifth of one per cent of such valuation in one year, shall
be reimbursed annually eighty per cent (four-fifths) of all further
expenditure.

3. Towns with valuation less than $6,000,000, having spent an
amount equal to one-twenty-fifth of one per cent of such valua-
tion in one year, shall be reimbursed once in sixty days for all
further expenditure.

Limits to required Expenditure by Cities and Towns.

No city or town with an assessed real and personal valuation of
more than $6,000,000 shall be required to expend in the suppres-
sion of the moths, during any one full year, more than one-fifteenth
of one per cent of such valuation. No town with an assessed real
and personal valuation of less than $6,000,000 shall be required
to thus expend during any one full year more than one-twenty-fifth
of one per cent of such valuation.

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 17

; Valuations of 1904 taken as Basis.

Wherever valuations of real and personal property are referred
to in the gypsy and brown-tail moth suppression law, the valuations
of 1904 are meant.

Wilful Resistance or Obstruction.

Wilful resistance to or obstruction of any agent of the Com-
monwealth or of any city or town, while lawfully engaged in the
execution of the purposes of the moth-suppression law, is forbid-
den under penalty.

THE WORK BEGUN.

On May 8 the writer was called from New York, where
he was located at the time, at the request of His Excellency
W. L. Douglas, Governor of Massachusetts, to consider
accepting the position of superintendent for suppressing the
gypsy and brown-tail moths, and at an interview with His
Excellency May 10 the appointment was tendered. This
offer was wholly unexpected and unsolicited in any way.
The writer at once returned to New York and laid the
ease fully before the business interests with which he was
connected. A release of services having been secured,
he returned to Boston, and on May 15 qualified for the
office.

It was apparent that considerable time and effort must be
expended in preliminary work. There was no exact knowl-
edge of the bounds of the infested district; no organization
was available for work; the trained employees of the Board
of Agriculture had become widely scattered ; the somewhat
complex provisions of the law required careful study; an
office force had to be organized and a careful system of ac-
counting devised, while tentative plans of work were required
almost immediately. The only available assets, if such they
may be called, were the knowledge of effective methods
as developed by the previous State work, the records pre-
served by the Board of Agriculture and particularly the
availability of a limited number of trained men familiar with
the moths. The services of these men have been of the
greatest value.

18 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

On May 16 the office of the Superintendent for Suppress-
ing the Gypsy and Brown-tail Moths was established in its
present location. As rapidly as possible, a nucleus of a
force of agents and inspectors was obtained, and frequent
conferences were held with the Attorney-General for infor-
mation and rulings concerning the law under which the
superintendent was to act. During the remainder of the
month the work of organizing the office and field force was
pushed as rapidly as possible, a system of bookkeeping
developed and necessary details attended to.

ORGANIZATION OF THE OFFICE.

The matter of developing a proper system of accounting
received early attention. It was apparent at a glance that,
under the somewhat complicated provisions of the law,
accounts would necessarily be opened with all the cities and
towns of the district, while other arrangements must be made
for the accurate recording of the various classes of expendi-
tures so that their totals might be determined at any time
without delay. A modification of a system of bookkeeping
which has been successfully employed by one of our largest
corporations was adopted, arrangements made for the nec-
essary books, vouchers and records, and letters sent to the
known infested cities and towns requesting the name of the
person or board who would have charge of executing the pro-
visions of the law.

The superintendent, being unable to attend unaided to the
organizing of the work, as well as to answering the numer-
ous inquiries for information and assistance which were
continually pouring in, was assisted in the office by the field
agent first appointed, Mr. J. A. Farley, late of the United
States Biological Survey. Mr. Farley brings to the present
work technical knowledge of great value, while his long
experience in the former State work against the moths has
made his services particularly desirable.

During May and June the superintendent held conferences
almost nightly with city and town boards, explaining to them
the requirements of the law and soliciting their co-operation
in suppressing the moth pest.

Thousands of gypsy moth caterpillars clustered at base of

Arlington, June, 1905.

banded tree.

oF

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 19

PLAN OF Work.

It was apparent that the work must progress along two
lines: first, to obtain an accurate knowledge of the extent of
the infested area; and second, to organize work against the
moth in the cities and towns where the caterpillar plague
was already in evidence. Until the bounds of the infested
district were known, and a general idea of the severity of the
infestation was obtained, no final apportionment of the State
appropriation could be made. On the other hand, the need
of a large amount of immediate work was obvious, particu-
larly in the badly infested central cities and towns. To carry
on these dual lines of effort the territory was roughly divided
into four divisions, each being placed in charge of a field
agent who had had large experience in work against the moth
as well as in handling men and in dealing with the public.
Under these agents were placed a certain number of trained
inspectors, whose work at first was principally that of ex-
amining outlying territory, while the agents devoted their
efforts toward organizing municipal operations in the central
region. When the scouting had been brought to a close, the
operations were well under way in a large number of cities
and towns, and the inspectors were then detailed to follow
up this local work, to co-operate with the local superintend-
ents, and, when necessary, to instruct them in the most
efficient methods of combating the pests.

In selecting employees it has been the policy of the super-
intendent to hire only men of experience and proved ability
in the work against the moth pests. It has seemed unwise
to employ untrained men in the execution of this law so long
as the services of experienced men could be obtained. This
has resulted in the disappointment of a great many applicants
for employment, but the superintendent has felt that only
by insisting on the highest grade of efficient service could
the insects be brought under control.

Mappine THE INFESTED TERRITORY.
The problem of first importance was to determine the
extent of the infested territory. As is well known, the area
occupied by the gypsy moth in 1899 embraced 359 square

20 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

miles. In the time which had elapsed between the cessation
of the work of the State Board of Agriculture and the be-
ginning of the work under the present superintendent, 8
additional infested municipalities were reported from various
sources, namely, Billerica, East Bridgewater, Framingham,
Gloucester, North Andover, North Reading, Scituate and
Weston. This added to the known infested district an area
of 191 square miles, making a total of 550 square miles.

It was well known to the superintendent that a large
spreading of the moth had occurred from the badly infested
sections lying immediately to the north of Boston. The
spreading of the caterpillars through the agencies of traflic
is a well-established fact. It was impossible to ride through
Medford, Malden, Saugus or Arlington during May or June
of 1904 and 1905 without becoming covered with gypsy
moth caterpillars, and it was evident that a large spreading
of the insect had taken place. To determine just how far
the moth pest had spread, and to ascertain the size of the
problem on hand, a corps of about 10 trained men was
organized and sent out into the regions suspected but not
known to be infested, to the north, south and west of the
moth-area of 1899. These men had had the benefit of sev-
eral years’ experience in gypsy moth work for the Board of
Agriculture, were thoroughly familiar with the moth and
its habits, and were known to the superintendent to be
reliable and trustworthy. After the territory was divided
among these inspectors, they were instructed to make a
diligent search for the moths, and after finding them in
any city or town to spend several days in scouting to de-
velop the local situation, and then push on to the next
town.

The result of this examination of the outlying territory
was most astonishing. Town after town in all directions
was found infested, and not until fall was the outer edge of
the infestation reached. This border line comprises Salis-
bury, Amesbury, Merrimac, Haverhill, Methuen, Andover,
Tewksbury, Chelmsford, Carlisle, Acton, Stow, Hudson,
Marlborough, Southborough, Hopkinton, Ashland, Sher-
born, Dover, Westwood, Norwood, Canton, Stoughton,

1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 21

Brockton, West Bridgewater, Bridgewater, Middleborough,
Lakeville, Wareham and Plymouth.

Outside this line a complete belt of towns has been scouted
without finding the gypsy moth. Briefly, the whole of
Essex County, over one-half of Middlesex County, half of
Norfolk County and practically the entire county of Plym-
outh were found to be infested. As against 359 square
miles of territory infested in 1900, we now have a total of
2,224 square miles occupied by the gypsy moth in varying
numbers. In other words, the territory to-day is nearly
six times as great as when the work of the State Board of
Agriculture was abandoned. (See map.)

Presented in tabular form, the infested district by periods
is given below : —

Darn gy ae
1900; —t : : : : : : : 34 359
1905, . : : : : < F : 124 2,224

The present infested district embraces nearly one-fourth
of the entire area of the State. While, as previously stated,
a row of towns along the outer border has been scouted
without finding evidence of the moth, it should not be in-
ferred that the insect does not occur in these towns or even
in places farther from the known infested district. It should
be remembered that a scouting of a week’s duration in the
caterpillar season may not disclose the presence of the moth
when it is in small numbers, but that it may be readily
detected later after its buff egg clusters have been laid and
are revealed by the falling of the leaves. The fact that a
snmmer scouting reveals no moths is at best but negative
evidence.

The infestations found varied greatly in extent, growing
less as the distance from the central infested district in-
creased. The section south of Boston, uninfested in 1900
and now completely infested, well illustrates this point.

22 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan.

Quincy and Braintree were found to be generally infested ;
and in Weymouth, Hingham, Cohasset and Hull a consider-
able number of moths were found. South of this section the
infestations diminished in size, until at Lakeville, Middle-
borough and Wareham only a few specimens of the insect
were discovered. The presence of the moth, even in small
numbers, in these outlying districts is of grave significance,
since only a few years are necessary for the insect to become
thoroughly established where remedial and preventive meas-
ures are not diligently employed.

That the automobile has been an important factor in the
distribution of the gypsy moth within the past three years
does not admit of dispute. It was impossible to ride through
the infested sections immediately to the north of Boston
without becoming thoroughly coated with caterpillars dur-
ing the spring months of 1903, 1904 and 1905. During the
current year, in the caterpillar season, the superintendent
had occasion to keep a rough record of the number of gypsy
moth caterpillars found on himself and vehicle after trips
through the infested district, and this varied from 3 to 129.
Automobiles, with the wide surface on which the caterpillars
may rest, will, of course, intercept more of these as they
spin down than a carriage or other vehicle. Where pleasure
driving or teaming is limited in a day’s trip to from 10 to 20
miles, the automobile in the same time passes over from 40
to 100 miles. Itis of great significance that the places where
automobilists are accustomed to stop for meals or supplies
are most generally infested by the gypsy moth. Favorite
trips with the automobile are to Gloucester, Newburyport
and Plymouth. All these places are now known to be in-
fested by the gypsy moth, in fact, the insects occur there
in much greater numbers than even in the intervening terri-
tory. The means of distribution will be more fully treated
in another place.

SS eZ, Lapp } TTR PE ee GZ (

NAS
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MeN LEY
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Y IFesTED DISTRICT 905 \% | Was
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NJ] EXAMNED 1905 Al?
\N NO MOTHS FOUND VF

Gypsy moth infested district in Massachusetts: 1900, 359 square
miles; 1905, 2,224 square miles,

1906.)

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73.

List of Towns and Cities infested by the Gypsy Moth,

Abington.
Acton.
Amesbury.
Andover.
Arlington.
Ashland.
Avon.
Barnstable.
Bedford.
Belmont.
Beverly.
Billerica.
Boston.
Bourne.
Boxford.
Braintree.
Bridgewater.
Brockton.
Brookline.
Burlington.
Cambridge.
Canton.
Carlisle.
Carver.
Chelmsford.
Chelsea.
Cohasset.
Concord.
Danvers.
Dedham.
Dover.
Duxbury.
East Bridgewater.
Essex.
Everett.
Framingham.
Georgetown.
Gloucester.
Groveland.
Halifax.
Hamilton.
Hanover.

Jan. 1, 1906.

Hanson.
Haverhill.
Hingham.
Holbrook.
Hopkinton.
Hudson.
Hull.

Hyde Park.
Ipswich.
Kingston.
Lakeville.
Lawrence.
Lexington.
Lincoln.
Lynn.
Lynnfield.
Malden.
Manchester.
Marblehead.
Marlborough.
Marshfield.
Maynard.
Medford.
Melrose.
Merrimae.
Methuen.
Middleborough.
Middleton.
Milton.
Nahant.
Natick.
Needham.
Newbury.
Newburyport.
Newton.
North Andover.
North Reading.
Norwell.
Norwood.
Peabody.
Pembroke.
Plymouth.

Plympton.
Quincey.
Randolph.
Reading.
Revere.
Rockland.
Rockport.
Rowley.
Salem.
Salisbury.
Saugus.
Scituate.
Sherborn.
Somerville.
Southborough.
Stoneham.
Stoughton.

~ Stow.

Sudbury.
Swampscott.
Tewksbury.
Topsfield.
Wakefield.
Waltham.
Wareham.
Watertown.
Wayland.
Wellesley.
Wenham.

West Bridgewater.

West Newbury.
Weston.
Westwood.
Weymouth.
Whitman.
Wilmington.
Winchester.
Winthrop.
Woburn.
Yarmouth.

24 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

Morn CoLoNies OUTSIDE OF MASSACHUSETTS.

The development of serious infestations of the moths in
neighboring States is at present of importance to the work
in this Commonwealth only so far as the danger of the rein-
festation of our cleared towns is concerned. That such
colonies do exist outside the State practically confines the
policy of work in Massachusetts to suppression only, with-
out attempt to reach absolute extermination. In fact, the
time when either pest could have been exterminated has
long since passed. The superintendent has kept in touch
with the developments in the neighboring States through
correspondence with experts interested in the matter, and
is thus enabled to present a brief summary of the conditions
there existing.

- Gypsy Moth.

At Providence, R.I., there now exists a considerable,
widely diffused gypsy moth colony in the residential section.
Egg clusters are common in street trees in many parts of
the city, and as a result there has been and will continue
to be a continuous scattering of caterpillars by means of
vehicles —a_ scattering which will increase yearly unless
vigorous action is taken against the pest. The apathy of
the authorities who should deal with the matter is regrettable.
If the moth is neglected, the trees of Providence will soon
suffer severely, while it is quite possible that from this large
colony a part of the southern border of Massachusetts now
free from the pest will be exposed to infestation.

After the central office inspectors had located the gypsy
moth along the New Hampshire border, from Methuen to
Salisbury, the superintendent communicated with State
Entomologist E. D. Sanderson at Durham, N. H., and
suggested that the insect probably occurred in that State,
and that it would be most desirable to have an examination
made there by a trained man. At Professor Sanderson’s
request Inspector John Sweeney was temporarily released
from our service, and in a few weeks’ time located the moth
along the coast line from Seabrook to Portsmouth —a
notable avenue of travel. So far no gypsy moths have been
found in Maine.

‘ONUTIJUOD T[IM soTOIGoA Aq But1993380s pus
‘srs[[Idieyeo qyou AsdAS woaj oo1z ydoH Oq JOUTBO S907} 0011S Spoudnq puB 4nd useq SBy YsSnaq 94} [Up
“CGOBI ‘A9quiejdoeg “‘sseyT SUOJSUIXOT ‘oOpIspBod poysejur A[peq [voIdA,,

te

oe

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 25

Brown-tail Moth.

A single finding of this insect has been reported from
Providence. Prof. W. E. Britton of the Connecticut Experi-
ment Station, New Haven, states that to his knowledge no
findings have been made in his State.

The two lower tiers of counties in New Hampshire are
generally infested with the brown-tail moth, and Professor
Sanderson has had specimens sent him from the White
Mountain region. Notable flights of the moths have been
observed at Nashua, Concord and Portsmouth.

In Maine Prof. E. D. Hitchings, State Entomologist,
Waterville, has found the pest scattered along the coast in
various places. Portland, Rockland and Augusta are gen-
erally infested, while sufficient numbers of the moths have
been found at Bar Harbor to warrant local work against the
insect. The moth has also been reported at Eastport and
at St. John, N. B.

In eight years’ time this strong-flying insect has become
disseminated along the entire eastern seacoast of New Eng-
land and westward to central Massachusetts and southern
New Hampshire. Even Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket
have not escaped its visitation.

ORGANIZATION OF Town Work.

The moth pest had made itself felt so severely in recent
years in the central municipalities that some of them already
had local organizations for combating it, or at least had
made an attempt to destroy the nests of the gypsy and
brown-tail moths on street and park trees. In other towns
and cities, village improvement societies, women’s clubs and
similar bodies had accomplished a great amount of good,
particularly in arousing property owners to the importance
and necessity of destroying the moths, but, in spite of all
this good work, there were throughout the district most
numerous and discouraging examples of neglected estates
where the pests swarmed in full force.

The provision of the necessary funds for prosecuting the
work was early urged on the worst afflicted municipalities.
It was found that in many cases the municipal budget had

26 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan.

already been made up, and that, despite the caterpillar
nuisance, it was difficult to secure appropriations in season
for effective work. In the case of many towns a special
town meeting was necessary, and all these delays militated
strongly against the success of the season’s efforts.

An additional reason for delaying local appropriations was
found in the fact that many municipalities had already made
large expenditures before the passage of the act for which
no reimbursement could be obtained. Thus the city of
Salem spent nearly $8,000 during the winter and spring
preceding the enactment of the law, while Medford, Somer-
ville, Cambridge and many other communities had already
made liberal expenditures. While the request for addi-
tional large appropriations may have appeared as a hardship
to some communities, it should be borne in mind that the
expenditures previously made had resulted in reducing the
amount of work necessary during the season of 1905.

In some cases there was evident a marked tendency to
delay making appropriations and in a few a strong attempt
to bring the work within the sphere of local politics, a state
of affairs which seems as remarkable as it is unfortunate.
The problem of combating the two moths calls for the best
thought and the heartiest co-operation of every one inter-
ested in preserving our trees from harm, and it is evident
that it ought to be treated as a business proposition, pure
and simple, without reference to political considerations of
any kind. The cost of the work will be great, even with a
maximum of efficiency and the utmost economy. While the
regrettable conditions mentioned have obtained in the case
of a few municipalities, the response from the cities and
towns as a whole has been most hearty and encouraging.
They have taken a broad view of the situation, have provided
the necessary funds, have placed competent men in charge of
the work and have endeavored to prosecute it vigorously and
effectively. In many places citizens having large business
interests have gladly taken up the burden of directing the
work, and have given freely of their time and often of their
personal funds in the effort to suppress the moths. Where
public service can command the well-trained energies of

=~1

1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 2

such citizens, efficient work and encouraging results must
follow. In other places men familiar with the moths have
been placed in direct charge of field operations, and have
rendered most faithful service. It has been most helpful and
gratifying to the superintendent to have, almost without ex-
ception, the hearty co-operation of this corps of local super-
intendents, and to them in large measure is due the credit
for the results so far obtained. There has been good ‘* team
work” all along the line, and if this condition can continue
and the necessary funds are available, success in the end
will be attained.

With the assurance of systematic work throughout the
district, and that no town’s efforts should suffer from the
neglect of the adjoining municipalities, the appropriations
were as a whole freely made and the work inaugurated.
At the present writing 95 cities and towns out of the total of
124 infested with the gypsy moth have a more or less com-
plete organization for combating the moths, and upward of
1,500 men are so employed. In the remaining towns, only
scattering nests of the gypsy moth were found by the inspect-
ors, and but little work, relatively speaking, will be required.

As soon as fall work was well under way, the demands
on the superintendent’s time, both in field and office, became
greatly increased. Town and city officials in large numbers
sought the office for advice, while special problems in field
work needing attention constantly presented themselves.
To assist in attending to these matters promptly, with the
approval of the Governor, Agent Dexter M. Rogers of the
eastern division was transferred to the office as assistant
superintendent, where his experience and knowledge of the
work have been most helpful.

It is always a pleasant duty to acknowledge help received
from others. The superintendent has sought freely the
advice of the Attorney-General, the Auditor of the Com-
monwealth and the secretary of the Board of Agriculture,
and in every case their counsel and assistance have been as
freely given. The suggestions of the officials and several
members of the Massachusetts Association for the Suppres-
sion of the Gypsy and Brown-tail Moths have been par-

28 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

ticularly helpful. Finally, the superintendent is glad to
acknowledge his obligation to field agents F. A. Bates, J.
W. Enwright, C. W. Minott and L. H. Worthley, in charge
of the four divisions, men who have brought to this work
a thorough training and well-ripened judgment, and who
have been at all times closely in touch with the field opera-
tions. The superintendent’s thanks are also due to the
local superintendents of the various cities and towns, and
to the inspectors employed by the central office, for hearty
co-operation and faithful service.

Pouicy oF WorK AGAINST Eacu Species oF Morn.

As soon as the size of the gypsy moth infested area was
determined, it became necessary to decide on the course to
follow with reference to each species of moth. The gypsy
moth had been found from the New Hampshire line to Buz-
zard’s Bay and westward to Marlborough. Outside the
State it was known to exist at Providence, R. I., and to be
scattered along the New Hampshire seacoast to Portsmouth.
The brown-tail moth had been reported at Amherst, and was
known to occur at Fitchburg and Worcester. It extended
south to Cape Cod and north throughout southern New Hamp-
shire and along the Maine coast to Eastport, thus having a
much wider distribution than the gypsy moth. Since the
funds available were wholly insuflicient to cope with both
pests, it was decided to adopt the policy of suppressing the
gypsy moth so far as possible wherever it occurred, and to
confine work against the brown-tail moth to clearing street
trees and trees around or near residences. The following
reasons governed the decision : —

i. The gypsy moth spreads slowly, almost entirely by the
agencies of traflic. The female moth does not fly.

The brown-tail moth is a strong flyer and is borne by the
wind for many miles.

2. The gypsy moth is a serious pest of all trees, both
deciduous and coniferous, and attacks all shrubs and some-
times even crops.

The brown-tail moth attacks deciduous trees, and is mainly
a pest of fruit trees and oaks.

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"SABITIdIeyVO °E ‘SOSSBUL SSM °F ‘(peSasjue ATJYUSIIS) s88o0 SutAel sujJOoW oTBVUlO,, “T
‘GJOUL [IBJ-UMOIq JO sosByIs SnNOLIBA

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 29

3. The gypsy moth is often hard to find, even when abun-
dant, and its treatment calls for a high degree of skill as well
as a liberal outlay of money.

The brown-tail moth is easily found in winter when its
webs are prominent at the tips of twigs. Its destruction is
relatively inexpensive and calls for no particular skill.

4. But few gypsy moths are likely to reach Massachusetts
from the small colonies outside the State.

A strong northerly wind during the flying season would
blow into Massachusetts multitudes of brown-tail moths from
the now badly infested New Hampshire border and from
southwestern Maine.

The facts being as above stated, it seemed to the superin-
tendent unwise to authorize large expenditures of money in
combating the brown-tail moth in woodlands, while in the
case of the slow-spreading and more dangerous gypsy moth
it was obvious that every possible effort should be made to
stamp it out wherever it occurred. It was therefore decided
to urge upon the local superintendents of work the necessity
of destroying the brown-tail moth on street trees, and of
insisting that every property owner destroy the pest on his
house lot and in his orchard, should he have one. In this
way the street trees are protected from injury by the cater-
pillars, and the danger from caterpillar poisoning, at least
from this source, is done away with for next season. ‘This,
it seemed, was all that could be done against the brown-tail
moth.

With the gypsy moth it was decided to follow practically
the same lines with regard to shade trees and private estates,
and, in addition, to make a special effort to protect all road-
side trees, whether in the centres of population or in the
outlying country. The matter of prime importance in con-
nection with the gypsy moth is to prevent its farther spread
as the result of the dropping of caterpillars on vehicles. So
long as the street trees in our badly infested cities and towns
remain infested by the insect, just so long will the cater-
pillars spin down in May and June and be carried long
distances by the agencies of traffic over the road. It is
imperative, therefore, that street trees and roadsides most

30 xYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

frequented for travel shall be kept free from the moth pest,
and this has been the first effort of the present administra-
tion. In the central infested cities and towns a strong effort
has been made to clear the street trees of the gypsy moth
egg clusters, and in outlying districts wherever infestations
occurred by roadsides the brush has been cut and burned and
the trees remaining thoroughly treated. So long as roadside
brush remains infested by the gypsy moth, just so long will
it be practically impossible to keep the street trees free from
these insects. The superintendent regrets that in carrying
out this work it will be necessary to sacrifice for a time
a considerable amount of roadside shrubbery, yet if this
shrubbery is left in its present infested condition it will be
killed in a few years by the moths. By cutting and burn-
ing it now, the shade trees will be protected, their continued
infestation prevented and the moth pest destroyed. After
these roadsides become free from the moth, nature in a few
years will restore them to their former condition.

Many cases have arisen where badly infested woodland
adjoins roadsides, and in the spring months yields large
swarms of caterpillars to be carried away by every passing
vehicle. In such cases an effort has been made to thin out
such woodland and treat the moth nests along the road
borders so as to establish a zone of safety from 50 to 100
feet wide, and thus do away with farther scattering of the
insect. In the town of Saugus, for example, several wood-
land colonies abut on the public highways. From trees
which overhang the road the caterpillars drop on passing
vehicles. It is practically impossible to keep the central
residential districts of Saugus free from the moth while
these colonies exist, to say nothing of the adjoining towns
of Wakefield, Lynnfield, Lynn, Revere, Malden and Mel-
rose. In the case of these woodland colonies we have
deemed it advisable to establish protective belts as above
mentioned without reference to the action of the owners
of the infested estates, who later on will be called upon
to carry out the provisions of the act on the remaining
untreated property.

The act under which work against the moth pests is be-

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. ol

ing conducted requires the superintendent to ‘* separate, so
far as is practicable, the expenditures on work against the
gypsy moth and those on work against the brown-tail moth
in each city and town.” Since the law does not give the
superintendent control over the form in which reports from
cities and towns shall be rendered, it has been impossible to
make such division of expenditures. Repeated letters have
been sent to city and town treasurers and to the local super-
intendents in charge of the work, but it has been practically
impossible to obtain the information desired.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

The law requires the superintendent to present his annual
report ‘‘on or before the third Wednesday in January of
each year.” It has been impossible to obtain from several
cities and towns the complete record of their expenses under
the act. The following report includes the records of the
expenditures for work performed previous to Jan. 1, 1906.
The balance of the appropriation is apparent rather than
real, and will be practically expended during the month of
January in additional reimbursements to those towns whose
records as yet are incomplete.

Appropriation May 8, 1905, . : : - : . $75,000 00
Office expenses : —
Management, . ‘ ‘ ; F s ; $3,125 00
Salaries of clerks, . : 2 3 F A 1,292 00
Rent, . : : ‘ : : : 516 67
Stationery and postage : ; : : 913 34
Printing, 5 , ‘ : ‘ : 951 91
Supplies, pemntee! etc, : ; : : 545 30
Expert advice, : : d : : : 167 85
Sundries, - : : ‘ ‘ F 3 775 86
Field expenses : —
Wages of employees, : 9,180 24
Travelling expenses fupeuaendent and
employ ess), : 5 : : : i 2,544 44
Supplies, : : : 149 46
Reimbursement to cites and ‘own ; ; 40,250 08
Sundries, : ; ; ; : F F 113 50
———_ 60,475 65

Balance Jan, 1, 1906, _ . : 5 ’ ; ‘ . $14,524 35

32 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

Parasite Appropriation.
The various expenses incurred in the work of importing
and studying parasites of the gypsy and brown-tail moths
are given below : —

Appropriation May 8, 1905, . ; : : : ° . $10,000 00
Services of experts and collectors, : : $852 88
Wages of employees, . : : : 3 745 39
Travelling expenses, . ; : 5 : 116 08
Rent, ‘ : , , : F , ‘ 85 00
Supplies, : : : : 5 : : - 122 25
Stationery and postage, : : : : 13 04
Sundries, F : : : : ; ; 170 45

a 2,105 09

Balance Jan. 1, 1906, .. : ‘ ‘ s ; . $7,894 91

The total amount spent in the 22 cities and towns receiv-
ing reimbursement to the amount of $40,250.08 may be
distributed as follows : —

Total amount spent, ‘ j ; : é $76,811 76
Pay-rolls, ; ‘ 3 : P : Z $65,944 08
Travelling expenses, . : : : 3 490 55
Supplies, ; : : : 5 , : 8,655 87
Sundries, j F ‘ : . 1,020 42
Stationery and postage, 4 : : : 483 37
Printing, : : : ; é ; : 185 47
Rent, F : : : : : ; : 32 00
$76,811 76

As in the case of the central office, many expenses have
been incurred this year by cities and towns which will not
be duplicated in succeeding years. The items of ‘‘ sup-
’ and ‘*sundries” represent chiefly the investment in
the necessary apparatus for conducting the work. Ladders,
pruners, axes, spraying outfits, etc., have been required, and
these supplies, even after a proper allowance for deprecia-
tion, will be available for use for several years to come.

plies’

CONDITION OF THE INFESTED DISTRICT.
In describing the infested district, a natural division in-
cludes the central and the outer towns and cities. By the

?

‘* central towns” are meant those comprising the centre of

>

pg eS

Roadside at Belmont, cleared of badly infested brush, and in condition for economical treatment.

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 33

infestation, and naturally the ones most thoroughly infested
by the gypsy and brown-tail moths. The term ‘outer
towns” includes those lying outside of this central badly
infested district.

The degree of infestation varies in these latter towns from
those which are generally infested lying on the border of the
central district to the outer towns, such as Carlisle, South-
borough, Hopkinton, Stoughton, etc., where only a few
gypsy moth nests have been found. In each case the report
is based upon an examination by an inspector from this office,
supplemented by data furnished by the local superintendent.

The annual initial expenditure required to insure reim-
bursement by the State, both in 1905 and 1906, is given in
the case of each municipality.

Central Towns.

ARLINGTON.

WALTER R. CASWELL, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, é ‘ . $1,978 25
1906, amount required before reimbursement, F ; 1) 32956) 49
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . F . 10,484 57
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : - j ~

This town is now as seriously infested as any in the dis-
trict. The gypsy and brown-tail moths can be found through
practically the entire area, while the woodland colonies are
of notable size and importance. <A great deal of good work
has been done here by the local authorities in past years,
but, in spite of this, the moths have gained rapidly in num-
ber. Spraying operations were carried on by the tree warden
in certain badly infested sections, and early in July the pres-
ent local superintendent was appointed, since which time the
work has been pushed vigorously and in a very satisfac-
tory manner. The trees on the main streets were burlapped
and attended, and a large amount of clearing has been done
in the Menotomy Rocks Park. The brush has been cleared
from the infested roadsides and the street trees throughout
the town have been cleaned of both species of the moths.

