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THIRD ANNUAL REPORT ~.... 


OF THE 


SUPERINTENDENT 


|| SUPPRESSING THE GYPSY AND 
BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. 


JANUARY, 1908. 


BOSTON: 
WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS, 
18 Post Orrick SQuaRE. ° 
1908. 


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Public Document No. 73 


THIRD ANNUAL REPORT 


OF THE 


SUPERINTENDENT 


FOR 


SUPPRESSING THE GYPSY AND 
BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. 


JANUARY, 1908. 


BOSTON: 
WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS, 
18 Post OFFICE SQUARE. 
1908. 


ORGANIZATION. 


A, H. KrrKianp, M.S,. 
L. Howard WoORTHLEY, 
CHARLES 0. BAILEY, 
FRANK A. BATES, . 
JOHN W. ENWRIGHT, 
JOHN A, FARLEY, . 
CHARLES W. MINOTT, 
GEORGE A, SMITH, 


Superintendent. 

Assistant Superintendent. 
Secretary. 

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


SCIENTIFIC STAFF. 


Creo EBRNALD; PhiDy. 
FRANKLIN H. MosuHemr,. 
HERBERT P. JOHNSON, Ph.D., 
H. D. Haskins, BS., 

C. G. Barnum, M.S., 


Consulting Entomologist. 
Entomologist in Charge of Laboratory. 
Bacteriologist. 

Consulting Chemist. — 

Chemist. 


MAYNARD M, METOALT, 


CON TE NES. 


PAGE 
Introduction, ; ‘ ’ é : : : F : 3 : : A 9 
Synopsis of the report, , : ; . 3 : ‘ : j ; fee lal 
Financial statement, . é ; P : : A ‘ : : : 5 Ie 
Parasite appropriation, : : j : : : ; : 5 : , is 
Analysis of town expenses, ; ‘ : : ; 2 P . : ah LE 
Financial summary by towns, . = : : é : : : seed 
Allotments of appropriations, . : : ; , 4 : , : me) halt, 
History of the year’s work, , : : : ; : : : : eal 
Acknowledgments, . : : j : : : 5 : : , ay 7453 
Scouting work, . : P F ‘ ; : : : F ; : 26 
Special work in parks, : : : : : : - : : ‘ ne 29) 
Emergency work, é 5 5 5 = : ‘A ts ; ‘ p 2) TOL 
Condition of infested district, . ‘ : ; : j : : : 5) Bere 
Summary of condition of territory, . : 5 . : , : ; . 126 
Future work, : : : : : ‘ 2 3 : ‘ ‘ : 2125 
Report of Consulting Entomologist, . : . : F A ; 4 5 PAY 
Work of other State boards, : F : ‘ : ; : ‘ ; 5 Ee 
National aid, : : : ; ‘ : : ; é : ; : lao 
Other entomological work, : F : ; : ‘ 5 3 : 5 Re 
Spraying operations, . : : - : - c - - ‘ 5 lst) 
Cost of spraying, ; : : : ‘ : : : : : : . 140 
Spraying v. bird life, . : é : : : : : : : : Pel Gilt 
Dangerous banding materials, . : : ; : , : : 5 gly 
The gypsy moth v. white pine, . F : ; : ; : : : 2 2163 
A disease of the gypsy moth, . : F 3 : ; : : : sel66 
The fungous disease of the brown-tail moth, . 3 : : : : peel oi 
The parasite work, . , 3 ‘ c ; : : : ; 5 5 An 
Report on parasites, by Dr. L. O. Howard, : : : : ‘ : ~) LS 
Purchase of supplies, . d : ; : : : : ; ; F 5) ales) 
Recommendations, . ‘ : : , : : : ; : ; ele) 


Special report on importing parasites, A ; ‘ : 5 : 5 . 184 


bia oo et eese *“_ . 


Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 


“THE GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. 


During the year 1907 work against the gypsy and brown-tail 
moths was vigorously prosecuted along the general lines found 
to be desirable and effective in previous years, it being prac- 
tically a continuance of the policy outlined in the report for 
1905. In brief, it has been a continuation of the effort to re- 
duce the numbers and check the spread of the moths: first, by 
keeping the trees overhanging streets, boulevards, railroads or 
other lines of travel free from these pests; and second, by fol- 
lowing up the work previously done in destroying the moths in 
the principal residential sections, where in past years so much 
damage and annoyance have been caused by these pests. Added 
to this, a beginning has been made on the problem of dealing 
with the insects in the badly infested woodland sections. The 
work of importing parasites has been continued on even a larger 
scale than heretofore, and with better prospects of ultimate suc- 
cess in securing the establishment of effective natural checks on 
the increase of the moths. During the late fall and early winter 
scouting operations — a thorough inspection by trained employ- 
ees — have been carried on along the western border of the in- 
fested region, particularly in Worcester and Middlesex counties, 
with the result that a considerable number of small gypsy moth 
colonies have been found in towns which we have previously 
been unable to thoroughly examine. The importance of locat- 
ing and stamping out these incipient colonies cannot be too 
highly emphasized. 

Of the recommendations made by the superintendent in his 
last report, practically all were adopted by the Legislature as 


10 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


amendments to the gypsy moth law, in chapter 521, Acts of 
1907. By this additional legislation the superintendent has 
been able, subject to the approval of the Governor, to initiate 
or carry on necessary work against the moths in cities or towns 
failing to provide sufficient funds in season for the necessary 
work, or failing to perform it in a satisfactory manner, the cost 
of the same being charged to the delinquent city or town in the 
form of a special tax. We have also been able to give special 
assistance, where conditions warranted it, in the work of stamp- 
ing out the gypsy moth pest in certain parks, woodlands or other 
places of general public resort, where there was great danger of 
the moths spreading and dropping on persons or vehicles. The 
amendment permitting the reimbursement of all cities and towns 
alike every sixty days has been of particular assistance in the 
effective prosecution of the work, and has not required any in- 
crease in the clerical force of the central office; in fact, that 
provision has made a notable decrease in the amount of work 
formerly required of our clerical force at the close of the year, 
when reimbursements were made to a large number of cities 
and towns annually, only, as required by previous legislation. 

The financial statement presented Jan. 1, 1907, showed a bal- 
ance on hand of $20,884.49, nearly all of which was paid out 
in reimbursements to cities and towns which had delayed sub- 
mitting the necessary vouchers and pay rolls for the 1906 work 
before the closing of our books for that year. An appropria- 
tion of $300,000 was provided by the Legislature for the 1907 
operations, and this has enabled us to prosecute the work more 
vigorously and on a larger scale than attempted heretofore, and 
the results obtained show that this large outlay at this time was 
well warranted by existing conditions, and was in the line of 
good business policy. 

The maximum number of employees engaged in the work 
against the moth pests in the infested cities and towns during 
1907 was slightly over 1,800, their work being directed and in- 
spected by a force of about 40 trained employees of the central 
office. One most excellent result of the work against the gypsy 
and brown-tail moths has been the development in each city 
and town of local trained gangs, whose efficiency and consequent 
value to the community, as well as to the State, constantly in- 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. zip alell 


creases as time goes on. Furthermore, by the constant cam- 
paign of education kept up by the central office and by the local 
authorities in charge of the moth work, property owners are 
becoming more and more familiar with these insect pests, and 
are giving an amount of assistance the value of which can 
hardly be computed. For the benefit of those who cannot find 
time to read all the details given in this report, the followmg 
summary is presented. 


SyNopsiIs OF THE REPORT. 


1. The suppression of the moths on street trees and those 
overhanging railroads and other lines of travel has been vigor- 
ously prosecuted. This has minimized the danger of the scat- 
tering of the caterpillars on vehicles. 

2. In the badly infested residential sections the moths are 
now thoroughly under control, and in them practically no dam- 
age was done by either of the pests during the past season. 
Scouting operations in outlying territory adjoiming the known 
infested district have resulted in the finding of numerous small 
colonies, which are now being thoroughly treated. 

3. While there have been a few particularly annoying cases 
of apathy or interference in the work on the part of local offi- 
cials, there has been less than in previous years. 

4, The co-operation of local officials and citizens as a whole 
has been hearty, although there has been an increasing tend- 
ency to leave the clearing of private estates to the local authori- 
ties, —a fact which of itself is a tribute to the growing 
efficiency of local work. 

5. A larger number and greater variety of parasites of the 
moths were secured during 1907 than any year heretofore, while 
those engaged in handling these natural checks on these cater- 
pillar pests have acquired by experience increased skill which 
cannot result other than beneficially. 

Recommendations are: — 

(a) To carry on the work against the moth pests to the best 
advantage during 1908, an appropriation of $150,000, in addi- 
tion to that made by chapter 434, Acts of 1907, will be neces- 
sary. 

(b) To meet the expenses in connection with importing para- 


12 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 


sites and other natural enemies of the gypsy and brown-tail 
moths during 1908, the sum of $15,000 should be made avail- 


- able. 


(c) City or town employees should be given authority to 
enter private property at any time for the purpose of making 
an examination to determine if the moth pests occur on the 
same. 

FinancraL STATEMENT. 

Since the work of suppressing both the gypsy and brown-tail 
moths usually is in progress at the same time, and by the same 
gang of men, it is impossible for the superintendent to comply 
with the requirements of the original ‘“‘ gypsy moth act,” so 
called, which directs him to “ separate, so far as practicable, 
the expenditures on work against the gypsy moth from those 
on work against the brown-tail moth.” 

In the winter season, for example, the men engaged in creo- 
soting gypsy moth egg clusters on street trees also at the same 
time remove and destroy the webs of the brown-tail moth; while 
later in the season orchards are sometimes found infested by 
both these insects, and the spraying operations necessary to 
kill one species also destroy the other. 

The superintendent has endeavored to secure complete returns 
from all cities and towns for their expenses in connection with 
this work up to the close of the fiscal year, Nov. 30,1907. Not- 
withstanding the earnest efforts put forth to obtain this informa- 
tion, a number of cities and towns have at this writing failed 
to submit the necessary pay rolls and schedules of bills, although 
a sufficient balance is on hand to provide for the required reim- 
bursement on the part of the State. 

The balance carried forward from last year, viz., $20,844.49, 
was practically all disbursed during the month of January, 
1907, in reimbursements to dilatory municipalities. For the 
same reason, the balance carried forward to the credit of 1908 
operations is apparent rather than real, and will be largely dis- 
bursed during the present month. 


Balance from 1906, eae ; ; $20,844 49 
Appropriation of May 8, 1905, : 75,000 00 
Appropriation of May 17, 1907, ; 220,000 00 


$315,844 49 


1908.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 13 


Office expenses : — 


Management, ; : ; : : $4,583 33 
Salaries of clerks, . ; : : : 2,392 42 
Rent, . = ; : 3 1,302 35 
Stationery and Basin ; : : : 739 45 
Printing, 3 5 , : ; : 1,410 52 
Experts, 4 : : , 384 51 
Supplies and pecans, : : ; ‘ 338 00 
Sundries, ; : ; ‘ 3 (72:81 
Educational work, : : : ‘ bile 20 
Field expenses: — 
Wages of employees, , ; 35,451 03 
Travelling expenses of eanliye ees, . 8,005 69 
Supplies, : : ; A , : 134 76 
Contract work, : 105 13 
Special expense for care of ieeal par 1. ein, 4 7,253 08 
Supplies for experiments, ‘ ; ; 133 59 
Emergency operations, . : r ; 1,498 91 
Reimbursements to cities and towns, : 175,552 88 
$240,109 66 
Balance Nov. 30, 1907, . ; : : . $75,734 83 


To the credit of the above should be placed the cost of emer- 
gency work in the city of Woburn, $1,498.91, where the local 
authorities failed to act, which has been certified as a special 
State tax, to be collected in the usual way, leaving the net actual 
expense $238,610.75. 


Parasite APPROPRIATION. 


It was necessary to increase greatly the number of trained 
assistants employed at the parasite laboratory during the sum- 
mer season of 1907, in order properly to care for the large 
shipments of the beneficial insects obtained from abroad. An 
increased force of European collectors were also employed, while 
the expenses of Dr. L. O. Howard’s European trip were also 
met by this office. The total expenses incurred in this work 
during the year 1906 are given below: — 


Balance Jan..1, 1907,  . ; ; : $7,131 52 
Appropriation May 8, 1905, . : : 10,000 00 
Appropriation May 17, 1907, . : : _ 15,000 00 


$32,131 52 


14 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


Expended in 1907: — 


Wages of employees, : ‘ ; ‘ $5,395 63 
Travelling expenses, : ‘ : : 2,933 98 
Rent, . ; ‘ ‘ Z : : 481 00 
Supplies, : 5 : : : 1,428 51 
Stationery and postage) : 5 : : 37 34 
Experts, : : : : : ; 2,010 36 
Sundries, s : : ‘ 451 87 
Importation of paeaiies) ; : : 9,066 95 

$21,805 64 

Balance Nov. 30, 1907, . : : : ; - $10,325 88 


Expert Investigation of Parasite Work. 

Of the special appropriation of $15,000, May 17, 1907, for 
the purpose of further experiments in introducing parasitic ene- 
mies of the gypsy and brown-tail moths, the superintendent was 
authorized to spend an amount not exceeding $10,000 in secur- 
ing the opinion of experts relative to our methods of work in 
this connection, this investigation to be made by competent en- 
tomologists of national or international reputation. The de- 
tails of this investigation are given elsewhere in this report. 
The expenses in this connection were as follows: — 


Expenditure allowed, . : : ‘ : 4 . $10,000 00 
Fees and expenses paid experts, é ‘ : 3 : 2,690 16 
Unexpended balance, 5 : : : : . $7,309 84 


Awatysis oF Town EXpEnsss. 

The operations of 1907, being on a larger scale than hereto- 
fore attempted, necessitated the purchase on the part of cities 
and towns of an increased amount of supplies, particularly 
spraying outfits, insecticides and tools. These are still in a ser- 
viceable condition, and, aside from spraying outfits, the pur- 
chase of which the superintendent shall continue to urge, there 
should be a reduction in this class of items the coming year. 

The total amount spent in the 81 towns and cities receiving 
reimbursement from the State to the amount of $170,773.72 
may be distributed as follows: — 


1908. ] 


Total amount spent, 
Deduct for private work, 


Net amount spent, 
Pay roll, 
Travel, 
Rent, 
Supplies, 
Sundries, : : : 
Stationery and postage, . 
Printing, 


PUBLIC DOCUMENT — 


No. 73. 15 


$481,738 12 

143,501 08 

$338,237 04 
$274,561 80 
574 17 
563 08 
57,837 84 
2,664 43 
Tom 83 
763 89 

$338,237 04 


FINANCIAL SUMMARY BY Towns. 


The following table shows the expenditures required of cities 
and towns before receiving reimbursement, and the total ex- 
penditure and reimbursement of each city and town of the in- 


fested district during 1906 and 1907. 


The statement for 1906 


includes all reimbursements on account of work done during 
that year, some of which had not been made at the time of send- 


ing the last report to press. 


1906. 1907. 