The town officials and leading property owners have shown
a strong desire to co-operate with the local work in every

34 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

way. The town has already made a liberal provision for
the work in 1906, which will include a campaign of burlap-
ping, spraying, banding and fall cleaning. From the large
amount of traffic which finds its way through Arlington the
condition of the town is of serious importance to the sur-
rounding country, and every effort will be made to bring the
pests under control here at the earliest possible moment.

BELMONT.

F. D. CuHant, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, - : . $1,105 21
1906, amount required before reimbursement, , , . 2,210 42
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : . 4,896 51
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . j : : ae orl Bil)

While much good work has been done on private estates
and on town trees in recent years, the woodland colonies
in Belmont have increased to formidable proportions. The
work of the past season has been handled by a contractor,
and has consisted of spraying, burlapping, fall cleaning of
trees and cutting brush along infested roadsides and on other
town property. Aside from the woodland colonies this town
is now in condition where thorough-going measures can be
employed to great advantage. It is hoped that at least a
part of the infested woodlands may receive attention before
next spring.

There has been in evidence a very general desire on the
part of the citizens to co-operate with the town officials in
clearing the moths from their own estates.

BEVERLY.

FRANK W. HAmmonpn, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ ‘ . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : . 6,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 3,500 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; ; P : -

Beverly is generally infested by the gypsy moth, in spite
of the good work done by the local improvement association
and numerous public-spirited individuals. The city is much
in favor as a summer resort, and there is a great amount of

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 35

pleasure driving through it in the caterpillar season. The
work on street trees has been prosecuted with vigor, and at
the present writing about three-fourths of them have been
cleared of both species of moths. In badly infested sections
the roadside brush has been cut and the trees put in con-
dition for burlapping next season. The most disquieting
feature in the situation is the general infestation of the wood-
land. ‘There is in this city a large area of fine woodland in
which there are many old-growth trees. Since the gypsy
moth has now established itself so generally in the wood-
land, a great deal of thorough work will be necessary to keep
it under control. The work of next season should include
burlapping the street trees of the entire city and spraying
in the badly infested sections.

The people of Beverly have shown a most commendable
public spirit and have co-operated fully with the State super-
intendent.

Boston.

WixtiiAm DooGusE and J. A. PETTIGREW, Local Superintendents.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ ‘ . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : ; . 5,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : . 4,798 56

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : ; ‘ ~

In the city of Boston the work of caring for the trees on
streets and in the Public Garden, Common and _ public
squares has been carried on by Superintendent of Public
Grounds William Doogue, while the parks and boulevards
have received the attention of Superintendent of Parks J.
A. Pettigrew. The entire city may be said to be generally
infested by both gypsy and brown-tail moths, the gypsy
moth colonies at East Boston being of dangerous size. In
the old gypsy moth colonies at Sargent Street, Dorchester,
and Franklin Park, which were so thoroughly treated by the
employees of the State Board of Agriculture, but few moths
have been found. In recent years a great deal of work
against the moths has been done by the city authorities, and,
to some extent, by owners of private estates; but so many
estates have been neglected that the insects have become
thoroughly established and widely scattered. The Fenway,

36 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

with its great masses of beautiful shrubbery, is badly in-
fested with the gypsy moth and should be sprayed next
season. At East Boston and Orient Heights the situation
is even more serious. Unless very thorough work is done
here before the hatching period, a great deal of damage will
be caused by the gypsy moth caterpillars. Throughout the
entire city the brown-tail moth is present in large numbers.

The principal danger in the situation in Boston is the
general infestation of private estates, and the apathy both of
resident and non-resident property owners. A vigorous en-
forcement of the law will be necessary in order to keep the
moths under control. So long as the private estates remain
badly infested, so long will the efficient work of the city
departments be undone each year, with consequent increas-
ing expense to the taxpayers. If the moths are to be con-
trolled in Boston, it is absolutely necessary not only that
the law be vigorously enforced against owners of neglected
estates, but also that next season a large amount of bur-
lapping and spraying be done. A thorough inspection of
the city is now in progress, and will be completed before the
vaterpillar season of next year.

BROOKLINE.

Usip PERRIN, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, é : . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : F . 6,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : : 919 48
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; : 3 : -

Brookline is now generally infested by both species of
moths, but, thanks to the efficient work done in recent years
by the local authorities and by private citizens, the insects
have been kept well under control.

The citizens have shown a most gratifying disposition to
spare no effort to suppress the moths, and as a result no
serious damage by them has taken place. Since the egg-
laying season a considerable gang of men has been employed
in clearing the street trees of the gypsy moth, and at the
present time work against the brown-tail moth is also under
way. A considerable amount of burlapping will be neces-
sary here next season.

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 37

BURLINGTON.

WALTER W. SKELTON, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : 5 . $114 49
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : é : 228 98
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ; - 1,628 14
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . z ; : ey Leolon6o

Burlington may now be placed in the same category with
the towns of the central infested district. In the southern
part of the town remarkably large gypsy moth colonies exist
in woodlands, and numerous estates are very badly infested.
In one section the gypsy moth caterpillars stripped in the
summer of 1905 some 20 acres of woodland, and street trees,
orchards and even garden produce were injured and in some
cases destroyed by them.

The local work against the moths is well organized and is
being carried out in a satisfactory manner. ‘The town offi-
cials and citizens generally have supported the efforts of the
local superintendent, and satisfactory results should be in
evidence next season when a considerable amount of bur-
lapping, spraying and burning out of infested roadsides will
be necessary. The brown-tail moth is generally distributed
throughout the town and but little has yet been done against
this insect.

The principal operations to date in Burlington have been
on the large woodland colony in the southern part of the
town where the orchards and woodlot have been thoroughly
cleared of gypsy moth egg clusters up to the probable snow
line. The underbrush, decayed trees, etc., have been re-
moved, and the work of destroying the remainder of the
nests is now under way. In the vicinity of this colony the
infested roadsides have also been cleared of the brush and
put in proper condition for burlapping.

CAMBRIDGE.

JAmES A. MontaomeEry, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; : . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; é . 6,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . , . 6,900 63

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . j : 5 -

38 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

Since the cessation of the former State work this city has
made liberal expenditures in an effort to control both species
of the moths. From the facts that several electric car lines
centre here, and that an immense amount of travel reaches
Cambridge during the caterpillar season, the city is pecul-
iarly exposed to infestation from outside sources. A fairly
thorough inspection shows the gypsy moth scattered through-
out the entire city, while important colonies exist in the
section west of Harvard Square. A considerable amount of
spraying was done here during the caterpillar season with
good results, and at this writing the gypsy and brown-tail
moth nests have been destroyed on the street trees practi-
cally throughout the entire city. About 60 men are now
engaged in enforcing the law by clearing the moths from
private estates.

The work in Cambridge has been carried on in a satis-
factory manner, but much remains to be done during the
coming season. The trees throughout the entire city should
be burlapped and carefully attended, while spraying will be
necessary in the worst infested sections. If the local authori-
ties continue to co-operate as freely with the State superin-
tendent in the future as they have in the past, there should
be no unusual difficulties in controlling the moth pests in
this city.

CHELSEA.

ALFRED L. Maaat, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : . . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, , : . 8,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ‘ . 1,806 59
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : ‘ - : ~

In Chelsea during the caterpillar season spraying was
carried out in certain sections infested by the gypsy moth.
The fall examination shows the city to be generally infested
with both brown-tail and gypsy moths. In the sections
near the Everett and Revere lines the gypsy moth occurs in
large numbers. On Garden and Parker streets and in the
Union Park section also numerous gypsy moth nests were
found. Chelsea is fortunate, from the standpoint of our
work, in possessing no woodland.

1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 30

The local work has been well supported by the city authori-
ties and has been carried out in a very efficient manner. At
the present time about two-thirds of the trees on public
streets have been cleared of the gypsy moth, and the brown-
tail moth nests will have attention during January and
February, 1906.

DANVERS.

Tuomas HE. TinsuEy, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ : . $1,069 75
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : F eesloOmol
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : . 2,248 60
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : , : . 1,178 85

Danvers belongs in the generally infested class of towns.
The gypsy moth is found in varying numbers throughout the
entire town, and large colonies exist in Danversport and on
Burley Street near the Wenham line. The residential sec-
tion is generally infested. This district was burlapped and
looked after with good results during the caterpillar season.
About three-fourths of the street trees have been cleared of
both brown-tail and gypsy moths, and the work is being
prosecuted in a satisfactory manner. In certain seriously
infested sections the roadside brush has been cut, but more
of this work will be necessary before the gypsy moth can be
brought under control. Owing to the general infestation
of the town by both insects a large amount of work will be
necessary here the coming year. The street trees should
be burlapped, and a considerable amount of spraying will be
necessary in the badly infested sections.

Essex.

T. B. Fuxuer, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : ; . $209 80
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . F ; a) 2 41906E
1905, amount expended in work against moths, : : » 773 15

1905, amount of State reimbursement, : : : : F -

Essex is generally infested by the gypsy moth, egg clus-
ters having been found on nearly every estate so far exam-
ined. Between this town and Manchester there is a large
wooded area containing a great deal of valuable pine timber.

40 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

In this section, so far as our inspections have gone, scattered
ege clusters have been found. The local superintendent has
taken much interest in prosecuting the work, and has thinned
out in an excellent manner the badly infested roadsides, and
has destroyed the gypsy and brown-tail moth nests on the
street trees over nearly the entire town. The trees in
the sections infested with the gypsy moth should be bur-
lapped and receive careful attention next season. If this
work is properly carried out, the gypsy moth should be
brought under control at the close of the season. The brown-
tail moth in this town is much less abundant than in some
other Essex County towns.

EVERETT.

WILLIAM KENNERLY, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ 5 . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : : . 6,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ; : 490 20
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . c : ° : -

A general inspection of Everett during the caterpillar
season showed the gypsy moth to exist in considerable
numbers over the entire city. The matter was brought to
the attention of the city authorities, but there was an unfor-
tunate delay in appropriating money and commencing the
work. Finally, about December 1, the city work was or-
ganized and operations were begun in the Mount Washington
district. At the present writing about one-third of the street
trees have been cleared of both species of moths.

The excellent work done in the Woodlawn Cemetery by
the authorities in charge is worthy of particular mention.
This work has not only protected the beautiful grove of trees
existing there, but also, to a considerable extent, has pre-
vented the spreading of the moths outward into adjoining
territory.

The brown-tail moth is present over the entire city, being
most numerous on private estates. It is expected that the
work on street trees will be completed by February 1, when
the enforcement of the law on private estates will have atten-
tion. The operations of next season should include a liberal

1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 4]

campaign of burlapping, spraying and fall cleaning of the
trees. If this can be done, there are no particular difficulties
in the way of controlling the gypsy moth in Everett.

GLOUCESTER.

W. D. Cortuiss, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : : . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, f 2 . 98,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : 5 Al By
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . F : : : -

Gloucester has been thoroughly scouted by Inspector C.
E. Merrill, who found the gypsy moth scattered throughout
the entire city. The woodland is generally infested, and a
great deal of careful work will be required to control the
moth there. The residential section also is generally in-
fested. Owing to the immense amount of summer travel
between Gloucester and the surrounding country there is
great danger of distribution of the moth from the city.

The city work against both brown-tail and gypsy moths
began October 28 and has been carried on in a very satisfac-
tory manner. At this writing practically all the trees on
streets and public grounds have been cleared of both species.
It is important that the trees throughout the entire city be
burlapped another season in order to bring the gypsy moth
under control at the earliest possible moment. The resi-
dential parts of the city are thoroughly infested with the
brown-tail moth, and some spraying against the pest may be
required next summer.

LEXINGTON.

CoRNELIUS WELLINGTON, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : ; . $1,165 46
1906, amount required before reimbursement, p : so) Pyaeh))
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : 2) 3.990F52
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : ; ye 2.020) 06

Lexington is generally and thoroughly infested by both
species of moths, but in recent years has had the advantage
of a great deal of work on the part of the tree warden and
his assistants. The residential section is infested by the
gypsy moth in scattering numbers, while certain woodland

42 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

colonies have reached formidable proportions. During the
summer the trees along the main streets were burlapped,
and a limited amount of spraying was done. Throughout
the southern half of the town the roadside brush has been cut
and the work of clearing the street trees of the moth pests is
under way.

The town officials have supported the work in a very sat-
isfactory manner and the actual field operations have been
thoroughly and economically performed. The trees in the
sections infested by the gypsy moth should be burlapped
next season and spraying also will be necessary in certain
localities. It is important that the woodland problem be
taken up in this town as soon as possible as it is practically
impossible to keep the street trees free from the moth while
large colonies exist in the woods.

LYNN.

NatHAN M HawkeEs, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; 5 . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ ‘ . 8,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ; . 6,204 44
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : : 2 1852822)

Lynn is generally infested with the gypsy moth, both in
the woodland and the residential sections. The results of a
thorough examination of the city by Inspector H. W. Vinton
have been made known to the local authorities. The Lynn
Woods Park, one of the largest of our suburban woodland
reservations, is generally infested. The number of very
serious colonies here is considerable. The land held by the
water board in this section is also badly infested. So severe
has been the attack of the gypsy moth caterpillars in past
years that over 100 acres of trees have been killed on the
northerly side of Glen Lewis Pond. During the caterpillar
season the worst infested sections in the park were bur-
lapped and attended, although this work would have been
more effective if it had been possible to do it earlier in the
season. About one-half of the street trees in the residential
section were also burlapped and attended. In November a
large gang was put at work thinning out the badly infested
sections in the park. A great deal remains to be done here,

1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 43

and a large expense will be necessary even to control the
moth in the woodland. The residential parts of Lynn are
thoroughly infested with the brown-tail moth.

LYNNFIELD.

Henry Law, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, j H ; $147 28
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; : -. 294 55
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ; oe lies
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . 5 : ‘ . 1,634 94

Lynnfield is unfortunate in having a very large area of
badly infested woodland. Practically the entire southern
half of the town is thoroughly infested by the gypsy moth.
In past years the caterpillars have stripped large areas, and
doubtless much scattering of the moth has taken place.
During the past summer the street trees in the southern part
of the town were burlapped and attended, and a large area
of badly infested woodland was cut.

At the present time the local force is engaged in clearing
from the street trees the nests of both brown-tail and gypsy
moths ; about one-third of the trees have been thus covered.
Woodland colonies adjoining the main roads have been
thinned out to a distance of about 50 feet from the highway
and put in proper condition for burlapping. This work was
necessary in order to prevent the scattering of the moths
in the summer of 1906. A large woodland colony in the
northern part of the town has been the cause of considerable
anxiety to both the local and State authorities. An effort
will be made to subject it to thorough treatment next season.
The street trees throughout the town should be burlapped
and a considerable amount of spraying will also be neces-
sary. In the woodland sections which have been thinned
out, the trees should be banded to prevent the ascent of
caterpillars.

MALDEN.

Tuomas F. Powe, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, A , - $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, j : . 5,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ‘ +, VATS 2e7 1

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; ‘ : F ~

44 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS... [Jan.

Upon request of the superintendent the city government
of Malden in June, 1905, appropriated $5,000 for work
against the gypsy and brown-tail moths. The city, of course,
is very generally infested by the gypsy moth; in fact, it
may be considered as one of the worst infested places in the
whole district.

In past years a great deal of good work has been done-in
Malden under the direction of Mr. George W. Stiles, super-
intendent of streets. A limited amount of banding of trees
was carried out during the caterpillar season, and the re-
sults from spraying were particularly satisfactory.

As soon as the egg clusters were laid in 1905, the local
superintendent started a gang of men at work treating the
eggs on street trees from the ground to above the probable
snow-line. The border of the infested woodland adjacent
to the Fells Reservation of the metropolitan park system
has been thinned out and placed in suitable condition for
banding and spraying next year. The trees belonging to
the city at Waite’s Mount and in Forest Dale Cemetery
have been thinned out and put in proper condition for next
season’s work. The local superintendent, in spite of many
obstacles to thorough work, has accomplished most satisfac-
tory results, and the property owners throughout the city
have shown a spirit of co-operation. If all land owners will
perform their obligations under the law with as much faith-
fulness as has the local superintendent, the gypsy moth in
Malden will soon be brought under control. A great deal
of spraying and burlapping will be necessary next season,
and in the infested woodlands now thinned of dead and
worthless trees banding with some preparation to prevent
the ascent of caterpillars should be done.

MANCHESTER.

RosBert A. MitcHELyu, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . F . $2,030 05
1906, amount required before reimbursement, F : » 4,060 10
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : 3 DNDN ke aS
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; : A : -

The gypsy moth occurs throughout this town, and the
brown-tail moth is plentiful. In the central residential

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 45

sections the gypsy moth infestation is now of alarming ex-
tent, and the insect is scattered in small numbers in other
parts of the town. No thorough inspection as yet has been
made of the woodland, but gypsy moth nests have been
found along the road leading to Essex. In the northern
part of the town there is a large tract of fine old-growth
trees which is infested in places. An effort will be made in
the near future to inspect thoroughly all the woodland in
Manchester.

The local superintendent has destroyed the gypsy and
brown-tail moth nests on town trees over about three-fourths
of the town, and this work has been carried on in a very
satisfactory manner. The trees in the central district should
be burlapped and carefully attended next summer. There
are several small orchards which are badly infested by the
gypsy moth, and these should be sprayed at the proper
season.

MARBLEHEAD.

N. AuLen LinpsgEy, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; : . $1,420 26
1906, amount required before reimbursement, 2 : . 2,840 52
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : . 2,829 99
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; : ; a Ue TAS}

The gypsy moth occurs generally throughout this town,
the worst infested sections being in the central residential
district. A great deal of good work has been done here in
past years under the direction of the tree warden, supple-
mented by the efforts of an effective local improvement
association. During the caterpillar season of 1905 the street
trees were burlapped in the worst infested sections. Later,
the infested roadsides were cut out and burned over. The
destruction of the gypsy and brown-tail moth nests on street
trees has been completed and a considerable amount of work
accomplished by the owners of private estates. Practically
all this work has been done by a contractor under the direc-
tion of the local superintendent. The trees throughout the
entire town should be burlapped next spring; spraying will
be necessary in certain sections.

46 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

MEDFORD.

Joun D. Dwyer, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, P : . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : é . 6,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ; . 12,684 89

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : ; . 5,092 45

Medford, the original centre of gypsy moth infestation,
as might be expected is thoroughly infested by the insect.
The city offers one of the most difficult problems in moth
control in the whole district. The entire residential section
is thoroughly infested, and the large colonies in the wood-
land in the northern part of the city annually yield swarms
of caterpillars to reinfest estates and street trees previously
cleared of the moth.

Gen. S. C. Lawrence, the largest owner of woodland in
the city, has for years waged a most vigorous campaign
against the gypsy moth, and his efforts along this line can-
not be too highly commended. He has not only succeeded
in controlling the pest on his own woodland, but, at a large
expense, has suppressed it also on many private estates.

The city work against the gypsy moth has been vigorously
carried on under the local superintendent. During the
caterpillar season an effort was made to destroy as many
caterpillars as was possible under the burlaps and bands on
street trees. Following this, as soon as the eggs were laid,
vigorous efforts were made to clear the street trees, and at
this writing nearly all those on streets and in public squares
have been cleared of brown-tail as well as gypsy moths.
What is more important, the badly infested woodland area
in the northerly part of the city has been thinned and put in
condition for burlapping and spraying next season.

A large amount of money must be spent in 1906 in band-
ing trees in the infested woodlands, in burlapping street
trees and in spraying. The city is so thoroughly infested
with the gypsy moth that a vigorous enforcement of effective
measures and the hearty co-operation of all citizens will be
required to bring the pest under control.

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 47

MELROSE.

Joun J. McCutxouGcn, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, F : . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; : . 8,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ; : 6,945 29
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : ; P 5 ee) (ates

This city is thoroughly infested over its whole area. The
Pine Banks Park is now thoroughly infested and over 200
large white pines have been destroyed by the moths. In
the eastern section of this park the local superintendent has
thinned out the remaining deciduous trees, and the whole
territory now is in proper condition for banding and spray-
ing. ‘This park is held in joint ownership by the cities of
Malden and Melrose, and the actual operations against the
moths here have been under the general direction of Mr.
David F. Roy, who has urged that this work be prosecuted
with the utmost vigor and thoroughness. Over one-half of
the street trees of Melrose have been cleared from the moth,
and plans are now under way for a vigorous enforcement
of the law against the owners of private estates. Next
season a great deal of burlapping, banding and spraying will
be necessary in this city, and infested roadsides and walls
should be burned out. If the work in this city in 1906 can
be carried on with as much energy as in the past year,
satisfactory results will be obtained.

NAHANT.

TuHomAS J. DEVENEY, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; : . $1,064 15
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; ; 228329
1905, amount expended ia work against moths, . ; 5 230 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : , . ; -

Nahant has received very careful attention in past years
from the tree warden, Mr. George Abbot James, and as a
result is in much better condition than many of the neigh-
boring towns. The gypsy moth has been found scattered
throughout the town, and the brown-tail moth is present in

48 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

large numbers. The street trees were sprayed early in the
caterpillar season with good results.

The United States reservation near Bass Point has become
generally infested, and its condition has caused a great deal
of complaint on the part of neighboring property owners.
As a result of Mr. James’s efforts the reservation is now
being thoroughly cleared of the moths.

The street trees of the entire town should be burlapped
next season and sprayed if funds permit.

NEWTON.

CHARLES W. Ross, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . ; . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, A : . 5,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ‘ . 1,231 36
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . i : : 3 -

Newton has been infested by the gypsy moth since 1899.
Throughout the city the insect now occurs in scattering num-
bers, and there are some colonies of considerable size which
require most thorough treatment. The brown-tail moth is
also scattered in average numbers over the entire city, being
most plentiful in the eastern section.

For many years past the trees of this city have had the
advantage of competent supervision, and this work has re-
ceived adequate financial support at all times. As a result,
the condition of Newton is much better than would have
been the case had a policy of neglect been adopted. During
the past summer and fall the local superintendent has prose-
cuted the necessary work with vigor and to our complete
satisfaction. If the moths are to be held in check, however,
2 considerably increased expense must be made next year in
the way of burlapping, spraying and fall cleaning of trees.

PEABODY.

JAMES F. CALLAHAN, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ : . $1,748 97
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : : . 938,497 94
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : . 98,2538 54

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : ‘ . 2,803 66

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 49

Peabody is seriously infested by the gypsy moth, and the
brown-tail moth also occurs in large numbers. Gypsy moth
colonies have been found scattered throughout the woodlands,
and unless suppressed will soon increase to formidable pro-
portions. The badly infested roadsides throughout the
town have been cut out and the brush burned. During the
caterpillar season a large number of trees were banded and
attended by the local force. At the present time the work
of destroying both gypsy and brown-tail moth nests on the
street trees is being prosecuted vigorously, and nearly one-
half of these have been cleared of the insects.

The work in this town has been well planned, has had
excellent supervision and has given satisfactory results.
All the trees on streets should be burlapped next season, and
spraying will be necessary in the worst infested sections.

(QUINCY.

Tuomas F. BurKE, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, A : . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, 3 F . 8,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 1,023 97

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; ‘ j : ~

The infestations in Quincy are of particular importance
because of the immense amount of travel passing through
the city to South Shore points. There can be no question
that the general infestation of the central residential district
at Quincy has been the cause of many of the gypsy moth
colonies found along the South Shore. The city is generally
infested with the gypsy moth, and several colonies have
reached a point where injury to the trees will take place next
year unless thorough measures are applied.

The local work has been well organized and prosecuted
vigorously. At this writing the work against the gypsy
moth has been completed on the street trees, and plans are
under way for a vigorous campaign against the brown-tail
moth. The most serious feature of the local situation is the
general and often severe infestation of private estates by the
gypsy moth. On these places a great many egg clusters
have been broken and scattered, and it is probable that con-

50 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan.

siderable injury to trees will be evident during the cater-
pillar season of next year. The street trees of the entire
city should be burlapped, and spraying may be necessary in
certain seriously infested localities.

READING.

GEORGE F. SaAwyEr, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ : , $922 69
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : P . 1,845 37
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ‘ ; 2310760
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : : -) 3879:

Reading is generally infested by the gypsy and the brown-
tail moths, in spite of the considerable amount of efficient
work done in recent years by the local authorities and
private citizens. The most serious feature of the situation
is the general infestation of certain woodland areas in the
southern part of the town. During the caterpillar season
the trees in the centre of the town and along the main streets
were burlapped and attended, with the result that a large
number of gypsy moth caterpillars were destroyed. The
work here has been placed in competent hands, has been
carried on in a very satisfactory manner and has been liber-
ally supported by the town authorities. The attitude of
private citizens also is all that could be desired.

At the present writing the street trees throughout at least
one-half the town have been cleared of the nests of both
species of moths, and the infested roadsides throughout the
entire area have been cut over and burned, thus reducing
the cost of the work next year. In 1906 the trees through-
out the entire southern half of the town and along the main
streets should be burlapped, and a considerable amount of
spraying will be necessary. In certain sections the road-
sides will require burning over with oil.

REVERE.

JAMES W. Bonn, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : 5 . $2,439 45
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : ‘ . 4,878 89
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ‘ . 38,994 77

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ‘ : : . 1,244 26

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 51

While Revere does not possess any large woodland areas,
it is generally and thoroughly infested with both species
of moths. Revere is the centre of a tremendous amount of
summer travel to the shore reservation; it is particularly
exposed to infestation from outlying districts, while, on
the other hand, there is great danger that the caterpillars
may be carried from the town and distributed over a wide
area.

The town has made suitable provision: for the necessary
work against the moths, but this has not been carried out in
a manner satisfactory to this office. It is apparent that con-
siderations foreign to the interests of the work have seriously
interfered with the efforts to suppress the moths. The con-
ditions prevailing in this town well illustrate the folly of
attempting to combat, under local auspices, the moth nuis-
ance, unless this important work can be treated as a busi-
ness proposition and carried on with a single purpose in
view. The amount of funds which any city or town can be
asked to appropriate for work against the moths is limited,
and the assistance available from the State appropriation
under present conditions is but small; hence, there is all
the more reason why city, town and State officials and pri-
vate citizens should co-operate heartily in this work, with a
common purpose and for a common end.

At the present writing the work in Revere is in an un-
finished state. The gypsy moth egg clusters have been
cleared from nearly all the street trees, but little work has
been done against the brown-tail moth, either on public
trees or private estates, while there exist many miles of
badly infested roadsides where brush should be cut and
burned during the winter.

The street trees should be burlapped and sprayed next
season, and a vigorous inspection maintained over private
estates. This work, however, will be of but little value un-
less it can be carried on in an efficient manner and kept free
from the influence of local politics.

52 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

SALEM.

Amos STILuMAN, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, é : . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : ¢ . 8,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : - 96,602 22
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : j : ; -

The city of Salem is thoroughly and generally infested by
the gypsy moth, and the brown-tail moth also occurs in large
numbers. In recent years the city has made liberal appro-
priations for suppressing the moths, and has shown a most
commendable spirit in endeavoring to check their increase
on street trees and on private estates. Over $8,000 was
expended in this way in 1905, previous to the passage of
the present act.

During November and December the local superintendent
has had a large gang of men clearing the street trees of both
species of moths. This work has been carried on in an
efficient manner and should show good results next season.
At this writing about one-half the street trees of the city
have been cleared, and practically all the infested roadsides
have been cut out. The street trees throughout the entire
city should be burlapped and carefully attended next season,
and the woodland colonies thinned out and thoroughly
sprayed. 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.

SauGus.

WiiiiAmM A. Harcu, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; . ; $866 77
1906, ainount required before reimbursement, , : we 1/00, 0%
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ‘ - 8,922 25
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . > : ; . 8,055 48

Saugus is generally and severely infested by both gypsy
and brown-tail moths. Practically all the woodland is in-
fested by the gypsy moth in dangerous numbers, and during

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 53

the caterpillar season of 1905 a great deal of stripping took
place.

The town has shown a most helpful and commendable
interest in suppressing the gypsy moth. Town work was
begun promptly in May, upon the passage of the present
act, and has been prosecuted with vigor and with most satis-
factory results. The work has been under the supervision
of a thoroughly trained man and the results have been most
gratifying. During the caterpillar season a large part of
the street trees were burlapped and sprayed; and as soon
as the eggs were laid, a gang of men was put at work
destroying them. At this writing the street trees through-
out the town have been cleared of the gypsy moth egg
clusters, and nearly all the necessary work against the
brown-tail moth has been performed. The infested road-
sides have been thinned out over approximately one-half
the town. Certain owners of valuable woodland who have
shown a disposition to make a liberal expenditure for sup-
pressing the moths have received the assistance of the town
force. About 200 acres of badly infested woodland have
been thinned out and put in condition for next season’s
work. Saugus presents one of the most serious problems
in the entire district. A great deal of burlapping and
spraying and other necessary work must be done next
season if the increase of the moths is to be checked.

SOMERVILLE.

CHARLES I. Bucknam, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, 2 : . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; : . 6,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 1,100 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . c : : : -

The city of Somerville is entitled to highest praise for the
very thorough and efficient work performed against the
brown-tail and gypsy moths since the cessation of exter-
minative work by the State in 1900. This work has been
in the hands of the inspector of trees, a man thoroughly
competent to judge of the needs of the situation, who for-
tunately has been liberally supported by appropriations

54 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan.

from the city government. As a result, the infestations in
this city by either brown-tail or gypsy moth are limited in
number, and principally confined to certain areas of land
which have been held for building purposes and which have
received no attention from the owners. The gypsy moth is
scattered to-day in small numbers throughout the city, the
principal infestations being in the western section. The
brown-tail moth is generally prevalent, but in small num-
bers. The occurrence of this insect (and frequently also of
the gypsy moth) in Somerville without doubt arises from the
numerous neglected estates in neighboring cities. At the
present writing the work of clearing both moths from the
street trees is nearly completed. A considerable amount of
burlapping will be required next season in the sections
where the gypsy moth still exists.

STONEHAM.
GEORGE M. JEFtTs, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : 4 . $980 84

1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; : . 1,961 68
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ; . 38,1938 99
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . , ; : : 640 45

Stoneham, with its large woodland areas, is thoroughly
infested by both species of moths. The gypsy moth is
abundant in dangerous numbers in the woodland in the
southern part of the town, and roadsides and orchards are
generally infested.

The work against the moths in this town is entitled to high
commendation. It was placed last summer in the hands of
a competent trained man, and has been liberally supported
by appropriation of town funds. At the present writing the
infested roadsides in all parts of the town have been cut
over and burned and the street trees and those on public
grounds have been cleared of gypsy moth egg clusters.
Work against the brown-tail moth is now in progress and
should be completed by February 1. Perhaps because this
town has been so severely afflicted by both moths, the
property owners are showing a most commendable interest
in destroying decayed or worthless trees and brush, and in

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 55

clearing the moths from the remaining trees on their estates.
Next season the trees throughout the town should be bur-
lapped, and a considerable amount of spraying also will be

necessary.
SwAMPScottT.
GEORGE NEWHALL, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, L P . $1,539 06
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; ; OOS el?
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : . 2,624 14
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : - 5 -

Swampscott is badly infested by both species of moths.
The gypsy moth colonies in the westerly part of the town
are of large size. In the woodland in the easterly part there
are numerous scattering gypsy moth egg clusters ; but in the
Cedar Hill section, where a large moth colony was treated a
number of years ago by the employees of the State Board
of Agriculture, only a few moths have been found.

Work against the caterpillars was begun by the local
superintendent June 17, and a gang of men has been em-
ployed against the gypsy moth practically all the time since
that date. The infested roadsides have been cut out and the
remaining trees put in condition for burlapping next season.
Nearly all the large infested pasture area has been cut out
and should be burned early in the caterpillar season of next
year. Practically all the work against both moths on street
trees has been completed at this writing. Aside from burn-
ing over the infested pastures a great deal of burlapping and
spraying will be necessary next season to bring the gypsy
moth under control.

WAKEFIELD.

W. W. WHITTREDGE, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : : . $1,669 12
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : : . 3,338 24
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . . + O,00l 74
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : ; : 2 1,070) 10

Wakefield is now generally infested over its entire area by
both moths. The gypsy moth is most abundant in the
southern and eastern parts of the town and it occurs in scat-
tering numbers in the northern woodlands.

56 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

The local officials early made suitable provision for the
town work, and the necessary operations were carried on
during the summer and fall in a generally satisfactory man-
ner. The street trees in the central district were burlapped
and attended during the summer months, and a certain
amount of fall spraying against the brown-tail moth gave
good results. A part of the infested roadsides has been cut
out and burned, but more of this work remains to be done.
The town park at Hart’s Hill has been cleared of dead and
worthless trees, the brush cut and burned and the moth
nests destroyed on the remaining trees. This particular
work has been performed in a very thorough and satisfactory
manner.

At the present time the local force is at work on street
trees destroying the nests of both moths, and will probably
be able to take up work on private estates by February 1.
The work next season will include a general campaign of
burlapping and spraying, and roadsides in certain sections
and in a part of the park reservation must be burned over
with oil.

WALTHAM.

RicHarD A. JongEs, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, f : . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, F ‘ . 8,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . P . 1,197 64
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . é 5 ‘ : ~

Waltham was practically clear of the gypsy moth at the
close of the former State work; but a hasty inspection dur-
ing the caterpillar season of 1905 revealed the presence of
the insect over the entire area, although none of the colonies
outside the woodland district were of notable size. In the
woods lying near Lexington Street in the northern part of
the city there is a large colony covering approximately 10
acres, over half of which was severely injured last summer
by the caterpillars. The brown-tail moth is generally scat-
tered throughout the city.

In past years considerable work was done by the city
authorities against this insect, both on street trees and on
private estates. During the past season the local work

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 57

against both species of moths was prosecuted with vigor
and in a very satisfactory manner. In this city we have
had the hearty co-operation of the mayor and city govern-
ment, which has greatly favored the accomplishment of the
necessary work. The street trees have been cleared of the
gypsy moth egg clusters, and the work against the brown-
tail moth is practically completed at this writing. The
woodland colonies will have attention during the winter
months, and an earnest effort will be made to put the whole
city in condition for efficient work before the hatching period
of the eggs next spring. The trees in the infested sections
should be burlapped next season, and a limited amount of
spraying will probably be necessary.

WATERTOWN.

Francis H. Barnes, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, 4 ; eo ole ot
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; F . 4,863 82
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : . 4,099 24
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : ; ; 5 LB) ein

Watertown is now generally infested by both species of
moths, but is fortunate in the fact that it has so little wood-
land. The street trees and private estates are generally in-
fested by both moths, the gypsy being particularly abundant
in the eastern section of the town. During the fall months
the infested roadsides were cleared of brush and undesirable
trees, and at this writing about three-fourths of the street
trees have been cleaned of the moths.

The local authorities have shown a disposition to provide
suitable funds for the work, which has proceeded in a satis-
factory manner. The most serious problem in the town is
the large number of badly infested private estates, and the
notable apathy of many citizens with reference to destroying
the moths on their property. The trees throughout the en-
tire town should be burlapped and sprayed next season.
If thorough work can be continued here, the moths should
be brought under control before the close of the caterpillar
season of 1906.

58 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

WINCHESTER.

Irvine T. GuiLp, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, F . . $2,058 73
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : : » 4146
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . F . 3,909 16

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : ; 4 ’ -

In the residential part of Winchester a great deal of
thorough work has been done in past years under the direc-
tion of the tree warden. While very satisfactory in view of
the local conditions, this work has been seriously interfered
with and often set at naught by the influx of gypsy moths
from the surrounding woodland colonies. There have also
been numerous cases of conspicuous neglect, even on the
part of well-to-do private citizens, who have failed to clear
their property of the moth pests. The woodland areas of
the town are infested by the gypsy moth in dangerous num-
bers, while the brown-tail moth occurs in large numbers
practically over the entire town. The section which adjoins
Woburn is particularly infested with this insect.

The town began work promptly under the present act, and
has prosecuted its campaign against the moths with a great
deal of vigor. The work of the local superimtendent is en-
titled to highest praise and has been well supported by the
town authorities. A large expenditure of money must be
made in this town, however, before the moths can be brought
under control. A liberal amount of burlapping, banding
and spraying will be necessary next season. Atthe present
writing the necessary work on public trees has been practi-
cally completed, and a considerable amount of work has been
done by private citizens in the badly infested woodlands.
In co-operation with the city of Medford, the local force is
now engaged in thinning out the badly infested section
known as the Russell Woods, lying on the southern border
of the town.

WINTHROP.

FRANK W. Tucker, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ : . $1,784 37
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : 2 . 08,068 74
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 525 00

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; , : : 7

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 59

This town is now generally infested by both species of
moths, although no particularly dangerous colonies exist.
The town officials have provided suitable funds for the work,
which has been carried out under the direction of an active
and efficient committee. At this writing the trees on streets
and in public parks have been cleared of both species of the
moths, and the work on private estates has begun. Although
Winthrop is small in area, it has about 1,000 street trees
and nearly twenty-five miles of streets. The most important
infestations by each moth are in certain small fruit orchards.

The work in the town has been done in a satisfactory
manner, has been properly supported by the public, and if
these conditions prevail through 1906, the results should
be most satisfactory. Burlapping and a limited amount of
spraying will be required next year.

WOBURN.

PETER &. McHueu, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ F . $2,167 67
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ - 5 UGhaRh) By!
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : Si Cayo) tor
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : ‘ ‘ i -

No city or town in the infested district is more in need of
thorough and efficient work against the gypsy and brown-
tail moths than is Woburn. Both insects occur generally
throughout the city. The central residential district, the
eastern section adjacent to Stoneham and Winchester and
the woodlands in the southern and western parts are all badly
infested by the gypsy moth. Large woodland colonies of
the gypsy moth have now developed to alarming propor-
tions.

During the caterpillar season a limited amount of spraying
was done in the city, and with the approach of the time for
fall work liberal financial provision was made by the city
government. Unfortunately the business interests of the
local superintendent prevented him from giving to the neces-
sary operations proper supervision. There has been in evi-
dence at all times in Woburn a most discouraging tendency
to make the work a question rather of employing labor than
of attempting to control the moths. Late in December, just

60 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

before the close of the fiscal year, a force of nearly 250 men
was put at work. The few trained foremen available were
simply unable to handle this large gang of men, and, although
repeated complaints were made by the State agents to the
officials in charge, practically no improvement in the condi-
tion was obtainable. It is safe to say’that a gang of 25
men, properly directed and working throughout the season,
would have accomplished much more in suppressing the
moths than the poorly directed forces employed in 1905.

We have assurances that during the coming year the moth
work in Woburn will be treated as a business proposition
and carried out on business-like lines. If this is done,
much relief from the pests should be obtained. If not so
done the money expended will be practically squandered,
and the condition of the city at the close of the year will be
even worse than at present.

Nearly all the infested roadsides in the city have been cut
out and about one-half of the street trees have been cleared
of both moths, although a considerable amount of reinspect-
ing will be necessary. The work of next season should in-
clude a vigorous campaign of spraying, burlapping and an
effort to control, if funds permit, the increase of the moth in
woodland colonies.

Outer Towns.

ABINGTON.

C. Frep SHAw, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, é ; ; $508 08
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : ; s WHOLE IG
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 46 75
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : ‘ , -

An examination of this town by inspectors from this office
revealed the gypsy moth in 12 localities. The brown-tail
moth is generally scattered throughout the town. The street
trees have been cleared of both species of the moths, but as
yet little work has been done on private estates. Burlap-
ping will be necessary in the sections infested with the
gypsy moth during the caterpillar season of 1906.

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 61

ACTON.

CHARLES J. WitutAms, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : 5 . $339 59
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : : Odio! Lid
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, ~ 10°00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, : : : , : -

A hasty inspection of the roadsides, street trees and or-
chards in this town revealed the presence of 4 small gypsy
moth colonies, and the brown-tail moth was found gen-
erally distributed throughout the entire area. The local
authorities have endeavored to co-operate fully with us in
suppressing the insects, and the work has been carried on
in a most satisfactory manner. At the present writing
nearly all the street trees of the town have been cleared of
both moths. The infestations here of the gypsy moth do
not offer any serious difficulties if the present thorough work
can be continued. Next season the trees in the sections
where the colonies were found should be burlapped and
carefully attended.

AMESBURY.

A. L. Stover, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : : . $1,059 49
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; j 5 valley Bee
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : : 667 20

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . . : A : -

The gypsy moth is scattered throughout this town, but
none of the colonies are of large size. The principal in-
festations are in the central residential district, although a
few colonies have been found in the northern part of the
town near the New Hampshire line. The brown-tail moth
is remarkably abundant and last summer caused considerable
damage to trees. The work against the moths has been
prosecuted vigorously and to our complete satisfaction. The
street trees have been cleared of both species of moths.
These trees in the sections infested with the gypsy moth
should be burlapped next season and carefully attended.

62 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

ANDOVER.

J. H. Puaypon, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; A . $1,221 62
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : ; . 2,443 24
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 1,010 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : ; : : ~

About 50 estates infested by the gypsy moth have been
located in Andover by our inspectors. The principal in-
festations are in the centre of the town and around the
academy and seminary buildings. Small colonies have been
found scattered in the southern, eastern and western por-
tions of the town, and a general infestation by the brown-
tail moth is in evidence. Much good work has been done
here in the past by the tree warden, who has been properly
supported in his efforts by an excellent public spirit on the
part of citizens and town officials. At the present time
about two-thirds of the street trees of the town have been
cleared of the moths. A great deal of traffic passes through
Andover, and the danger both of bringing in additional moths
and of carrying others away from the infested localities is a
serious feature of the situation. The street trees should be
burlapped next season, and a considerable amount of spray-
ing will be necessary.

ASHLAND.

F. A. Morse, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . ; ; . $203 33
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ; : . 406 65
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, : 25 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, : ; ‘ : : -

In Ashland the roadsides and orchards have been examined
and 4 small gypsy moth colonies located. The brown-tail
moth appears to be very scarce in the town. The town
work has been organized and everything necessary to sup-
press the moths has been accomplished. Burlapping will be
necessary next year in the sections infested with the gypsy
moth, and a thorough watch should be kept for the develop-
ment of any additional colonies.

Soe ee

)

ipped by gypsy moth

str
caterpillars in 1904; dead in 1905,

eet, Malden,

Lebanon Str

ines,

P

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 6é

AVON.

V. L. SNEtxL, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : ‘ . $181 48
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : : . 3862 96
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, : 15 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, ‘ - : : : =

Two small colonies of the gypsy moth have been found in
this town and have been treated by Inspector Joseph Silva.
The local superintendent has cleared the street trees of the
brown-tail moth, and also has nearly completed the exami-
nation and treatment of private estates.

BARNSTABLE.
EBEN Smitu, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; , : $969 31
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; ; 2) 1.938162
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ; : -
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : . F -

There are numerous brown-tail moth webs in evidence in
this town, and these should be removed before spring. <A
preliminary inspection made late in December revealed the
presence of 1 gypsy moth egg cluster in a tree near one of
the largest hotels, a place much frequented by automobiles.
The local work has been organized and will be under way
early in January.

BEDFORD.

CHARLES W. JENKS, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . J ; . $242 04
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ‘ ; . 484 08
1905, amount expended in work against moths, ; : 5 leh Ge

1905, amount of State reimbursement, : : : ‘ , -

Over 60 places infested by the gypsy moth have been
located in this town. The most important colony was found
at the Parker estate on the Billerica road, where over 130
nests were treated on 16 trees. The brown-tail moth is
generally present throughout the town. <A well-organized
campaign against both moths is being carried on by the
local superintendent in a very satisfactory manner. Next

64 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

season the street trees in the infested regions and on the
main thoroughfares should be burlapped and sprayed, and
the underbrush along infested roadsides should either be cut
and burned or sprayed.

BILLERICA.

T. Emery Situ, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . - : . $439 47
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . é ; bo tanos
1905, amount expended in work against moths, ; ; , -
1905, amount of State reimbursement, ; 4 , , : =

About 35 estates have been found infested with the gypsy
moth in this town. ‘The selectmen have made suitable pro-
vision for fall and winter work against both gypsy and
brown-tail moths, but, owing to an unfortunate accident, the
local superintendent has not yet been able to commence his
work. We have assurances that the necessary operations
will be started in the near future. This town is fortunate in
possessing a large number of fine shade trees, and a great
deal of burlapping with some spraying next season will be
necessary to give them proper protection.

Bourne.

Hiram F. BAKER, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : : . $507 55
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : ; . 1,015 09
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : : 7
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; : , - -

On Dec. 30, 1905, Inspector W. P. Flint found 3 small
gypsy moth colonies in this town. The examination is in
progress at this time, and we have assurances from the
selectmen that the necessary work will be promptly organ-
ized.

Boxrorp.

JOHN ParKHuRST, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : , - $203 60
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ; : . 407 19
1905, amount expended in work against moths, : : . 319 54

1905, amount of State reimbursement, 5 P : ‘ . 115 94

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 65

This town has been found generally infested with the
gypsy moth, although none of the colonies so far located are
of large size. The insect is scattered throughout the entire
area, as shown by an examination made by Inspector F. W.
Parkins. The moths are most numerous in the central resi-
dential section, 26 egg clusters having been found on a single
estate. The town has been scouted, with the exception of
the West Boxford section, and this work will be completed
before the eggs hatch. About one-third of the street trees
in the town have been cleared of both species of moths.
Next season the trees in the sections infested with the gypsy
moth should be burlapped and thoroughly attended. The
brown-tail moth is scattered throughout the town, although
nowhere in excessive numbers.

BRAINTREE.

ELMER E. ABERCROMBIE, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : . . $981 55
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; : . 1,963 09
1905, amount expended in work against moths, ._. : 821 92

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . , - : 2 =

Braintree is generally infested with the gypsy moth, and
bears practically the same relation to travel to southern
Massachusetts towns as does Quincy or Weymouth to those
located on the South Shore. <A serious colony has been
located in the northerly part of the town, and the fall in-
spection has shown egg clusters generally scattered in small
numbers throughout the town, being most numerous near the
Fore River. The street trees have been cleared of both
species of moths, but much work remains to be done on
private estates to bring the pests under control. Burlapping
should be generally adopted next year throughout the town,
and spraying possibly may be necessary in certain sections.

The condition of Braintree is most serious and demands a
large amount of careful work. An effort will be made to
inspect the woodland adjoining the Blue Hills Reservation,
where it is feared that the gypsy moth may have established
itself in considerable numbers.

66 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

BRIDGEWATER.

Rospert J. MCNEELAND, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ ‘ . $614 16
1906, amount required before reimbursement, F : > E2280 32
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 23 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; ; : ; -

Several estates in different parts of the town have been
found infested by the gypsy moth, and the brown-tail moth
occurs in small numbers. Practically all the necessary work
on street trees has been done by the local superintendent,
and work on private estates is now receiving his attention.
Burlapping will be necessary next summer in the sections
where the gypsy moth has been located.

BROCKTON.

EpwarpD Mortrau, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; : . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; é . 98,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : : 255 76
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : ‘ ; : -

A preliminary examination of Brockton was made during
the caterpillar season and 7 localities were found to be in-
fested with the gypsy moth. Since that time the street trees
have been thoroughly examined and a few additional infested
localities found. A complete inspection of the entire city
will be made before the eges hatch next spring.

The gypsy moth problem in Brockton is a most serious
one, as the city is a notable electric car centre; it is pecul-
larly exposed to infestation from Quincy, Braintree, Milton
and Boston, and, on the other hand, unless very thorough
work is done here, the city may become a source of infesta-
tion for a large area of surrounding country. No important
gypsy moth colonies have yet been found, and the brown-
tail moths, though thoroughly scattered, are nowhere in
serious numbers. The work against both species of moths
has been accomplished in a very satisfactory manner by the
local superintendent. It will probably be necessary to bur-
lap the trees in the sections infested with the gypsy moth
next season.

~~!

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 6

CANTON.

WILLIAM GALLIVAN, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : : : $740 12
1906, amount required before reimbursement, F ; . 1,480 24
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 40 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; : 4 ; =

Two localities have been found infested by the gypsy
moth, and the brown-tail moth occurs only in small num-
bers. The nests of both species of moths have been de-
stroyed, both on street trees and on private estates. Bur-
lapping will be necessary next season in the sections where
the gypsy moth was found.

CARLISLE.
CHARLES ForsusuH, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : : . $80 71
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ; : | Lol 41
1905, amount expended in work against moths, ; : c -
1905, amount of State reimbursement, 5 3 ; A : =

A single gypsy moth colony was located in this town on
the farm of F. C. Cook, but a careful roadside and orchard
inspection failed to reveal any further signs of the insect.
The brown-tail moth occurs in scattering numbers in or-
chards throughout the town. As yet there has been but a
small amount of work against either insect, but we have
assurances that the same will be taken up at an early date.
It is important next year that the entire area of the town be
thoroughly inspected, and that the trees in the vicinity of
the gypsy moth colony be burlapped and attended.

CARVER.

E. H. Murpock, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : , . $303 42
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : : . 606 84
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 20 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, : : ; ; : -

Seven localities have been found infested with the gypsy
moth along the main road from Plymouth to Middleborough.
The brown-tail moth has been noticed in small numbers

68 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

along roadsides and in orchards. All necessary work
against both moths has been performed by the local super-
intendent. A limited amount of burlapping will be necessary
here next year.

CHELMSFORD.

GEORGE B. B. Wricut, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, - : . $617 55
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : : . 15285 09
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 450 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; ; ; ; -

A single egg cluster found on the estate of Mrs. B. M.
Wilson by the State inspector is the only evidence of the
gypsy moth in Chelmsford, although the roadsides and or-
chards throughout the town have been generally examined.
The brown-tail moth is present in average numbers through-
out the entire area. Operations against this insect on street
trees and those on public grounds are now in progress and
should be completed by February 1. The town authorities
have made suitable provision for the necessary work which
is being carried out in a very satisfactory manner. The
operations of next season should include a thorough inspec-
tion of the entire town, with burlapping in the section where
the gypsy moth colony is located.

CoHASSET.

JoHN S. CiarK, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : ‘ . $1,281 46
1906, amount required before reimbursement, , ; . 2,562 89
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 500 00

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : ; ; : ~

During the preliminary inspection of Cohasset in the
caterpillar season, 12 localities were found to be infested
with the gypsy moth, nearly all within a short distance of
the centre of the town. After the eggs were laid, the street
trees and many of the private estates were examined, with
the result that about 100 places were found infested by the
gypsy moth. The woodland area near the Turkey Hill
district is somewhat infested and will be given a thorough
examination before the eggs hatch next spring. The brown-

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 69

tail moth has been found scattered throughout the town.
The local superintendent has inspected nearly all the street
trees and has practically completed his work against the
brown-tail moth, except on private estates. Next season
the sections infested by the gypsy moth should be burlapped
and carefully attended.

Concorp,

WILLARD T. FARRAR, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; ‘ . $1,098 01
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : : ae 2 L9GROL
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . 3 : -
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : ; : : -

Small gypsy moth colonies are widely scattered in Con-
cord and the brown-tail moth is also in evidence. Some 45
estates are known to be infested with the gypsy moth, the
largest colony being on the Lowell road, where 25 new nests
were found. The ordinary procedure of burlapping and
spraying next season should result in holding these infesta-
tions in check, and it is desirable that the town be thoroughly
inspected at the earliest possible moment. Local work
against the moths is now in progress and is being properly
supported by the town officials.

DEDHAM.

GrorRGE W. Puiuutps, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; 2 . $2,159 65
1906, amount required before reimbursement, 3 , » 4,019) 29
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : : 93 75

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : . P : -

Five gypsy moth colonies have been located in Dedham,
which, being the county seat, is visited by travel from all
directions. It is particularly important that these infesta-
tions be kept under control in order to prevent scattering
of the caterpillars throughout the surrounding towns. The
brown-tail moth occurs here in small numbers.

It has been difficult in this town to overcome local apathy,
and, unless the necessary work is vigorously prosecuted in
the near future, serious results will probably follow. The
officials and citizens of this town should realize that the gypsy

70 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

moth is not a pest to be trifled with, and that a few dollars
spent now in thorough work will be in the interests of true
economy. If the gypsy moth is allowed to increase, large
expenditures will be necessary in the course of a few years.

DOVER.

Joun McCuure, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . ; : . $185 61
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ; : 5 ByAb hl
1905, amount expended in work against moths, : : 5 8 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, F : ; ; ; -

A partial examination of Dover has resulted in the dis-
covery of 2 small gypsy moth colonies. The brown-tail
moth occurs in scattering numbers throughout the town.
The local officials have supported the work in a very satis-
factory manner, and at this writing about two-thirds of the
public trees have been cleared of the moths. Burlapping
will be necessary next season in the sections infested by the
gypsy moth.

Duxpury.

Henry H. Lewis, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : : . $374 10
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . P ; . 748 20
1905, amount expended in work against moths, : ; : 90 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, , - ; ‘ : ~

Eleven gypsy moth colonies have been located in this
town, none of them of large size but all of importance
because of the danger of scattering of caterpillars. The
principal infestations are in the shore district. The town
should be carefully inspected next season and a considerable
amount of burlapping will be necessary. The brown-tail
moth is generally scattered throughout the town. The work
against both moths has been prosecuted in a most satisfactory
manner by the local superintendent.

East BRIDGEWATER.

WILLIAM T. GREENE, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : : . $326 18
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : . 652 37
1905, amount expended in work against aie San 70 00

1905, amount of State reimbursement, : j : F : -

1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 71

A small gypsy moth colony was found in this town in
1903. A thorough examination this year by the State in-
spectors has revealed 4 additional infested localities. The
brown-tail moth is relatively scarce in the town. The local
situation is well in hand, the work done by the superintend-
ent being most satisfactory. Burlapping will be necessary
another season in the sections infested with the gypsy moth.

FRAMINGHAM.

N. I. Bownitcu, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : E . $1,843 72
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; ; . 98,687 44
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 300 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : F ; -

Framingham, from its location on the main avenue of
travel betwen Boston and Worcester, is peculiarly liable to
infestation ; in fact, the gypsy moth was reported here in
1904. A preliminary inspection in the caterpillar season
of 1905 revealed a small colony on Concord Street, which
was burlapped and attended during the remainder of the
season. Additional work by Inspectors I. L. Bailey and
A. G. Smith of this office developed a very unfortunate gen-
eral infestation of the town, the gypsy moth being found on
about 100 estates. The principal colonies are in the three
residential sections: Framingham Centre, South Framing-
ham and Saxonville. The brown-tail moth is also quite
generally scattered over the town, occuring in largest num-
bers at South Framingham and Saxonville.

The local moth work has been prosecuted with vigor and
to our complete satisfaction. As soon as possible the entire
woodland area should be scouted, and next season the usual
burlapping for gypsy moth caterpillars and probably a
limited amount of spraying will be required. The work
of the local superintendent has been well supported by
the town officials and citizens, and should make a satis-
factory showing next year if the present liberal policy is
continued.

72 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

GEORGETOWN,

WitiiAmM Bray, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . ; ; . $195 86
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ; ; - 3972
1905, amount expended in work against moths, ? ; . 107 90
1905, amount of State reimbursement, ; ; : : : -

A few gypsy moth egg clusters have been found at various
points in Georgetown, and the brown-tail moth is com-
monly in evidence in orchards and woodland. The local
superintendent has cleared the brown-tail nests from about
one-third of the street trees and is carrying on the work in
a satisfactory manner. Another season the trees in the
localities where gypsy moths were found should be burlapped
and receive careful attention.

In this town there was formerly a large woodland colony
which was destroyed in 1899 by the employees of the State
Board of Agriculture. In the time which has elapsed since
the cessation of the former State gypsy moth work, there
has been ample opportunity for any moths remaining in this
colony to develop to noticeable numbers. But very careful
examination made of the woodland in and around this colony
has failed to reveal any form of the gypsy moth.

GROVELAND.

Frep A. Woop, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . j ‘ . $209 52
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . , : so eAOROS
1905, amount expended in work against moths, : : . » 1734S
1905, amount of State reimbursement, 4 : . ; ; -

None of the few gypsy moth colonies in this town are of
notable size or present any special difficulties. The infesta-
tions are practically confined to the central residential dis-
trict, and if thoroughly treated next season should be easily
brought under control. The local superintendent has cleared
the brown-tail moth nests from about one-half the street
trees and has destroyed all gypsy moth egg clusters found.
The trees in the localities infested with the gypsy moth
should be burlapped next season and receive careful attention.

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 73
HALirax.
FRANK D. Lyon, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; : “ Gy eoa LL
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : on EZOu2
1905, amount expended in work against roiha. pabiinaied: : 10 00

1905, amount of State peacoat. : : ; ; , =

A general examination of the street trees of Halifax has
been completed by inspectors from this office, and as a result
the gypsy moth has been found in 9 localities. A small in-
festation near the Hanson line has been reported by the local
force of that town. Halifax is particularly exposed to in-
festation from the number of summer visitors in the Mon-
ponsett Pond section. The local work on street trees
against both gypsy and brown-tail moths is completed, and
practically all private estates have also received necessary
attention. Burlapping in the sections infested by the gypsy
moth will be necessary next summer. There are a few
scattering brown-tail moth nests in Halifax.

HAMILTON.

GrorGE H. Gisney, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, P : . $560 38
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; : 5 USPQ ere
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : » 1506 10
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; ; : oi -

This town is generally infested with the gypsy moth. The
most important colonies are at Asbury Park and around
Chebacco Lake. In these sections there are a large number
of summer cottages, and the danger of distribution from the
colonies is great. Much thorough work will be necessary
here next season.

In October a part of the infested roadsides was thinned
out, and during November and December the brown-tail
moth nests on street trees throughout the town were re-
moved. The trees in the parts infested with the gypsy
moth should be burlapped next season, and a certain amount
of spraying will be necessary in the Asbury Park section.

74 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

> HANOVER.

W.S. Sropparp, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . ; ‘ . $274 16
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; . 548 32
1905, amount expended in work against ores eeu ated 2 105.00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, ; p : ; ; -

In this town 81 localities have been found infested by the
gypsy moth, principally in the residential and farming sec-
tions. It is probable that the moth also occurs in small
numbers in the woodlands, and here a careful inspection will
be necessary in the near future. The brown-tail moth is
generally scattered throughout the town, but has been well
controlled by the work of the tree warden. ‘This has been
carried on in a very satisfactory manner, and if prosecuted
with as much vigor next season the gypsy moth colonies
should be brought under control.

HANSON.

A. L. DameE, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . j ; . $149 30
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ; : . 298 60
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 60 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, F : ; : ; -

Upward of 50 estates in Hanson are infested by the
gypsy moth. The insect has been located in all sections of
the town, and a great deal of careful work will be necessary
to bring it under control. The town is unfortunate in hav-
ing a large number of old decayed apple trees standing in or
near infested places. Before thorough work can be done,
these trees should be removed or properly trimmed and the

cavities filled with cement. As yet we have been unable to

make an inspection of the woodland in the northern part of
the town, but this matter will receive attention in the near
future from the local superintendent and his men. The
necessary work against both gypsy and brown-tail moths
has been completed by the local superintendent in a highly
satisfactory manner. The brown-tail moth infestation in
the town is light.