Expendi- | Expenai- |Reimburse-| etendi- | Wxpendi- [Reimburse- 

ture. ture. ture. ture. : 

Abington, . $1,016 16 = = $1,043 29 = = 
Acton, 679 17 | $108 23 = 702 95 | $2,960 67 | $2,257 82 

Amesbury, 2,118 97 902 75 = 2,092 90} 1,086 52 - 
Andover, 2,443 24 | 2,075 49 = 2,410 05 | 3,685 76 | 1,020 57 
Arlington, . 3,956 49 | 14,983 35 | $8,821 49 || 4,046 34 | 11,450 02 | 5,993 94 
Ashland, 406 65 121 90 = 414 44 740° 59 326 15 

Avon, 362 96 = = 363 40 - - 

Ayer, 667 87 = = 717 22 - = 

Barnstable, 1,938 62 150 00 = 2,002 04 = = 
Bedford, 484 08 | 2,390 50 | 1,906 42 492 97 | 6,533 22 | 6,040 25 
Belmont, 2,210 42 | 5,203 53 | 2,993 11 || 2,249 64 | 5,411 51 | 3,161 87 
Berlin, ; : = = = 216 08 280 95 64 87 
Beverly, 5,000 00 | 6,718 94 859 47 || 5,000 00 | 8,244 88 | 1,622 45 
Billerica, 878 94 | 1,984 39 | 1,105 45 878 28 | 4,189 78 | 3,311 50 
Bolton, s ‘ = = = 195 16 A417 54 222 38 


eee" 


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


1906. 1907. 
r : . , 
Big | Ora Poe | ee [ae 
Boston,! . . | $5,000 00 |$15,613 96 | $5,306 98 || $5,000 00 - - 
Bourne, . = 1,015 09 132 34 - 1,081 86 = - 
Boxborough, : 98 75 11 50 - 97 09 | $1,013 37 | $916 28 
Boxford, . c 407 19 | 1,088 19 681 00 438 84 | 1,800 75 | 1,361 91 
Braintree, ! 0 1,963 09 | 1,873 16 = 1,989 47 ~- - 
Bridgewater, é 1,228 32 22, oo - 1,257 56 - - 
Brockton, . , 5,000 00 = - 5,000 00 - pit l= 
Brookline, . . | 5,000 00 = - 5,000 00 - - 
Burlington, ! 5 228 98 | 5,147 05 | 4,918 07 232 50 - - 
Cambridge,2 . | 5,000 00 | 7,957 07 | 1,478 54 || 5,000 00 (eee ee | Soe 
Canton, 4 . 1,480 24 - - 1,541 40 = - 
Carlisle, . : 161 41 | 1,551 04 | 1,389 63 164 96 3,276 29 | 3,111 33 
Carver, é , 606 84 - - 549 31 645 78 96 47 
Chelmsford, . | 1,285 09 | 2,207 73 J 972 64 || 1,248 16 | 4,265 09 | 3,016 93 
Chelsea, . . | 5,000 00 = = 5,000 00 = - 
Clinton, . a = = = 3,211 14 = = 
’ Cohasset, . A 2,562 89 | 2,058 00 = 2,601 07 | 2,883 59 226 02 
Concord, . 5 2,196 01 | 4,190 94 | 1,994 93 2,233 87 | 5,755 78 | 3,521 91 
Danvers, . : 2,139 51 | 6,145 45 | 4,275 94 2,183 64 | 7,630 23 | 5,446 &9 
Dedham, . é 4,319 29 638 28 = | 4,461 35 = = 
Dover, . : 371 21 823 00 451 79 393 63 | 2,030 42 | 1,636 79 
Dracut, : ; 853 14 = = 862 81 | 1,260 03 397 22 
Dunstable, : = = = 116 03 814 43 698 40 
Duxbury, . : 748 20 = = 772 63 | 1,680 63 908 00 
East Bridgewater, 652 37 615 21 ‘= 664 79 | 1,417 46 | . 752 67 
Easton, 5 5 1,928 36 132 69 | = 1,947 96 = _ 
Essex, E : 419 61 1,924 63 | 1,505 02 422 27 | 2,198 84 | 1,776 57 
Everett, . 2 5,000 00 | 5,000 98 _ | 5,000 00 | 2,542 22 - 
Falmouth, . i - = - | 3,128 51 = = 
Framingham, . 3,687 44 | 3,448 58 = 3,800 82 | 5,252 12] 1,161 04 
Georgetown, ; 391 72 657 79 266 07 | 394 98 | 1,033 92 638 94 
Gloucester, : 5,000 00 | 4,724 35 = 5,000 00 | 6,506 28 753 14 
Groton, . - - - || 1,205 98 - - 
Groveland, : 419 03 644 46 225 43 || 441 45 | 1,345 15 903 70 
Halifax, . . 126 21 34 50 - 134 03 | 735 18 601 15 
Hamilton, . ; 1,120 77 | 2,472 01 | 1,851 24 || 1,186 10 | 3,432 79 | 2,246 69 


1 These towns had not made complete returns for the year at the time of printing. 
2 Expenditure and reimbursement for 1907 is for first half-year, to May 1. 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 7 
1906. 1907. 

Beg] feel |g | ig. eae 
Hanover,!. $548 32 $605 54 $57 22 $551 55 | = - 
Hanson, 298 60 = = 366 28 | $796 46 $430 18 
Harvard, - - = | 437 53 | 139 32 - 
Haverhill, . 5,000 00 | 3,886 39 - || 5,000 00 | 2,618 23 - 
Hingham, . 1,745 38 | 3,863 95 | 2,118 57 | 1,778 16 | 3,773 46 | 1,994 80 
Holbrook, . 507 27 104 14 - | 511 06 215 76 - 
Holliston, . 620 45 = = 618 46 - - 
Hopkinton, 655 71 67 40 = 649 77| 816 60 166 83 
Hudson, 1,252 82 349 83 = 1,276 38 | 2,536 01 | 1,259 63 
Hull, 1,818 45 = = 1,860 36 | = - 
Hyde Park, 5,000 00 | 2,876 52 = 5,000 00 | = - - 
Ipswich, 1,486 38 | 3,527 33 | 2,040 95 | 1,545 93 | 3,309 01 | 1,763 08 
Kingston, . 566 57 = = 583 56 | 287 77 - 
Lakeville, . 249 71 ~ - 252 84 | - - 
Lawrence, . 5,000 00 - - 5,000 00 - - 
Leominster, = = - || 3,769 99 252 00 - 
Lexington, 2,330 92 | 10,217 11 7,886 19 || 2,390 50 15,109 67 | 10,796 87 
Lincoln, O14 06 | 2,276 17 | 1,862 11 | 1,019 O1 | 3,804 70 | 2,785 69 
Littleton, 395 05 49 25 = | 396 95 684 39 287 44 
Lowell, 5,000 00 | 1,076 21 - 5,000 00 - - 
Lunenburg, 2 2 - || 400 47 = 2 
Lynn, ? 5,000 00 | 24,319 24 | 9,351 10 | eee Te snes ge eae Le 
Lynnfield, . 294 55.) 3,795 36 | 3,500 81 | 295 30 | 3,569 68 | 3,274 38 
Malden, 5,000 00 | 13,298 00 | 4,149 00 |} 5,000 00 | 10,3867 13 | 2,683 57 
Manchester, 4,060 10 | 2,619 86 = | 4,302 18 - - 
Marblehead, 2,840 52 | 3,055 27 171 80 2,891 82 | 2,450 91 = 
Marlborough, ? 3,791 60 | 2,239 43 = S856 47i| (PG Go | Seen 
Marshfield, . 660 70 150 00 - 673 59 843 96 170 37 
Maynard, 1,409 87 = = 1,426 30 | 2,498 36 | 1,072 06 
Medfield, = = - 613 O1 = - 
Medford,! 5,000 00 | 18,285 17 | 6,642 59 5,000 00 = = 
Melrose, 5,000 00 | 13,555 12 | 4,481 06 5,000 00 | 7,771 21 1,416 26 
Merrimac, . 506 68 667 05 160 37 495 08 426 62 = 
Methuen, 2,060.16 | 3,291 90 | 1,231 74 2,073 56 | 3,844 35 | 1,770 79 
Middleborough, . 1,652 57 = = 1,696 37 - = 
Middleton, 258 37 | 1,336 11 1,077 74 | 276 30 | 1,746 63 | 1,470 33 


1 These towns had not made complete returns for the year at the time of printing. 

2 Required expenditure of $2,500 was to be spentin Lynn woods, and reimbursement 
made on all above that sum was 100 per cent. 

3 Expenditure and reimbursement for 1907 is for first half-year, to May 1. 


18 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 
1906. 1907. 

Required Total : i : 

eigen | pena: Reha” Bupendr | epee Reinire 
Milford, = = = $2,567 49 = - 
Millis, $286 79 $128 98 - 291 71 - - 
Milton, 5,000 00 = = 5,000 00 a ~ 
Nahant, 2,128 30 = = 2,182 80 - - 
Natick, 2,651 45 = - 2,652 69 | $6,313 48 | $2,928 64 
Needham, . 1,616 48 | 1,383 48 - 1,709 15 | 2,073 93 364 78 
Newbury, . 478 72 | 2,500 04 | $2,021 32 488 56 | 2,390 90 | 1,902 35 
Newburyport, 4,324 35 | 3,876 55 - 4,394 09 | 3,284 53 - 
Newton, 5,000 00 | 8,277 49 | 1,638 75 5,000 00 | 6,522 72 761 36 
North Andover,} 1,783 29 965 45 = 1,803 34 | 1,517 19 - 
North Reading, . 267 47 | 1,077 17 809 70 267 68 | 2,183 49 | 1,915 81 
Norwell, 334 91 = = 332 95 = - 
Norwood, 2,051 09 = = 2,153 65 = - 
Orleans, 233 44 90 00 = 236 63 = = 
Peabody, 3,497 94 | 8,551 41 | 4,042 78 3,576 56 | 8,573 33 | 3,997 42 
Pembroke, 379 56 = = 374 78 483 23 108 45 
Pepperell, . ~ ~ - 884 80 = - 
Plymouth, 3,739 47 600 00 = 3,829 92 = = 
Plympton, 132 48 - - 131 09 791 16 660 07 
Quincey, 5,000 00 | 6,129 25 564 63 5,000 00 | 4,781 38 = 
Randolph, 798 10 _ = 799 00 = = 
Raynham, . 296 33 88 55 - || 293 70 83 57 - 
Reading, 1,845 37 | 4,895 13 | 3,049 76 1,886 39 | 7,846 05 | 5,959 66 
Revere,} 4,878 89 | 3,505 39 = 4,939 44 = = 
Rockland, . 1,318 18 575 45 = 1,363 81 = = 
Rockport, . 1,229 08 | 1,234 79 o 71 1,227 31 | 2,070 11 842 80 
Rowley, 297 56 | 1,064 66 767 10 295 72 988 17 692 45 
Salem, 5,000 00 | 11,453 52 | 3,226 76 || 5,000 00 | 12,828 02 | 3,914 O1 
Salisbury, . 340 99 | 1,978 20 | 1,637 21 332 53 | 2,141 61 1,809 08 
Sandwich, . - - = 390 92 - - 
Saugus, 1,733 54 | 15,530 85 | 13,797 31 | 1,814 66 | 14,909 27 | 13,094 61 
Scituate, 1,403 93 280 75 = 1,500 63 = = 
Sherborn, 357 80 | 1,064 88 707 08 441 09 | 1,240 14 799 05 
Shirley, =t ~ - || 878,12 - - 
Somerville, 5,000 00 | 5,855 04 427 52 5,000 00 | 4,257 79 = 
Southborough, 567 84 337 61 ~ | 587 06 | 2,088 O1 1,495 95 
Stoneham, 1,961 7,936 22 | 5,974 54 | 1,951 61 | 9,947 90 | 7,996 29 


68 


! These towns had not made complete returns for the year at the time of printing. 


1 These towns had not 


ALLOTMENTS OF APPROPRIATIONS. 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 19 
1906. 1907. 
Required Total . Required Total . 
Expendi: | Expendi- ezrent || Bxpendl- | Expenai- Peco 
Stoughton, $1,272 92 - — || $1,319 37 | $187 41 = 
Stow, 323 02 $236 33 = 332 73 798 20 $465 47 
Sudbury, 473 04 397 89 = 482 93 | 1,015 87 532 94 
Swampscott, 3,078 12 | 7,510 22 | $3,545 68 3,218 55 | 4,444 58 980 82 
Tewksbury, 708 06 | 1,200 27 492 21 551 08 | 1,737 84 | 1,186 76 
_ Topsfield, 380 47 | 1,258 44 877 97 397 69 | 2,426 19 | 2,028 50 
Tyngsborough, 175 47 102 00 = 186 05 |} 1,800 79 | 1,114 74 
Wakefield, 3,338 24 | 4,945 O01 1,285 42 3,340 26 | 6,176 49 | 2,268 99 
Walpole, = - - 1,422 07 - = 
Waltham)! 5,000 00 7,709 81 | 1,354 91 5,000 00 = - 
Wareham, . 1,316 62 = = 1,361 91 = - 
Watertown, 4,863 82 | 7,703 99 | 2,272 14 4,931 91 | 6,997 11 | 1,264 66 
Wayland, 765 O8 944 45 179 37 776 73 | 1,510 75 734 02 
Wellesley, . 4,442 85 | 2,469 34 = 4,721 43 | 3,188 79 - 
Wenham, 840 80 | 2,818 13 | 1,977 33 848 86 | 2,900 65 | 2,051 79 
West Bridgewater, 446 48 - - 448 07 551 36 103 29 
West Newbury, . 417 04 | 1,302 87 885 83 414 60 | 1,573 12! 1,158 52 
Westborough, 1,193 07 - - 1,229 45 ~ - 
Westford, . 639 19 = = 649 21 | 2,350 70 | 1,701 49 
Weston, 2,199 00 | 5,225 29 | 3,026 29 2,231 64 | 5,169 97 | 2,938 33 
Westwood, 831 93 7 62 - 833 40 - - 
Weymouth, 2,826 15 | 3,745 61 735 57 2,803 52 | 4,129 56 | 1,060 83 
Whitman, . 1,574 32 - - 1,639 90 - - 
Wilmington, 491 00 | 2,785 28 | 2,294 28 495 26 | 2,393 20 | 1,897 94 
Winchester, 4,117 46 | 14,056 96 | 7,951 60 4,202 25 | 10,526 11 | 5,059 09 
Winthrop, . 3,568 74 | 1,655 17 = 3,698 65 = = 
Woburn, 4,335 34 | 6,483 12 | 1,718 22 4,307 33 | 9,632 O1 | 4,252 45 
Worcester, 5,000 00 = = 5,000 00 = = 
Yarmouth, 726 40 100 00 = 732 80 = = 


made complete returns for the year at the time of printing. 


In making allotments of the funds available for the 1907 
gypsy moth work we have been governed almost entirely by the 
local needs of each municipality. The relative abundance or 
scarcity of the moths in each city and town was carefully de 
termined by inspections, and the amount needed to deal with 


20 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


the situation thoroughly, were unlimited funds available, was 
determined. 

From the total sum available for work in 1907, including 
appropriations, balance from 1906, and the initial liabilities 
of the cities and towns required by law, the items of central 
office and field expenses, emergency and special park work and 
reserve balance were deducted. This gave the net sum avail- 
able for the year’s work. The ratio between this sum and that 
estimated to be required, based solely on existing conditions, 
gives the factor used in scaling down the latter estimates to- 
correspond with the amount which could be used in prosecuting 
the work. In other words, we have in each case considered, 
first, the needs of the work; and next, the cost of what we could 
do with the funds at our disposal, taking due care that the total 
allotments should not exceed the amounts available for reim- 
bursement. At the beginning of the year the appropriation of 

75,000 (chapter 381, Acts of 1905), together with the unex- 
pended balance from 1906, was so allotted; and when the later 
appropriation of $220,000 (chapter 434, Acts of 1907) became 
available, a supplementary allotment was made. Later in the 
fall months, when it became apparent that several municipali- 
ties would not expend the entire amount allotted them, a part of 
the funds held in reserve for them was transferred to others 
which needed additional assistance on the part of the State. All 
allotments, whether original or by transfer, were first submitted 
to His Excellency the Governor for approval, as required by law. 