1906. } PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 75

HAVERHILL.

Henry Frost, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, F - . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, , : . 6,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : ‘ 785 70
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; : : : =

Haverhill has been examined at different dates by the
State inspectors, who found the gypsy moth on about a
dozen private estates. The two principal colonies are at 40
Park Street and 15 York Street. There can be but little
doubt that the city has become infested with the gypsy moth
from the large amount of automobile travel passing through
it from points to the southward.

The local work is in good hands, and is being carried out
in a satisfactory manner. The brown-tail moth webs have
been removed from about one-third of the city trees, and a
considerable amount of work has been done by private
citizens. Next season the trees in the sections infested by
the gypsy moth should be burlapped and sprayed.

HINGHAM.

WARREN W. Loturop, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : : . $872 69
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : ; a A745 38
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 100 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : : ‘ -

During the caterpillar season 13 estates infested with the
gypsy moth were located in Hingham, all within one-half
mile of the railroad station. The fall inspection by the local
superintendent showed 275 estates infested by the gypsy
moth, but usually there were not more than one or two egg
clusters in a place. While these moth colonies are scattered
practically throughout the entire town, none of them offer
any serious difficulties in the way of treatment. At this
writing the street trees throughout the town have been
cleared of the gypsy moth, and active operations against the
brown-tail moth are in progress. The street trees of the
town should be burlapped next season.

76 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan.

Hingham is in such a condition, as regards both gypsy and
brown-tail moths, that, unless a large amount of thorough
work can be done next season, the insects will soon increase
to such an extent that a large annual expense will be neces-
sary.

The town officials and citizens have shown a most com-
mendable interest in prosecuting the work, and the efforts of
the local superintendent have been well planned and carried
out in a most satisfactory manner. Mention should be made
of the good work done against the brown-tail moth in past
years by Tree Warden A. W. Young which has materially
reduced the cost of operations the present year.

HOLBROOK.

WILLIAM HAYDEN, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . j ‘ . $253 64
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ‘ ; OU Maral
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 25 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, : : ‘ ; ; -

Seven different localities in this town have been found in-
fested by the gypsy moth, while the brown-tail moth occurs
in scattering numbers. The problem here is a relatively
simple one if the trees can be burlapped and thoroughly at-
tended next summer. The street trees and private estates
as well have been cleared of both species of moths, and the
work has been done in a very satisfactory manner.

HOPKINTON.

R. I. Frain, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . F : . $327 86
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ‘ : . 655 71
1905, amount expended in work against moths, : : : -
1905, amount of State reimbursement, ; j , ; j -

The roadsides and orchards of this town have been gener-
ally inspected, and a single gypsy moth egg cluster found.
The brown-tail moth occurs in very small numbers. The
necessary work in this town as yet has not been done. It
will include burlapping next season in the section where the
gypsy moth was found.

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 77

Hupson.

E. L. JEwett, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : : 2 $626 41
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : : . 1,252 82
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ‘ : 150 90
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; : é ; =

A single gypsy moth ege cluster has been found in the
Cherry Street section of Hudson, and the brown-tail moth
is very abundant in the residential district. The local au-
thorities have taken up the work of clearing the street trees
of both moths, and this operation is in progress at the present
writing. Next season the trees in the gypsy moth infested
district will require burlapping and careful attention.

Js hopnon

SmituH F. Stureis, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : : . $909 23
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : ‘ . 1,818 45
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 15 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; P ; ; =

Hull is exposed to infestation through the immense
amount of travel during the summer months from the entire
metropolitan district. The gypsy moth has been found in
serious numbers on the peninsula known as Hull Village.
The badly infested section in the vicinity of Willow Street
has been cleared by the local superintendent, who has also
removed the nests of gypsy and brown-tail moths on all the
street trees. There is a considerable brown-tail moth infes-
tation in the town.

The work here has been performed in a very thorough
manner, but it should be noted that the efforts of the local
superintendent are seriously handicapped by the apathy of a
large number of non-resident property owners. Most vig-
orous measures should be applied next season to suppress
the moths. The trees throughout the town should be bur-
lapped, and a considerable amount of spraying will be nec-
essary in the worst infested sections.

78 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.
Hyper Park.
Harry G. HieBer, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; ‘ . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : : . 5,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 350 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : : ; ~

One of the earliest findings of the gypsy moth outside the
old infested district of 1899 was made in Hyde Park last
May soon after the commencement of the State work. At
that time the State superintendent was hopeful that this
colony might be found to be on the outer border of the in-
fested district, and, pending action of the local authorities,
he had it thoroughly sprayed to destroy the caterpillars.
Following this work the trees were burlapped and carefully
attended during the summer, with the result that no other
specimens of the gypsy moth were found in this locality.

Most unfortunately the fall inspection has revealed the
gypsy moths generally scattered through the entire town,
while several bad colonies have been discovered, notably the
one in the Fairmount section. Here the trees on infested
estates should be burlapped and attended, and spraying will
doubtless be necessary, particularly on certain badly in-
fested private estates. The brown-tail moth has been plenti-
ful on street trees throughout the town.

The work against the moths in Hyde Park has been done
in a very satisfactory manner, taking into consideration the
large number of miles of streets, and the delay on the part
of local authorities to provide suitable funds for the most
economical prosecution of operations.

IpswIcH.

Henry L. Orpway, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; ; ‘ $743 19
1906, amount required before reimbursement, 5; ‘ . 1,486 38
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : . 1,184 89
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; F F ; -

A hasty examination of Ipswich was made in July by
Inspector John Sweeney, who reported that the gypsy moth
was scattered generally throughout the town. During the

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 79

fall examination many small colonies were found on private
estates. There are no serious infestations here at present,
but a great amount of work will be necessary to prevent the
increase of the moth. During the late fall the infested road-
sides were cut out and put in condition for spraying and
burlapping. The nests of the brown-tail moth have been
removed from the street trees in a part of the residential
section. The infestation by this insect is greatest in the
eastern part of the town.

Lying as Ipswich does in the path of the main line of
travel along the North Shore, it is particularly exposed to
infestation by the gypsy moth, and should have careful at-
tention next season.

KINGSTON.

DANIEL WEsTON, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . ‘ : . $283 29
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : ; 5 Ue SY/
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 50 00

1905, amount of State reimbursement, ‘ ; ; , : -

The roads throughout the entire town have been inspected,
and 29 smalland widely scattered colonies of the gypsy moth
found. While the moth occurs throughout the residential
section, none of the colonies are of notable size, and all should
be easily brought under control if the present thorough
work can be continued during the coming year.

Brown-tail moths are generally in evidence throughout
the town, but a great deal of work against these insects has
been done by private citizens. Burlapping will be neces-
sary in 1906 in the sections infested with the gypsy moth.
The woodlands of the town should be inspected at the earliest
possible moment.

LAKEVILLE.

S. T. Netson, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : ; . $124 86
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . 4 : ) 9249) 71
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 7 00

1905, amount of State reimbursement, ; : F : : -

Lakeville must be included in the list of infested towns,
on the strength of the single gypsy moth egg cluster found.
The roadside trees and those on estates adjacent to the high-

80 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

ways have been thoroughly examined by the local superin-
tendent working with the State inspector, but no further
infestations have been found.

In the section where the egg cluster was located, the trees
should be burlapped and attended next season, and it will be
well, if opportunity permits, to make an examination of the
woodland area of the town.

LAWRENCE.

Isaac Kerwuury, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; : . $2,500 00
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : ‘ . 8,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . 5 5 -
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : ‘ ; -

Five small gypsy moth colonies were located last summer
in Lawrence by Inspector D. G. Murphy. The brown-tail
moth occurs commonly in the city. During recent years
the local park board, having in charge the city trees, has
followed a very liberal policy in combating insect pests of
all kinds, and the work done by the local superintendent is
entitled to particular commendation. At the present writing
about one-half the street trees of the city have been inspected
and cleared of both species of moths. It is expected that
work on private estates will begin by February 1. The
movement by citizens to suppress the moths has received an
impetus from the efforts of the two local improvement so-
cieties, which have purchased the necessary tools and loaned
them freely to all applicants. Several manufacturing cor-
porations are also engaged in clearing their property of the
moth pests.

The work of next season should include a limited amount
of spraying together with burlapping, and thorough attention
in the sections where the gypsy moth was found in 1905.

LINCOLN.

EDWARD R. Farrar, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : : . $457 03
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ; . 914 06
1905, amount expended in work against moths, Ainaraal i 53 00

1905, amount of State reimbursement, : ‘ A : : -

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 81

The gypsy moth is scattered over the entire area of Lin-
coln. All woodland tracts, so far as they have been in-
spected, are infested. The local superintendent has taken up
the work with a great deal of energy, and has been properly
supported by the town officials. Asa result, practically all
the necessary work against the moths on public trees has
been accomplished, and steps are now under way to apply
the provisions of the act to private estates. The infested
roadside brush in several sections is a source of danger, since
it will not be possible to keep the street trees free from the
moths unless this brush is thoroughly treated. There exists,
most naturally, strong local sentiment against cutting the
brush along the highways, and, as an alternative, a great
deal of spraying will be necessary in some places. This will
materially increase the cost of the work, and a part of the
expense may well be borne by those who insist upon this
method of fighting the moth. A thorough inspection of the
town should be made in the near future. Aside from the
spraying mentioned, the trees in the localities infested by
the gypsy moth should be burlapped next season and thor-
oughly attended.

MARLBOROUGH.
M. E. Lyons, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; . . $1,895 80
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : : ; 93,¢91 60
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : : ~
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : ‘ ; -

A small gypsy moth colony has been found in the Mount
Pleasant Street section of Marlborough, but the brown-tail
moth occurs in large numbers over the whole city, particu-
larly in the residential district. But little has been done
here as yet in the way of fall work, but we have assurances
that operations against the moths will be taken up in the
near future. It seems probable that a considerable expense
will be involved in suppressing the brown-tail moth in this
city. The gypsy moth infestation offers no special diffi-
culties in the way of treatment.

82 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

MARSHFIELD.

W. L. Spracur, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . , i . $330 35
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ; P ». _ 660270
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 60 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, : : : ; : -

~

Eight estates in Marshfield have been found infested with
the gypsy moth, and the brown-tail moth is generally scat-
tered through the town. The gypsy moth infestations are
practically all in the central residential district, and have re-
ceived thorough treatment. The brown-tail moth nests have
been removed from the street trees, and work against them
on private estates is now under way and is being prosecuted
with commendable vigor.

The citizens of this town are awake to the importance of
suppressing the moths, and are co-operating to the fullest
extent in this work.

MAYNARD.

Luke S. Brooks, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, 5 : . $704 93
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : ; . 1,409 87
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 20 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : ; : ; -

Inspection of the roadsides and orchards in this town re-
vealed the presence of the brown-tail moth in considerable
numbers, and a single estate infested by the gypsy moth.
The local superintendent has shown a most commendable
activity in prosecuting the necessary work, and has the situa-
tion well in hand. Further inspecting will be necessary
next season, and the trees in the infested colony should be
burlapped and attended.

MERRIMAC,
GILBERT G. Davis, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, . P ‘ . $253 34
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . é 5 . 506 68

1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 240 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, ‘ ; A P ‘ -

‘SSB ‘DAOJPOW ‘eouUIMBT "OD “"§ “UeX) Aq JNO POlLIBo

1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 83

While Merrimac is generally infested by the brown-tail
moth, but a single gypsy moth egg cluster has been found,
the infested locality being on School Street, near the central
part of the town. Work against the brown-tail moth was
begun about December 1, and has been carried on in a satis-
factory manner. The trees in and near the section where
the gypsy moth egg cluster was found should be burlapped
next summer.

METHUEN.
HENRY WAGLAND, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; : . $1,030 08
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : : . 2,060 16
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : -
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : ; ; d ~

Four gypsy moth colonies have been located in this town,
and the brown-tail moth is. generally abundant, particularly
in residential sections. The local work has been organized
and carried out ina satisfactory manner. The trees through-
out the residential section have been cleared of both species
of moths, and work is now under way in the outskirts of the
town. ‘The property owners have received notification, and
the enforcement of the Jaw on private estates will commence
about February 1. The local work has received cordial
support both from town officials and from citizens in general.
The burlap should be applied and attended next season where
the gypsy moth colonies are located, and a thorough inspec-
tion of the town is desirable at an early date.

MIpDLEBOROUGH.

D. M. Pratt, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : ‘ . $826 29
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : : . 1,652 57
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 30 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : : : -

The gypsy moth has been found in 3 places in Middle-
borough, viz., on Rock Street, Everett Street and North
Main Street. The infestations are practically of the same
nature as occur in other towns in southern Plymouth County,

84 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

only a few nests being found in one place. The brown-tail
moth occurs here in small numbers.

A great deal of burlapping and other careful work will be
necessary here; but, as the property owners are disposed to
co-operate with the local superintendent, we are hopeful
that the moths may be promptly suppressed. All necessary
work against the moths has been completed in a very satis-
factory manner.

MIDDLETON,

M. J. Emerson, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : : . $129 19
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ; 5 5 Pas) Gi
1905, amount expended in work against moths, - ; . 548 28
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; ; . 419 09

The gypsy moth has been found generally scattered in
Middleton, but no large colonies as yet have been located.
The brown-tail moth is abundant everywhere, particularly in
orchards and along roadsides. The most important findings
of the gypsy moth were made along the road between Middle-
ton and Danvers. A large hotel in the southern part of the
town is much visited by summer travel, and the grounds here
are quite seriously infested. This colony should have
thorough attention to prevent a further scattering of the
moth. The trees on the main streets of the town should be
burlapped next season,

MILTON.

NATHANIEL T. KippER, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, F : . $2,500 00.
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : : . 6,000 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ‘ 2 585 26
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . F ; : : -

Milton is fortunate in having had for several years the
services of a tree warden fully alive to the importance of
suppressing the gypsy and the brown-tail moths, and asa
result the insects have been kept well under control. Our
inspection shows that the gypsy moth is scattered in small
numbers throughout the town, including the woodlands in
the southern part bordering on the Blue Hills Reservation.

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 85

The brown-tail moth is lightly scattered over the residential
part of the town.

Practically all the necessary work against the brown-tail
as well as the gypsy moth on street trees and private estates
of the entire town is completed at this writing. The trees
in the places infested with the gypsy moth should be bur-
lapped next season, and in certain localities spraying may be
necessary. It is also of importance to inspect the woodlands
thoroughly at the earliest opportunity.

NATICK,

Henry S. HUNNEWELL, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; , cE pleoZomde
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ‘ ; . 2,651 45
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ; : =
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . , i ; , -

Upward of 65 private estates in Natick have been found
infested by the gypsy moth, with scattering infestation on
street trees. The brown-tail moth occurs in average num-
bers throughout the town. The local superintendent has
under way a more thorough inspection of the town, and we
have assurances that the clearing of the street trees will be
taken up at an early date. The gypsy moth colonies offer
no particular difficulties in the way of treatment, but the
trees in them should be burlapped and sprayed next season.

This town possesses many beautiful estates, on which
numerous fine specimen trees may be found. It is of the
utmost importance, therefore, that the moth be exterminated
here, or brought thoroughly under control at the earliest
possible date.

NEEDHAM.

Ernest E. Riney, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; : ; $808 24
1906, amount required before reimbursement, 4 ; G16 548
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : d 105 97

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; : : ? =

This town is generally infested by both the gypsy and the
brown-tail moths. The inspection of roadsides and orchards

86 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

has shown some 26 gypsy moth colonies, principally in the
Highlandville section. The brown-tail moth is scattered in
average numbers over the town. The gypsy moth colonies
should be easily brought under control if the present hearty
co-operation of the local authorities is continued. The
necessary local work is in progress, and has been carried out
in a very satisfactory manner. Further inspection of the
woodland should be made at the earliest possible moment.

NEWBURY.

BENJAMIN PEARSON, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . 5 : . $239 36
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ; : o AS
1905, amount expended in work against moths, : : . 849 33
1905, amount of State reimbursement, : : F : : -

The egg clusters of the gypsy moth have been found scat-
tered throughout Newbury, being particularly abundant in
the Oldtown section, where as many as 20 nests have been
found on a small estate. The most important infestations
are along the main road leading to Newburyport. About
one-half of the street trees have been cleared of both gypsy
and brown-tail moths by the local superintendent, and the
work is in progress at this writing. The trees in the sec-
tions infested with the gypsy moth should be burlapped next
season, and spraying will be necessary in a few localities.
A number of large orchards which are infested should be
sprayed. The condition of the woodland in this town has
not been determined, but an effort will be made to have it
inspected during the winter and spring.

NEWBURYPORT.

Tuomas T. Upton, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, , : . $2,162 17
1906, amount required before reimbursement, d : . 4,824 35
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ‘ . 1,266 84
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : ; : --

From its topographical position the condition of New-
buryport is of particular importance, since nearly all the
travel to New Hampshire points passes through it, and any

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 87

moth colonies existing here are a source of danger to a wide-
spread area. The gypsy moth has been found generally
scattered throughout all parts of the city, and the brown-tail
moth is notably abundant. A thorough inspection of the
city has been made, with the result that nearly every section
has been found infested with the gypsy moth. The largest
number of colonies was found in the residential section.
Many of them were of considerable size, over 100 nests
being found on a single estate. The residential section was
cleared of the brown-tail moth nests in the spring of 1905,
and as a result there was but little damage by these cater-
pillars during the summer.

In November and December the local superintendent, with
a small gang of men, carried on work against both insects
on the public shade trees. It has appeared to be difficult
to secure a suitable number of employees to carry on the
work to greatest advantage, and, as a consequence, only
about one-fourth of the public trees have been cleared of
the moths. Steps are now being taken to increase the
force of men, and it is expected that the entire city will be
covered before the egg clusters of the gypsy moth hatch,
next spring. <A great deal of very careful work will be
necessary here to keep the gypsy moth under control. The
trees in the entire city should be burlapped next season and
carefully attended; in addition, spraying will be needed in
the worst-infested sections.

North ANDOVER.

PETER Hout, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; ; . $891 65
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : : = W785 29
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 805 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : F : ‘ -

Gypsy moths were first found in 1904 in this town, An
examination in the summer of 1905 by an inspector from
this office showed the insect to be present in about half a
dozen localities. The town as yet has not been completely
scouted, and: this work should have attention next year.
Burlapping will be necessary on trees in the known gypsy

88 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan.

moth colonies. The brown-tail moth is present in aver-
age numbers. As yet but little has been done by the local
authorities, owing in part to the important business in-
terests of the local superintendent ; but we have assurances
that a vigorous campaign against the two insects will be com-
pleted during the winter months.

Nortu READING.

F. Howarp Mosman, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . ; : . $183 73
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ; ‘ . 267 47
1905, amount expended in work against moths, 5 ; . 288 55
1905, amount of State reimbursement, F : . ; 3 =

The southern and eastern sections of North Reading are
generally infested by the gypsy moth. The roadsides in this
district contain numerous colonies, and nearly every old
apple orchard shows specimens of both brown-tail and gypsy
moths. The general infestation by the gypsy moth is un-
fortunate because of the amount of woodland in the town.
It should be checked before it has opportunity to spread
farther. Already a considerable wooded area lying near
Haverhill and Pleasant streets is generally infested, and a
colony of importance has been located on the town farm at
Park Street. The work of the local superintendent is now
under way, and is being carried on in a satisfactory manner.
A great deal of cutting and burning of worthless trees will
be necessary, together with burlapping and spraying, next
season, in order to hold the gypsy moth in check, and many
miles of infested roadsides should have attention. The local
operations to date have been properly supported by the
selectmen.

NORWELL.

JoHN H. SPARRELL, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : i . $167 46
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : . 834 91
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, ; 85 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, : : : : 5 -

Inspector Harry B. Ramsey located the gypsy moth early
in August at 10 different places in Norwell. A thorough

SBABY

di0ojyBo JOU [1Bj-UMOIG JO 89

T

‘GOBT ‘oung ‘10oj}SO0TOUIM “paBsyor0 reod poyoo[sou UI S1BIT

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 89

inspection of the residential section of the town is now com-
pleted, and no additional infestations have been discovered.
The local superintendent has cleared the street trees of both
species of moths, and has also performed the work necessary
on private estates. The infested sections will require bur-
lapping and careful attention next year.

The brown-tail moth is more or less distributed over the
residential portion of the town, but so far as known it has
not yet invaded the woodlands.

Norwoop.

FRANK H. Winstow, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : : . $1,025 55
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : ; . 2,051 09
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 15 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ‘ ¢ ; ; -

Four gypsy moth colonies have been found in Norwood.
None of them are of large size, but in one case the infesta-
tion is complicated by a number of hollow trees, which
must be either removed or cemented. The brown-tail moth
is not abundant here, and, if the gypsy moth infestations
receive thorough treatment next season, the problem of
suppressing the insects should not prove a difficult one. A
limited amount of work has been done against the moths by
the local superintendent. The entire town should have a
thorough inspection at the earliest possible date.

PEMBROKE.

Catvin S. West, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : : . $189 78
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : : . 3879 56
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : : 95 18
1905, amount of State reimbursement, 5: F F : : =

In the latter part of August the gypsy moth was found in
this town by the State inspector, and since that time 12 addi-
tional infestations have been located. As in the case of
other towns in this vicinity, the moth was found widely
scattered, as no more than a single nest as a rule was found
in any particular locality. A few brown-tail moth webs

90 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

have been found in the town. Nearly all the necessary work
against both species of moths has been done in a very satis-
factory manner by the local superintendent. The sections
infested by the gypsy moth should be burlapped and care-
fully attended next season.

PLyMovuTH.

GEORGE R. Brices, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . ; . $1,869 74
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : ; ~ 9,009 47
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : : -
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ‘ 5 A < -

The infestations of the gypsy moth in Plymouth are of
particular importance because of the immense amount of
summer travel which finds its way here. We are unable
at this writing to state how badly the town is infested, but
already the moth has been found scattered in small numbers
throughout the entire residential section, and a single nest
has been found at Long Pond village and at Darby Pond.
The large amount of woodland in Plymouth should be
thoroughly inspected at the first opportunity. A great deal
of camping takes place here each summer, one of the circum-
stances that render the camp sites in the wooded area
peculiarly liable to infestation by the moth. The brown-
tail moth has been kept under control in past years by the
efficient local superintendent. At this writing work against
both species of moths is being prosecuted vigorously and
in a very satisfactory manner. Burlapping will be neces-
sary next year wherever the gypsy moth exists.

PLYMPTON.

ZINA EK. SHERMAN, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . é : - $66 24
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : : . 132 48
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, i 25 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, F ; ‘ : -

Six small gypsy moth colonies have been found in widely
separated localities in this town. <A local gang has been or-

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. git

ganized and instructed by Inspector C. S. Mixter, Jr., of
this office, and the necessary work against the moths is prac-
tically completed at this writing. The brown-tail moth is
not very abundant in the town, and the expense of the neces-
sary work against both species will be small, unless the
general inspection which will be made in the near future
should reveal the presence of large gypsy moth colonies.

RANDOLPH.

Royaut T. Mann, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . . : » $399 05
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : : a ASS ae)
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, ; 15 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, : : : } : —

The State inspectors from this office have located 10 places
infested with the gypsy moth in Randolph, principally in
the residential section. One finding of the moth was made
on the roadside in the woods near the Blue Hills Park
Reservation. As yet there has been no thorough inspection
of woodland. The local superintendent has cleared the
street trees of both species of the moths, and is now carrying
on the necessary work on private estates where the brown-tail
moth occurs in small numbers. The sections where the
gypsy moth has been located should be burlapped next sea-
son, and the colonies near the park reservation should be
thinned out and put in proper condition for treatment.

RocKLAND.

Frank H. SHaw, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : : . $659 09
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : ‘ » 1,318 18
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 250 00

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ‘ : , : -

Eight gypsy moth colonies have been located in the cen-
tral part of the town, and the inspection is still in progress.
None of the colonies so far found are of large size, and it
should be easy to bring them under control by the applica-
tion of thorough methods. The usual method of burlapping

92 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

the trees in the infested sections should be followed next
season. The brown-tail moth is generally scattered through-
out the town. The work of destroying both moths is now
in progress and will be completed in the near future.

RocKPoORT.

Ex1 Gort, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, 5 , . $614 54
1906, amount required before reimbursement, 7 5 » 1,229°08
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : : 688 11
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : ‘ i : 73 57

Rockport was thoroughly examined by an inspector from
this office, and as a result the gypsy moth was found scat-
tered throughout the entire town. In several orchards the
moth was found in large numbers. The local superintend-
ent has carried on his work with marked enthusiasm and
ability, and has cleared from all the street trees the nests
of both brown-tail and gypsy moths. <A limited amount of
cutting has been done along the infested roadsides. The
trees in the central part of the town and in other infested
localities should be burlapped next season and carefully
attended.

ROWLEY.
DANIEL O’BrRIEN, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : ; . $148 78
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ; 3 . 297 56
1905, amount expended in work against moths, : : » 248 73
1905, amount of State reimbursement, : : ; : : -

In one colony near the Ipswich line in Rowley a large
number of gypsy moths were found, and numerous scatter-
ing colonies were located in orchards throughout the town
by the State inspector. In addition, a few gypsy moths
occur in widely separated localities in the town. During
November and December a small gang of men in charge of
the local superintendent was engaged in clearing the nests
of both brown-tail and gypsy moths from the shade trees,
and has now covered about two-thirds of the town. The
brown-tail moth has been found particularly abundant in

1906.)

that part of the town near the marshes.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 93

The shade trees

in the sections infested with the gypsy moth will require

burlapping next year.

SALISBURY.

Henry C. Ricw, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, .
1906, amount required before reimbursement, .
1905, amount expended in work against moths,
1905, amount of State reimbursement, ~-.

$170 50
340 99
762 19
591 69

Throughout this town the gypsy moth is scattered in
small numbers, and the brown-tail moth is everywhere in
evidence. The principal gypsy moth infestations are in the
residential section, particularly in orchards. During the
month of November the local superintendent organized a
small gang which has done very good work on the street
trees. The roadsides have been cleared of the brush in a
few of the gypsy moth colonies, but more work of this kind
will be necessary before the moth can be combated to ad-
vantage. Burlapping and spraying may be necessary next
season throughout the residential section.

ScITUATE.

JETSON WADE, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, $701 91
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : 1,403 93
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, 110 00

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ‘ : ; : -

In the summer of 1904 a single gypsy moth caterpillar
was sent from Scituate to the office of the State Board of
Agriculture. This was the first evidence of the occurrence
of the moth in the town. As yet we have been unable to
make a thorough inspection of the entire area, but as far as
this work has progressed a few egg clusters have been found
at widely separated points. It is important that a thorough
inspection of the town be made in the near future, and that
next season the trees in the infested sections be burlapped
and thoroughly attended. The existence of a large area of
woodland in the town emphasizes the importance of thorough

94 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

work against the moth here. The local superintendent has
cleared the brown-tail moth webs from the street trees and
from many private estates.

SHERBORN.

WALTER CHANNING, JR., Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : 5 . $178 90
1906, amount required before reimbursement, - « * 857-80
1905, amount expended in work against Hicthe, satimntad: j 40 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, : : : : : -

The gypsy moth has been found on 10 estates in this town,
and the brown-tail moth has been observed in small num-
bers. None of the gypsy moth colonies offer any particular
difficulties in the way of treatment, if the work can be carried
on in a vigorous manner. The town officials have shown a
most helpful spirit in the matter, and the necessary work is
being done in a thoroughly satisfactory way by the local
superintendent. The trees in the gypsy moth colonies should
be burlapped and carefully attended next season.

SOUTHBOROUGH.

HARRY BuRNETT, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . , : . $283 92
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : : . 667 84
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 100 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, F , : : : -

A single gypsy moth egg cluster was found at Fayville,
in Southborough, by the State inspector, and a very general
infestation by the brown-tail moth was observed in the town.
The necessary work against the moths has been carried on
here in a most excellent manner, and if continued under the
present management should show satisfactory results next
season. In Southborough in past years a great deal of good
work has been done in suppressing serious shade tree insects.

STOUGHTON.

WituiAm P. Kennepy, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : : . $636 46
1906, amount required before reimbursement, é ; 27292
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : : 282 00

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . é : : ; -

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 95

Two places in Stoughton have been found infested by the
gypsy moth. The egg clusters have been destroyed, and
next season the trees should be burlapped and carefully
attended. The brown-tail moth is generally distributed
throughout the entire town, but there appear to be no serious
difficulties in controlling either insect if suitable funds are
available. The town officials have been prompt to comply
with every suggestion from this office, and as a result we are
hopeful that the moths will soon be brought under control.

Stow.

J. E. Wetcu, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : ; . $161 52
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ; : a ozonus
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . 7 : 80 30

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; : F : -

The inspection of roadsides, orchards and several private
estates in this town revealed a single gypsy moth egg cluster,
and the brown-tail moth. was observed in small numbers.
The necessary suppressive work was promptly done, but a
further inspection will be necessary. The usual work of
burlapping will be required next season in the gypsy moth
colony.

SUDBURY.

WiiiiAmM E. BAupwin, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : : . $236 52
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : - . 473 04
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, : 75 00

1905, amount of State reimbursement, , : : : 3 -

Nine estates in Sudbury have been found infested by the
gypsy moth, the principal colony being located on Landham
Road. The brown-tail moth occurs in serious numbers in
the southern part of the town, and is generally scattered
elsewhere over the entire area. The work in this town has
been organized, and is being prosecuted in a satisfactory
manner. About two-thirds of the area of the town has been
covered at this writing.

96 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

"TEWKSBURY.

CHARLES K. FrENcH, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . ‘ : . $354 03
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : . . 708 06
1905, amount expended in work against moths, ; : . 270 82
1905, amount of State reimbursement, ; F : ; : -

In August the inspector from this office located 3 gypsy
moth colonies in Tewksbury, respectively on East and Fiske
streets and on the State farm. The town has made suitable
provision for the work against the moths, which has been
carried on in a satisfactory manner. Nearly all the street
trees of the town have been cleared of both gypsy and
brown-tail moths, the latter insect occurring in average num-
bers. A thorough inspection of the town will be in order
next season, and burlapping will be necessary in certain

localities.

‘TOPSFIELD.

A
W. A. WiaGutT, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . 3 : . $190 24
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . ; : . 880 47
1905, amount expended in work against moths, P ‘ . 626 45
1905, amount of State reimbursement, ; : ; : : -

In this town the gypsy moth is scattered widely, but no
colonies of notable size are known. The principal infesta-
tion is in the residential section. As might be expected,
several infestations have been found along the Newburyport
turnpike, the main avenue of travel in this district. No
examination has been made as yet of the woodland, but it is
feared that the moths may be found there in scattering num-
bers. This inspection should have attention before the eggs
hatch next spring. The local superintendent has cleared
both brown-tail and gypsy moths from the street trees over
approximately one-half the town, and is carrying on the
work in a satisfactory manner. The trees in the infested
sections should be burlapped and given attention next season.
The brown-tail moths are in scattered, but not excessive
numbers in the town.

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. U7

W AREHAM.

JAMES J. WALSH, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : , - $658 31
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : : 5 leas Ce.
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 25 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; : : : -

One egg cluster of the gypsy moth was found by Inspec-
tor L. A. Minott on the Rochester road at South Wareham.
Mr. Minott also found a dead pupa of the moth on the
Marion road. The gypsy moth infestation in Wareham,
so far as known, is therefore slight, and seems to offer no
particular difficulty in the way of treatment.

Only a few brown-tail moths have been observed in the
town. The selectmen are fully aware of the importance of
suppressing the moths. The thorough use of burlap next
season should be sufficient to bring, the gypsy moth under
control, if not to exterminate it from this town.

WAYLAND.

PETER LEVITRE, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : , . $382 54
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . 5 : . 765 08
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, ; 10 00

1905, amount of State reimbursement, ‘ : : : , =

Thirty-nine estates infested by the gypsy moth have been
located in this town, and the brown-tail moth occurs in
scattering numbers. Ina single orchard on Rice Road 114
gypsy moth egg clusters were found at the time of the fall
examination. This colony adjoins woodland, and therefore.
presents a serious problem. The local superintendent has
taken up the work in a satisfactory manner, and has com-
pleted the clearing of the street trees at this writing. It is
important that the woodland in this town be given a further
inspection, and that next season a vigorous campaign of bur-
lapping and spraying be adopted.

98 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan.

WELLESLEY.

F. M. Agsporr, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : : . $2,221 43
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; : . 4,442 85
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . : : 246 41
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . : : : 5 -

Wellesley is generally infested by the gypsy and brown-
tail moths. None of the colonies so far observed are of
particular size, but the conditions are ripe for a serious moth
outbreak in the near future, unless vigorous measures are
employed. The local superintendent has taken up the work
with a great deal of enthusiasm, and is carrying on a thorough
inspection of the entire town. The fall work against the
moths is also under way, and is being carried out in a most
satisfactory manner. The usual campaign of burlapping and
possibly spraying will be necessary here next year.

WENHAM.

S. W. Woopason, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, 5 : . $420 40
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : ‘ : 840 80
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . é . 1,043 45
1905, amount of State reimbursement, . é ; : ; 623 05

This town is now generally infested by the gypsy moth.
Only small numbers of the insect have been found in each
locality examined, but the pest is thoroughly scattered over
the entire town. During November the local superintendent
cut the brush along the roadsides in the infested sections.
At the present writing the nests of both brown-tail and
gypsy moths on street trees throughout the greater part of
the town have been destroyed. A large amount of work,
particularly burlapping and spraying, must be done next
season in this town. The work by the local superintendent
has been thorough and eflicient, and should yield good results
next season.

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 99
West BripGEwATER.
ARTHUR W. Hiatt, Local Superintendent.
1905, amount required before reimbursement, . d : . $223 24
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : : . 446 48
1905, amount expended in work against moths, : ‘ ; 15 00

1905, amount of State reimbursement, : ; : : : =

A single egg cluster of the gypsy moth has been found in
this town on Main Street near Ash Street. The brown-tail
moth is very scarce throughout the entire area. The use of
burlap next season will be imperative in the place where the
gypsy moth egg cluster was found.

West NEWBURY.

WILLIAM MERRILL, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : , . $208 52
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . e : . 417 O4
1905, amount expended in work against moths, : : . 660 64
1905, amount of State reimbursement, : : : ; 2 26) ay

A few gypsy moth egg clusters have been found in the
central residential section of this town. The local superin-
tendent has carried on a vigorous campaign against the
brown-tail moth, and has practically completed clearing the
street trees of this insect. The work has been carried on
in a thorough manner, and should yield good results next
season if followed up by burlapping in the localities infested
with the gypsy moth. The roadside brush has been cut out
in the infested district and the trees put in proper condition
for next season’s work.

WESTON.

F. G. Coorrr, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, : F . $1,099 50
1906, amount required before reimbursement, ; ‘ . 2,199 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, . ‘ : 254 48

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ; : : ‘ =

During the caterpillar season Inspector H. W. Vinton
found gypsy moth larvee in Weston, scattered along North
Avenue from the Waltham line nearly to Lincoln. ‘The fall

100 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

examination developed a general infestation by the gypsy
moth over the entire town, this being most notable on Cen-
tral Avenue. Over 300 nests have been treated in the
Linwood Cemetery, and the adjoining woodland is also
somewhat infested. The condition with regard to the gypsy
moth in Weston is most serious, because of the large amount
of woodland exposed to infestation, if indeed not already
infested. A thorough inspection of the entire town is im-
perative at the earliest possible moment. The brown-tail
moth is generally distributed in the town, and is notably
abundant in the white oak woodlands. The town officials
have co-operated fully in suppressing the moths, although
the efforts of the local superintendent have been somewhat
handicapped by reason of his other business interests. The
work on public trees has been completed, and that on private
estates is being carried on at this writing.

WESTWOOD.

C. H. SOUTHERLAND, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . ; : . $415 96
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : : . Galgs
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, ‘ 50 00
1905, amount of State reimbursement, ; : : : ; -

An infestation by the gypsy moth was reported from this
town by Dr. H. T. Fernald, Amherst, Mass., to whom
specimens of the insect had been sent for identification. An
examination by Inspector E. M. Sadler during the past
month shows a single infested tree in the section from which
these specimens were taken. The brown-tail moth is not
abundant in this town. If the infested tree, which is badly
decayed, is cut and burned this winter, and the trees in the
immediate vicinity burlapped next season, this colony should
be exterminated.

WEYMOUTH.

DUMMER SEWALL, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; ‘ . $1,413 07
1906, amount required before reimbursement, : P . 2,826 15
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 175 00

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . , : - : -

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 101

Two serious gypsy moth colonies are known in Weymouth,
and the insect has been found in scattering numbers throughout
the entire area. The infestations along the main line of travel
from Boston and Quincy are of particular importance because
of the danger of farther distribution of the moth by vehicles.

Throughout the town the brown-tail moth is present in
serious numbers. To such an extent is this town infested
by the latter insect that last summer there was a great deal
of complaint from summer visitors because of poisoning by
the caterpillars. The street trees throughout the town have
been cleared of the gypsy moth egg clusters, and work
against the brown-tail moth is now under way. During the
fall inspection many gypsy moth egg clusters observed on
private estates were destroyed, but a great deal of work of
this kind remains to be done. The efficient work of the
local superintendent has been heartily supported by the town
officials, and should show good results next season. The
street trees throughout the town should be burlapped, and
much thorough work will also be required on private estates.
The gypsy moth infestation of this town is among the most
disquieting features of the situation in the entire district south
of Boston.

WHITMAN.

CLARENCE A. RANDALL, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, ; : : $787 16
1906, amount required before reimbursement, , : . 1,574 32
1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 60 00

1905, amount of State reimbursement, . ‘ ; i : -

Some 25 estates infested by the gypsy moth have been
found in this town, which as yet has not been completely in-
spected. The principal infestations are along Washington
Street, the main thoroughfare. The brown-tail moth is
generally in evidence in small numbers throughout the town.
Work against both moths on the street trees has been com-
pleted, and a number of the private estates have been ex-
amined. We have assurances that this latter work will be
prosecuted with much vigor in the near future, and that
everything necessary will be done before the hatching period
of the egg clusters.

102 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

WILMINGTON.

WivtiiAmM L. Kevury, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . : : . $245 50
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : : . 491 00
1905, amount expended in work against moths, ; ‘ ; -
1905, amount of State reimbursement, , : ‘ ‘ i -

A few small gypsy moth colonies have been found, princi-
pally in the southern part of the town, while the brown-tail
moth occurs generally throughout the entire area. The other
business interests of the local superintendent have prevented
him from giving the necessary attention to the work of de-
stroying the moths, or as much as he probably would have
given under other circumstances. At the present writing
active work has just commenced under the direction of a
competent foreman, and we have assurances that it will be
prosecuted with vigor until completed. A general campaign
of burlapping will be necessary next season in the town, with
possibly a small amount of spraying in certain localities.

YARMOUTH.

CHARLES R. Bassett, Local Superintendent.

1905, amount required before reimbursement, . ‘ : . $363 20
1906, amount required before reimbursement, . : : . 726 40
1905, amount expended in work against moths, : : : ~
1905, amount of State reimbursement, : F : ’ , -

Late in December a single egg cluster was found by an
inspector from this office on a street tree near the centre
of the town. The brown-tail moth is much in evidence, and
we have assurances that the local work will be promptly

organized and prosecuted with vigor.

SUMMARY OF CONDITION OF TERRITORY.

The general condition of the territory occupied by the
gypsy moth may be briefly summarized as follows: in the
section lying east of a line drawn through Newton, Waltham,
Lexington and Burlington, and running northeasterly through
Reading, Danvers and Manchester, the infestation is now
most alarming. Residential sections in all these central

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 103

towns are thoroughly infested, ege clusters are numerous
on street trees, and large areas of woodland have been
seriously devastated by caterpillars. Outside of this central
infested district there are notable colonies at Quincy, Hyde
Park, North Reading, Gloucester, Ipswich and Newbury-
port, while the condition of other infested localities, such as
Hingham, Weymouth, Braintree, Concord, Weston, Wenham
and Essex, is sufficient to cause gravest anxiety for the future.
It may well be said that throughout the central infested dis-
trict there will undoubtedly be severe injury to woodlands
during the caterpillar season of 1906. The funds at present
available will hardly suffice to keep the street trees and
private estates reasonably clear from the moths, while in the
outlying towns much hard work will be required to prevent
the pest from increasing to formidable proportions. To
secure a reasonable measure of success in controlling the
gypsy moth, the heartiest co-operation on the part of all
property owners is an imperative necessity.

Throughout all the territory occupied by the gypsy moth
the brown-tail moth occurs in varying numbers, the most
severe infestations being to the north of Boston. The insect
has also shown itself in important numbers in such centres
of population as Worcester, Fitchburg, Leominster and
Gardner. The principal spread of this insect has been
along the coast line and in a northerly direction over the
interior cities and towns.

Work For 1906.

During the coming winter months the work of destroying
nests of both gypsy and brown-tail moths on street trees,
in parks and on other public reservations throughout the
infested district will be pushed as rapidly as is consistent
with thoroughness. Special effort will be made to induce
property owners to clear their estates of the moths; and it
is now intended that all this private work shall be inspected
by trained employees of the local forces or by inspectors
from this office, in order to detect and destroy any infesta-
tions that may have been overlooked. It is apparent that
the act will not yield sufficient revenue to do all that could

104 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

be desired on private estates above the owners’ financial
liability. Such being the case, the principal efforts will be
directed to stamping out the moths in the most generally
infested residential sections. So far as funds permit, the
woodlands having the worst gypsy moth infestation will be
thinned, the egg clusters on the remaining trees destroyed,
and the colonies put in condition for economical banding or
spraying.

As soon as the gypsy moth eggs hatch next spring, these
colonies should be burned over with a light fire to destroy
the young caterpillars on the ground growth. Burlapping
for caterpillars will be desirable on street trees generally
throughout the central infested district. Arrangements are
being perfected for a vigorous campaign of spraying. In
many of the central towns all the street trees should be
sprayed ; in the outlying towns the trees standing in or near
infested places will require the same treatment; and, so far
as time and funds permit, spraying also will be prosecuted
vigorously in the woodland colonies. In the central towns
the burlaps will require frequent inspection, and also in all
infested sections in the outer towns.

All available resources must be brought to bear in the
effort to prevent the farther spread of the gypsy moth,
whether locally or to a distance. Every mile added to the
outlying border tremendously increases the total infested
area and the expense of the work, and the same considera-
tions apply to the establishment of new colonies within the
known infested district.

As soon as the gypsy moth egg clusters have been laid, in
the late summer, creosoting operations will begin, particu-
larly on those within reach from the ground, in order to
prevent them from becoming broken and the eggs from
being scattered. Following this, the regular campaign of
fall cleaning of gypsy egg clusters and of brown-tail web
destruction will be in order.

From time to time the superintendent has freely called
upon Prof. C. H. Fernald, Amherst, Mass., for consultation
and advice, which has been as freely given. From _ his
position as entomologist for many years to the gypsy moth

_

Brown-tail moths clustered on electric light pole.
Malden, July, 1905.

ral

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 105

committee of the State Board of Agriculture, Professor
Fernald is able to express opinions based on a thorough
knowledge of the insects, and his counsel has been of high-
est value.

REporT OF CONSULTING ENTOMOLOGIST.

A. H. KirKLAND, Esq., Superintendent for Suppressing the Gypsy and
Brown-tail Moths, Boston, Mass.

Dear Sir: — The observations made during the past season in
the territory infested with the gypsy moth have convinced me that
this insect presents one of the most serious problems confronting
the citizens of this Commonwealth. The condition of the infested
territory in 1900, at the time the Legislature closed the work of
exterminating this insect, was such that only small colonies occurred
at intervals over a territory of 359 square miles, and there was
every reasonable prospect that it could be exterminated in a com-
paratively few years.

The gypsy moth has now not only become very generally dis-
tributed over the old territory where it is doing a vast amount of
damage, but has also extended far beyond its former limits, and
at the present time has infested not less than 2,224 square miles,
or more than one-fourth of the entire area of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. This rapid rate of distribution is enough to con-
vince one that, unless the most vigorous measures are taken to
control this pest, it will within a comparatively few years be found
in every part of this Commonwealth and throughout New England.

The assessed value of the land, exclusive of buildings, in the
present infested territory is $992,860,984, while that in the remain-
ing part of the State is $272,429,686. In other words, the gypsy
moth has already infested over 77 per cent of the land value of
the entire State.

One of the most serious problems confronting those in charge of
the work of suppression is the forest land in the infested territory.
The amount of woodland in the entire State, as given in the last
State census, is 1,460,995 acres, and it is valued at $23,936,362,
or $16.38 per acre. The amount of woodland in the territory
already infested with the gypsy moth is 365,265 acres, and is
valued at $9,894,885, or $27.08 per acre; while the woodland in
the remaining portion of the State is 1,095,729 acres, and is valued
at $14,041,470, or $12.81 per acre.

The cheapest and most successful method known at the present
time of destroying the gypsy moths in forests is to cut and burn

106 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

all the underbrush and more or less of the trees, leaving the more
valuable ones to be burlapped the following season. The cost of
this work must necessarily vary according to the nature and condi-
tion of the forest ; but those who have had the most experience state
that the cost in an average forest is not far from $50 per acre, and
to this must be added the expense of putting burlaps on all the
remaining trees the following season and killing the caterpillars
under them; and all of this work will have to be repeated as often
as the forests become reinfested, since, however small their value,
they will be a constant menace to near-by premises. This cost of
clearing forests is more than three times the average assessed
value of the woodlands of this entire Commonwealth, and un-
doubtedly much more than their intrinsic value. If, therefore, no
method can be discovered by means of which the forests can be
protected from the ravages of the gypsy moth, the outlook for all
owners of woodland in this State is extremely discouraging. If to
the expense of clearing and protecting the forests we add that of
clearing and protecting the orchards, the nurseries, the gardens,
the ornamental trees and shrubs and the public and private parks
throughout this Commonwealth, the aggregate annual expense will
be enormous.

In view of these facts, it is of the greatest importance that the
further spread of the gypsy moth in this State should be prevented,
and that such thorough work be done in all the infested cities and
towns that there will be very little chance of the escape of moths
into new territory. The property of all the land owners in central
and western Massachusetts is seriously threatened, and they are
powerless to prevent the impending invasion unless the State
comes to their assistance and insures them against loss from the
depredations of the gypsy moth. This can be done only by direct
appropriations for the suppression of the pest. It would be hard
to say at this time what annual appropriation by the State, together
with that required by law from the infested cities and towns, would
be necessary to prevent the insect from spreading into central and
western Massachusetts; but suppose those in charge should find,
as the work goes on, that it would be necessary for the State to
make an annual appropriation of $200,000, what part of this would
a land owner in the uninfested part of the State have to pay ?

The taxable property in this State, as given in the last Manual of
the General Court of Massachusetts, page 235, is $3,420,197,428.
If this amount of property be assessed for $200,000, the tax on $1
would be a little less than one-seventeenth of a mill ($0.000,4 ) ;
and a man owning taxable property to the value of $5,000 or a

1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 107

farm of that value would have to pay a tax of $0.294, which
might be regarded as a premium paid to the State to insure him
against the ravages of the gypsy moth. This is far less than one
would have to pay for clearing the moths from a single apple tree.
If this same tax should be continued for forty years, as long as a
man would be likely to have charge of a farm, his premiums for
that time would amount in all to $11.76, —a much smaller sum
than would be required to clear this pest from a small orchard in a
single year.

It is therefore by far the wisest policy for all land owners to
insist that the necessary appropriations be made for suppressing
the gypsy moth, and that the work be carried on in the most
approved and economical manner, but at the same time in such a
way as to insure success.

The brown-tail and gypsy moths differ so much in their habits
that they should be considered separately. ‘The female brown-tail
moth flies very freely, while the other does not fly at all; and this
enables the former to become distributed far more widely in the
same length of time than the latter. The young caterpillars of
the brown-tail moth are gregarious, and hibernate in winter tents
on the twigs of trees, where they can be easily seen and removed
at any time during the winter. They are therefore more easily
destroyed than the gypsy moth, and, as they feed on a much
smaller number of kinds of trees and shrubs, they have never
caused so much damage as the gypsy moth.

The caterpillars of the brown-tail moth during the latter part of
their existence before pupating are furnished with exceedingly
minute nettling spines in innumerable numbers which are freely
scattered, and when they come in contact with the human skin
they cause an intolerable itching and a most unpleasant sensa-
tion such as no one can appreciate until he has had the experi-
ence. This feature of the brown-tail moth brings it very forcibly
to the attention of people whose premises are infested, and gives
this insect a greater notoriety than has been gained by the gypsy
moth.

Much has been said and written about the importation of para-
sites, and great hopes have been entertained that parasites might
be found which would destroy both the gypsy and brown-tail
moths.

While the work of extermination was going on during the
nineties, I was not in favor of importing parasites, for the reason
that in working for extermination the caterpillars containing para-
sites might be killed, and in this way many and perhaps all of the

108 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

imported parasites would be destroyed; but I repeatedly expressed
the opinion before the legislative committees, that, if the work for
extermination should stop, it would be of the greatest importance
to make a thorough and exhaustive investigation of the subject of
parasites and to import such as would destroy these two moths.

The work of importing parasites is not so simple a matter as
one might suppose, and should be undertaken only by a skilled
entomologist. This work was begun last summer, and we were
so fortunate as to enlist the services of Dr. L. O. Howard, chief
of the Bureau of Entomology of the Department of Agriculture,
Washington, D. C., one of the foremost entomologists in the
world, and one who has probably given more real scientific study
and investigation to the subject of parasites and parasitism than
any other living entomologist. Dr. Howard visited Europe last
summer for the express purpose of studying the parasites of the
gypsy and brown-tail moths, and of making arrangements for
successive shipments of them during the year; and it is to be
hoped that he will be able to go over again next summer and
continue the work he has begun with so much energy.

It is not to be expected that foreign parasites, even when suc-
cessfully introduced, will produce results at once, for it will take
time for them to multiply and increase to such an extent as to ma-
terially reduce the number of the caterpillars upon which they
feed. It is not even certain that the parasites of these two insects
when brought to this country will accomplish the purpose for
which they were imported. This work is entirely experimental, but
it is certainly desirable to give it a faithful trial. In the mean time,
every effort should be made to suppress these moths and prevent
their spread into the uninfested parts of the State; so that, if the
parasites fail in their work, these insect pests may be kept within
their present limits rather than scattered over the entire State.

I am glad to know that it is the purpose of the present manage-
ment to thoroughly investigate this matter of importing parasites
and to adopt every possible means for their successful introduction.

Respectfully submitted,

CuHarLes H. FERNALD.
AMHERST, MaAss., Dec. 15, 1905.

Work aGarnst THE Brown-TaiL Morn.
The work against the brown-tail moth webs began in
several cities and towns about November 20, and by Decem-
ber 1 the foliage had fallen sufficiently to permit of general

\eeoebeN ne 6

Pears and apples covered by brown-tail moth webs. September,
1905. Care should be used to clean such fruit
before it is shipped,

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 109

work against this insect. During the month of December
the removal of brown-tail moth webs on shade trees was
actively carried on, while at the same time the ege clusters
of the gypsy moth high up in the trees were destroyed by
the same gangs, thus economizing labor. The mild weather
of the fall caused the leaves on apple trees to remain until
well into the month of December, and thus delayed in a
marked degree the work on private estates; however,
throughout the entire month many thousand property
owners were diligently engaged in destroying webs.

At this point it may be well to mention a common error
made by citizens and contractors in removing webs, particu-
larly on pear trees. In far too many cases the entire tops
of the trees have been cut off, leaving large, unsightly
stumps, seriously injuring the trees and shortening their
lives. On general principles it would be better, if this
practice is to be adopted, to cut the trees down at once,
rather than to leave them to decay or become matted with
an unsightly growth of branches.

Since the brown-tail moth has now become so thoroughly
established, and promises to be a permanent resident, it will
be well for property owners in the future to so prune young
fruit trees as to induce a low heading. Trees which have
been grown with a low head, aside from the obvious advan-
tages of ease of spraying and picking the fruit, are much
more readily freed from the brown-tail moth webs than those
which have been allowed to run up to a high head.

Another matter worthy of the careful attention of those
who are planting fruit trees in the village house-lot garden
is the wisdom of using dwarf stocks. At the present time
many desirable varieties of pears and apples can be pro-
duced on dwarf trees. It is a well-known fact that such
trees yield fruit of superior size and quality, take up less
room, allow for a greater number of varieties in the garden,
and, in addition, — which seems highly important, from our
standpoint, — can be easily cleared from the brown-tail and
the gypsy moth.

One of the most alarming features connected with the de-
struction of the brown-tail moth is the fact that nearly all the

110 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

nurseries in eastern Massachusetts have now become in-
fested. While the system of nursery inspection has been
carried on efficiently under the direction of Dr. H. T. Fer-
nald, and while nurserymen, as a rule, show a disposition to
suppress the moth on their property, at the same time there
is great danger that a few nests may be overlooked in ship-
ping out nursery stock, and that in this way the insect may
become distributed over a wide area. It would not be a
matter for surprise if the brown-tail moth is found at any
point in the eastern United States.

As affording an idea of the abundance of the brown-tail
moth, even in limited areas, where conditions favor the in-
crease of the insect, the figures given by William Allen,
assistant superintendent, Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cam-
bridge, are of interest. During the winter of 1904-05 Mr.
Allen removed from the trees in the cemetery 700 bushels
of brown-tail moth webs, averaging 330 webs to the bushel,
or a total of 231,000 webs. Estimating these at the aver-
age figure of 250 caterpillars per web, we have 57,750,000

©

caterpillars destroyed by this operation.

Work BY OTHER STATE Boarps.

A considerable amount of land in the infested district is
under the control of the Metropolitan Park Commission and
the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Board, while along the
State highways the roadside trees are now under the care of
the Massachusetts Highway Commission. All these boards
have endeavored to co-operate with the State superintendent
and with the local authorities in the work of suppressing the
moths, and a brief summary of their operations to date is
given in the following correspondence : —

METROPOLITAN PARK COMMISSION,
Boston, Jan. 12, 1906.

Prof. A. H. KIRKLAND, Superintendent for the Suppression of the Gypsy
and Brown-tatl Moths, 6 Beacon Street, Boston.

Dear Str: — The Metropolitan Park Commission presents here-
with a summary of the work done against the gypsy and brown-
tail moths during the past year in the reservations and parkways
under its care and control, and of the work contemplated during

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 111

the present year, and first wish to thank you for your kind assist-
ance with information, advice and inspection, and your offer of
work in the neighborhood of the reservations and parkways, in-
tended to protect them from incursions of the moths.

During the winter and spring of 1905 a considerable amount of
tree and brush cutting and burning over of the ground was done at
the spots of most serious infestation in the reservations. This
cutting had for its primary purpose facilitating the work of repres-
sion of the moths, and incidentally improvement of the tree growth
and of the landscape. The result was necessarily injurious to the
landscape where the ground was burned over and brush temporarily
destroyed. In these same regions and along the parkways the
gypsy moth nests were creosoted, and at some points auxiliary
spraying was done during the summer. The result was satisfac-
tory in the regions where the work was done, but the amount of
the appropriations did not permit its being extended over an entire
reservation; and therefore, although the work was carried to the
full extent of the funds appropriated, did not prevent the spread
of the moths to other parts of the reservations, especially in the
Middlesex Fells.

A careful review of the situation in the early autumn made the
commission feel that it would be possible, with such appropriations
as might reasonably be expected for its maintenance, to care for
the reservations and parkways except Blue Hills and Middlesex
Fells either with its own forces or through contractors, and, in
either case, with your advice and inspection. In the Blue Hills we
were advised by you that gypsy moth colonies had been found in
various parts of the deep woods. As the necessity for work
against these pests had not been known to exist, and the superin-
tendent and forces in the reservation had no experience in the
work against them, it was deemed wise to ask you to supervise the
immediate measures of repression which appeared absolutely neces-
sary. You very kindly assigned to the work a manager whom you
stated to us you considered to be one of your most experienced
and reliable men. In the Middlesex Fells it was also decided, in
conference with you, that, as work had already been done by our
forces under special appropriations for that purpose, it was wise to
continue the work, omitting therefrom certain operations which had
a tendency to unduly affect the landscape, such as burning over
the ground cover, and substituting therefor other measures equally
effective. This work has continued energetically since September,
with the result that almost the entire reservation has been cleared
of weak sprout growth and tall growths of sorts which are non-

112 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

flowering, or which have little value for their foliage. It is need-
less to say that the completion of this work has immensely reduced
the difficulty and expense of the more direct kinds of work against
the moths throughout the reservation, has rendered it more acces-
sible and useful to the general public, and will also be a help to
the vegetation. In addition to this brush cutting a limited amount
of tree cutting has already been done, and will, if possible, be con-
tinued during the winter, with a view to removing trees of minor
value, those which are badly diseased or broken, and those which
are crowding more valuable trees so as to be an injury to their
growth. This work will be conducted very carefully, and will
necessarily be limited to removing no more trees than will still
leave the forest-like appearance of the reservation, even though it
be necessary to leave standing more trees than perhaps the forester
or the gypsy moth antagonist would advise.

In addition to the above work, which is merely preliminary work
intended to facilitate the actual destruction of the eggs and moths
themselves, creosoting of the nests of the gypsy moth was begun,
first, at your suggestion, on the trunks of the trees along the road-
sides, paths and picnic grounds much frequented by the public,
and next of the nests found on the ground, rocks and trunks of
trees to a height likely to be covered by snow during the winter,
on a strip along the borders of the reservation 150 feet wide. As
this work was finished, the creosoting of other nests upon trees or
plainly visible upon the rocks and ground over a strip of 500 feet
wide along the entire border was begun, and has now been largely
completed. It is the wish of the commission to continue this
creosoting work over the entire reservation, so that, in addition to
the border strips, tree work shall be completed throughout the
reservation, and both ground and tree work shall be completed in
such sections as contain the most valuable conifers. It is the
intention of the commission, if funds are provided for that purpose,
to band the trees for a broad strip along the borders of the entire
reservation on the principal highways, and, if possible, throughout
the seriously infested portions of the district. It is also the desire
of the commission to spray at least the borders of the reservation,
and of sections containing the most valuable coniferous trees and
the most seriously infested sections of the reservation. It is also
the desire of the commission to use oiled hay and other means of
preventing the caterpillars from leaving the reservation.

The work above outlined could not be begun last year until the
special appropriations for maintenance became available late in
February. These appropriations were exhausted in September ;

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 113

but, in view of the fact that the State had authorized you to super-
intend the carrying on of extensive work in the territory outside
the reservations, it was deemed wise to begin the work, at the ex-
pense of other funds not primarily intended for this purpose, in
September last, with the result that we are now farther along with
the work than we have ever been in any previous year. At the
same time, it will hardly be possible to continue this work out of
these funds beyond the time when the Legislature shall decide what
maintenance appropriations shall become available for this year.
We shall therefore be obliged to ask for a large special appropria-
tion this year, and we deem the matter so important that, when it
is under consideration, we trust you will, if possible, appear before
the committee and give your testimony in regard to the character
of the work being done and the advisability of the appropriation.
Again thanking you for your kindly interest and assistance, I
remain,
Very respectfully yours,
(Signed) W. B. DE was Casas,
Chairman.