This problem of adjusting the allotments to various cities 
and towns has formed an important part of the work of the 
central office. Dealing as we do with over 150 municipalities, 
each having its own system — or lack of system — of account- 
ing, it has often been impossible to obtain a correct balancing 
of accounts. Even at this writing, after continued and most 
persistent solicitation, several of our municipalities have not 
submitted correct and complete records of their 1907 expenses, 
although notified seasonably that the fiscal year of the Com- 
monwealth closed on November 30. In common with certain 
other State boards, we have indeed found that the vis inertiw 
of many town and city officials is a most difficult obstacle to 
overcome. 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 21 


Much help in lightening the labors of the central office has 
been gained by the amendment permitting reimbursement to all 
municipalities every sixty days. While it has directly bene 
fited towns by returning to them promptly for future use the 
reimbursement due from the State, it has enabled our clerical 
force to keep more nearly abreast of its work, and has lessened 
the congestion in the accounting department which formerly 
occurred at the close of each year. In the case of the towns 
receiving 100 per cent. reimbursement after spending their 
liability, the refunds due have been turned over repeatedly in 
financing operations against the moths; while with those re- 
ceiving but 80 per cent. or even 50 per cent. reimbursement, 
the return of the amount due from the State every sixty days 
has often been of great advantage at critical times, particularly 
in the summer campaign; furthermore, it has eliminated an 
annoying factor, — that of the opposition of one local adminis- 
tration towards providing a substantial refund for the succeed- 
ing one. Such a consideration seems petty compared to the 
importance of suppressing the moth pests for the benefit of all. 
We are glad to say it has been noticed in only a small number 
of cases, but we regret to say that where it has occurred it has 
seriously delayed the necessary work and increased the cost of 
subsequent operations. 


History oF THE YEAR’s WorK. 


We have continued, with a large measure of success, the gen- 
eral policies adopted at the beginning of the work against the 
gypsy and brown-tail moths: «e., first clearing roadside trees 
from the pests, in order to prevent the scattering which inevi- 
tably takes place by the dropping of caterpillars on passing ve- 
hicles; and second, controlling the increasing of the insects in 
thickly settled sections, where the great majority of our people 
are domiciled, and where the annoyance and damage has been 
most severely felt in the past. We have also paid special at- 
tention to the care of trees and shrubs in public squares and 
parks, and have made a beginning on the great problem of deal- 
ing with the moths in woodlands. 

In caring for street trees about 9,000 miles of roads and 
streets have been worked over, the trees cleared of nests and 


22 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


egg clusters, burlapped, banded or sprayed, as conditions re- 
quired. It should be borne in mind that street trees once clear 
of the moth do not necessarily remain so. They are particularly 
exposed to infestation from straggling caterpillars dropped by 
carriages, automobiles, ete., as well as from the insects which 
come from stone walls and the occasionally neglected estates. 
The work of cutting and burning roadside brush and worthless 
trees, although often severely criticized by those who do not 
fully appreciate the extent to which neglected roadsides harbor 
the moths, has been of great help in forcing the insects to the 
remaining shade trees, there to be killed by spraying or inter- 
cepted at the burlap bands. Where badly infested woodlands 
border the roadsides, and the street trees are in fact but a part 
of the woods, protective belts from 50 to 100 feet wide have 
been thinned out, leaving the trees at such distances apart as 
shall insure their best growth. In such eases the trees to be 
left have been carefully selected and later banded and sprayed, 
in order to prevent the caterpillar swarms from reaching the 
roadside. The importance of this roadside work, which prob- 
ably represents at least one-half our efforts the past year, can- 
not be overestimated. If the spread of the moth throughout 
the State, now greatly favored by the constantly increasing 
number of automobiles in use, is to be prevented, the roadside 
trees must be kept free from the insects. 

During the winter and early spring months the work of de- 
stroying gypsy moth egg clusters and the brown-tail moth webs 
on street trees and private estates was diligently continued, and 
the enforcement of the provisions of the law on private estates _ 
where no work had been done against the pests was vigorously 
prosecuted. Obliged by necessity in 1906 to give first attention 
to the worst-infested residential sections, even to the neglect of 
outlying districts, we were able in 1907 to extend these opera- 
tions so far as to cover a large part of the more scattered farm- 
ing districts as well; so that with the opening of the caterpillar 
season practically the entire district, aside from the woodlands, 
had been worked over. Cities and towns were also directed 
early in the season to place their orders for spraying outfits, 
burlap and insecticides, so that adequate supplies should be on 
hand in season for the spring work. During the latter part of 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 23 


April and throughout May burlapping and banding operations 
on street trees and badly infested residential sections were 
carried on; while in the latter part of May and throughout 
June and July spraying operations were prosecuted vigorously 
and with great success. Throughout the month of May millions 
of the small caterpillars, intercepted by the sticky bands used 
in sections where the gypsy moth was most prevalent, were 
destroyed by hand by means of steel wire brushes. Beginning 
with the latter part of June and continuing throughout July 
and August, the burlaps were well attended, with the usual sat- 
isfactory results, this work being followed by the crushing of 
pup and the creosoting of female moths and egg clusters in 
many localities where their numbers warranted such action. 
After the egg clusters had been deposited, the most efficient men 
in each town gang were continued at work creosoting the clus- 
ters from the ground upward to a point above the probable 
snow line. With the ‘ ground work,” so called, well done in 
this way, it is possible, no matter how deep the snow may be, 
for local gangs to do effective work against the gypsy moth 
throughout the entire winter. During the fall months, and 
continuing to the time of the present writing, a great deal of 
scouting work has been done both by the local gangs and by 
employees of the central office. This scouting work involves a 
thorough examination of street, shade and fruit trees, shrub- 
bery, fences, walls, ete., the moth colonies so found being re- 
corded and thoroughly treated. In this way the local organiza- 
tions are able to obtain an adequate idea of the success of the 
season’s work, and a knowledge of the danger spots to which 
special attention must be given the following year. 

An important part of the fall and early winter work has been 
the cutting and burning of worthless, hollow or diseased fruit 
trees, and the cementing or preferably tinning over of cavities 
in the trees remaining, thereby doing away with notable nest- 
ing places of the gypsy moth. Both in the winter and spring 
work against the gypsy moth all brown-tail moth webs found 
were removed and burned. The work against the latter insect 
can be done to the best advantage after the snow has fallen. 
The webs cut from the trees contrast strongly with the snow, 


and make it possible for the ‘“ ground man” to gather and 


24 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


destroy all of them. While much of this work must of neces- 
sity be done when the ground is bare, there is greater danger 
that a few fallen webs may be overlooked than when the snow 
is on the ground. Experiments made by the superintendent 
many years ago showed that brown-tail moth webs exposed on 
the ground to the free action of the elements would still yield 
“in the following spring a considerable percentage of caterpil- 
lars, which would find their way to the nearest trees or shrub- 
bery, there to feed and develop in a normal manner, and thus 
continue the infestation. 

In this connection, the plan of work against the brown-tail 
moth adopted by Local Superintendent W. D. Corliss, Glouces- 
ter, Mass., is worthy of commendation. Mr. Corliss first sends 
through the infested district a crew of skilled climbers to cut 
off the webs, and these are immediately followed by a suitable 
number of ground men to gather and destroy them. Finally, 
a trained inspector goes over the work to make sure that all 
webs have been removed and properly collected and burned. 
This plan of work has given most excellent results, and has 
been adopted by many local superintendents. 

During the early part of the year it became apparent that 
field agents were not able, because of the increased area of their 
divisions to give all the time desirable to those portions of the 
badly infested central district under their charge. In this cen- 
tral district, within a radius of 15 miles of Boston, the bulk of 
the work has been required, and here the largest expenditures 
have been made. Becoming convinced that the best results 
could be obtained by placing the entire central district in charge 
of a single agent, a rearrangement of the divisions was made 
early in the summer, Mr. C. W. Minott being placed in charge 
of the central division, and a readjustment made of the towns 
included in the other divisions. In the southern division, em- 
bracing practically all of Plymouth and Barnstable counties 
and a small part of Bristol County, the moths were known to 
be widely scattered; but to determine the actual conditions pre- 
vailing in this far-reaching, thinly settled territory, a great deal 


1 The Brown-tail Moth, Fernald-Kirkland, Massachusetts Board of Agriculture, 1903, — 
p. 60. 


1908. ] PUBLIC. DOCUMENT — No. 73. 25 


s 


of scouting or inspection work was required. To carry on the 
work already inaugurated in this division, as well as to make a 
thorough examination of the territory, the secretary to the super- 
intendent, Mr. John A. Farley, was transferred from the office 
to the field force as agent in charge. Mr. Farley’s extensive 
experience in the work against the moth, particularly in the 
directing of scouting operations, has made his services in the 
southern division of special value. The vacancy in the office 
staff thus caused has been filled by the appointment of Mr. C. 
O. Bailey to the office of secretary to the superintendent, where 
his tact, fidelity and excellent knowledge of local conditions 
have made his services specially valuable. 


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 


It is always a pleasure to acknowledge the assistance of others 
who have contributed in so great a measure to make successful 
the work against the moth pests. The superintendent has freely 
sought the advice of the Honorable Attorney-General, the Au- 
ditor of the Commonwealth and the secretary of the Board of 
Agriculture, as well as that of the officials and several members 
of the Massachusetts Association for the Suppression of the 
Gypsy and Brown-tail Moths, and in each case the help so 
sought has been as freely given. Particularly helpful have been 
the suggestions and counsel given by the consulting entomolo- 
gist, Prof. C. H. Fernald, Gen. S. C. Lawrence and Messrs. 
Allen Chamberlain and A. W. Elson; and, finally, the super- 
intendent gladly acknowledges his deep sense of obligation to 
the assistant superintendent, Mr. L. H. Worthley, Secretary C. 
O. Bailey and Field Agents F. A. Bates, J. W. Enwright, J. A. 
Farley, C. W. Minott and G. A. Smith. During the long and 
serious illness of the superintendent in the early part of the 
year the management of the work devolved almost entirely 
upon these gentlemen, and the fidelity and skill with which they 
have discharged their important duties is worthy of all praise. 
The superintendent’s thanks are also due to the officials of the 
various cities and towns, and to the inspectors and other em- 
ployees of the central office, for continued hearty co-operation 
and faithful service. 


26 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


Scouting Work. 


During the fall it became possible for the first time since 
the beginning of the work under the present legislation to se- 
cure the services of a considerable number of trained employees 
for scouting operations. A combination of circumstances placed 
in the labor market a large number of men familiar with the 
moth and the best means for destroying it. The reduction in 
the numbers of the gypsy moth in the Fells Reservation of the 
metropolitan park system released many competent employees; 
while, as an indirect result of the financial depression, contract- 
ors who have made a specialty of clearing large private estates 
of the moth pest found a lessening demand for their services, 
and consequently were obliged to discharge a considerable num- 
ber of their employees. With the approval of His Excellency 
the Governor, the superintendent has employed some 70 scouts 
in making a thorough examination of the territory extending 
westward from the border of the known infested district, work 
which heretofore it has been impossible to undertake. This 
force was divided into gangs of from 5 to 8 men, each working 
under the direction of an inspector; the whole scouting opera- 
tions being directly in charge of Messrs. Harry Ramsey and 
Saul Phillips, of the central field force. A thorough scouting 
is also under way in the heavily wooded section of the North 
Shore district, including parts of Beverly, Wenham, Hamilton, 
Essex, Manchester and Gloucester. This section, containing, as 
it does, a large number of magnificent summer estates and many 
miles of most beautiful drives, has been known to be generally 
infested, but until this fall no complete inspection of the wood- 
land areas here has been possible. Through an arrangement 
with Col. Wm. D. Sohier, whose energetic and effective co- 
operation has been most valuable, the superintendent agreed to 
have a thorough scouting made of the entire district, and, with 
this as a basis, to present an estimate of the probable cost of 
clearing it from the moth pests. We are assured that, as soon 
as such an estimate can be made and a plan of the necessary 
work formulated, we may count upon the liberal financial co- 
operation of the North Shore towns and their residents in a 
general campaign against the moths over the entire district. 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 27 


This section cannot be longer neglected without serious injury 
to its forests and consequent depreciation of property values, 
not to mention the unspeakable annoyance caused by the cater- 
pillar swarms which will soon be in evidence if their develop- 
ment is not checked. In the scouting work in Worcester and 
Middlesex counties, the roadsides, orchards and private estates, 
as well as suspected woodlands, have been looked over by trained 
men, with the anticipated although somewhat discouraging re- 
sult that the gypsy moth has been found established in a con- 
siderable number of the towns examined. 

In his report of January, 1907, the superintendent said 
(page 24): “It may be well to state at the outset that the 
actual limits of the district infested by the gypsy moth in 
Massachusetts are not yet known, and will not be determined 
until such time as funds for a thorough examination of the out- 
lying towns by trained men are available. To correctly delimit 
the infested district, a force of at least 100 trained men might 
well be employed throughout the greater part of an entire year.” 
Our experience during the year 1907 has simply confirmed the 
opinion expressed above. Since the advent of the automobile, 
the scattering of the gypsy moth caterpillars has gone on apace. 
Our scouting plans for the winter also include a thorough ex- 
amination of the main automobile route from Boston to Spring- 
field, with probabilities strongly in favor of finding moths in 
such centers of population as Brookfield, Warren, Palmer and 
Springfield. Should the moths be found in the latter city, it 
will be desirable to continue the inspection southerly along the 
line of travel toward New York as far as the Connecticut 
border, and westerly to Westfield, Pittsfield and possibly down 
the Housatonic valley. It is quite probable that scattering in- 
festations will ultimately be found along the main lines of 
automobile travel throughout the State. Thus it may be found 
that the splendid system of State highways which the liberal 
poley of our Commonwealth has provided, by increasing the 
general use of the automobile, has contributed indirectly to the 
scattering of the gypsy moth. 

The scouting operations of the year 1907 have developed the 
presence of the gypsy moth at Ashby, Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, 
Dunstable, Falmouth, Fitchburg, Franklin, Grafton, Leicester, 


28 GYPSY 


Leominster, Lunenburg, Medfield, Medway, Milford, Millbury, 
Northbridge, Pepperell, Sharon, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Towns- 
end, Upton, Walpole and Worcester. 
territory in Massachusetts now includes 165 cities and towns, 


AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. 


with an area of 3,148 square miles. 


A complete list of cities and towns known to be infested by 


The entire gypsy moth 


the gypsy moth Jan. 1, 1908, is appended : — 


Abington. 
Acton. 
Amesbury. 
Andover. 
Arlington. 
Ashby. 
Ashland. 
Avon. 
Ayer. 
Barnstable. 
Bedford. 
Belmont. 
Berlin. 
Beverly. 
Billerica. 
Bolton. 
Boston. 
Bourne. 


Boxborough. 


Boxford. 
Braintree. 


Bridgewater. 


Brockton. 
Brookline. 
Burlington. 
Cambridge. 
Canton. 
Carlisle. 
Carver. 
Chelmsford. 
Chelsea. 
Clinton. 
Cohasset. 
Concord. 
Danvers. 
Dedham. 


Dover. 
Dracut. 
Dunstable. 
Duxbury. 


East Bridgewater. 


Easton. 
Essex. 
Everett. 
Falmouth. 
Fitchburg. 
Framingham. 
Franklin. 
Georgetown. 
Gloucester. 
Grafton. 
Groton. 
Groveland. 
Halifax. 
Hamilton. 
Hanover. 
Hanson. 
Harvard. 
Haverhill. 
Hingham. 
Holbrook. 
Holliston. 
Hopkinton. 
Hudson. 
Hull. 

Hyde Park. 
Ipswich. 
Kingston. 
Lakeville. 
Lawrence. 
Leicester, 
Leominster. 


Lexington. 
Lincoln. 
Littleton. 
Lowell. 
Lunenburg. 
Lynn. 
Lynnfield. 
Malden. 
Manchester. 
Marblehead. 
Marlborough. 
Marshfield. 
Maynard. 
Medfield. 
Medford. 
Medway. 
Melrose. 
Merrimae. 
Methuen. 
Middleborough. 
Middleton. 
Milford. 
Millbury. 
Millis. 

Milton. 
Nahant. 
Natick. 
Needham. 
Newbury. 
Newburyport. 
Newton. 
North Andover. 
North Reading. 
Northbridge. 
Norwell. 
Norwood. 


[Jan 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. .73. 29 
Orleans. Sharon. Wareham. 
Peabody. Sherborn. Watertown. 
Pembroke. Shirley. Wayland. 
Pepperell. Shrewsbury. Wellesley. 
Plymouth. Somerville. Wenham. 
Plympton. Southborough. Westborough. 
Quiney. Stoneham. West Bridgewater. 
Randolph. Stoughton. West Newbury. 
Raynham. Stow. Westford. 

Reading. Sudbury. Weston. 
Revere. Swampscott. Westwood. 
Rockland. Tewksbury. Weymouth. 
Rockport. Topsfield. Whitman. 
Rowley. Townsend. Wilmington. 
Salem. Tyngsborough. Winchester. 
Salisbury. Upton. Winthrop. 
Sandwich. Wakefield. Woburn. 
Saugus. Walpole. Worcester. 
Scituate. Waltham. Yarmouth. 


SprciraL Work in Parks. 


By the amendment to the original gypsy moth act, adopted 
by the Legislature in 1907, the superintendent was authorized, 
subject to the approval of the Governor, to give special assist- 
ance in caring for the moth pests in parks, cemeteries, wood- 
lands and other places of public resort, where there was special 
danger of the spread of the caterpillars upon persons or teams. 
This provision has enabled us to arrange for co-operative work 
for the preservation of several of our most beautiful parks which 
have been devastated by the swarming gypsy moth caterpillars. 
Co-operative work of this kind has been arranged in the case 
of the Lynn Woods Reservation, particularly for the protec- 
tion of the trees along the main drives, and of certain valuable 
pines and hemlocks at Pine Banks Park in Malden and Mel-. 
rose, where a large number of beautiful pines had already been 
killed by the moth; in clearing up and putting in condition for 
effective spraying operations Sewall’s Woods Park and Ell 
Pond Park at Melrose; the protection of the fine hemlocks and 
other trees in “ Shaker Glen,” so called, in Woburn; and in 
making an important beginning in wiping out the large gypsy 
moth colony which now threatens Prospect Hill Park, Waltham. 


30 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 


We are obliged, and rightly, to keep constantly in view the 
economic side of the gypsy moth problem. Our fruit trees, 
shade trees and shrubbery must be amply protected; otherwise, 
depreciation of property values is bound to occur, not to men- 
tion the discomfort and annoyance caused in so many ways by 
the caterpillar swarms. 

There is also another phase of the problem, which appeals 
strongly not only to tree lovers but to the population of our 
badly infested cities and their suburbs. In addition to the mag- 
nificent system of metropolitan parks, there are in the badly 
infested moth district hundreds of small parks and squares 
whose beauties are as keenly enjoyed by the great working class 
as by their neighbors to whom fortune has given greater oppor- 
tunities for leisure; furthermore, not all the beauty spots in the 
woodlands have as yet been acquired for public uses, yet many 
of them are freely thrown open to the public by their owners. 
It has been our constant purpose to have all these places of pub- 
lic resort protected as thoroughly as possible from the inroads 
of the moth pests, and to this end we have repeatedly urged 
that they receive proper care at the hands of local authorities. 
There have been eases, however, as previously mentioned, where 
a little judicious, direct help on the part of this department has 
been a great benefit not only to the people of the city or town 
in which the park was located, but to the greater public at large. 
The amount so expended has been small, but the results ob- 
tained, we believe, will prove to be far reaching and of perma- 
nent value. 

The amount expended on this feature of the work against 
the moths is tabulated below: — 


Lynn Woods Reservation, i : : ; ° . $5,000 00 
Contingent upon the city of Lynn expending a like sum. 
Pine Banks Park, Malden and Melrose, . : é 1,957 00 


Contingent upon the cities of Malden and Nicene prop- 
erly spraying the park in the summer of 1908. 
Ell Pond and Sewall’s Woods parks, Melrose, . ; 1,500 00 
Cutting and thinning operations. The city of ihanedee 


to follow up this work by spraying. 


ONE ORR aR 


are 


Pines, Hemlocks and Other Trees defoliated by Gypsy Moth Caterpillars. — Lynn 


Woods, July, 1907. 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. dl 


Shaker Glen, Woburn, . f . $1,498 91 
Land held by private owners, ns much Re aenred by 
the public. Spraying operations necessary to pre- 
serve the fine hemlocks from destruction. 
Prospect Hill Park, Waltham, 4 435 00 
Contingent upon the city of Walehegh semen and 
spraying belts of woodland to protect the work 
done by the State. 


In the case of the work at Prospect Hill Park, Waltham, 
competitive bids were secured from a number of responsible 
contractors, the contract being awarded to the lowest bidder. 
In the case of the other parks mentioned, the work has been 
done by day labor. 


Emercency Work. 


By chapter 521, Acts of 1907, amending chapter 381, Acts 
of 1905, the superintendent, subject to the approval of the 
Governor, is authorized in case of emergency, or where there 
is great or immediate danger of the increase or spread of the 
moths, due to the neglect of any city or town to comply with 
the terms of this act, to initiate or continue the work of sup- 
pressing the moths, the cost of the same to be collected as a 
special State tax upon the negligent municipality. Previous to 
the passage of this amendatory act, the only method to secure ac- 
tion on the part of negligent cities or towns was to issue an order 
directing the expenditure of the necessary sum within a certain 
specified time, with a heavy penalty for failing to comply with 
such directions. To enforce this section of the law recourse 
must be had to the courts, with the unavoidable delays attend- 
ing such action; while in the mean time the caterpillar swarms 
might easily destroy the foliage of the trees and inflict irrepa- 
rable damage. As*the law now stands, the superintendent has 
a means for prompt action in such cases of emergency. It has 
not been necessary to make use of this feature of the law except 
in the case of a single city, where, through unfortunate local 
complications, the work was badly neglected at the time when 
the caterpillars were swarming. The cost of this emergency 
work has been charged back to the city, and will later be col- 
lected as a special State tax. 


32 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


ConpiTIon oF INFESTED DistTRICT. 


So successful have been the efforts made during the past two 
and one-half years to bring the gypsy and brown-tail moths 
under control, that the residential district and roadside prob- 
lems are now in a sense of minor importance. It has taken 
much of hard, persistent, intensive work to bring about this 
state of affairs, but it has been accomplished. No longer are 
travellers on our roads and streets annoyed by swarms of cater- 
pillars spinning down from overhanging shade trees; no longer 
are the inhabitants of the congested districts poisoned and made 
sick by swarming brown-tail moth caterpillars, whose irritating 
hairs produce indescribable suffering; no longer are the fruit 
and shade trees in village, house lot or orchard defoliated and 
left bare to the scorching rays of the sun. True, there have 
been many isolated cases of such annoyance and injury in a 
large number of towns during the year; but, viewing the con- 
dition of the whole district in midsummer, 1907, in comparison 
with the conditions prevailing in 1905, the gain made in the 
control of the moth is as remarkable as it is gratifying. The 
superintendent feels that this statement can be made in all pro- 
priety, since the actual field work has been done by local organ- 
izations, intelligently directed and properly supported by mu- 
nicipal authorities and the co-operative efforts of thousands of 
good citizens. 

How general is the confidence in the efficacy of the present 
system of work is well shown by the increasing tendency to rely 
wholly on the local organizations to clear the trees on private 
estates, 


a condition of affairs exceedingly gratifying from 
one point of view, but from another not wholly commendable, 
since the loeal forces cannot have too much assistance from 
property owners. 

The problem of controlling the gypsy moth has now resolved 
itself into the great question of dealing with the infested wood- 
lands. Of minor rank, but still highly important, is the con- 
tinued control of the moth where the mastery has been gained, 
and the extermination of the incipient colonies in the outlying 
sparsely infested towns. 


In the “central district,” as it may well be called, including 


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1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 33 


as it does the most seriously infested towns, such headway has 
been gained that it will be possible in several cases to reduce 
the allotments of expense for 1908. In other words, in some of 
the central towns the crisis has been met and has safely passed. 
In others, where the problem still involves the care of large areas 
of infested woodlands, or where suitable expenditures have not 
been made in the recent past, the fight must be still kept up with 
unabated vigor. 

In the “ outer districts, 
are found towns and cities of all degrees of infestation by the 
gypsy moth, from that of Hyde Park or Bedford, where large 


” as we have arbitrarily delimited it, 


numbers of the moth are still in evidence, to that of Leicester 
or Townsend, where but single small colonies exist. The con- 
dition of each city and town is briefly summarized in the pages 
that follow. 


Central District. 
ARLINGTON. 
W. H. Brapiey, Local Superintendent. 


The work in this town has been carried forward this year 
with unabated interest on the part of the local officials, and 
excellent systematic work has been done in combating the moth 
pests throughout the year. Fall and winter cleaning, tangle- 
footing, burlapping, spraying and closing of cavities, all re- 
ceived attention. Roadsides have been cleared of underbrush, 
and in woodlands previously thinned the underbrush has been 
removed. These various operations have been pushed vigor- 
ously during their proper seasons, and excellent results have 
been obtained. 

The clearing of Sucker Brook valley during the winter and 
spring of 1907 has helped materially in controlling the moth 
pests in the central section of the town. 

The improved condition of the residential sections will now 
allow the local superintendent to take up the work of clearing 
the woodlands in the western part of the town, thereby protect- 
ing not only Menotomy Rocks Park, but the entire residential 
section at Arlington Heights. This will help in reducing the 
cost of the coming season’s work, and allow an extension of 
woodland work on the eastern side of the town another year. 


3b4 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


Nine thousand trees were burlapped and 11,000 banded with 
tanglefoot in Arlington this year, while all street trees and those 
on town property were sprayed, with good results. At the 
present time the street trees have been cleaned, and the same 
is true of nearly all the trees on town property. About one- 
half the work on private property is done. 


BELMONT. 
A. W. Exson, Local Superintendent. 


The important condition of this town, as far as the gypsy 
moth is concerned, speaks well for the local organization. The 
condition of the street trees in residential sections is greatly 
improved over that of 1906, much progress has been made in 
caring for the woodland trees lying south of Marsh Street, and 
the attractive belt has been thinned out along the north side of 
this street. 

The local superintendent has pushed the work against the 
moths vigorously, his efforts being ably assisted by town offi- 
cials and many public-spirited citizens. 

The destruction of egg clusters in the winter, cutting and 
burning, and the burlapping, spraying, etc., have been thor- 
oughly attended to at the proper seasons, and a continuance of 
these methods will soon bring the moth well under control in 
this town. The most serious hindrance to successful work 
against the insect here is found in the numerous old orchards 
full of hollow, worthless trees, which constantly harbor the 
gypsy moth. Until these trees find their way to the bonfire, or 
are properly cemented or tinned, the gypsy moth will be plenti- 
ful in Belmont. 

In caring for the large tract of pasture and woodland lying 
principally between Concord Avenue and Marsh Street, which 
was generally infested by the gypsy moth, we have received 
hearty and effective co-operation from the owners, Messrs. E. F. 
Atkins and H. O. Underwood. We anticipate that the results 
of the work during the summer of 1908 will be so satisfactory 
that nearly if not all the woodland may be cleared up another 
fall, thereby bringing the whole infested area under thorough 
control. 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 35 


BEVERLY. 


JostaH S. Brown, Local Superintendent. 


The early part of the year was devoted to clearing private 
estates of both kinds of the moth. Later, all of the trees in the 
residential part of the city were burlapped and well attended 
during the caterpillar season. All badly infested places were 
thoroughly sprayed, with good results. The fall scouting shows 
that the sections worked over to date are in a greatly improved 
condition, as far as the moth pests are concerned. The wood- 
land proposition is an entirely different matter; the force of 
men employed by the central office are now making a careful 
search of the wooded areas, and have already located a number 

eof colonies of serious importance which will require thorough 
treatment before the opening of the caterpillar season. Beverly 
is fortunate in numbering among its residents a large number 
of wealthy citizens owning considerable areas of beautiful wood- 
land, in the protection of which they have freely spent time and 
money. There is an occasional neglected estate which has caused 
more or less trouble, but as a rule the co-operation of both sum- 
mer and permanent residents has been most hearty, while the 
work has been well supported by the city officials. 

During 1908 burlapping and spraying will be necessary to 
hold the ground gained, and particular efforts must be made 
to stamp out the woodland colonies previously mentioned. At 
the present writing the local force is engaged in clearing the 
street trees. 

Boston. 
D. HENRY SULLIVAN, Local Superintendent. 

A vigorous campaign against the gypsy and brown-tail moths 
has been carried on in this city under the efficient management 
of the local superintendent, the results being better than those 
usually obtained from the average untrained city employees; 
although it is but fair to say that, had a sufficient number of 
experienced men been available for the moth work, greater 
progress would have been made in securing the control of the 
insects. 

In 1906 the Allston and Brighton districts were so badly in- 


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


fested that practically all the work against the moths in the 
city was done there simply to control them, with the result that 
the outlying sections were of necessity neglected. During 1907 
the work of the previous year was followed up, and much at- 
tention was given to destroying the moths in the outer sections 
of this city. In addition to an enormous amount of work on 
private estates done during the winter of 1906-07, extensive . 
spraying operations were also carried on, with good results. 
The work of destroying the egg clusters of gypsy moths and 
removing the webs of the brown-tail moth has been prosecuted 
this fall as weather permitted, and good progress has been made. 
The work in the city has had good financial support, and, were 
it possible to secure a more experienced and efficient class of 
laborers, the control of the moth here would not be difficult. _ 

In the care of the parks and boulevards under the control of 
the park department, the principal reliance has been placed on 
spraying operations, which have kept the moths fairly well un- 
der control. There has been, of course, a considerable scatter- 
ing of the gypsy moth caterpillars early in the season, where 
the ege clusters were not creosoted. Franklin Park is quite 
generally infested, and in certain sections of it the numerous 
ege clusters should be destroyed, the trees burlapped and sticky 
bands used. 

During the coming year particular attention should be given 
to controlling the gypsy moth by the use of burlaps and spray- 
ing, particularly in the southern wards of the city. The gen- 
eral clearing up of brush and worthless trees in back yards, 
along the fences, ete., is also desirable. 


BROOKLINE. 
Usiep PERRIN, Local Superintendent. 

The work of suppressing the gypsy and brown-tail moths in 
Brookline, both on town and private property, has been carried 
on during 1907 without reference to the owner’s liability under 
the act, the cost being met through the general tax levy. The 
interest in the protection of trees in this town shown by the 
shade tree committee in past years has been in evidence in many 
ways during the year just ended. The work of the local super- 


1908. ] ~ PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 37 


intendent under the direction of this committee has been notably 
efficient, and ably seconded by the hearty co-operation of prop- 
erty owners. 