METROPOLITAN WATER AND SEWERAGE BOARD,
Boston, MaAss., Jan. 5, 1906.

Mr. A. H. KIRKLAND, Superintendent for Suppressing Gypsy and
Brown-tail Moths, 6 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass.

Dear Sir: —In response to your request I send you a brief
description of the work done by the Metropolitan Water and
Sewerage Board in protecting property under its charge from the
ravages of the gypsy and brown-tail moths. This work has been
confined mainly to the property around Spot Pond, although con-
siderable work has been done on property at Mystic Lake and the
Mystic pumping station, and at the Chestnut Hill reservoir.

The land around Spot Pond belonging to the Board comprises
about 200 aeres, all of which is infested to a greater or less degree
with both gypsy and brown-tail moths. For the double purpose
of improving the character of the wooded areas and of reducing
the number of trees to be protected, a large number of trees on
the thickly wooded areas have been cut down. Between Feb. 24
and July 21, 1905, about $5,000 was expended in protecting the
remaining trees by applying creosote to the egg clusters of the
gypsy moth, placing bands of burlap and also of Tanglefoot
around the trees, and by spraying the foliage with Disparene.
Nearly all of this sum was expended in protecting about 80 acres
of land, most of which was badly infested with gypsy moths. All

114 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

egg clusters on the trees and grounds were carefully painted with
creosote, but a large number of caterpillars appeared in the spring
from off the ground, due, probably, to broken egg clusters acci-
dentally scraped from the trees which were cut down during the
winter. Tanglefoot was applied to each tree as soon as the new
caterpillars were discovered, but not soon enough to prevent
thousands from getting into the trees. From May 12 to July 21
the trees were sprayed with Disparene, the plant used for the
work being a ten horse-power portable steam boiler; a single
acting steam pump; two 300-gallon tanks, in which the Disparene
was mixed in the proportion of 10 pounds to 100 gallons of water ;
and 1,000 feet of one-inch and three-quarter-inch wrought-iron
pipe, to which was connected seven lines of one-half-inch rubber
hose, fitted with double spraying nozzles. At several points
windrows of hay sprinkled with gas oil were used, to prevent the
caterpillars from entering our property from the surrounding land
which had not been protected.

As a result of these measures, the foliage on the trees on the
land of the Board was injured but very little, and showed a very
marked contrast from that on adjoining property. The number
of gypsy moth egg clusters to be destroyed on this area during the
coming season is comparatively small, and by a prompt applica-
tion of Tanglefoot it is expected that but little spraying with
Disparene will be required during the coming season.

The land west of the pond is now badly infested with both
gypsy and brown-tail moths, and a force is at present employed
in painting the egg clusters with a mixture of equal parts of
creosote and gas oil, and cutting off and burning the nests of the
brown-tail moths. This work was commenced November 20, and
up to January 1 about $1,500 had been expended.

The total cost of work on the Spot Pond property, exclusive of
the work of cutting trees, was $6,300 for the year. Work of a
similar character at Mystic Lake pumping station and reservoir
has cost about $700, and at Chestnut Hill reservoir $500, making
a total of $7,500 expended during the year in protecting trees on
the property in charge of the Board.

Some of the land of the Board in Marlborough, Southborough
and Framingham is infested with brown-tail moths, and a few
clusters of eggs of the gypsy moth have been found in Weston,
Wayland and Framingham.

Yours very truly,
(Signed) DexTER BRACKETT,
Engineer Sudbury and Distribution Departments.

Winter webs of brown-tail moth on oak,

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 115

MASSACHUSETTS HiGHWwAy Commission,
Boston, Jan. 1, 1906.

Mr. A. H. KirKLAND, State Superintendent for the Suppression of
Gypsy and Brown-tail Moths, 6 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass.

Dear Sir: — The Acts of 1905, chapter 279, gives the Massa-
chusetts Highway Commission exclusive care and control of all
shade trees within the limits of the State highways.

The records in the office of the Superintendent for the Sup-
pression of Gypsy and Brown-tail Moths show that there are
approximately 80 cities and towns in which State highways are
located where the pests have been found. It is probable that the
trees on the State highways in many of the towns are not infested,
although colonies may have been found within the municipal limits.

The reports of the engineers of the commission indicate that in
most of the towns the moths have not yet made much progress, but
that in a few instances, notably the State road from Stoneham to
Lawrence and the State road from Arlington to Burlington, the
trees are badly infested by both pests.

The commission intends to suppress the moths wherever they
may be found within the State highway locations, and several
contracts have already been let, with this end in view. Work is
already in progress on-the roads before referred to as being badly
infested, under a contract with a private firm of contractors. All
other contracts thus far made have been with the local authorities.
In the opinion of the commission, it is probable that most of this
work will be done in this manner, for the reason that the municipal
officers are already at work with organized forces on the town
roads, and it is thought that the State highway work may be done
more economically by them in connection with the town work than
by outside contractors.

Yours truly,
(Signed ) A. B. FLETCHER,
: Secretary.

At the Danvers Asylum and also at the State Hospital in
Tewksbury, both properties being infested by the gypsy
and brown-tail moths, operations to suppress the pests are
under way.

At the United States reservation at Nahant, owing largely
to the activities of Mr. George Abbot James, tree warden,
the badly infested area is being thoroughly cleared. At
the United States naval nitre depot, Malden, and also at the
various fort reservations along the harbor front, the authori-

116 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

ties in charge are now at work destroying the egg clusters
and nests of the moths, while equally good work is under
way at the United States arsenal at Watertown. In short,
all State and national boards, whose attention has been
‘alled to the matter, have shown a most helpful desire to do
their share in suppressing these pests on the property under
their care.

Importinc NatTuRAL ENEMIES.

The Legislature of 1905 provided for the expenditure of
$10,000 a year for three years for the investigation and im-
portation of parasites and other natural enemies of the moths.
It is a well-established fact that in Europe, where the gypsy
and brown-tail moths are natives, outbreaks of these insects
are checked in a few years by their natural enemies. While
it is perfectly true that at intervals these pests show them-
selves as terrific plagues, yet in a short time the ‘balance
of nature,” as scientists call it, asserts itself, and they sub-
side as a result of the attacks of the natural enemies. For
many years it has seemed most desirable to investigate the
enemies of the two moths in Europe, and to import those
which promise to be of the greatest assistance in combating
the pests. The broad view taken of this problem by the
Legislature, as shown by the legislation above mentioned,
has made possible a thoroughgoing effort along these lines.

Following his appointment, the present superintendent,
with the approval of His Excellency the Governor, went to
Washington, and by arrangement with the Honorable Sec-
retary of Agriculture, Mr. James Wilson, was enabled to
secure the co-operation and services of Dr. L. O. Howard,
chief of the Bureau of Entomology of the United States
Department of Agriculture. At the instance of the Hon.
Ernest C. Roberts of the seventh congressional district, the
last Congress had already made a small appropriation for
the purpose of investigating parasites of the moths. With
the larger sum made available by the Massachusetts Legis-
lature, it was possible to lay out comprehensive plans for
the importation of desirable parasites.

Dr. Howard went abroad in the interests of this work
early last summer, and succeeded in organizing a chain of

1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. A17

trained agents, men of recognized standing as entomologists,
extending from southern Italy through Switzerland, Austria,
Germany and France. Since that date all these different
agents have been busily engaged, so far as their opportuni-
ties would permit, in collecting parasites of the moths and
forwarding them to the superintendent.

The State of Massachusetts is particularly fortunate in
securing the assistance of a man of Dr. Howard’s high sci-
entific attainments, experience in importing parasites of
injurious insects and thorough knowledge of European con-
ditions. For years he has been in touch with European
entomologists, and has placed them under a great many
obligations. We are thus able now to take advantage not
only of his technical knowledge but also of his personal
acquaintance with scientists abroad, which has already been
of great value.

Through the courtesy of the Hon. G. H. Lyman, collector
of the port of Boston, and Mr. G. A. Hibbard, postmaster,
Boston, shipments of parasites arriving by either express or
mail have been promptly received. The most numerous
sendings have, however, come via the port of New York,
and to facilitate their prompt forwarding the Honorable
Secretary of Agriculture issued the following regulation : —

ReGutatTion I.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, WASHINGTON, D. C., Noy. 21, 1905.
Under authority of section 3 of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1905 (83 Stat., 1269), it is ordered that packages con-
taining parasites of the gypsy moth, parasites of the brown-tail
moth, parasitized gypsy moths and parasitized brown-tail moths,
or any of them, when addressed to A. H. Kirkland, 6 Beacon
Street, Boston, Mass., U.S. A., or to the Superintendent for
Suppressing the Gypsy and Brown-tail Moths, 6 Beacon Street,
Boston, Mass., U. S. A., may be shipped, until otherwise ordered,
from any European country into the United States, entry to be
made either through the port of Boston or the port of New York.
Done at Washington, this twenty-first day of November, 1900.
Witness my hand and the seal of the Department of Agriculture.

JAMES WILSON,
Secretary.

118 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

As a result of this co-operative work, the State superin-
tendent has received from abroad several hundred parasites
of the gypsy moth, while at the present time nearly every
steamer brings a consignment of brown-tail moth webs con-
taining parasites. During December many thousands of these
webs were received and forwarded to the Saugus laboratory.
People who have suffered from the brown-tail moth plague
will find consolation in the fact that in Europe this pest is
said to be extensively parasitized in the web stage, although
in this country the webs are practically free from attack.
The superintendent is very hopeful that from the imported
webs there will be developed a large swarm of beneficial
parasites, which will help in the work of suppressing the
brown-tail moth.

As soon as the field work of the summer of 1905 was under
way, a temporary scientific laboratory was established at
Malden, and a careful search made for a suitable location for
the permanent laboratory for propagating parasites. The
importation of parasites is but one feature of the experiment.
The insects, after arrival, must be carefully sorted, reared,
propagated and disseminated. A careful watch must be kept
at all times to detect and destroy any secondary parasites.

It was desirable to locate the laboratory in a section
thoroughly infested by both moths, so that there might be
available at all times plenty of material for food for the
parasites. It was also necessary to secure a considerable
area of land which could be controlled for use in out-door
experiments. It was decided, as a measure of economy, to
lease a small farm with buildings, and after considerable
search such a place was found in North Saugus. This lo-
cality, while easily accessible by electric cars, is sufficiently
isolated to escape any marked visitation from curiosity
seekers and others who might accidentally or intentionally
disturb experiments in progress. We were fortunate in
securing a house large enough to give ample room for use
as a laboratory, and at the same time to furnish dwelling
rooms for the entomologist in charge of the work. Thus
the man who is responsible for the care and rearing of the
parasites is at all times on the ground, and can give them

1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 119

the necessary attention and protection from injury. In the
immediate vicinity is a chain of large woodland colonies
of the gypsy moth, and near by are numerous orchards
infested by the brown-tail moth, as well as a considerable
area of scrub oak land where the latter insect occurs in large
numbers.

The part of the building needed for laboratory purposes
has been fitted up with shelves, tables, breeding-cages, jars
and other necessary supplies. Arrangements have also
been made for the use of a certain number of fruit trees
near by, which will be covered next season with tents of
mosquito netting to serve as out-door breeding-cages for the
parasites.

For the work of rearing these insects we have secured the
services of Mr. F. H. Mosher, a well-trained entomologist,
who for several years was associated with the writer in the
scientific work of the former gypsy moth committee. We
also made use, during the summer season, of the services
of two students of the Massachusetts Agricultural College,
Messrs. E. A. Back and O. L. Clark, who had received
special training in entomological work.

Until spring the parasites received at the laboratory will
be kept in cold storage, but as soon as the warm weather
brings out the brown-tail or gypsy moths they will be turned
loose in cages enclosing trees infested with the moths, where
they will have ample opportunity to propagate. It is hoped
that a sufficient number will thus be obtained to permit of
distribution in infested districts.

RECORD OF IMPORTATIONS.

The following is a record of the material received to De-
cember 15, with data concerning each shipment. As might
be expected, the insects arrived in varying conditions.
Early sendings from some of our correspondents were in
paper boxes, and these were badly crushed in transit.
Where tin boxes were used, particularly in the case of living
insects, the moisture could not escape, and the insects were
as a rule dead and often decayed. The best results in send-
ing living insects were obtained by packing in wooden boxes

120 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. — [Jan.

with a little dry sphagnum moss. In all cases the specimens
packed in wood came through in the best condition. The
following is a list of material, by countries : —

Japan.

1. Received June 28, 1905, from the Rev. H. A. Loomis,
Yokohama, a small wooden box, containing: 11 small dip-
terous pupe; 15 medium lepidopterous pup. No flies
have emerged as yet.

2. Received July 5, 1905, from Prof. S. V. Kuwana, Im-
perial Japanese Department of Agriculture, Tokio, through
the Hon. Lloyd C. Griscom, American minister, a large
wooden case with wire gauze sides, containing a small tree
on which had been placed a number of infested gypsy moth
caterpillars. Another case of small elms was shipped with
the insects, and they were thus supplied with fresh food
from time to time as far as Honolulu. Most unfortunately
the case shrunk somewhat in transit, and nearly all the para-
sites emerged and escaped en route. The net results were:
75 empty Apanteles cocoons; 2 living Tachinids, died
without laying; 1 living gypsy moth larva, not parasitized ;
20 dead gypsy moth larvee and pup, not parasitized; 34
living gypsy moth pup, not parasitized; 2 living gypsy
moth imagoes; 1 lepidopterous cocoon, Tortricid; 1 lepi-
dopterous pupa; 1 case of Coleophora (?); 7 cocoons of
Bucculatrix (?); several Chrysomelids and fungous gnats.
The case and the gypsy moths which were removed were
kept under observation for several weeks, but no parasites
developed; materiai still on hand.

Austria.
1. Received July 15, 1905, from Fritz Wagner, Vienna,
2 small wooden boxes, containing as follows: 3 dead Apan-
teles; 12 Apanteles cocoons, from which secondary parasites
emerged and were destroyed; 17 brown-tail moths, dead ;
6 brown-tail moth pup. Material on hand at laboratory.
2. Received July 22, 1905, from Fritz Wagner, 3 paste-
board boxes, which contained: 25 gypsy moths; 3 gypsy
moth pupz ; 19 brown-tail moths; 6 brown-tail moth pupz ;

f
ee

»
x

NS

Building used as laboratory for propagating parasites, Saugus, December, 1905.

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 121

4 brown-tail moth egg masses; 1 dipterous pupa, has not
emerged. Material at laboratory.

3. Received July 24, 1905, from Fritz Wagner, 3 wooden
boxes, containing: 18 living gypsy moths; 21 dead gypsy
moths; 10 gypsy moth pupe; 5 dipterous pup in vials.
One male gypsy moth emerged July 26 and 2 females July
28. No parasites have emerged as yet. Material at labora-
tory.

4. Received July 26, 1905, from Fritz Wagner, 2 wooden
boxes, containing: 9 dead gypsy moths; 1 living gypsy
moth ; 9 gypsy moth pup ; 1 dead gypsy moth larva. Ap-
parently contained no parasites. Material at laboratory.

Germany.

1. Received July 26, 1905, from E. Schépfer, Dresden,
2 wooden boxes, containing : 22 gypsy moth pupe ; 1 gypsy
moth larva, dead; 3 gypsy moths; 48 Tachinid pup. No
parasites have emerged. Material at laboratory.

2. Received July 27, 1905, from E. Schépfer, 5 wooden
boxes, which contained: 53 gypsy moth pupe; 7 gypsy
moth larvee, dead. No parasitic material was obtained from
this shipment.

3. Received July 31, 1905, from E. Schépfer, 4 wooden
boxes, containing: 22 gypsy moth pupe; 1 gypsy moth
larva, dead; 3 Tachinid pup. Material at laboratory.

4, Received July 31, 1905, from E. Schépfer, 18 wooden
boxes, containing: 387 gypsy moth pup; 1 gypsy moth
larva, dead; 8 Tachinid pup. No further parasites were
obtained, and no flies have emerged. Material at laboratory.

5. Received Aug. 7, 1905, from E. Schépfer, 5 wooden
boxes, containing 78 gypsy moth pupe, from which no para-
sites were obtained.

6. Received Aug. 9, 1905, from E. Schépfer, 12 wooden
boxes, containing : 303 gypsy moth pupe ; 1 Tachinid pupa.
The Tachinid fly emerged August 11 and died August 14.
No other parasitic material was obtained from this shipment.

7. Received Aug. 18, 1905, from E. Schépfer, 1 wooden
box, which contained: 65 gypsy moth pup; 2 Tachinid
pupx. No flies have emerged. Material at laboratory.

122 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

Switzerland.

1. Received July 27, 1905, from Miss Marie Riihl, Ziirich,
6 boxes containing: 65 gypsy moth pupe; 7 live gypsy
moths; 1 gypsy moth larva; 1 dipterous pupa; 2 dipterous
pupe in alcohol; 25 microgaster cocoons. One female
gypsy moth emerged July 30; no further developments.
Material at laboratory.

2. Received July 31, 1905, from Miss Marie Riihl, 5
boxes, containing: 119 gypsy moth pup; 7 Tachinid flies,
dead; 2 live Tachinid flies; 4 dipterous pup. The 2 live
Tachinid flies which had already emerged at time of arrival
were placed in a jar with gypsy moth larvee and with leaves,
but died without laying. One Tachinid fly emerged from the
dipterous pup on August 8 but died August 11 without
having had an opportunity to mate. Material at laboratory.

3. Received Aug. 5, 1905, from Miss Marie Rihl, 16
boxes, containing: 109 gypsy moth pupxe; 42 dipterous
pup; 3 dipterous pup in alcohol. Two female gypsy
moths emerged August 8, 2 August 9 and 3 August 10.
One Tachinid fly emerged August 12, and was placed in a
jar with a Tachinid fly from Germany. They were not seen
to mate, and on August 14 the Swiss fly died without laying.

4. Received Aug. 7, 1905, from Miss Marie Ruhl, 6 boxes,
containing: 47 gypsy moth pupe; 3 dipterous pupe; 400
brown-tail moth egg masses. One female gypsy moth
emerged August 7 and 1 August 8. The brown-tail moth
egg masses came in an ordinary cigar box. As all the eggs
had hatched by the time the shipment arrived, the box and
its contents were burned to prevent the escape of the cater-
pillars. Material at laboratory.

5. Received Oct. 24, 1905, from Miss Marie Riihl, 3 small
boxes, containing: 55 Tachinid pupe; 6 pinned Tachinids ;
6 pinned Ichneumonids.

Italy.

1. Received July 15, 1905, from Dr. Gustavo Leonardi,
Portici, 7 boxes, containing: 16 gypsy moth pupe; 63 dip-
terous pup; 137 dead Calosomas; 1 live Calosoma. The
single live Calosoma lived twenty-seven days, and devoured

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 123

on an average each day 4 nearly mature gypsy moth larve.
Material at laboratory.

2. Received July 26, 1905, from Dr. Gustavo Leonardi,
24 boxes, containing: 727 gypsy moth pupe; 221 gypsy
moths ; 394 dipterous pup; 73 Chalcis flavipes; 18 dead
Tachinids; 3 live beetles; 6 dead beetles; 37 dead Calo-
somas ; 5 Apanteles cocoons ; 2 dead Theronia; 3 Forficulas.
Thirteen specimens of Chalcis flavipes emerged from the
gypsy moth pup within three days after the arrival of the
shipment, and 9 others emerged from the dipterous pupe.
All the Chalcids were placed in a large jar, together with
food and gypsy moth larve. Although constantly watched,
they were not seen to mate or lay eggs. By the end of a
week they were all dead, and were placed in the collection
together with the rest of the miscellaneous material noted in
the table. The ‘live beetles” and ‘‘ dead beetles” of the
table were not Calosomas.

3. Received Aug. 1, 1905, from Dr. Gustavo Leonardi,
7 boxes, containing: 46 gypsy moth pupe; 91 dipterous
pup; 41 Calosomas. Material at laboratory.

Aside from the 32 specimens of Chalcis flavipes which
emerged from the second shipment, there were no further
developments.

The Italian shipments were rich in the number of very
large Tachinid pupz which they contained. Of these great
hopes are entertained, for the flies will probably emerge
next spring.

While in Europe Dr. Howard discovered that the winter
webs of the brown-tail moth were often extensively in-
fested by certain minute parasites which destroyed the im-
mature caterpillars. In this country as yet no parasites
have been found attacking the caterpillars in their winter
webs; and, appreciating at once the importance of import-
ing these beneficial insects, Dr. Howard arranged for the
collection and shipment of a large number of the winter
webs of the brown-tail moth from various points in Europe.
Asa rule these sendings have arrived in good order, and
we are hopeful that they will yield numerous parasites next
spring. Up to December 15 the following consignments
have been received : —

124 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

Imported Brown-tail Moth Webs.

Received from Marie Riihl, Ziirich, November 22, 2
boxes, containing 588 webs of the brown-tail moth. These
webs were principally from oak trees.

Received November 28 from the same party 10 boxes,
containing 3,494 winter webs.

Received from A. J. Cook, Berlin, November 29, 192
webs.

Received from Marie Riihl, December 5, 1 box, contain-
ing 1,012 webs.

Received December 5, from E. Schépfer, Dresden, 1 box,
containing 383 webs.

Received from Marie Riihl, December 7, 7 boxes, con-
taining 4,035 webs.

Received from Marie Riihl, December 13, 5 boxes, con-
taining 4,667 webs.

All these webs are now in cold storage, and will be care-
fully examined next spring; and any beneficial parasites
obtained from them will be released, in the hope that they
may attack the brown-tail moth in the Saugus woodlands.

The work of Dr. L. O. Howard in connection with import-
ing parasites of the gypsy and brown-tail moths is described
in detail in an article in the Yearbook of the United States
Department of Agriculture for 1905. He has at my request
prepared the following brief summary : —

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,
BUREAU OF ENTOMOLOGY, WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 30, 1905.

Mr. A. H. Kirkianp, Superintendent for Suppressing the Gypsy and
Brown-tail Moths, 6 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass.

Sm: —I have the honor to submit a brief report of my efforts
during the year to import the foreign parasites of the gypsy and
brown-tail moths into Massachusetts.

Respectfully yours,
L. O. Howarp,
Chief of Bureau.

Immediately upon the passage of a bill making appropriations
to the United States Department of Agriculture, which carried an
appropriation of $2,500 for the purpose of studying and import-

Out-door parasite cage. The tree is infested by gypsy moth caterpillars, while
the parasites are confined by the wire gauze covering.
Saugus, July, 1905. (Courtesy of Boston ‘* Globe.” )

a

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 125

ing the foreign parasites of the gypsy and brown-tail moths, I be-
gan a correspondence with Japanese and European entomologists,
seeking for their co-operation in the effort. Soon after you were
good enough to place me in charge of the foreign work under a
State appropriation for the same purpose, and this responsibility
was accepted with the permission of the Secretary of Agriculture.

Japanese entomologists, and especially Mr. Kuwana of Tokio,
are making an effort to send to this country living specimens of an
important egg parasite of the gypsy moth which is said to exist in
Japan. The same entomologists and the Rey. H. A. Loomis of
Yokohama are endeavoring to send over in living condition and
unparasitized a Braconid parasite of the genus Apanteles of the
gypsy moth. One sending of Apanteles was received at Boston
during the summer, and this is the only shipment which has reached
this country from Japan during the present year.

On the 3d of June I sailed for Europe for the purpose of organ-
izing a systematic search for parasites of these two insects, and to
secure, if possible, continuous shipments throughout the breeding
season and during the winter of parasitized specimens of both
species. My personal acquaintance with the official entomologists
of Europe and my long-continued and very friendly official rela-
tions with these gentlemen have greatly facilitated my efforts in
this direction, and all have expressed a hearty desire to co-operate
with the United States government and with the government of the
State of Massachusetts in their work. ‘Their personal endeavors
have been at our service, and their expert advice has been of much
assistance. In many cases they have been good enough to select
and recommend agents, who have been paid for their services from
the State appropriation. The personal services of the official ento-
mologists, however, have been gratuitous; and in some instances I
have been able to repay them for their courtesy by sending abroad
American parasites of injurious insects accidentally established
in European countries.

The officials who were interviewed and who have placed their
services at the disposal of this country are as follows: Dr. Felipe
Silvestri, entomologist of the Royal Agriculture Station at Portici,
Italy, and his first assistant, Dr. Gustavo Leonardi; Prof. Antonio
Berlese, director of the Royal Station for Agricultural Entomology
at Florence, and his principal assistants, Drs. Del Guercio and
Ribaga; Dr. Anton Handlirsch and Dr. Hans Rabel of the Royal
Natural History Museum in Vienna; Dr, Alexander Mocsary of
the Natural History and Ethnological Museum in Budapest; Prof.
Joseph Jablonowski of the Agricultural Experiment Station in

126 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan.

Budapest; Dr. Heller of the Zodlogical and Ethnological Museum
in Dresden; Dr. Arnold Jacobi of the Royal Forestry School in
Tharandt; and Dr. Paul Marchal of the Agricultural Experiment
Station, Paris. There were engaged as collectors Mr. Fritz
Wagner of Vienna, Mr. Edouard Schépfer of Dresden, Miss Marie
Riihl of Ziirich and Prof. A. J. Cook of Berlin. In addition to
these paid agents and to the official entomologists a number of
other entomologists have offered their services gratuitously, and
among them especially must be mentioned M. René Oberthir of
Rennes, France, who has sent over a large quantity of supposedly
parasitized nests of the brown-tail moth.

I attended a meeting of the Entomological Society of France
and made a statement of the work to the members, and all of them
promised encouragement and assistance. To all agents, volunteer
and paid, the same instructions have been given, namely: to send
to your address in Boston as many full-grown larve and pupze as
possible of both the gypsy moth and the brown-tail moth, packed in
small boxes with abundant supply of food, and forwarded by mail.

The average percentage of parasitism in all European countries
is very high, and the results of the comparatively few sendings
which were started from Europe in June and July indicate that it
is a perfectly simple matter to secure the receipt of living parasites
in Boston. At the time of my arrival in Europe and of my visit
to the different entomologists it was already too late to secure
larvee and pup of the brown-tail moth. As I proceeded north
from Naples I was everywhere met with the statement that brown-
tail moths had already emerged. But with the gypsy moth the
case was different. Professor Leonardi was able to secure several
thousand full-grown larve and pupz in Sardinia. Mr. Wagner
and I collected quite a large number near Vienna, Mr. Schépfer
was able to collect a number near Dresden, and Miss Ruhl was
able to secure specimens from north Germany. I was unable to
find any about Paris. From those gypsy moth larve and pupe
thus secured there have been bred six species of parasites since
their arrival in this country; of these, the only one which promises
results next spring is Tachina larvarum, of which we have perhaps
500 living pup.

On the statement of Professor Jablonowski of Budapest, that
the winter nests of the brown-tail moth contained minute parasites,
I have secured the sending over of perhaps 80,000 nests of the
brown-tail moth from different parts of Europe, and from these it
is hoped that we may breed an abundant supply of parasites the
coming spring.

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 127

My efforts to import Calosoma sycophanta and Calosoma inquis-
itor during the season have failed. Professor Leonardi started
200 specimens from Sardinia, but all were dead on arrival in
Boston. This may possibly have been due to the roundabout
journey, since they were shipped by mail to London, thence to
New York and thence to Boston. Had they gone by direct
steamer from Naples to Boston, and especially had they been
placed, if not in the ice box, at least in a cool apartment of the
steamer, better results would probably have been gained. Although
the American Calosomas hibernate as adults, and although through
our European agents probably 500 European entomologists have
been searching for these species since the autumnal frosts, not a
single specimen has been found. My earlier attempts to import
these species into this country were all failures, but I have every
hope that during the coming summer we may be able to succeed.
Some three years ago Dr. Yngve Sjostedt of Stockholm carried a
number of specimens of the American Calosoma scrutator from
Washington to Sweden with success, so that it surely must be
possible for the European species to make the return journey.

The whole of the European range of both species is now organ-
ized with the exception of Russia, and continuous sendings of both
species will be received at Boston for the next two years at least.
It seems to me that there is every reason to expect success in the
establishment of at least some of the European parasites.

Funcous Disease OF THE Brown-TattL Morn.

During the latter part of June, 1905, several observers
reported that a fungous disease had killed a great many
brown-tail moth caterpillars. This disease was first reported
from Wakefield, but was also found in about a dozen other
towns where the caterpillars were plentiful. In many cases
an entire tree trunk for several feet would be found covered
with the bodies of the caterpillars, attached to the bark by
the fungous filaments. This disease also worked to a re-
markable degree in the masses of cocoons, from which in
some cases but few living pup could be obtained.

As soon as the disease was reported, Dr. George E. Stone,
botanist, Massachusetts Agricultural College, was called to
investigate and experiment with this disease, to determine
if it could be made of any practical value in fighting the
caterpillars. Unfortunately for this latter part of the work,

128 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

the season was so far advanced that but few experiments
could be made.

Dr. Stone’s report, which also includes the results of cer-
tain laboratory experiments by Mr. O. L. Clark, is printed
in full herewith : —

RerorT ON SOME FunGous PARASITES OF THE BROWN-TAIL Morn.

About the middle of June there was discovered at Wakefield by
Field Agent J. W. Enwright some pup and eaterpillars of the
brown-tail moth, covered with a whitish growth which appeared to
cause many of them to become sickly and die. Casual observa-
tions made by Mr. Enwright and others led them to surmise that
the whitish growth causing this injury was of a fungous nature.