The principal work done against the moths here has been in 
spraying and burlapping, both methods giving good results. At 
the present writing the northern part of the town, which prac- 
tically includes the thickly settled residential section, has been 
carefully cleaned of gypsy and brown-tail moth pests; and, if 
this work can be well followed up by burlapping and spraying 
in 1908, the numbers of the moths here will be greatly reduced. 
The large estates in the remaining part of the town include 
much woodland which is generally infested. Here the moths 
have gained a strong foothold, and vigorous efforts on the part 
of the local authorities and continued co-operation of the land 
owners will be required to control the pest. So long as this 
woodland infestation continues, the entire surrounding terri- 
tory will remain particularly liable to reinfestation. 

The work for the coming year, aside from the burlapping and 
spraying in the district where the gypsy moth is already under 
control, should include the clearing up of the known badly in- 
fested woodland colonies by removing worthless trees, cutting 
brush, cementing or tinning cavities, etc., this to be followed 
up by liberal burlapping and spraying. Sooner or later the 
entire wooded area in this town must be worked over and the 
moth brought under control, if permanent progress is to be 
made. From considerations of economy, it is desirable that 
this work should be done at the earliest possible moment. 


BURLINGTON. 
‘WALTER W. SKELTON, Local ‘Superintendent. 

This town remains seriously infested by the gypsy moth, not- 
withstanding the fact that a very large gain has been made in 
the struggle for the control of the insect here. As in other 
towns in the vicinity, the principal danger here is in the wood- 
land colonies, but we are glad to report that a notable beginning 
has been made in bringing them under control. The street trees 
are now well protected, and a large amount of work of a semi- 
permanent character has been done in many of the infested: 


38 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 


orchards. A thorough cleaning was given the town in the 
early part of the year. This was followed by excellent work in 
burlapping and spraying. During the fall months, brush cut- 
ting along roadsides, cementing and tinning of cavities in badly 
infested orchards and the destruction of the nests or webs of 
the moths, occupied the attention of the local force. At the 
present writing the cleaning of the street trees is in progress. 

An excellent showing has been made in this town, consider- 
ing the amount of money expended. The purchase of a power 
sprayer for the 1908 campaign would be highly desirable, par- 
ticularly in view of the number and size of the woodland 
colonies. 


CAMBRIDGE. 


J. F. DONNELLY, Local Superintendent. 


Excellent results have been obtained from the work against 
the moth in this city, due very largely to good management on 
the part of the local superintendent. In the most seriously 
infested sections burlaps were freely used, and-a considerable 
amount of spraying was done during the caterpillar season. 
The street trees, generally speaking, are in excellent condition 
as regards the gypsy moth, and the same is true of many private 
estates, so that the cost of the winter and spring work will be 
much less. With the bulk of the gypsy moths practically wiped 
out in Cambridge, more general use of burlap will be desirable 
during the coming summer. Spraying operations will be re- 
quired wherever the caterpillars are found in unusual numbers. 

Cambridge is particularly lable to reinfestation from outside 
sources. Many thousands of persons annually visit the Harvard 
College grounds, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, the Washington Elm 
and other places of special interest; and the chances are highly 
probable that a very large number of gypsy moth caterpillars 
are annually brought into this city as unwilling passengers on 
the vehicles or persons of these visitors. This point is men- 
tioned to emphasize the need of constant watchfulness, which 
shall detect and suppress any incipient colonies that may be- 
come established. 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 39 


CHELSEA. 
ALFRED Macei, Local Superintendent. 

The same earnest efforts to suppress the moths manifest in 
past years have been continued in 1907, and the situation in this 
city is well in hand. There is practically no woodland within 
the city limits, and the street trees and those on private estates 
have been well protected from caterpillar damage by the liberal 
use of burlap. There still remains to be done a considerable 
amount of tinning and cementing of orchard trees, while in cer- 
tain sections numerous worthless trees should be removed and 
burned. Owing to the temporary lack of funds the latter part 
of the year, the work against the gypsy moth in Chelsea is not 
so far advanced as in some other cities, although practically all 
of the ground work, so called, has been done. 


DANVERS. 
THOMAS E. TINSLEY, Local Superintendent. 


The infestation in this town is general, but its condition shows 
a great gain over that of 1906, owing to the able management of 
the loeal superintendent, the cordial support of town officials 
and the large amount of good work done by private citizens. 
During the early part of the year the work of clearing street 
trees and private estates was completed. Following this, burlap 
was freely used and a large amount of spraying done. Both 
these operations gave excellent results, particularly in orchards 
where cementing and tinning of cavities had been done. In the 
late summer and fall the clearing of infested roadsides received 
proper attention, and at this writing the work of clearing the 
street trees is in progress. The usual operations of burlapping 
and spraying will be in order here next year, and two matters in 
connection with this work should receive particular attention. 

In the thinly settled portion of the town there are a great 
many stone walls bordered with brush on either side, the whole 
being generally infested by the gypsy moth. The brush should 
be eut and the walls burned out as soon as the eggs have hatched. 

Near the Peabody line an important colony has been located, 
which should have thorough attention during the year. 


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


ESSEX. 
Orvis O. Srory, Local Superintendent. 


Early in the year all trees on private property were thor- 
oughly cleaned and later burlapped, and spraying was also done 
with the usual good results. But few towns in the entire in- 
fested district show better results from the use of burlap than 
Essex, — a condition of affairs which speaks well for the local 
management. In the territory worked over not over one-half 
as many gypsy moth egg clusters have been found this fall 
as was the case in 1906. At this writing the street trees have 
been cleaned and brush removed from the infested roadsides. 
Employees of the central office are now scouting the woodland 
in the southern part of the town, finding numerous scattered in- 
festations which will require attention in 1908. 


EVERETT. — PARK COMMISSIONERS. 
WILIIAM KENNERLY, Local Superintendent. 


The work against the moth in this city has been performed 
under the direct supervision of the park commissioners, and has 
resulted in a marked improvement in the condition of the terri- 
tory as a whole. The street trees and those on private estates 
are in better condition than for some years past, while notable 
progress in suppressing the moths has been made also in Wood- 
lawn Cemetery. 

The work the coming season should consist of burlapping, 
spraying, removing worthless trees and underbrush and closing 
all cavities with tin in the remaining trees. If this latter work 
is performed before the eggs hatch in the coming spring, good 
results will follow next season’s operations against the moths in 
Everett. 

GLOUCESTER. 


Witi1am D. Coruiss, Local Superintendent. 


The good quality of work done here in the past against the 
moth pests has been continued during the year just closing. 
Following the ordinary winter work of clearing street trees and 
those on private estates, burlaps were liberally applied and care- 
fully attended during the caterpillar season. In this way many 
thousands of caterpillars were destroyed, and in certain badly 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 4] 


infested sections spraying with arsenate of lead gave the usual 
good results. In the important colony in the woodland off 
Magnolia Avenue, locally known as the Heater Piece, where 
between 10,000 and 15,000 egg clusters were destroyed a year 
ago, the cutting of brush, thinning out of the trees and free use 
of the burlap gave notably good results. Very little expense will 
be required in this colony during the coming year. Two colo- 
nies of considerable size were found in the woodland in the late 
summer, one at Bay View and the other off Magnolia Avenue. 
Here underbrush has been cut, the trees thinned, and all neces- 
sary work done to put the colonies in good condition for the use 
of burlap. At the present writing the street trees have been 
cleared of moths, and the work of caring for neglected private 
estates is in progress. We are glad to acknowledge the hearty 
co-operation of city officials and citizens alike in Gloucester dur- 
ing the past year. While the moth problem here is still a seri- 
ous one, 1t is well under control; and if the present good work 
can be continued, the cost of the necessary operations should be 
notably reduced in the near future. 


LEXINGTON. 
CoRNELIUS WELLINGTON, Local Superintendent. 


This town still continues very seriously infested by the gypsy 
moth, although a notable gain has been made in reducing the 
numbers of the insect in sections which have been worked over. 
The condition of affairs in the woodland at Lexington is com- 
parable to that existing in Arlington and Medford in 1905. A 
large number of important gypsy moth colonies are scattered 
throughout the woods, and, while much good work has been done 
in preventing the spread of the moths to the roadsides, much 
more remains to be accomplished. The work in this town has 
been well handled, and the general directions of the central office 
have been carefully followed out at all times. Co-operation on 
the part of the town officials and citizens in general has been 
constant. At this writing, the trees in the residential sections, 
in orchards and along the streets are in good condition as far as 
the gypsy moth is concerned, although a considerable amount of 
cleaning on private estates yet remains to be done. 

Following the thorough winter cleaning of the town a con- 


42 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. | [ Jan. 


siderable amount of brush cutting in preparing old orchards was 
carried on, and a beginning made of work in certain important 
woodland colonies. Burlaps, banding and spraying were all used 
during the summer with satisfactory results, and a force of from 
25 to 50 men was employed continuously throughout the year. 
The work along certain important woodland roads done by the 
employees of the United States Department of Agriculture has 
been of much assistance in preventing the spread of the moths. 
During the coming year there should be in Lexington a general 
use of burlap and sticky bands, both of which should have 
better attention in the latter part of the caterpillar season than 
it was possible to give them in the year just closing. A part of 
the woodland and nearly all the orchards are now in shape for 
economical spraying, and the purchase of one or more power 
sprayers is earnestly recommended. The work in the woodland 
colonies during the summer should be pushed just as hard and 
fast as funds will permit. 
LYNN. 
A. C. Doak, Tieeal Superintendent. 

The hearty co-operation of the mayor and city government 
and the board of park commissioners have enabled the efficient 
local superintendent to take excellent care of the trees on streets 
and on private estates throughout the entire city. A very large 
force of men was employed early in the year in destroying the 
nests and egg clusters of the two species of moths. At the same 
time a force varying from 50 to 100 employees was kept at 
work thinning certain very badly infested sections in the Lynn 
Woods. A considerable force was effectively employed during 
May, June and July in burlapping and spraying. The condi- 
tion of affairs in the Lynn Woods Park was most serious at the 
beginning of the summer season. By July 1 upward of 500 
acres of woodland was practically defoliated, and heroic meas- 
ures were necessary to protect the pine and hemlock groves from 
destruction. At the request of the superintendent the park was 
closed to publie travel, in order to prevent the scattering of 
caterpillars on vehicles. The co-operative plan of work between 
the city park commission and State having been agreed upon, 
important steps were taken to combat the moths in certain im- 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 43 


portant sections of the park, and to spray thoroughly the borders 
of the principal roads and drives. In the previously mentioned 
coniferous groves the deciduous trees were cut, and the remain- 
ing trees thoroughly banded with sticky materials and duly ex- 
amined. In the latter part of July the caterpillars became full 
grown, and pupated in very large numbers on rocks, undergrowth 
and tree trunks, over approximately 300 acres. As the weather 
conditions at this time were favorable to the use of fire, this 
badly infested area was burned over section by section, and in 
this way millions of larvee and pupe were destroyed at a mini- 
mum outlay of labor and money. That this measure was most 
effective was shown by the small number of egg clusters found 
at the time of the fall inspection; and a notable reduction of the 
eaterpillars also took place in certain sections as the result of 
an epidemic disease which destroyed them in enormous num- 
bers. In this co-operative work a great deal of cutting and thin- 
ning has been done in the most important colonies, and protective 
belts have been cut along the roadsides where the greatest dan- 
ger of spreading of the moths existed. Much work has also 
been done in treating egg clusters in the various colonies 
throughout the entire woods. 

There are in reality two separate problems involved in con- 
trolling the moths in this city, and in the residential sections such 
progress has been made that an ordinary amount of burlapping 
and spraying will not only hold the moth in check, but greatly 
reduce its numbers. The woodland question is a problem by 
itself, and here large expenditures, as indicated in previous re- 
ports, must be made if the trees are to be preserved. Thinning 
operations should be prosecuted over the entire park, and a re- 
markably large amount of spraying will be required to bring 
the moths under control. If this work can be well done at the 
proper time, much progress should be made here during 1908. 


LYNNFIELD. 
Henry Law, Local Superintendent. 
In the month of January the clearing of trees on neglected 
private estates was carried on, and cutting, cementing and tin- 
ning operations were in progress during the remaining winter 


44 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


months. All street trees were burlapped, and in the majority 
of the orchards sticky bands were applied to the fruit trees. 
The large amount of spraying along the streets, in orchards and 
in certain badly infested woodlands gave excellent results, while 
the assistance of the employees of the United States Department 
of Agriculture in treating the badly infested roadsides was most 
helpful. Roadside trimming, the cleaning of street trees and 
thinning of certain badly infested woodlands is now in progress. 
The residential section of this town shows a great improvement 
over the condition of 1906, but in many sections of the wood- 
lands the moths have greatly increased, — a fact which is now 
beginning to be apparent to interested property owners. A very 
large amount of work will be required in this town to cope thor- 
oughly with the woodland problem. 


MALDEN. 
Gro. L. Stites, Local Superintendent. 


Owing to the efficient management of the local superintendent 
in this city, conditions have continued to improve throughout 
the whole residential section, and at the present time very few 
gypsy moth nests can be found except in the outlying wood- 
land districts. This result has been obtained principally by the 
use of tanglefoot bands, and by spraying in certain badly in- 
fested sections. At the present writing all city property has 
been cleaned of the moth pests, and the enforcement of the law 
on neglected private property is well under way. ° 

The coming season the work should consist of the continued 
use of sticky bands or burlap, spraying of woodlands near resi- 
dential sections, tinning cavities in the street trees formerly 
filled with cement, cutting and removing decayed or worthless 
fruit and ornamental trees on private property, the closing of 
cavities in the remaining trees with tin, the clearing up of 
underbrush in the woodlands adjoining the residential section, 
and thinning the remaining growth as far as practicable. The 
woodland work the coming year should be extended as far as 
available appropriations will allow, thus reducing the cost of 
future work by preventing the reinfestation of the residential 
section. 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 45 


The city government has ably supported the local work at all 
times, and the co-operation of numerous property owners has 
been most helpful. 

MANCHESTER. 
WitmiamM Youna, Local Superintendent. 

The trees and orchards along the streets and on private 
grounds, aside from woodlands, were carefully inspected and 
cleared of both moth pests in the early part of the year, this 
work being followed later by burlapping, to which special at- 
tention was given during the caterpillar season. In a few 
localities where the caterpillars were most numerous, spraying 
operations gave most satisfactory results. Trees in the Pine 
Street colony were also burlapped and attended ‘two years ago. 
The Town House Hill colony was thoroughly burned over with 
the oil burner. It is most gratifying to be able to say that it 
still remains entirely free from the gypsy moth. 

The woodland infestation in Manchester is becoming most 
serious. An important colony borders the Beverly line, while 
in the woodland off Summer Street there are several important 
infestations. During the fall months much good work has been 
done in cementing and tinning old orchard trees, and at this 
writing all the street trees have been cleared of the moths and 
the work of cleaning private estates is in progress. In Man- 
chester many owners of large estates prefer to care for their 
‘own property, and the assistance given the town forces in this 
way is no small item. Although much remains to be done on 
these estates, much of the beauty of the woodlands held by 
wealthy summer residents is dependent upon the maintenance 
of natural conditions of growth of trees, underbrush, vines and 
herbage; yet these natural conditions, if maintained, will in- 
crease greatly the cost of dealing with the gypsy moth. It is 
impossible to clear thoroughly any woodland of the moth pest 
until the underbrush has been cut out, the ground cleared up 
and trees thinned, and the insects forced to the trees, there to 
be caught under the burlap or killed by feeding upon poisoned 
foliage. If the tangled growth of shrubs and vines and the 
crowded trees are to be allowed to remain, thorough spraying 
will be required nearly every year, at a large expense, merely to 
keep the moths under control. 


46 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


MARBLEHEAD. 
Wo. H. Stevens, 2d, Local Superintendent. 


The work here the past year has been carried on successfully 
by Mr. Stevens, and at the present writing the condition of the 
town is much improved over that of last year. 

The cutting and burning of worthless trees, burlapping, spray- 
ing and winter cleaning operations have been carried on in vari- 
ous sections of the town. ‘There remains, however, a large 
amount of work to be done throughout the whole town, but par- 
ticularly in the northern and western sections, such as the clear- 
ing up of brush along walls and vacant lots, the removal of 
many worthless trees and the closing with tin of cavities in 
others. 

There still remain, in the residential section proper, vacant 
lots here and there, filled with brush and small trees, which 
form breeding places for the moths, and from them in the past 
caterpillars have swarmed, to reinfest adjoiming property. n- 
mediate steps should be taken to clear up all such localities. If 
this is done before the hatching season, the residential section 
well burlapped and all necessary places sprayed, there should 
be a notable improvement in the condition of Marblehead an- 
other season. 

MEDFORD. 


Harvey Hanscom, Local Superintendent. 


The condition in Medford has continued to improve during 
the past year, and there remains but little work preparatory to 
securing the complete control of the moths here. To one fa- 
miliar with the badly infested condition of the street trees in 
this city in 1905, the searcity of gypsy moth egg clusters in 
the same localities at this writing is as surprising as it is 
gratifying. At the present time the winter cleaning is nearly 
completed, and the work of clearing woodlands is in progress. 
Early in the year cutting and burning operations, the tinning 
of cavities in orchard trees and the clearing up of certain 
waste land areas was carried on in connection with the work of 
destroying egg clusters and nests of the moths on private es- 
tates. Later, burlapping, banding with tanglefoot and spraying 
with insecticides gave most excellent results. As in former 
years, Gen. S. C. Lawrence, with his large force of trained em- 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. A7 


ployees has continued to care not only for his own large hold- 
ings, but for all contiguous lands as well. He has also treated 
thoroughly extensive areas of outlying territory, such as the 
Water Board land between Forest and Elm streets and High- 
land Avenue, and also a considerable acreage of brush land on 
either side of Central Avenue in the eastern part of the city. 
This latter section was densely covered with infested brush, 
which was cut and burned. In addition to this, the trees in 
‘many strictly residential sections, as well as a large number of 
street trees, have received careful attention throughout the sea- 
son. So successful has been his work that he states he will 
soon be able to make a material reduction in the number of 
employees in his field forces. 

The future work in this city should include the burlapping 
and spraying of all residential sections, and the clearing up of 
the area bounded by Fellsway West, Fulton Street and the 
Malden line, as well as the removal. of all the worthless fruit 
and shade trees throughout the city, and the closing with tin of 
all cavities in the remaining trees. This last-mentioned work 
is of the utmost importance, for it is the main source of the 
reinfestation of private property so often noticed. This work 
should be done before the hatching of the eggs in the spring, 
and will result in the much improved condition of the residen- 
tial sections. The work in this city has been properly sup- 
ported by liberal appropriations, and has been well administered 
by the local superintendent. 


MELROSE. 
JOHN J. McCunioueH, Local Superintendent. 

We are glad to be able to report the greatly improved condi- 
tion in this city as far as the gypsy and brown-tail moths are 
concerned, due to the efficient work of the local superintendent 
and hearty support of the city officials, and the most excellent 
co-operation of public-spirited citizens. During the early part 
of the year the treating of egg clusters, particularly on private 
estates, was vigorously prosecuted, while the work of closing 
cavities and cutting and removing decayed trees also had atten- 
tion. Burlapping, banding with sticky materials and spraying 
all gave good results. The residential sections and the street 


48 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 


trees are now in excellent condition, and a continuation of the 
effective methods used in the past will easily keep the moths 
under control in this city. There are several badly infested 
woodland areas in Melrose, and an important beginning has 
been made in the work of thinning the trees and putting these 
sections in condition for economical spraying. In co-operation 
with the State, much has been done in wiping out the infesta- 
tions in Pine Banks Park and in Ell Pond, Sewall’s Woods 
Park. Much cutting, burning and cleaning of trees has been 
done in each of these localities, which are now in good condi- 
tion for most thorough suppressive work. There still remains 
to be done a considerable amount of cutting of trees, and tin- 
ning or cementing of cavities should be done during the winter 
months. The work next season should include the liberal use 
of burlap and spraying operations on an extended scale. 


_ NAHANT. 
THOMAS J. DEVENEY, Local Superintendent. 


The condition of this town continues to improve under the 
thorough work of the local superintendent. Following the win- 
ter cleaning operations, the street trees were burlapped and 
spraying was done wherever the caterpillars were numerous. 
There should be more spraying done in 1908 on many private 
estates, where the large masses of shrubbery make it almost 
impossible to find all the egg clusters at the time of the fall 
and winter inspection. In certain sections of the town there 
are small blocks of infested brush land on vacant lots, which 
should be burned. If this can be done at the proper time, bur- 
lapping and spraying will hold the moths perfectly in control 
during the coming year. 

NEWTON. 
CHARLES W. Ross, Local Superintendent. 

It is apparent that the officials and residents of this city do 
not fully realize the size of the moth problem before them, and, 
as a result, through lack of sufficient and timely preparations 
and of systematic and continuous work, the gypsy moth has 
greatly increased both in residential and woodland districts. 
The condition of the city as regards this insect is far worse 
than it was a year ago. 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 49 


The work done in 1907 in Newton consisted mainly of the 
winter destruction of egg clusters and the removal of brown-tail 
moth webs. This work should have been followed up by thor- 
ough spraying and a liberal amount of burlapping. An impro- 
vised hand-spraying outfit was used on a few private estates 
where the trees were being stripped by the caterpillars, but a 
sufficient amount of spraying was not done in any one locality 
to make a permanent gain. The winter work of egg destruction 
now in progress at the present time should be followed up with 
the cutting and cleaning of all woodland colonies throughout 
the city, the removal of worthless fruit and ornamental trees 
and the tinning over of cavities in orchards. There are many 
badly infested stone walls which should be burned out as soon 
as the eggs have hatched, while burlapping will be required 
generally throughout the city. In the woodland colonies, which 
are now of notable size, the use of sticky bands will be needed, 
and a thorough spraying should be made of all infested prop- 
erty throughout the city. This is a large program, and one 
which will call for large expenditures. Had it been possible to 
get the needed work done in 1907, the cost would have been 
much less. Conditions must be met as they exist, and nothing 
but the most thorough-going measures, persistently followed up, 
will suffice to check the multiplication of the gypsy moth in 
Newton. The local superintendent has handled the work here 
to good advantage as far as his resources permitted, but his 
efforts have been repeatedly hampered by lack of funds at 
eritical periods. 

PEABODY. 
JAMES F. CALLAHAN, Local Superintendent. 

The good quality of work which has characterized the efforts 
against the gypsy moth in this town in the past has been in 
evidence at all times during the year just closing. By the 
middle of April the central part of the town was thoroughly 
cleared of the moths, and before the caterpillars hatched, prac- 
tically all the residential district and street trees had been 
thoroughly worked over and a large amount of brush cutting 
and burning in the infested districts had also been done. Sticky 
bands and burlaps were generally used throughout the town, 
and carefully attended during the caterpillar season. Spraying 


50 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


operations here gave excellent results, and materially reduced 
the cost of the fall and winter cleaning in many sections. The 
work of clearing up infested roadsides was prosecuted vigor- 
ously during the fall months, and, as a consequence, the scat- 
tering of caterpillars on vehicles in this town will be largely 
prevented in the year to come. There are certain notable wood- 
land colonies which should be thoroughly overhauled and put 
in condition for the summer’s work. Unfortunately, a few of 
the most important of these infestations occur on estates whose 
owners will not go to the expense of spraying their trees, neither 
will they consent to the thinning operations necessary before 
spraying can be economically done in these localities. As a 
whole, the co-operation of the citizens in this town has been 
very gratifying, and the work has received proper financial 
support. 

The work in 1908 should include a continuance of the use of 
burlap; and now that it is possible to take up actively the treat- 
ment of the woodland colonies, the purchase of a power sprayer 
will be desirable. 

QUINCY. 


THomMAS F. Burke, Local Superintendent. 


We are glad to report an improved condition of affairs in this 
city, as far as the gypsy moth is concerned. About 25 per cent. 
of the orchards in town were thoroughly overhauled, and put in 
condition for the summer’s work. Every street tree in the city 
was burlapped and attended two or three times each week dur- 
ing the caterpillar season, with the result that the number of 
egg clusters found at the time of the fall inspection was greatly 
decreased. The western section of the city is badly infested, 
and the woodland problem is also a serious one, and should have 
thorough attention during 1908. 

The brown-tail moth infestation is well under control, care 
having been taken each year to clear the trees of this insect 
wherever it appeared. The local superintendent has taken a 
great deal of interést in the work against the moths, and, while 
his efforts at times have been seriously hampered by lack of 
funds, and in some cases by the open opposition of property 
owners, he has succeeded in accomplishing a great deal of good 
work, which should prove of permanent value. The city is now 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 51 


in a condition where a liberal expenditure of money in the 
moth work in 1908 will greatly decrease the amount required 
for succeeding years. 
READING. 
Guy A. Hupparp, Local Superintendent. 

While marked improvement has been made in this town 
in the condition of the street trees and in all residential sections, 
the woodland colonies have made considerable progress during 
the year. In the southern and westerly parts of the town there 
are important woodland colonies, which must be thoroughly 
dealt with in the near future. The winter work of clearing 
street trees and trees on private estates was well done, and later 
burlapping and spraying operations were carried on with notable 
results. Roadsides have been trimmed out, and on Charles, 
Pear and Forest streets protective belts 50 feet wide have been 
cleared of underbrush and dead trees, and put in suitable con- 
dition for spraying operations. The work done here has been 
of excellent quality, and has been well supported by the town 
officials and citizens in general. The general infestation at 
Wakefield is a serious menace, at least to the southern part of 
Reading, and is responsible for a considerable part of the cost 
of the work in this town, — a condition of affairs which should 
be rectified during the coming year. 

At the present writing, the town gang is engaged in clearing 
street trees and private property, removing worthless trees and 
putting old orchards in suitable condition for next season’s work. 
There has been a notable decrease in the number of brown-tail 
moths, although this insect is generally distributed throughout 
the town. 

REVERE. 
Witt1am G. CooK, Local Superintendent. 

While there has been a continued improvement in the condi- 
tion of this town during the past year, there still remains much 
work of a somewhat permanent nature that must be done before 
the gypsy moth can be brought under control. During the win- 
ter and spring the usual work of creosoting gypsy moth egg 
clusters and removing brown-tail moth webs was prosecuted on 
street trees and private estates alike, and a notable reduction 
made in the numbers of these moths. Burlapping, banding and 


52 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


spraying were used where needed during the summer season, with 
fairly good results. As soon as the eggs were laid the work of 
clearing the street trees was commenced, and at the present writ- 
ing has been practically completed. Owing to the lack of funds, 
all town work was stopped in November, but we have assurances 
that the necessary preparations will be made in the near future. 
There are two or three things absolutely necessary to be done in 
Revere before the gypsy moth can be controlled. First, there 
should be a general clearing up of all waste brushland and the 
removal of worthless trees and brush along walls and roadsides. 
At Oak Island and Point of Pines dead and hollow and super- 
fluous trees should be removed. In certain old orchards there is 
still considerable to be done in the way of cementing and tinning 
of cavities. When this preliminary work is finished, burlap- 
ping, banding and spraying will be doubly effective. If the 
work in Revere can be properly financed and carried on system- 
atically during 1908, there is no good reason why the town 
should not then be in as good condition and the moths as easily 
controlled as is the case with the adjoining cities of Everett and 
Chelsea. One year of thorough work in Revere will bring the 
town into such condition that a very small expense, relatively 
speaking, will control the moths in future years. 


SALEM. 
AMOS STILLMAN, Local Superintendent. 


In the report for 1907 the superintendent was obliged to 
state some very plain facts concerning the work done in this 
city in the year 1906. We are glad to be able to say at this 
time that a marked improvement has since been made in the 
condition of the city with reference to the gypsy and brown-tail 
moths. 

With the hearty co-operation of Mayor Thomas G. Pinnock 
and the city government in making liberal appropriations, the 
local superintendent has made great progress in reducing the 
moth pests in this city. While much remains to‘be done, so 
much has been accomplished during the past year that, with 
approximately the same appropriations in 1908, perfect control 
_ of the moth pests should be obtained throughout the city, with 
possibly the exception of the waste land in Salem Great Pasture. 


/ 
1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 7. 53 


From the nature of the trees and brush growing in the pasture, 
there should be no great difficulty in wiping out the gypsy moth 
there when time and funds permit the taking up of this work. 

Following the fall and winter cleaning, the cutting of many 
‘worthless trees, the clearing up of brush along roadsides and the 
cementing or tinning of cavities and orchards, burlaps were 
freely applied and attended, with good results. A considerable 
amount of spraying was done, to the great benefit of certain 
badly infested sections. During 1908 the work of closing cavi- 
ties in trees and removing worthless, decayed trees should be 
continued. <A liberal burlapping and spraying campaign will 
then give most satisfactory results in reducing the numbers of 
the moths. 

SAUGUS. 


THos. EK. Berrerr, Local Superintendent. 


The work against the moth in this town has been carried on 
continuously throughout the season. Good management on the 
part of the local superintendent, and a sufficient amount of 
funds for the work at all times, have resulted in a very much 
improved condition of the street trees of practically all the 
residential sections of the town and of many large areas of 
woodland. 

The ordinary methods have been carried out at the proper 
time, and, in addition, large-areas of brush and woodland were 
burned when the gypsy moths were changing from the larval 
to the pupal stage. This radical method without question de- 
stroyed millions of larvee and pupe, and has reduced the cost of 
the work very materially throughout the woodland area so coy- 
ered. Large areas of badly infested woodland abutting the resi- 
dential sections have been cleared of undergrowth and worthless 
trees removed, which to a considerable extent will protect the 
adjoining residential sections from reinfestation the coming 
year ; in fact, the moth problem is so well under control through- 
out the residential section that with the same liberal appropria- 
tion the coming year the work can be pushed into the outlying 
woodlands not already under control. This will greatly reduce 
the cost of dealing with the moths here in the future. 

The co-operation of the townspeople has been constant and 
hearty. Particularly helpful has been very practical assistance 


54 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


given the work here by Messrs. Frank P. Bennett and Benjamin 
Johnson, large owners of infested lands, who have employed a 
considerable number of men through the greater part of the 
year, working in co-operation with the town forces. 


SOMERVILLE. 
CHARLES J. BuckNam, Local Superintendent. 


The same earnest efforts that have been used in past years to 
suppress the moths have characterized the work in this city 
during the year that just closed. In the winter and spring 
months the brown-tail moth webs were removed and the gypsy 
moth clusters creosoted, and a general campaign of cementing 
cavities in decayed trees, brush cutting and clearing up of in- 
fested estates was carried out. As a result of this most excellent 
work, the moth pests have been held in check throughout the 
city both on public and private property. 