At the request of Superintendent A. H. Kirkland, I visited
Wakefield June 27, 1905, and spent one day looking over the
region about Wakefield in company with Mr. F. H. Mosher, labora-
tory assistant, and made notes in regard to the nature and extent
of this injury. At that time the region of fungous infection ap-
peared in its worst form to centre about Wakefield, with more or
less evidence of its occurring in Reading, Melrose and Malden;
shortly afterwards, however, it was noted quite abundantly at Mal-
den, Revere, Medford, etc. Mr. Enwright first noted the occur-
rence of the whitish fungous growth and the sickly and dying
condition of the pupze and caterpillars on June 21. At the time
I made the examination of the region about Wakefield with Mr.
Mosher the amount of infection was quite noticeable. From a large
number of nests containing pups, which Mr. Mosher and myself
examined, I found from 70 to 75 per cent of the pupz infested
with fungi, all of which were either sickly or dead. The number
of infected caterpillars lying about on the trees and ground would
equal 80 or 90 per cent. This condition of affairs seemed to hold
good for much of the immediate region about Wakefield which we
examined. An examination about Malden July 1 seemed to show
considerable infection of the pups and caterpillars in that region,
but it was apparently not so general or marked as in Wakefield.

As to the cause for the unusual outbreak of this fungus on
the brown-tail caterpillars and pupee, no doubt one, and perhaps
the most important, factor, was the condition of the weather at the
time of the first outbreak and following this period. At that time
there occurred more or less rain and cloudy weather, which ex-
tended over a period of some days. Such conditions are well
known to be particularly favorable for the development of many

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 129

fungi. A later period of prolonged rain and dampness occurred
during the latter part of August and continued until September,
which was also the cause of a rather severe outbreak of parasitic
fungi affecting plants; and I am informed by Mr. Orton L. Clark,
who was at work in the parasitic laboratory at Malden, that
numerous cases of the infested fall webs of the brown-tail moth
could be observed at Malden, Wakefield, etc., during September
following this period of stormy weather and dampness. In this
case the white fungus covered the caterpillars located upon the
outside of the nests, apparently catching those which were more
subject to the inclemency of the weather at that period, since an
examination of the caterpillars in the nests at that time showed
them to be unaffected.

In the course of our examination of the affected region, made
June 27, we obtained considerable material for microscopic study,
and material was sent to us at later date. We found most of
the external felt-like growths to be of a whitish color, which
proved upon microscopic examination to consist of fungous fila-
ments, and subsequently there occurred in most cases a reddish or
salmon-colored tint to the fungus. This was more especially noted
on the caterpillars which had been dead for a few days. Most of
the diseased pupze examined in the nests showed little or no fun-
gous growth, but after they collapsed the characteristic whitish
growth was evident.

The result of our microscopic study of a number of dead cater-
pillars showed that there were two species of fungi present, one of
which will readily grow on agar (.1 per cent acid), and the other
will not. We had no difficulty, however, in isolating one of these
forms and obtaining pure cultures of the same. ‘This proved to
be the reddish or salmon-colored fungus noted above. It would
appear to grow very rapidly on agar, and would frequently cover
a petri dish in a fewdays. At first this fungus displayed a white
color, and then gradually passed into a light salmon or deeper red-
dish tint. The microscopic examination showed that it possessed
similar branching habits and spore formation to our common green
bread mold (Penicillium), but in color it was entirely distinct
from this. From hanging drop cultures we were enabled to study
the fungus in detail and note its habits and the manner of forming
the spores. This fungus *' proved to be a species of Penicillium,

1 We are indebted to Prof. W. G. Farlow of Harvard University, whose criti-
cal knowledge and extensive herbarium are unexcelled, for the final identifica-
tion of this species. Professor Farlow compared the fungus with an authentic
specimen from Gosio, and found them to be identical.

130 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

and is given by Saccardo as Penicillium brevicaule, Sace.’ The
fungus is probably a harmless one, and its occurrence on the dead
caterpillars and pupz was probably incidental and of secondary
importance.

Another species of fungus was always present on the diseased
and dead pup and caterpillars, which proved to be a form of the
Entomophthorez, which includes a class of fungi represented by
about half a dozen genera, and largely confined to insects. We
did not attempt to secure cultures of this, but were able to examine
the same in connection with the dead pupze, etc.

This fungus proved to be Empusa aulice, Reichardt, as given
by Saccardo,* or Hmpusa grylli in Thaxter’s Monograph.* This
species is parasitic on certain insects, and occurs in Europe and
the United States. Thaxter records numerous epidemics among
grasshoppers resulting from this fungus, and it occurs also on
moth larvee and caterpillars.

In addition to the above fungi, we found in some of our material,
taken from the body cavities of the brown-tail pupze, colonies of
bacteria which were quite general and uniform, and appeared of a
pure type. These colonies were so uniform and appeared so con-
stantly that they were isolated and cultured in the usual manner;
but no attempt was made to establish the identity of the organism
with any described forms, since there was no opportunity for
ascertaining whether it possessed any pathogenic value in this
particular case.

After isolating the bacterial cultures in an absolutely pure form,
some experiments were undertaken in the parasitic laboratory in
Malden by Orton L. Clark, under Superintendent Kirkland’s super-
vision. It was, however, getting late in the season for experiments
with the brown-tail pupze, since the moths were rapidly emerging.
An outline of these experiments follows, together with the results
obtained : —

EXPERIMENTS WITH FUNGOUS DISEASES.
Haperiment I. (a) Ten diseased pupze were placed in a glass jar

with 10 normal pup. Result: 3 normal
pupze became diseased.
(b) One diseased pupa was put in a glass with 10

normal pupze. Result: no change.

1 Sylloge Fungorum, Vol. IV., p. 84.

2 L0¢.icit., Vol; VIL., p. 282.

* Entomophthoree of the United States, in Memoirs of Boston Society of
Natural History, Vol. IV., pp. 1-59, 1886-93.

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 131

Experiment II. (a) Ten diseased caterpillars were placed in a jar
with 10 normal pup. Result: no change.

(6) One diseased caterpillar was put in a jar with
10 normal pups. Result: 1 normal pupa be-
came diseased.

(c) Ten diseased caterpillars put in a jar with 10
normal pups. Result: 2 normal pupz be-
came diseased.

(d) Five diseased caterpillars put in a jar with 10
normal pupz. Result: 1 normal pupa be-
came diseased.

Experiment III. (a) Ten diseased caterpillars were put in a jar with
10 normal caterpillars. Result: 9 normal
caterpillars became diseased.

(6) One diseased caterpillar was put in a jar with
10 normal caterpillars. Result: 8 normal
caterpillars became diseased, 3 of which
pupated.

(c) Ten diseased caterpillars were put in a jar with
10 normal caterpillars. Result: 3 caterpil-
lars became diseased.

(a) Five diseased caterpillars were put in a jar with
10 normal caterpillars. Result: no change.

Experiment IV. (a) Ten diseased pup were placed with 10 normal
caterpillars. Result: 7 caterpillars became
diseased.

(6) Same as (a). Result: 5 caterpillars became
diseased.

(c) Same as (a). Result: 6 diseased caterpillars.

(d) Same as (a). Result: 4 diseased caterpillars.

Experiment Us Fifteen diseased pups were ground to a powder
and mixed with a tablespoonful of water;
pear leaves were washed with this mixture.

(a) Five normal caterpillars were placed in a jar
filled with treated leaves. Result: all be-
came diseased.

(6) Same as (a). Result: 4 caterpillars became
diseased.

(c) Five normal gypsy caterpillars were treated as
in (a). Result: 1 became diseased.

(d) Same as (c). Result: 1 became diseased.

Experiment VI. Same as Experiment V, only elm leaves were
used instead of pear.

(a) Five normal caterpillars were put in a jar with
treated leaves. Result: 2 became diseased.

(6) Same as (a). Result: 2 became diseased.

(c) Same as (a), only gypsy caterpillars were used.
Result: 1 became diseased.

(d) Same as (c). Result: no change.

132 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

Experiment VII. Elm leaves were smeared with a bacterial cul-
ture prepared by Dr. George E. Stone from
diseased brown-tail moth caterpillars.

(a) Twenty-five normal gypsy caterpillars were
put in a jar with treated leaves. Result: 2
caterpillars died.

(b) Same as (a). Result: 5 caterpillars died.

(c) Same as (a), Result: 3 caterpillars died.

(d) Same as (a). Result: 4 caterpillars died.

Experiment VIII. Elm leaves were treated with a mixture of a
pure culture of the fungous parasite prepared
by Dr. Stone.

(a) Twenty-five gypsy moth caterpillars were
placed in a glass jar with treated leaves.
Result: 1 caterpillar died.

Elm leaves treated with pure cultures of Penicillium brevicaule
and fed gypsy caterpillars produced scarcely any effect. On
account of the lateness of the season, it was impossible to carry on
experiments from pure cultures with the brown-tail pupz, and the
results of the experiments previously noted should not be con-
sidered as conclusive.

From what is known regarding this group of insect fungi (En-
tomophthorez), we would expect that, when diseased pupz and
diseased caterpillars are brought in contact with healthy ones, infec-
tion would result; and that, when leaves are treated with decoctions
of diseased caterpillars and pupee, a certain amount of infection
would be likely to take place, since the decoctions would contain
the spores of the disease-producing fungus, and if suitable condi-
tions for germination and development were at hand infection
would follow.

The condition of the brown-tail pups found in infested nests
also indicates that the disease is infectious, and the association of
diseased forms with healthy ones in a breeding case would un-
doubtedly produce the same results, providing the conditions were
suitable. On the other hand, it might not be improbable that,
in selecting what might appear to be healthy pupz and caterpillars
for these experiments, some of them were in an incipient stage of
disease, which would modify the results. In most instances, how-
ever, where death occurred to the pupz or caterpillars in these
experiments with brown-tail moths, the characteristic white fungus
subsequently appeared. The laboratory, however, being dry and
the breeding cases not being closed at the top would give rise to
conditions which would have a tendency to check the development
of fungi. Undoubtedly the prevalence of rain and damp weather

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —WNo. 73. 133

during certain seasons is capable of exerting quite a repressive in-
fluence on the brown-tail moth caterpillars and pups, and thus
renders them more susceptible to fungi.

Dr. A. Y. Grevillius ’ mentions several caterpillars of the brown-
tail moth being killed by Empusa, during very warm and rainy
weather. In one place he states: ‘* The caterpillars were deci-
mated in an important degree again about the middle of June,
especially by an epidemic outbreak of Empusa aulice, Reich., and
there were correspondingly few of them to pupate. Their feeding
in the following autumn was not very noticeable in this part of the
country.” And further: ‘*In the feeding time of 1902, on the
contrary, notwithstanding the special destruction of the caterpil-
lars by Empusa aulicew, Reich., a tolerably large number of moths
emerged from the cocoons, and these laid their egg clusters not
only on orchard trees and oaks, but also on a few other trees and
shrubs.” Occasionally epidemics of more or less severity occur in
this State from this fungus in connection with grasshoppers and
moth larvee. |

PosstpLE HeEtp FROM PARASITES.

Insect parasitism is one of the most interesting subjects
in the whole field of entomology. Nearly every insect has
enemies of its own kind, remote relatives, they may be
called, which prey upon it and attempt to destroy it. Their
work is shown in the relative abundance or scarcity of their
unwilling hosts. The farmer notices that certain years are
‘* caterpillar years,” and that others are not so characterized.
The abundance or scarcity of any caterpillar pest depends in
large measure upon the presence or absence of the parasites
which attack that particular insect. Of course the work of
birds is an important factor, but the influence of parasites in
the long run controls the situation.

Take the case of the army worm, —a pest of grass and
grain fields at comparatively long intervals. This insect is
notably attacked by a certain fly which lays its eggs on the
‘¢ worms,” the eggs hatching into grubs which kill their hosts.
When the ‘‘ worms” are abundant, there is offered a wealth
of food for the parasite. They multiply prodigiously, de-
stroy their hosts, and in a season the army worm outbreak
becomes a thing of the past. The following year there is a

1 Zur Kenntniss der Biologie des Goldafters. Kempen, 1905.

134 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

multitude of parasites, and but little food for them. As a
result, the flies die off; and the few remaining army worms
increase slowly in swamps and along the banks of streams,
until after the lapse of years their numbers are sufficient to lay
the foundation for another army worm outbreak, only to be
followed by the development of a multitude of parasites to
check it. This shifting relationship is an illustration of the
‘¢balance of nature,” so called, — the tilting adjustment of
an insect to its enemies.

The canker worm and the tent caterpillar give equally
good illustrations, except that the period of their ravages
usually extends over two or three years before it is checked.
This is practically what takes place with the gypsy moth and
brown-tail moth in Europe. As stated elsewhere, their
periodic outbreaks run for a few years and then subside, to
reappear after the lapse of several years. The birds figure
to a considerable extent in checking these insects, and no
doubt several fungous or bacterial diseases are also of ser-
vice, but the principal check seems to be exerted by para-
sites and predaceous insects.

But the story does not end with simple or primary insect
parasitism. Several of these parasites, particularly the
larger ones, when they are safely established in the vitals
of their hosts, are attacked in turn by certain minute forms
of insect life, —secondary parasites. Then we have an
exhibition of the complicated phenomenon of secondary
parasitism, which is almost as much to be dreaded as the
original attack of the caterpillar; for if the true (primary)
parasites are destroyed, the principal check on the cater-
pillar’s development is removed. To differentiate between
and sort out the beneficial primary from the highly injurious
secondary parasites calls for the highest skill of the well-
trained specialist. I have thought it best to go into this
matter somewhat at length, so that there may be on record
one of the most important difficulties and dangers of the
promiscuous importation of parasites of the gypsy moth.

The problem, then, of successfully importing gypsy and
brown-tail moth parasites depends on several factors, among
which the following are the most important : —

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 135

1. To collect in Europe a large quantity of parasites and
parasitized nests, caterpillars and pupe of the moths.

2. To pack safely and ship them so that they may arrive
with the least possible delay.

3. To care for the material in such a way that as many
parasites as possible may be obtained.

4, Most important of all, to detect and kill every single
form of injurious secondary parasites.

5. To propagate the true parasites under the most favor-
able conditions.

6. To finally liberate large numbers of these parasites in
close proximity to the caterpillars which are their natural
hosts.

Thus it will be seen that this important work of importing
parasites involves a considerable amount of time, as well as
painstaking care and the highest technical skill. It cannot
be done in a year, nor probably even in two years. It cannot
be done by amateurs; it must be done by specialists, work-
ing carefully, working slowly, it may be, and taking every
possible precaution to prevent failure. No better illustra-
tion of how dangerous a thing ‘a little knowledge” may be
can be found than in the flippancy and positiveness with
which certain newspaper writers and men well trained in
other lines but with hardly a smattering of entomological
knowledge discuss this matter and advise how best to pro-
ceed. Laymen who would not attempt to advise how to
treat a case of pneumonia or interpret a doubtful point of
law, are prompt to dictate the course to be followed in one
of the most technical and difficult problems in the whole
field of entomology.

The practical question for the taxpayer is whether the
$10,000 appropriation per year for three years now avail-
able will yield tangible results, or not. To answer this
would involve omniscience. The superintendent is hope-
ful, even sanguine, that in the end the importation of the
natural enemies of the moth from abroad may solve suc-
cessfully the great problem in which we are now en-
gaged. But nature cannot be reduced to a mathematical
basis. She is full of surprises. Promising lines of re-

136 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

search may be barren of results, while apparent failures
may unlock the door to success. All the writer can say is,
that the foreign end of the work is in the hands of the man
best qualified of any one in this or any other country to
carry it to success, and that on our part no effort will be
spared to obtain the results we seek. We may succeed, and
we may fail. All should regard it as an experiment, pure
and simple. Should it be completely successful, five years
at least will be required before noticeable results will be
obtained. In the mean time, no one should sit idly by and
allow his trees to be defoliated and perhaps killed. We
must continue to apply the methods that we know will bring
results; we must keep up the fight along the lines we know
to be effective.

EDUCATIONAL WorK.

Since the success of the work against the moths depends
largely upon the intelligent co-operation of property owners,
it has been the policy of the central office to disseminate in
every possible way information concerning the habits of the
insects, and the most efficient means for combating them.
To this end, two leaflets describing the moths were reprinted
by permission of the Board of Agriculture, and were freely
distributed to all inquirers early in the season. By the time
these were exhausted the well-illustrated Bulletin No. 1 had
come from the press. The bulletin gives in plain language
concise descriptions of both moths, their habits, the remedies
best suited to destroy them, and a full exposition of the law
under which we are working. It has had a wide distribution
among city and town officials, women’s clubs, village im-
provement societies and interested citizens throughout the
State. A poster describing necessary fall and winter work,
and giving colored cuts of gypsy and brown-tail moth nests,
has been generally distributed throughout the infested dis-
trict. Besides being placed in post-oflices, stores, etc.,
these posters, through the courtesy of the large railroad
systems entering Boston, have also been placed in numerous
railroad stations. In addition to this, the superintendent
and his agents, as time has permitted, have given numerous
illustrated lectures throughout the moth district before clubs

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 137

and other interested organizations. Prof. W. L. Underwood
of Belmont has also given a number of most helpful lectures
on the moths.

No single feature of this educational work has been more
helpful or more gratifying than the cordial assistance re-
ceived from the press of the State. Our leading newspapers
have shown a notable willingness to disseminate timely in-
formation concerning the moth pests, and have co-operated
with the superintendent in every way in their power, and it
is but a pleasure to acknowledge at this time the valuable
service which they have rendered. Particularly worthy
of mention is the part taken in this work by the Medford
‘* Mercury.” This paper, at a large expense and continuing
through several issues, published a great deal of valuable
information concerning the gypsy moth, and, what was more
effective, a large number of excellent half-tone views, show-
ing damage by the insect in Medford and vicinity. These
special numbers were widely circulated throughout the State,
and called attention to the damage by the moth and the
necessity for suppressing the insect in a remarkably effective
manner. In December these articles were issued in pam-
phlet form and widely distributed. This work was made
possible through the co-operation of Gen. S. C. Lawrence,
who in this way has added to the already long list of his
well-known philanthropies.

Since it has been found difficult as well as expensive to
send inspectors to work with the local superintendent in each
of the outlying towns for a sufficient time to give full instruc-
tions in methods of locating and combating the moths, it
was finally decided, in the interests of economy as well as a
means of education, to hold a field day meeting at Medford
December 14. Nearly all the local superintendents were in
attendance on this occasion. An opportunity was given all
to familiarize themselves thoroughly with the appearance of
the ege clusters, winter nests and other evidences of the
moths, and to see the actual methods of work as applied on
a large scale on the estate of Gen. S. C. Lawrence. Munic-
ipal work on the public streets under the direction of Local
Superintendent J. D. Dwyer, where men were engaged in

138 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

the difficult operation of clearing tall elms of both insects,
was also inspected ; while later a lecture, with lantern slides
showing all stages of the insects, was given by the superin-
tendent. This meeting has proved of great educational value,
and has saved much travel and correspondence on the part
of the central organization.

DANGER TO PARKS.

In no section of the United States, perhaps, has so much
been done for the preservation of woodland areas for the
benefit of future generations as in Massachusetts. Large
amounts of public and private funds have been invested for
the purpose of providing places where the rapidly increasing
population can enjoy fresh air and the beauties of lake and
wood. Boston early took the initiative in this effort, and
its beautiful park system has served as a model for many
cities throughout the country. An excellent illustration of
park building on a smaller scale is found in Pine Banks
Park, on the borders of Malden and Melrose, where the
late Hon. E. C. Converse, noted for many philanthropies,
devoted to this purpose many acres of land covered with a
magnificent growth of white pine mingled with deciduous
trees. He expended large sums of money in developing the
tract, cutting out roadways and beautifying the surroundings
with rare shrubs and beds of flowers, all combined with the
art of the experienced forester, to obtain beauty and com-
fort without detracting from the delights of the wild wood-
land.

Plymouth has followed, with its still larger area at Morton
Park, where the tangled woodland is traversed with well-
kept drives and footpaths skirting the shores of Billington
Sea and its attendant ponds. Quincy, next door to popu-
lous Boston, where a rapidly increasing population is coy-
ering its area with buildings, has provided Merry Mount
Park, which is being developed as rapidly as the resources
of ayoung city will admit. To the northeast the great Lynn
Woods Reservation offers solitude and recreation to thou-
sands each summer.

1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 139

While these are notable instances, nearly every city and
large town in the State has labored to the same end to a
greater or less degree. Above all, born of the brain of the
late Charles Eliot, is the magnificent scheme of a metropoli-
tan park, with its thousands of acres of wild woodland,
intersected with drives and bridle paths and connected by
improved parkways, where one may drive for miles with
constantly changing vistas of tangled hill and dell. Thus,
by the wisdom of our legislators with the hearty co-opera-
tion of the citizens, has the city of Boston been surrounded
by a chain of parks, where its people can recuperate their
energies, breathe the air and observe the beauties of nature
at first hand.

A park system without trees is an anomaly. There is no
pleasure in visiting a park denuded of its vegetation, show-
ing in summer, instead of refreshing shade, only naked
trees, bare fields and rocks exposed to the scorching sun.

A portion of our great park area has already been
scourged by the gypsy and brown-tail moths; Lynn Woods
has had over 100 acres killed by this means, while a larger
area has been defoliated. Many of the stately trees of Pine
Banks Park have been killed, and numbers of those which
remain are in a dying condition. A hundred years will be
required to bring back the former beauty of the place. The
vast area of the Middlesex Fells is already thoroughly in-
fested and the southern half has been seriously injured, in
spite of the vigorous efforts of those in charge of the park
to suppress the pest.

The Blue Hills Reservation has been inspected, and some 50
places discovered where the gypsy moth has obtained a foot-
hold, and a very few nests of the brown-tail moth have been
found and removed. The findings here, in most cases, have
been of single nests, generally remote from each other, but
in a few instances more serious infestations have been found.
These offer no special difficulties if promptly and thoroughly
treated. This infestation in the largest park south of Bos-
ton, and one of particular beauty, while not severe at
present, is potentially of gravest significance. This reser-

140 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

ration, with its dense growth of oak and other trees, its
rocks and ledges, offers the same difficulties to a campaign
against the gypsy moth as are found in the Fells, and it is
of utmost importance that the pest be wiped out here without
delay. If this is not done, the example presented by the
area north of Boston shows what the result will be in the
future. The insects will gain yearly in increasing ratio,
until only a long and most costly campaign can bring them
under control, while in the mean time many valuable trees
will be killed.

Conifers, stripped of their leaves, will succumb in one
year; deciduous trees, with greater recuperative powers,
will withstand the ravages for a few years longer; but
where the moths are neglected, the ultimate result will be
that instead of green trees our wooded parks will be dotted
with dead and dying stubs, the expense of removing which
may be far beyond the amount now necessary to clean out
the insects, or at least to reduce the infestation to a degree
where a slight annual expenditure will hold them in check.
If our parks are to be preserved, the moths must be fought
persistently wherever they occur.

THE WoopDLAND PROBLEM.

The examinations made by our inspectors have developed
the fact that in nearly all the woodlands in the central in-
fested district the gypsy moth occurs in alarming numbers,
while the brown-tail moth is also very much in evidence.
This severe woodland infestation constitutes the greatest
menace to the successful control of the gypsy moth. So
long as the woodlands remain severely infested, it is im-
possible to keep streets and residential sections free from
the pest. These woodland colonies, traversed by roads,
boulevards and cart paths, yield in the caterpillar season a
multitude of swarming insects, which travel outward in all
directions, stripping the foliage as they go. What is more
important they drop in large numbers upon passing vehicles,
and are thus transported over wide areas, although the effect
of the scattering is most noticeable within a few miles of the
colonies. Thus the insects are able to reinfest sections from

Pines and other trees defoliated by gypsy moth caterpillars
on property of Walter C. Wright
Medford, Mass., June, 1905

1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 141

which they have been previously cleared. It is practically
impossible, for example, to keep the residential sections of
Medford or Saugus measurably clear of the gypsy moth while
the large woodland colonies flourish but a short distance away.

The funds available under the act, both from municipalities
and from the State, are not sufficient to carry on any general
campaign against the moth in woodlands. Believing it his
duty to present to the Legislature all known facts bearing on
the problem of controlling the gypsy moth, the superintend-
ent has had a fairly careful examination made of the wood-
land colonies, and gives below a statement of their area, as
prepared by the assistant superintendent, Mr. D. M. Rogers,
who was in charge of this investigation.

In many cases he could not obtain an exact statement of
the acreage involved, but so far as possible the figures were
obtained from the engineers or assessors of the several
cities and towns. ‘Tracts designated as ‘* dangerously
infested” are those that may be considered in immediate
need of attention to prevent stripping or serious injury by
the caterpillars next season. With these tracts there is also
the additional danger which will result from the insects
spreading into sections not yet badly infested, or, in some
cases, swarming on street trees a short distance away.
Tracts designated as ‘* slightly infested” are those where
the moth has already secured a foothold, but not in sufficient
numbers to cause any notable defoliation. Unless the in-
sects are suppressed in these tracts, they will soon become
dangerously infested.

At Watertown practically all the woodland, some 50 acres, is
dangerously infested. In Waltham 50 acres are seriously infested
out of about 3,000 acres, while it is probable that other small
colonies may exist there. Belmont has about 450 acres of wood-
land, all dangerously infested; while at Lexington 1,000 acres
may be considered seriously infested, with an equal amount in
addition slightly infested. The dangerously infested woodlands
at Arlington include about 500 ‘acres and at Winchester 1,000
acres. In the latter town there are also about 400 acres some-
what infested. Of the 2,000 acres of woodland at Woburn,
approximately one-half in the southern part of the city is infested

142 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

by the moths in dangerous numbers, while the remainder has
numerous scattering colonies. Stoneham has upward of 350 acres
seriously infested in the southern part of the town, while 375 acres
lying to the north are slightly infested. All the woodland in Med-
ford in private hands, some 700 acres, is in a dangerous condition ;
and the same holds true at Malden, the area in the latter case being
about 300 acres. Everett has 20 acres dangerously infested near
and in the Woodlawn Cemetery; while in Revere there are about
75 acres of wood and brush land dangerously infested. Of the
1,200 acres in Melrose, all, with the exception of about 100 acres
in the northern part of the city, should be considered dangerously
infested. The moth occurs in smaller numbers in the remainder
of the woodland area. The dangerously infested tract of wood-
land at Wakefield includes about 100 acres between Oak and
Main streets, running easterly to the Saugus line. Some 400
acres are scatteringly infested. Saugus contains about 2,500
acres of woodland, all dangerously infested; and the same condi-
tion obtains in some 900 acres in the southern part of Lynnfield.
In addition, there are about 1,000 acres in this town scatteringly
infested. Some 4,700 acres of wood, sprout and brush land at
Peabody contain scattering gypsy moth colonies, but none that
are known to be in a dangerous condition at present. Of the
woodland at Lynn, about 2,000 acres are held by the park and
water boards, with 700 acres under private ownership. No part
of this area is free from infestation; in fact, it all may well be put
in the dangerous class. At Swampscott 250 acres are badly in-
fested on the western side of the town, and about as much more
on the eastern side is slightly infested. Marblehead has about
100 acres mildly infested; Salem, approximately 800 acres of
wood and brush land, including the Great Pastures, severely in-
fested, with about 100 acres more where the moth occurs in
smaller numbers. At Beverly there are about 5,000 acres of
woodland, much of which is old growth and contains many fine
trees. This entire woodland area is scatteringly infested, the
sections about Wenham Lake at North Beverly needing attention
in the near future to keep the moth from developing in dangerous
numbers.

Presented in tabular form, the areas by towns are given here-
with : —

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 143

Dangerously

Slightly
Infested (Acres)

Town ok City. Infested (Acres).

Arlington, . : ' ; é é 500 -
Belmont, : ‘ : ; F é é 450 -
Beverly, , 2 - » : : ; ~ 3,000
Everett, . - : i ; é : - 20 -
Lexington, . : ‘ : ; 2 : 1,000 1,000
Lynn, . : é : ; ; : ; 2,700 -
Lynnfield, . , d F . : : 900 1,000
Malden, . ; - : : : ; ‘ 300 -
Marblehead, . - ‘ ‘ : : . _ 100
Medford, ‘ ‘ : : : ; , 700 -
Melrose, i } : , : d : 1,100 100
Peabody, ; : ; ; : : = 4,709
Revere, . ; : : : : : ; 15 -
Salem, . E > : ‘ 5 ; : 800 100
Saugus, . ‘ ; : ; : : j 2,500 -
Stoneham, . ; : ‘ . : : 350 375
Swampscott, . . ; ; : ; ; 250 250
Wakefield, . : : : ; : : 100 400
Waltham, : : : ; ‘ ; : 50 2,950
Watertown, . : : ; : : ; 50 =
Winchester, . : : ; : : , 1,000 400
Woburn, ‘ : : 3 : A ‘ 1,000 1,000
13,845 15,375

13,845

Otel ; : é : - Balls : - 29,220

How THE Gypsy Mors Is SPREAD.

The spread of the gypsy moth in eastern Massachusetts
and across the State line into southern New Hampshire has
resulted chiefly from human agencies. The female gypsy
moth does not fly, and the natural spread of the insect is
therefore slow. The principal means of distribution by
human agency is the transportation of caterpillars of the
moth upon vehicles. This occurs mainly in the spring and
early summer before the caterpillars have grown too large
to spin down on their threads from the trees. As in an
apple orchard where canker worms, when numerous, drop
down on fine threads upon the head and shoulders of the
passer beneath, so along a street overhung with the arching
branches of shade trees which are badly or only considerably
infested the small gypsy moth caterpillars spin down.
Whether a vehicle stands or passes beneath badly infested

144 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

trees, the chances are many that more or less of caterpillars
will drop upon or be struck by it, and so be carried away
from their original home. In a locality badly infested with
the gypsy moth such a result is inevitable.