The work here has been well administered, and has received 
proper support from the city government and from the citizens 
alike. 

At the present writing, the gypsy moth clusters have been 
destroyed up to the probable snow line throughout the city, and 
the general winter cleaning up of all estates is now well under 
way. 

Owing to the large number of automobiles and electric cars 
passing through Somerville, this city is peculiarly liable to re- 
infestation from outside sources. The work for the coming 
year should include the general burlapping of the trees through- 
out the entire city. If this can be thoroughly done, the cost of 
moth work will be appreciably reduced in the future. 


STONEHAM. 
GrorcE M. Jerrs, Local Superintendent. 


The good work done in this town in previous years has been 
ably continued during 1907, and the condition of Stoneham, 
as regards the moth pests, is at the present writing most satis- 
factory. This town gives a good illustration of the results which 
can be obtained by efficient management, backed up with proper 
financial support, and kept free from the hindrances of politi- 
cal considerations. 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 55 


In 1905 the trees in the residential section of this town were 
literally loaded with gypsy moth egg clusters and brown-tail 
moth webs. The numbers of the latter insect have been greatly 
reduced, while the reduction of the gypsy moth has been most 
remarkable. 

Following the cleaning of private estates and street trees in 
the winter and spring months, each area of woodland was put 
in condition for economical spraying operations. The use of 
burlap, sticky bands and spraying gave excellent results in re- 
ducing the number of the caterpillars. 

Much additional work has been done in the woodlands during 
the fall months, and the town is in good condition for next sea- 
son’s work. A general burlapping and spraying campaign will 
be needed here in 1908 to make further progress against the 
moth pests. 

SWAMPSCOTrT. 


GEORGE NEWHALL, Local Superintendent. 


Under the management of the local superintendent, a gain 
has been made in bringing the moths under control over a large 
part of the strictly residential section of the town. The ordi- 
nary methods of work have been carried out, and on the whole 
have given good results. 

The residential section of the town is surrounded on the north 
and west by woodland abounding with loose rock, ledges, ete., 
which presents a serious obstacle to the economical handling of 
the moth problem in this town. Until this woodland is prop- 
erly brought under control by ordinary woodland methods of 
cleaning, the residential section is liable to continued reinfesta- 
tion. The work in this town the coming season should therefore 
consist of the caring for territory already under control, the 
removing of all worthless trees and the closing of cavities in 
others, the clearing up of all blocks of woodland contiguous to 
the residential sections, and as much more as time and money 
will allow. 

WAKEFIELD. 


W. W. WHITTREDGE, Local Superintendent. 


There has been considerable headway made in reducing the 
numbers of the gypsy moth in the strictly residential sections, 
particularly in the central part of the town. The Greenwood 


56 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


district still remains badly infested, and the moth is found in 
enormous numbers in the woodlands. 

A great deal of serious stripping of the woodlands took place 
in Wakefield during the summer of 1907, but we are glad to 
report that a considerable area in this infested section has now 
been put in proper condition for effective spraying and burlap- 
ping operations. 

The usual methods of work have been employed effectively 
during the past season, but if more extensive spraying and bur- 
lapping had been done at the proper time, a still greater im- 
provement in the condition of the trees would have been ob- 
tained. 

Unfortunately, the scarcity of suitable labor, and certain local 
complications, have at times prevented the local superintendent 
from prosecuting the work to the best advantage. The work of 
the coming season should consist of the thorough cleaning of the 
residential section, the cutting and burning of worthless trees, 
the tinning of cavities in orchard trees and the thinning of 
woodlands immediately adjoining residential sections. These 
operations should be followed up by a liberal amount of bur- 
lapping and spraying. In the badly infested woodlands the 
ground should be burned directly after the hatching of the egg 
clusters. 

WALTHAM. 


Ricuarp A. JONES, Local Superintendent. 


There has been great difficulty at times in getting the citizens 
of Waltham to realize fully the extent to which the city has 
become infested by the gypsy moth, and the great need for the 
adoption of vigorous methods to secure its control. Because of 
this state of affairs, the moths have been but slightly reduced in 
numbers in the residential sections, except in that part of the 
city lying south of the Charles River. 

The condition of the street trees is greatly improved, but pri- 
vate estates remain badly infested. The most serious problem 
in Waltham, however, is furnished by the woodlands, where the 
gypsy moth occurs in great numbers, and where a considerable 
amount of stripping took place in the caterpillar season of 1907. 
These infested woodland districts, particularly those immedi- 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 57 


ately adjoining residential sections, will furnish annually the 
caterpillar swarm to reinfest the estates previously cleaned of 
the moths; hence it is most important that neither time nor 
money should be spared in wiping out the gypsy moth in the 
woodlands. 

Prospect Hill Park, a block of some 165 acres, is thoroughly 
infested, and a considerable amount of defoliation has occurred 
here, particularly in 1907. Co-operative work between the city 
and State is already in progress here, with the object of bring- 
ing the moths thoroughly under control. There is also under 
consideration a plan for co-operative work between the large 
owners of woodlands, the city and the State, to the end that the 
incipient moth colony in these woodlands may be suppressed. 

During the coming season, besides the usual preparatory work 
in orchards, numerous worthless trees should be cut and burned, 
and a thorough cleaning made of infested roadsides not previ- 
ously attended to. 

Much burlapping and spraying will be required in the resi- 
dential district, as well as the use of sticky bands; and spray- 
ing will give good results in the woodlands, which have been 
thinned out and put in condition for economical work. 

We are glad to say that in this city the field operations have 
had adequate financial support by the city government, and the 
work, as far as it has gone, has been well administered. 


WATERTOWN. 
JOHN C. Forp, Local Superintendent. 


A gain has been made in this town during the past year, and 
the work of controlling the moth pests has been successful. The 
present methods used in thickly settled districts have been em- 
ployed as needed, and have given fairly good results. Local 
considerations at times have made it impossible to apply these 
methods of work in season and in the most efficient way, other- 
wise a much greater gain in reducing the number of the moths 
would have been made. 

In the early part of the year a force varying from 15 to 45 
men was employed in clearing street trees and those on private 
estates, while a considerable amount of work was done in Whit- 


58 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


ney Hill Park. Sticky bands, burlapping and spraying were 
used to good advantage during the caterpillar season, and a con- 
siderable amount of burning out of infested walls was also done. 

During the fall months, gypsy moth egg clusters on-rocks and 
the lower part of trees were. destroyed over the greater part of 
the town. This was followed by work on stone walls on private 
estates, and by work on street trees, which is now in progress. 

The work for the coming season in Watertown should con- 
sist of a thorough clearing up of all underbrush and worthless 
trees, and a considerable amount of cementing or tinning of 
cavities in orchard trees. This should be followed by burlap- 
ping or spraying over the entire residential section. If this is 


done at the proper time, a considerable gain will be made against’ 


the moths in this town. 


WINCHESTER. 
Irvine T. GuiLp, Local Superintendent. 


The standard of excellent work previously established in Win- 
chester has not only been maintained, but in certain respects 
improved during the past year. As a result, the numbers of the 
moths have been greatly lessened in the residential district, 
along the eastern border of the town and in the Myopia Hill 
section. This condition of affairs has been brought about by 
the use of the ordinary methods of control applied at the proper 
time in a thorough manner. In the early months of the year 
from 20 to 50 men were employed in clearing private estates 
and in thinning certain woodlands near the Stoneham line. A 
considerable amount of banding with sticky materials was done 
in May, and this was followed up by burlapping and spraying 
operations. As soon as the caterpillar season was over, brush 
cutting and pruning of trees was begun, and continued until 
the leaves had fallen. During the fall months roadsides were 
cleared or trimmed out, and a large part of the street trees 
thoroughly cleaned of the gypsy moth nests. 

The work for 1908 will consist of the thorough eare of the 
territory where the moth is now under control, the completion 
of the operations begun in the Myopia Hill district, and the 
clearing up of woodlands in the western part of the town, where 
the gypsy moth exists in the largest numbers. Aside from the 


_ 


1908.) PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 59 


woodland question, the moth work in Winchester now offers no 
unusual difficulties; and, if the operations now planned can be 
thoroughly carried out, the woodland problem here will be solved 
in the comparatively near future. 


WINTHROP. 
JAMES H. WHIPPLE, Chairman of Commission. 

Under the management of a special commissioner in charge 
of the moth work in this town, a considerable gain has been 
made in bringing the moth pests under control. Following the 
winter destruction of egg clusters, burlaps were generally ap- 
plied throughout the town, and still later a limited amount of 
spraying was done in the more seriously infested localities. 
There was an unfortunate delay in getting the burlap on the 
trees in season for its most effective use, a condition which can 
be easily avoided another year by employing a larger force of 
men in time of burlapping. 

At the close of the caterpillar season numerous pup were 
destroyed under the burlaps and on tree trunks. The treating 
of egg clusters near the ground and on rocks was next taken up, 
and, following this, a cleaning of street trees and those on pri- 
vate property. At the present writing a large part of the town 
has been thoroughly gone over. This town is generally infested, 
and is liable to continue in this condition for some time, owing 
to the very large number of cottagers and other summer visitors. 

There will be no great difficulty in keeping the moth abso- 
lutely under control if the vacant lots and roadsides can be 
cleared of underbrush and worthless hollow trees, and the under- 
brush burned liberally. Along these lines the work of 1908 
should progress; and if these suggestions are thoroughly fol- 
lowed out, the cost of future operations will be greatly reduced. 


WOBURN. 
JOHN H. McGann, Local Superintendent. 

The badly infested condition of this city still continues, al- 
though a net gain has been made in bringing the moths under 
control. There were not sufficient funds to clean thoroughly 
the trees and residential sections in the winter and spring 


60 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


months. Later, excellent work was done in burlapping, band- 
ing and spraying. From the fact that it was impossible to do 
thorough work in destroying the egg clusters, great swarms of 
caterpillars appeared at various points during the summer, de- 
vouring all vegetation around them, and threatening to undo all 
that had been accomplished through the previous work. The 
situation called for prompt action, and, as sufficient funds were 
not forthcoming to meet the emergency properly, it became 
necessary for the central office to place a number of spraying 
outfits in the field, in order to check the caterpillar invasion. 
We were successful in preserving the foliage on most of the 
trees in City Park, and all spraying operations, whether done 
by the State or by the local organization, were highly effective. 

In the beautiful Shaker Glen section pines and hemlocks 
were threatened by the caterpillar plague; and, as this locality 
is much frequented as a pleasure resort, and as the danger of 
scattering the moths from it was very great, the superintendent 
felt justified in giving the city some direct special assistance, 
to the end that the coniferous trees at least should be kept from 
destruction. A thorough spraying here accomplished the de- 
sired results, but a very large amount of work is yet needed if 
the integrity of the woodland in the Glen is to be preserved. 
A large belt of woodland on the westerly side of Horn Pond has 
been cleared of the gypsy moth, all dead and decayed trees 
removed, the gypsy moth egg clusters treated and the under- 
brush cut and burned. Work here should be pushed still fur- 
ther before the opening of the caterpillar season. 

Considering the obstacles in the way of successful work, par- 
ticularly that of delayed and reduced appropriations, those in 
charge of the work against the moth in Woburn have accom- 
plished a great deal towards keeping the moth in check. This 
city, like the adjoining town of Lexington, will present a big 
problem in the way of controlling the gypsy moth for some years 
to come. We are informed that one power sprayer has been 
ordered for 1908 work, and it is hoped that at least two more 
of these machines will be purchased before the caterpillar sea- 
son opens. Much of the badly infested territory in Woburn 
is now in such a condition that spraying operations may be very 
effectively and economically carried on. 


or) 
_ 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 


Outer District. 
ABINGTON. 
C. FRED SHAw, Local Superintendent. 

There were 87 known gypsy moth infestations last May in 
Abington. Over 4,100 burlap bands were put on the trees in 
these places and in others where the moths were discovered later, 
and these bands were well cared for, a large total of caterpillars 
being killed. By extending the burlaps to property adjoining 
the original infestation, a number of new infested estates were 
found. Some good work was done in the town by the local 
superintendent. The spraying of all street elms reduced to a 
great extent the numbers of caterpillars on these trees. This 
should be repeated in 1908, and the infested orchard trees, 
where necessary, should also be sprayed. A good deal of clean- 
ing work has been done in orchards, but much more cutting, 
scraping, trimming and cementing will be required before the 
opening of the burlap season of 1908. A burlap campaign more 
extensive than that of last year must also be carried on. Dur- 
ing the fall scouting of the town, up to December 15, 140 in- 
fested estates were found. About 1,500 ege clusters have been 
destroyed since the burlap season. Abington, like the adjoin- 
ing town of Whitman, is very seriously infested with the gypsy 
moth over practically its entire area, and only the most careful 
kind of work will hold the moth in check. During the larval 
season many gypsy moth colonies were found in Abington and 
Whitman by Inspector L. W. Hodgkins of the central office, to 
whom these towns were assigned last June. 

The selectmen of the town have at all times supported the 
work against the moths in a most gratifying manner. 


ACTON. 
CHARLES J. WILLIAMS, Local Superintendent. 

The work here has progressed satisfactorily, under the able 
supervision of the local superintendent, during the year just 
closing. ‘There has been proper enforcement of the provisions 
of the law with reference to neglected private estates. The 
work as a whole has been well supported by the public and the 


62 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS.  [Jan. 


officials in general, the badly infested orchards have been well 
cared for, and a great deal of excellent work in the way of tin- 
ning and cementing cavities has been done. 

The woodland colonies are in a serious condition as regards 
the number of moths found. The work of thinning has been 
mostly done, and at the present time the general winter work 
against the moths is in progress. 

Next season’s campaign should include considerable spraying 
and burlapping throughout the town, particularly the thorough 
spraying of woodland colonies. 


AMESBURY. 
A. L. Stover, Local Superintendent. 

The winter work was done thoroughly here, and at the open- 
ing of spring private estates, street trees and orchards had been 
thoroughly cleared of gypsy and brown-tail moths. Burlaps 
were applied and attended in all places where gypsy moth egg 
clusters were found, and spraying gave excellent results wher- 
ever used. In the badly infested section near the Chain bridge, 
where thousands of caterpillars were killed last year, but a very 
small number were taken during the burlapping in 1907. In 
all places where the burlapping was used but little work will be 
required before the next burlapping season. Good work has 
been done in repairing a large number of badly infested orchard 
trees, while the cutting of worthless trees and brush along in- 
fested roadsides will greatly aid in controlling the moths in this 
town. The work of clearing both kinds of the moths from street 
trees is now in progress. 

ANDOVER. 
J. H. Puaypon, Local Superintendent. 


In the residential sections, where the gypsy moth was found 
last winter and spring, the trees were burlapped and well at- 
tended during the caterpillar season. In these sections an im- 
provement of about 50 per cent. over the conditions of last year 
was noticed. Where the moth colonies occurred on the road- 
side the brush was eut and burned, and the remaining shade 
trees put in proper condition for the summer’s work. In the 
woodlands there has been a considerable increase of gypsy 
moths, as shown by the result of the fall scouting. In the south 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 63 


and east parts of the town a large amount of woodland has been 
inspected, and some 25 colonies found. A considerable amount 
of thinning of trees and cutting of underbrush will be necessary 
in different colonies the present year. Work in this town has 
been well supported and ably directed; particularly commend- 
able has been the hearty co-operation on the part of nearly all 
the property owners in this town. 


ASHBY. 
H. A. LAWRENCE, Local Superintendent. 