In 1889, the year of the great gypsy moth outbreak in
Medford, the first general distribution of the insect took
place from this point of original infestation. The state-
ments of citizens vividly portray the swarming numbers of
caterpillars then : —

The place simply teemed with them, and I used to fairly dread
oing down the street to the railroad station. It was like running
gauntlet. I used to turn up my coat collar and run down the
middle of the street. One morning in particular I recall that I
was completely covered with caterpillars, inside my coat as well
as out.

oO
‘=)
a

When caterpillars swarmed and spun down like this, their
transportation on carriages and wagons to points outside
Medford was at its maximum.

The establishment of a colony of gypsy moths in outside
territory depended largely upon the regular trips of vehicles
to or from Medford. Regular traffic (7.e., constant or re-
curring), daily or at stated intervals, such as teaming of
certain sorts, trips of milkmen, market gardeners, butchers,
bakers and pedlers, and of junk and swill carts making
their rounds, between Medford and some point or points
outside that city, finally resulted in the carriage of cater-
pillars to more or less of the localities where these vehicles
stopped. While on a single trip enough caterpillars may
be carried outside to a stopping place of a wagon or to the
end of its route to bring about the establishment of a new
moth colony, this is effected more surely by successive
transportations of one or more individuals of the species.
Even if on some occasions no caterpillars are carried out,
the continually recurring trips back and forth of the vehicle
make it only a question of time when enough will be taken
to the outside point to establish there a new colony.

Pleasure driving in and out or through Medford, much of
it, like traffic on wheels, constant and frequent between the

1906.) PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 145

same points, also served to a less extent, because there was
less of it than of the other, to establish the gypsy moths in
new outside places.

A less regular distribution of the moth has resulted from
the carriage or shipment outside the infested territory of
objects upon which the eggs of the insect have been laid,
such as cord wood, boxes, barrels, ete. As a gypsy moth
egg cluster contains on the average some 500 eggs, a single
transportation of an infested object, even if there were
never another shipment, would be the easy means of the in-
festation of a new locality. While a certain per cent of the
spread of the gypsy moth has been due to its transporta-
tion in the egg form, it is now known that far the greater
part has taken place when the insect was in the active cater-
pillar stage.

In addition to the spinning down of young caterpillars
from trees in residential districts, there are other ways by
which vehicles become infested. When vegetation is rapidly
being destroyed by caterpillars, as is the case when they are
in great or overcrowding numbers in a place, they migrate
in search of food. Vehicles which happen to stand in or
near a spot where such conditions obtain (as a badly infested
tract of roadside bushes or piece of woodland) soon become
infested with caterpillars of all sizes, which are rapidly seek-
ing ‘‘fresh fields and pastures new.” No longer a period
than five minutes may be required for a vehicle to become
infested with scores of caterpillars. Even when the moths
are not so thick as this, as in an orchard or yard, large cater-
pillars frequently crawl for shelter or for the purpose of
pupating on the under sides of the bodies of wagons which
stand beneath or near infested trees.

The great variety of ways by which distribution may be
brought about is well illustrated by two cases out of many
recorded in the summer of 1905. Following the celebration
in June of the two hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary of
the settlement of Medford, the bunting and flags which were
used freely for decorative purposes all over the city were
shipped elsewhere. Some of this material went out of the
State. Following his usual practice of cleaning his bunting,

146 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

one decorator found on it some caterpillars. Here we have
a possibility of transportation of the moths. While these
caterpillars would have died before the bunting was used
again, had the date of the celebration been a month later
there would have been pup on the bunting as well as cater-
pillars ; and if later still, ege clusters. The duration of the
pupal stage is from eight to sixteen days, which might cover
the time elapsing between the use of the bunting in an in-
fested place and its use again in another. In the latter case,
if pupee arrived in the bunting uninjured, moths in due time
would have emerged, egg clusters would have been laid and
a new colony started.

On July 11 a State inspector saw a teamster unloading
household goods in Andover. Learning that the furniture
wagon had come from Medford, he examined the coverings
of the load, and found concealed in the folds a dozen gypsy
moth caterpillars. The date marked the height of the larval
season, and these caterpillars were full grown. Here we
have a case of transportation of large gypsy moth caterpillars.
These full-grown caterpillars had crawled upon the wagon
while it was stationary or else upon the goods before they
were loaded. Here we have the complete evidence in a case
of distribution from beginning to end.

The first great distribution of the gypsy moth practically
ceased soon after 1889 because the exterminative work on
the part of the State had so greatly diminished the numbers
of the caterpillars along streets and highways. But in 1900,
when the State work was abolished, the insect was allowed
to increase again without hindrance, and a second great dis-
tribution into new outside territory resulted. In the old
infested territory of 359 square miles the moths became
after two years more or less plentiful, and by the third year
their ravages were apparent in many places. Worse results
were to follow. The rapid and unchecked multiplication
of the moths not only caused their old colonies, many of
which had been entirely cleared by the work of the State
Board of Agriculture, to become reinfested, but also brought
about in some of them such a swarming of caterpillars as
had not been seen since 1889 in Medford. But now the

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 147

dangerous conditions of 1889 not only obtained again in
parts of Medford, but in addition in scores of other localities
in Malden, Melrose, Saugus, Arlington, Stoneham, Belmont,
Winchester, Woburn and Cambridge. Beginning in 1903
and continuing with increasing force through 1904 and into
the summer of 1905, the unchecked distribution of the gypsy
moths from these centres into new sections went on; so that
when the approximate limits of the territory occupied by
them since 1900 had been determined by the State field work
of the summer and fall of 1905, it was found that their habitat
in eastern Massachusetts had increased in area over six-fold.
It was also found that the moths had entered New Hampshire
from Essex County, Massachusetts, and had obtained a foot-
hold at least as far north as Portsmouth, —a notable centre
of travel during the Peace Conference the past summer.
History had repeated itself. As in 1891 it was learned that
the moths had become widely distributed in the years 1888,
1889 and 1890, so in 1905 it became plain that the second
great unchecked distribution had gone on during 1903, 1904
and 1905. In the extensive, newly infested area discovered
by our inspectors it is undoubted that there was little infesta-
tion prior to 1900 (with the exception of the sporadic colony
in Georgetown), which indicates that the diffusive energy
developed in the old infested district after the abandonment
of work there had been sufficient to infest, chiefly in three
years’ time, a wide area of new outlying territory.

In accounting for this alarming spread of the gypsy moth
in comparatively so short a time, a new factor in the prob-
lem of distribution, in addition to the increase in the number
of badly infested centres of diffusion, has to be considered —
namely, the automobile. The horseless carriage must be
held specially accountable for the presence of the gypsy
moth to-day in so many remote or out-of-the-way localities
in the territory infested within the last five years. In the
second great distribution of the gypsy moth in 1903-05,
the regular and constant traffic over the road, together with
pleasure driving, continued as before the chief factor. But
this, being so largely of a business nature, did not extend
far out from the badly infested centres in the old moth terri-

148 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

tory. And while it is true also that the bulk of automobil-
ing —as was the case with pleasure driving in 1889 and is
to-day — is confined within a moderate radius from a centre
of population, it is not true that the percentage of the longer
trips is the same with both sorts of travel. The total of
long drives in the case of the ‘‘auto” is greater in proportion
to the whole than it is or ever was in the case of a carriage
drawn by a horse. In other words, in proportion as horse-
less carriages have supplanted vehicles of the other sort,
the percentage of long-distance journeys in the sum total
of riding for pleasure is immeasurably greater than in the
past.

The reason is not far to seek. The automobile, by reason
of its speed and its machine-made method of progression
which renders riders independent of all consideration of
horseflesh, tempts to both long and erratic runs, and so has
introduced a very irregular method of distribution. The
use of a machine which possesses speed and lacks sensibility
conduces to the invasion of sections necessarily unvisited by
a vehicle drawn by a horse from a distant centre of popula-
tion. Furthermore, the motor carriage incites to the explo-
ration of new country, for its speed so broadens its scope
of operation that no comparison of steam or gasoline with
horseflesh is possible. And so the roads of eastern Massa-
chusetts have been ridden over for pleasure more thoroughly
than ever before, especially those out of the beaten track for
varriages, and therefore comparatively little travelled before
the advent of the automobile.

The speedy motor carriage making a long run from an
infested starting place or passing through a badly infested
locality might not necessarily go over the identical route
again or reach the same objective point; but on its only
run to this outside point it might carry enough caterpillars
to establish there or en route a new colony of gypsy moths.
By this means only is to be explained most of the moth colo-
nies found remote from the central infested district in the
area which has become infested since 1900. There is no
question that in the ‘* swarming year,” 1889, the same thing
happened often, enough caterpillars being carried out on a

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 149

single trip of a vehicle from Medford to infest a new locality.
But in 1889 the automobile was not in use nor for many
years after; and so in ten years’ time no far-away colonies
of the gypsy moth, excepting the one in 1899 at Georgetown,
were ever found as the result of the early outbreaks of the
moth,

The increased percentage of long-distance riding for
pleasure, due to the introduction of automobiles, makes it
possible to account for the more frequent establishment of
sporadic colonies of the gypsy moth than in the past, and
for the scattering of the moths to a distance, as in southern
New Hampshire and particularly in the country south of
Boston. The great city lying to the north of Norfolk and
Plymouth counties in a sense served for years as a barrier
against invasion of moths from Medford and the other in-
fested centres. It long escaped serious infestation itself,
and its presence discouraged pleasure driving through it
from the moth district to the untouched country to the south-
ward. Neither Medford nor Malden in the late eighties
took milk from Plymouth County farmers or supplied them
with swill. Regular traffic over the road from near-by
points naturally ended in the great city. In later years the
few serious infestations which occurred in Boston itself, such
as the Dorchester outbreak in 1895, contributed to some
extent to cause the infestation of near-by territory by the
usual means of hucksters’, milk-dealers’ and marketmen’s
wagons and of regular and constant pleasure driving. In
illustration may be cited the contiguous city of Quincy,
which has now become a secondary centre of infestation.
Through teaming from the infested country north of Boston
also has always slightly helped to carry the insect to the
towns to the south of the city. But the automobile, which
annihilates distance, must be held to be chiefly accountable
in bringing about in recent years the infestation of the ex-
tensive country to the south of Boston over which the moths
are now known to be scattered. The erratic as much as
the long runs of the frequent automobile can alone explain
the presence of the moths in few and scattered numbers, not
only along main routes of travel, but in out-of-the-way

150 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

places as well, throughout the length and breadth of Plym-
outh County and on Cape Cod.

In a consideration of the automobile as a factor of distri-
bution, it should be borne in mind that the short-distance
runs, as well as the long, extend farther out from a centre
of population than driving has ever done, for the reason
that the machine has wonderfully extended the radius of
travel for pleasure, absolutely as well as relatively, over
that of the past. The inner towns of the new moth terri-
tory since 1900 are more thoroughly infested than those
farther out, largely as a result of the quite regular and con-
stant short-distance automobiling from the heart of the old
badly infested moth district, which is constantly using the
same highways and reaching the same objective points.

The considerable infestations at Newburyport, Rockport
and Plymouth, all remote from the badly infested central
district, which might seem at first to furnish an exception to
this rule, in reality prove it. These places are objective
points for much automobiling, and so in the natural course
of events have become dangerously infested with the gypsy
moth.

It is most unfortunate that the height of the automobiling
season coincides with the period of greatest abundance of
gypsy moth caterpillars. It has seemed desirable to collect
data on the number of automobiles and other vehicles
passing certain points in the infested district during a single
day in the hours usually devoted to pleasure riding. The
figures given below were obtained in the fall months, and
would have been very much larger had a similar count
been made during the months of May and June.

LOCALITY. Automobiles. | Carriages, etc.
Arlington Square, : A , 5 ‘ . 443 952
Medford Square, . : - z 2 : : 256 655
Saugus (turnpike), . : ; : 5 : 92 88
Newton (boulevard), . : : . : . 630 170
Quincey Square, . : : : é : : 264 347
Franklin Park (Blue Hill Avenue), . : : 724 961

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 151

CurtTinc WorrHuess TREES.

Dr. Charles 8. Sargent, the celebrated arboriculturist, says,
‘‘There are too many trees in the metropolitan district,”
meaning, of course, that there are many trees which have
never received the care and attention necessary to insure
their best growth and development. Aside from the un-
desirable species, such as the wild cherry and scrub apple
tree, there are not wanting trees on the majority of private
estates that never receive the slightest care or attention.
Never pruned, never fertilized, unprotected from damage by
horses and thoroughly infested by insect pests, such trees
either should be properly cared for or else removed. Since
the moth pests have now become thoroughly established in
eastern Massachusetts, it should be laid down as a rule that
no man should be allowed to maintain more trees than he
can properly care for. <A thrifty, vigorous tree, protected
from insect injury, is a delight to the eye, and adds to the
value of the property on which it stands; a neglected, in-
jured, diseased tree is an offensive object, reflects adversely
on those who allow such conditions to prevail, and in the
moth district actually depreciates the value of real estate.
Thus we are led to urge the general cutting of worthless,
diseased and uncared-for trees.

We yield to no one in our admiration of the beautiful in
nature as exemplified in vigorous tree life; but we cannot
see the wisdom of allowing worthless growths to remain by
roadsides or in back yards and lots, to breed the pests from
which we are striving to protect our streets and residential
districts.

The co-operation of many citizens in the work against
the gypsy moth has been evidenced within a few months in
a striking way by the extensive cutting down of such old or
worthless trees throughout the infested district. Many old
apple orchards of dead or dying trees have disappeared from
the landscape while scattering trees too few to be dignified
with the name of orchard, which had outlived their useful-
ness, have similarly vanished. Every one will recall the
frequency of occurrence in the thickly populated section of

152 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

eastern Massachusetts of old, decayed, hollow apple trees,
the last remnants of once flourishing orchards, standing in
vacant lots or along roadsides in city or town outskirts.
Such unsightly trees have been always notorious breeding
places for the moths, and their destruction is a distinct
help in the progress of the work against these pests. In ad-
dition to the removal of such worthless trees, a great number
of other trees have been improved by the beneficial pruning
of dead or decayed limbs, and the closing of cavities, for
the reason, primarily, that these furnished shelter for the
moths. Not only apple trees, but also decayed or other-
wise unsightly shade trees and worthless trees, such as wild
cherries, have been cut down to further the present campaign
against the moth pests. A judicious thinning out of trees
that grew too thickly in yards or along roadsides has also
taken place. By this means a double benefit has been
brought about; first, to the moth suppressive work, for the
reason that every tree removed is one tree less to handle
with reference to the moths: and, second, to the trees left
standing, which, by the removal of some of their number,
were given room for development.

Badly infested tracts of woodland also have frequently
been cut down, as the most effective and summary means of
doing away with intolerable conditions, and with the added
purpose of saving expense in the long run to the owner.
While this has resulted in denuding land here and there, it
has been the ready means of relief for the citizens aftlicted,
and has aided most materially the work of clearing the
moths from near-by or adjoining public lands. This cutting
has been generally on low-cost woods which would eventu-
ally be removed, when the land which was being held for a
rise in values and had been already cut up into house lots
in expectation of the growth of the community would be
built upon.

When land has not been entirely denuded of woods, there
has been often much judicious thinning out of trees, which
has resulted in a distinct benefit to those left standing, on a
principle familiar to every forester.

In addition to trees, a great deal of useless smaller

1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 153

growth and bushes, not only along roadsides and on vacant
lots but also in yards and cultivated fields, has been removed,
for the reason either that it was exposed to infestation by
the moths or was already infested. Along with this removal
of trees and brush has gone on much general clearing up of
estates, such as the burning of old brush heaps, doing away
with dumps, removal of rubbish and cleaning up of vacant
lots. To give a concrete instance, in the city of Melrose,
where the suppressive work has been pushed with vigor by
the local superintendent, there were gathered on private
and public grounds twenty-seven cart loads of tin cans, —
notorious nesting places for gypsy moths.

Work OF CONTRACTORS.

Owing to the difficulties which attend the efforts of private
citizens in combating the moths, such as lack of suitable ap-
paratus and of special knowledge of the insects, it is not
strange that in eastern Massachusetts there has sprung up a
new industry, and that many individuals and concerns are
now engaged in the business of destroying the pests, both
on public and private grounds. Over a dozen concerns are
so engaged, together with scores of individual workers.
Many of these have done most efficient work. The superin-
tendent has prepared a list of contractors who on their rec-
ords are believed to be reliable and efficient, and has supplied
it to inquirers upon request.

It is greatly regretted that along with this development of
a legitimate enterprise numerous irresponsible persons have
engaged in the business, with the result that many citizens,
desirous of destroying the moth pests on their property,
have been badly swindled. <A great deal of inefficient work
has thus been done, and, as a consequence, many property
owners have been discouraged from employing reputable
contractors. Ina few cases, where suitable evidence could
be secured, the superintendent has been instrumental in
having certain swindlers put into court. Lacking any spe-
cific control over the situation, the policy of publicity has
seemed to be the only remedy, and we have not hesitated to
expose persons known to be unreliable.

154 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. ([Jan.

DESIRABLE SHADE TREES.

Since the gypsy and brown-tail moths have been allowed
to multiply unrestrained throughout the district, certain
natural preferences of the insects in the way of food plants
have been noticed which had hitherto escaped observation.
It has been found that certain species of trees are to a
notable extent fairly exempt from damage by these moths.
Thus it is apparent, therefore, that in planting such trees
it is possible to select several species which will be less
troubled by these insects than those commonly in use.

Perhaps the most notable example of relative freedom from
damage by the moths is found in the case of the white ash.
The leaves of this tree do not lend themselves readily to the
construction of brown-tail moth webs, while the gypsy moth
does not feed upon it to any extent so long as other trees
are available. In fact, in the badly stripped woodland areas
last summer the comparative exemption of the white ash
from damage was very noticeable. It was found that in
areas of several acres the only trees retaining even a part of
their foliage were those of this species. Since the white ash
makes a rapid growth and is otherwise desirable as a shade
tree, it seems advisable to make a more liberal use of this
tree for planting purposes along streets, in parks and on
private estates in the infested district.

The soft maple, or, as it is more commonly known, the
red maple, also shows a considerable degree of freedom from
attack by both insects. While it is not uncommon to find
the nest of either species of moth on this tree, yet at the same
time it deserves to stand in the second rank. The smooth
bark of this maple offers but little shelter to the caterpillars,
particularly on the younger trees, while the brown-tail moth
webs are not easily formed in its foliage.

Various species of hickory are but little sought by the
gypsy moth caterpillars, and are practically free from brown-
tail moth webs as well. It is to be stated, however, that in
the case of the older trees of this class the rough bark offers
an excellent hiding place for gypsy moth caterpillars, and the
latter insect pupates freely under the shelter of the bark.

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 155

This tree has also the disadvantage of making a relatively
slow growth, and often is not as desirable for planting as
the ash.

New Mernops.

It is in some ways remarkable that in the period that has
elapsed since the cessation of the former State work against
the moths but few new methods of work against the pest
have been developed. One might have thought that, with
so many hundreds if not thousands of intelligent property
owners engaged in protecting their trees from damage, some
few at least would have hit upon a new or more economical
means of performing at least a part of the work.

The only method absolutely new is that brought out by
Superintendent Charles P. Price of the Middlesex Fells
Reservation, to prevent the crossing of roads by the cater-
pillar swarms. It often happens in woodland that large
caterpillar colonies swarm from the stripped areas across roads
into woods that are in good foliage. Mr. Price to some extent
has been able to prevent this by a small windrow of marsh hay
sprinkled with low-grade burning oil. These windrows are
continued along the roadside, and when frequently treated
with oil form a barrier over which the insects cannot pass.

The banding of trees with sticky materials to prevent the
ascent of caterpillars, while long used abroad and adopted
in the years of the former State work, has received a new
impetus from the development of a most excellent compound,
‘* Tanglefoot,” which was extensively used the past year,
and in many cases with most satisfactory results. The suc-
cessful use of any banding material presupposes that the
trees have been freed from the moth in the first place, either
through nest destruction or by spraying. Nothing is gained
by banding trees already infested. On the other hand,
trees previously cleared of the moth, but standing in a badly
infested district, may be protected in a great measure by
banding. This method is particularly serviceable in wood-
lands and on street trees where the latter stand in or near a
badly infested spot. Promiscuous banding of street trees
without reference to surrounding conditions is not to be
recommended,

156 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

A great objection to many banding materials is found in
the fact that some of them, if left on through the late summer
and fall, ultimately injure and sometimes kill the tree. This,
of course, is most noticeable with young or thin-barked
trees. So far as our observations go, the ‘* Tanglefoot ”
bands have caused no injury. Another season will yield
conclusive evidence on this point.

There is no better or cheaper way to control either moth
pest than by spraying, where conditions favor this work.
Street trees, orchards and easily accessible woodland areas
can usually be sprayed to advantage where time permits.
The great impediment to wholesale spraying, however, is
found in the fact that it can be done to advantage only
in the period between May 15 and June 30 at the latest
(usually June 15), and this limited space of time is often
still further reduced by rains, so that as a rule but four
weeks on the average are available for this work. The
superintendent has repeatedly urged on the badly infested
municipalities the wisdom of purchasing one or more power
spraying outfits, so that next season we may take full advan-
tage of a method, which, from the late date at which opera-
tions were begun this year, was out of the question.

An excellent illustration of spraying methods as applied
to woodlands was given at Melrose in the latter part of May
by the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture,
under the direction of Superintendent J. A. Pettigrew of
the Boston park department. These spraying operations
attracted a great deal of attention, and were witnessed by a
large number of park superintendents, tree wardens and
other interested citizens. Unfortunately, the success of the
experiment was adversely affected by the severe infestations
in the surrounding woodland, but the result of this demon-
stration was to arouse a greater interest in this method of
fighting the moths. It is the hope of the superintendent
that, with the opportunities now offered to purchase power
sprayers at a moderate price, spraying will become more
generally adopted by the local superintendents of moth
work in cities and towns.

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1906.] ©§= PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 157

NATIONAL AID.

The problem of moth control is no longer confined to a
single State ; three States are infested by the gypsy moth and
four by the brown-tail moth. If any permanent headway is
to be made against these insects, co-operation between the
States is a prerequisite condition ; and this, it would appear,
can be best obtained through the assistance of the national
government.

In the case of the brown-tail moth there is no hope of
exterminating it, and even its control in woodlands is out
of the question, because of the expense involved. As pre-
viously pointed out, this insect can be easily destroyed, even
by unskilled persons, and there is no good reason why
property owners should not be able to protect their shade
and fruit trees from it. Further than this they cannot go
without incurring, in the majority of cases, unwarranted
expense.

With the gypsy moth the case is different. Here we have
a slowly spreading insect, as yet confined to a limited section
of New England. With sufficient funds it can be held in
check. Without means for a thorough campaign of sup-
pression, a further spreading is bound to take place. This
insect attacks not a single crop, as does the cotton boll
weevil, already the cause of large expenditures of national
funds, but all fruit, shade and forest trees; it threatens our
orchards, street trees and parks ; in woodlands it leaves behind
dead pines, spruces and other conifers while many of the
deciduous trees eventually succumb.

Massachusetts has proven beyond any question or doubt
that this pest can be controlled. At one time she gave to
the nation an example of the successful solution of the
greatest problem in applied entomology ever known, —
although ceasing too soon her efforts. She has shown the
faith that is within her by an unprecedented expenditure of
funds to preserve her trees. In protecting herself she has
protected at least the rest of New England. If ever a State
was entitled to national aid in a worthy cause, that State is
Massachusetts.

158 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

OuTLOOK FOR CONTROL.

It is never well to underestimate the strength of an an-
tagonist. In fighting the gypsy moth we must take into
consideration its insidious habits, its great powers of multi-
plication, the ease with which it is now accidentally spread,
and the cost and difficulties involved in destroying it even
on small estates. These difficulties are multiplied many fold
by the conditions existing in thousands of acres of severely
infested woodland. The citizens of the State are paying the
bills for fighting the moth; it is their money in one way or
another which is being used to prosecute this work; and, in
justice to the taxpayer, the adverse as well as the favorable
conditions should be fully presented.

It is evident that the present act will not, even with closest
economy, yield more than sufficient revenue to suppress the
gypsy and brown-tail moths on public trees and in resi-
dential sections. The petitioners for legislation against the
moths, having a knowledge of the fact that the gypsy moth
occurred in 43 cities and towns, while the brown-tail had
extended its domain over nearly one-half the State, asked
the Legislature to appropriate $600,000 for three years’ work,
above the sums to be raised by local taxation. But at the
present time there are 124 municipalities which are known
to be infested by the gypsy moth, while the brown-tail moth
is rapidly spreading, and we have only $300,000 of State
appropriation with which to accomplish the desired results.
It is obvious that with one-half the required funds but one-
half the work can be done. We believe that under present
conditions we can prevent a farther spreading of the gypsy
moth into non-infested territory, and can largely control
damage from either pest on street trees and in residential
districts. Owing to the late date at which the work began
in 1905, the success of our efforts in this direction will not
be determined until after the caterpillar season of next year
and the fall inspection.

As a matter of fact, we shall be unable to clear even the
residential sections of the moths, unless we can have in lib-
eral measure the hearty co-operation of all citizens. So far

1906. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 159

as the work on private estates is concerned, if the disposi-
tion now in evidence on the part of many to take refuge
under the ‘‘half of one per cent” clause is to be generally
followed, the State may as well stop the work now; since,
unless citizens will co-operate with local and State authori-
ties, and perform their full duty not only to themselves but
to their neighbors, no permanent benefit can be obtained.

The outlook for controlling the gypsy and brown-tail
moths is hopeful within the limits previously mentioned. It
will, of course, be impossible to attack the moths in the wood-
lands generally until suitable funds are available; but the
scattering of the gypsy moth can be stopped, our street trees
protected and our residential sections kept partially free from
damage by the swarming caterpillars, even with the present
reduced appropriation. But to accomplish this there must
be no faltering along the line; there must be no apathy or
indifference on the part of any one concerned. A chain is
no stronger than its weakest link; and to bring success,
thorough and efficient work must be done in each and every
infested municipality. This is an effort made for the pres-
ervation of our shade trees, fruit trees and woodlands ; their
safety is threatened by attacks of serious insect pests.
Sound business policy in any enterprise requires the employ-
ment of the most efficient men for a given rate of wages, and
the purchase of supplies at bottom market prices. No other
rule of procedure should obtain in carrying out the provi-
sions of the gypsy and the brown-tail moth act. If there
ever was a public enterprise which ought to be kept free from
local political considerations, and handled in a thoroughly
business-like manner, it is the work against the gypsy and
brown-tail moths. If we can have the whole-hearted inter-
est and support of the public, if we can have effective and
economical local administrations of work, and if the central
office does its full duty, then the pests can be brought under
control, and our parks, street trees and private grounds
preserved from harm.

The success of this undertaking does not depend alone
upon the central organization ; it does not depend upon the
man in charge of any particular city or town, nor upon any

160 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan.

individual citizen; but it does depend upon the business-
like, sincere, hearty co-operation of all concerned in sup-
pressing the moths and preserving our trees. In short, the
moth pests can be suppressed if all work together with a
common purpose and for a common end. No city or town
can be allowed to slight this important work; no citizen
should be permitted to maintain a nuisance, to his neighbor’s
annoyance or detriment.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

It is too early as yet to state with any degree of complete-
ness the possible amendments which may be required to the
act under which we are working; but, to secure a greater
uniformity and efficiency of action throughout the infested
district, it is apparent to the superintendent that certain
minor changes at least are desirable. As yet the act has
not been tested sufficiently in all its details to develop any
insurmountable difficulties in its execution, with a single ex-
ception, viz., the omission of the word ‘caterpillars ” from
sections 4 and 6.

The superintendent, however, presents for your consider-
ation the following proposed changes in the existing law, as
based upon the experience of the past six months : —

1. The State superintendent, as well as those locally in
charge of the work in cities and towns, should be given suffi-
cient authority to prevent the use of ineffective measures
against the moths, or of those which tend to distribute the
insects. Several irresponsible contractors have swept gypsy
moth egg clusters from the trees to the ground, or left
brown-tail moth webs lying on the ground, in spite of the
fact that it is well known that such eggs or webs will yield
a large percentage of caterpillars to reinfest the trees.

2. The State and local authorities should be given power
to control as may be necessary the transportation of wood,
timber and any other objects infested by the moth pests.
At the present time any one may ship from the central dis-
trict a carload of infested wood to any point in Massachusetts
or other State, there to establish a new moth colony. The
authority to prevent such a disaster the superintendent
deems of the highest importance.

1906. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 16]

3. As the present act is worded, work against gypsy or
brown-tail moth caterpillars cannot be made compulsory
either in the case of cities or towns or on private estates.
The omission of the word ‘ caterpillars” in the act, doubt-
less the result of oversight, should be remedied, since other-
wise the purpose of the act may be defeated.

4. The superintendent is of the opinion that the act
should be so amended as to clearly place the appointing
power of the local superintendent in the hands of mayors
of cities and selectmen of towns. As the matter stands at
present, the legal right of selectmen to appoint local super-
intendents without calling a special town meeting is not
clearly established.

5. It seems advisable to extend the provisions of the civil
service act to all those engaged under chapter 381, Acts of
1905, in the work of suppressing the moths. A practical,
competitive examination should result in securing a list of
employees possessing good eyesight and physical ability to
climb trees, both qualifications indispensable in the field
work.

6. Finally and most important, it should be said that if
the purposes of the act are to be carried out throughout the
greatly enlarged infested district, an additional appropria-
tion equal to that of 1906 will be necessary. The funds
available are about sufficient to keep street and public trees
free from the moths. With the present appropriation but
little work can be done on private estates in excess of the
owners’ liability and practically none in the infested wood-
lands, which are the chief source of danger.

Respectfully submitted,

A. H.- KIRKLAND,

Superintendent.

4

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