A single gypsy moth nest was found in this town on Decem- 
ber 25, by scouts employed by the State office. The infested 
locality is on Foster Road. The scouting of this town occupied 
the period from December 16 to 28, inclusive, but no more 
gypsy moths were found. We are assured by the board of 
selectmen that the necessary organization for local work will be 
effected. 

ASHLAND. 


Toro. P. Hau, Local Superintendent. 


During March and April the brown-tail moth webs were re- 
moved and the gypsy moth egg clusters destroyed on private 
estates, while many dead trees have been removed and general 
tinning and cementing of cavities carried on in infested or- 
chards. The burlaps were weli attended during the summer 
months, caterpillars being taken in nearly every locality where 
egg clusters had been found in the winter and spring work. 

On the 43 known infested estates burlapped, egg clusters 
were found at the time of the fall inspection on only 11 es- 
tates. During the fall months a thorough examination was 
made of the town, and 12 small new-infestations found, the 
most important one being in the orchard on the Richardson 
estate, where trimming and cementing and tinning of cavities 
will be required. 

Compared with 1906, this town is in a greatly improved 
condition. 

AVON. 


WILLARD W. BEAL, Local Superintendent. 


The usual work of cleaning the infested orchards was done 
in this town during the winter and spring, and at the opening 


64 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


of the caterpillar season burlaps were applied as needed. A 
considerable amount of brush cutting, cementing or tinning of 
cavities was also done. In the 13 gypsy moth colonies about 
500 burlaps were used, and but a single egg cluster was found 
at the time of the fall inspection. This result gives evidence 
of the thorough work done by the local supermtendent. 

After the leaves had fallen a general inspection of the entire 
residential section was made, and 11 small colonies found, the 
one on Pond Street being the most important. 

This town lies on the main thoroughfare between Boston and 
the Cape, and is peculiarly lable to infestation from the towns 
to the north. | 

AYER. 
L. A. CARMEN, Local Superintendent. 

The trees in the single gypsy moth colony found in the center 
of the town in 1906 were burlapped and attended, but no cater- 
pillars were found. 

The work of inspecting the street and orchard trees is in 
progress, and it is planned to make a thorough inspection of 
certain suspected woodland areas in the near future. 

The brown-tail moth infestation is very slight in this town. 


BARNSTABLE. 
Hl. W. Boprisu, Local Superintendent. 


"In the Osterville colony about 350 caterpillars were taken 
during 1907. A small amount of cutting of worthless trees 
and brush will be required here before the infestation can be 
stamped out. Three small gypsy moth colonies at Cotuit are 
well in hand, spraying operations giving excellent results in 
the case of the infestation opposite the Santuit House, while 
upward of 3,000 caterpillars were taken under the burlaps. 
Vigorous and careful scouting of this latter colony this fall 
showed but 5 egg clusters. During the winter months all in- 
festations will be put in condition for thorough work, prepara- 
tory to the burlap season of 1908. An inspection of the town 
is now in progress by trained men, and this may reveal the 
presence of a few more small colonies. As yet the infestation 
of Barnstable by the gypsy moth is scattered, and can be easily 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 65 


dealt with by the application of thoroughgoing measures. A 
much smaller number of brown-tail moth nests have been found 
along the North Shore, as compared with the quantities taken 
in the winter of 1906-07. . 


BEDFORD. 


W. A. CuTrLer, Local Superintendent. 


A small force of men was employed from January to April 
cleaning out infested roadsides, removing brown-tail moths and 
doing a limited amount of work on private estates and along 
the State road. After the annual town meeting this force was 
increased to 15 men, and a general search throughout the town 
was made for gypsy moth egg clusters and brown-tail moth 
webs. This search showed the gypsy moth to be present in 
large numbers throughout the town. Previous to the burlap- 
ping season a number of badly infested orchards were put in 
suitable condition for effective work. During June, July and 
the early part of August the burlaps were well attended and 
many thousand caterpillars destroyed. The operations of the 
late summer included a considerable amount of cutting of brush 
along infested roadsides and the repairing of a large number 
of orchard trees. As soon as the leaves fell the work of destroy- 
ing gypsy moth egg clusters was taken up, and during the clos- 
ing weeks of the year a vigorous campaign of winter cleaning 
of the trees was under way. 

The work in this town has progressed satisfactorily during 
the past year, and the co-operation of citizens and town officials 
has been most helpful. Now that the general situation in the 
town has been well developed and a considerable part of the 
infested area put in condition for economical treatment, it will 
be desirable to do a large amount of spraying here during 1908. 
Particular attention must be given to the infestations in the 
southern part of the town, particularly the one at Lexington 
Park. 

BERLIN. 


WILLIS Rice, Local Superintendent. 


The gang of scouts employed by the central office under the 
direction of F. C. Estes examined the roadsides and orchards 
in this town in the period from April 17 to 26, with the result 


66 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


that 2 infestations of the gypsy moth were found on the Gates 
Pond Road. The necessary preliminary work was done here, 
and burlaps were used with good results during the season. 
The work having been well organized, the local force made a 
thorough fall scouting, finding another infestation in the same 
locality and 1 on the Hudson Road. The infestation here is 
slight, and should be easily controlled at a moderate expense. 


BILLERICA. 
FraNcis J. DoLan, Local Superintendent. 


A small force of men has been kept at work in this town 
through the greater part of the year. From January to late in 
April the local force was employed in clearing street trees and 
trees on private estates from the webs of the brown-tail moth 
and egg clusters of the gypsy moth, a large number of both in- 
sects being found. At the beginning of the caterpillar season 
this work was practically completed, and many of the orchards 
put in good condition for spraying. A beginning had also been 
made in certain important woodland colonies with a view to 
burlapping and spraying operations. The burlaps were care- 
fully attended during the summer months, with the customary 
good results. A considerable amount of infested brush along 
the State highway was cleared up in August and September, 
and still later the work of tinning or cementing of cavities in 
orchard trees was done in certain badly infested sections. From 
November to the close of the year the ordinary winter work of 
web and nest destruction was carried on. This town is very 
generally infested by both moths, the brown-tail moth being 
particularly abundant here. The gypsy moth is well estab- 
lished in the woodlands, and now that the work in residential 
sections is so well in hand, special attention should be given to 
the wooded districts. The purchase of a power sprayer for use 
in this town is highly desirable. Aside from a general cam- . 
paign of burlapping and banding trees, much spraying will be 
required in this town during 1908, particularly in the wood- 
land sections. At the present writing the work in Billerica has 
been suspended for lack of funds. 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 67 


Bouton. 
C. E. Mace, Local Superintendent. 

In the 4 gypsy moth infestations located by the State scout- 
ing gang in this town in the spring of 1907 burlaps were freely 
used during the summer, and but 3 caterpillars found. No egg 
clusters were found here at the time of the fall inspection. The 
scouting made by the local superintendent, as time permitted, 
resulted in finding 7 more egg clusters, which have been treated, 
and the trees in the vicinity put in proper condition for burlap- 
ping. The citizens and officials of this town have co-operated 
in a most excellent manner with the local superintendent. 


BOURNE. 
Hiram F. BaKer, Local Superintendent. 

Ten colonies of the gypsy moth were found in this town in 
1907. All trees in the vicinity of each colony were burlapped, 
and upward of 2,000 caterpillars were killed under the bands 
during the summer months. In one colony, while the local con- 
ditions as regards neglected trees, rubbish, etc., were very bad, 
no caterpillars were taken. The effective work of the local 
superintendent during the fall months resulted in the finding 
of 3 infestations, —1 in Sagamore Village, 1 on the State 
Road at Monument Beach, and 1 on the State Road at Buzzards 
Bay. Later this work of inspection was supplemented by a 
thorough examination of the town by a gang of trained State 
employees, temporarily. hired by the local authorities. This 
inspection, which is now in progress, has resulted in the dis- 
covery of 3 infestations at Gray Gables. The gypsy moth situd- 
tion in Bourne will call for a great deal of suppressive work in 
1908. _ There should be a general use of burlap in the woods. 
The usual cutting and general thinning of trees will be required. 
Only scattering numbers of the brown-tail moth have been found 
in this town. 

BOXBOROUGH. 
JoHN J. SHERRY, Local Superintendent. 

Excellent work has been done in this town under the effi- 
cient management of the local superintendent. Early in the 
year scouts from the central office discovered about 31 gypsy 


_—— 


68 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


moth infestations, where the egg clusters were carefully creo- 
soted and the colonies watched during the summer months. 
The fall inspection, possible for the first time in this town, 
showed no gypsy moths in places where egg clusters were found 
in the spring. In other parts of the town 28 nests, all told, 
were found. These colonies are being put in good condition 
for next year’s work. Brush is being cut, cavities tinned and 
dead trees removed. The work of destroying the brown-tail 
moth webs is now in progress, and the support of the work by 
the citizens in general and the board of selectmen in particular 
has been constant throughout the year. With such conditions 
prevailing, thorough work next summer with burlap and spray- 
ing should bring about a great improvement in the condition of 


this town. 


BoxForb. 
CHARLES PERLEY, Local Superintendent. 


Much good work has been done here against the moth pests 
during the year. Particularly commendable has been the thor- 
ough overhauling of infested orchards by the local superintend- 
ent, while the infestations along roadsides have been well at- 
tended to. Street trees and those on private property were 
cleaned of moth nests, and later were burlapped and cared for 
during the season. <A limited amount of spraying on the badly 
infested private estates gave good results. Aside from the 
single gypsy moth colony on the Ipswich Road, where lumber- 
ing operations were carried on before the trees were cleared of 
egg clusters, the trees in the entire town are in a greatly im- 
proved condition as compared with 1906. At the present writ- 
ing the clearing of the street trees is in progress. After private 
estates have been cleared the work will be followed up during 
the coming year with the usual operations of burlapping, spray- 
ing, ete. 

BRAINTREE. 
ff}. E. ABERCROMBIE, Local Superintendent. 

A very thorough scouting of this town was made during the 
winter months by the local authorities, gypsy moth egg clusters 
being found throughout the entire town. A beginning was 
made in the work of clearing up the old orchards, but un- 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 69 


fortunately this was not carried far enough to make the use of 
burlap most effective. A few trees were defoliated by the eat- 
erpillars during the summer season. 

The work at Braintree in 1907 was handicapped to a con- 
siderable extent by the fact that burlaps were not applied sut- 
ficiently early in the season, and by the scarcity of help. 

The winter inspection now in progress shows upward of 400 
infested estates, while to date the gypsy moth has been found 
on but 67 street trees. It is absolutely necessary that the old 
orchards should be given a thorough overhauling during the 
winter and spring, and should be put in proper condition for 
effective burlapping and spraying where necessary. The town 
is in a serious condition as regards the gypsy moth, and much 
thorough work will be required here in the future to hold the 


insect in check. 
BRIDGEWATER. 


R. J. McNEELAND, Local Superintendent. 

The town of Bridgewater is not so badly infested with the 
gypsy moth as are many towns in Plymouth County. In the 
comparatively few colonies previously discovered the usual bur- 
lap work was done last summer, and only 55 caterpillars were 
found. During the fall scout, up to December 15, 14 colonies 
of the gypsy moth not before known were found, the worst 
infestation being in an orchard on Cherry Street, where 800 
ego clusters were destroyed. The only other locality where egg 
clusters were found in great numbers was in a pasture on South 
Street, where several large oaks were badly infested. On these, 
1,500 ege clusters were destroyed. 

The usual scraping, cementing and other preliminary work 
will be done in infested orchards in this town before the bur- 
lap season of 1908. In addition to burlapping, it is planned 
to carry on next summer a vigorous spraying campaign against 
the gypsy caterpillars where need arises. The gypsy moth in- 
festation in Bridgewater may be expected to be much reduced 
in 1908, for the work here has been carried on in a very thor- 
ough manner by the local superintendent, and he has had at all 
times adequate support from the selectmen and citizens. 

The brown-tail moths in Bridgewater are in rather small 
numbers and the infestation is scattered. 


70 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


BROCKTON. 
Epwarp Mortau, Local Superintendent. 

Troublesome infestations by the gypsy moth on Battles, 
Cherry and Garfield streets were thoroughly dealt with by the 
use of burlap during the summer months. All told, 31 in- 
fested estates were cared for during the caterpillar season. As 
soon as the eggs had been deposited a general scouting of the 
entire city was made by the local force, and 32 additional es- 
tates were found to be infested. This makes it necessary for 
us to consider the condition of Brockton with reference to the 
gypsy moth worse than it was a year ago. 

On the other hand, largely due to the interest and effective 
co-operation of Mayor John §. Kent, there has been a great 
improvement in the quality of work done here. 

The colonies found this fall were several years old, but, as 
the city had not been thoroughly inspected, their presence was 
not known. With proper local management the gypsy moth 
problem at Brockton offers no unusual difficulties. While the 
brown-tail moths are still scattered throughout the city and 
occur in considerable numbers in certain sections, the general 
situation as regards this insect is much better than a year ago. 
The gratifying feature of the work in this city has been the 
hearty co-operation of the municipal authorities, the work at 
all times being adequately supported by suitable appropriations. 


CANTON. 
Avueustus HEMENWAY, Local Superintendent. 

The work in.Canton was placed by the local superintendent 
directly in charge of an experienced former employee of the 
State office, Mr. C. E. Merrill, who first made a very thorough 
inspection of the entire town. The colonies found were thor- 
oughly burlapped and well attended during the summer, and 
everything possible was done to stamp out the gypsy moths. 
The fall inspection showed 45 small new infestations, many of 
them in the woodlands, none of which, however, offers any seri- 
ous obstacle to suppressive measures. 

Co-operation on the part of the local officials and citizens of 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. (ia 


the town has been most helpful, and if the same thorough work 
can be kept up in Canton, there will be no great difficulty in 
controlling the gypsy moth here. 


CARLISLE. 
G. G. WiILKINs, Local Superintendent. 

Work in this town under the direction of the local superin- 
tendent has been done in an admirable manner. The problem 
here is a serious one, since it will take much time and money to 
put the orchards now so generally infested in proper shape for 
exterminative work. While a great deal of tinning and cement- 
ing of cavities and removing of dead and diseased trees has been 
accomplished, much remains to be done. The badly infested 
woodland owned by Mr. Charles A. Skelton on the River Road 
was defoliated by the caterpillars during the summer, and will 
be cut and burned over later. At this writing the clearing of 
street trees has been completed and the work in orchards is well 
under way. Much more scouting of woodlands remains to be 
done here, and should receive early attention. During the com- 
ing year, aside from a liberal burlapping of infested trees, a 
very large amount of spraying will be required. 


CARVER. 
KE. H. Murpocr, Local Superintendent. 

In the town of Carver, last summer, 16 estates were known 
to be infested with the gypsy moth, and on these 5,750 caterpil- 
lars were killed. The worst orchard colony found was on Plym- 
outh Street, and here about 3,000 egg clusters were treated 
on apple trees, outhouses, hen coops and rubbish. The fall 
scouting of the town resulted in the discovery, up to December 
15, of 36 infestations not before known; 7 of these were in the 
woods, the most important being between Plymouth Street and 
the railroad. Over 200 egg clusters were treated here. Another 
woods colony, in which more than 100 egg clusters were treated, 
lies on the line between Carver and Middleborough, and is vir- 
tually an extension of a much larger infestation in that town. 
The gypsy moth infestation is chiefly in the northern half of 
the town, there being about a score of infested estates in the 


72 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


village of North Carver. In the southern part the fall scout- 
ing developed only a few scattered colonies. 

Thorough field work was done last summer in Carver by the 
deputy superintendent, although he was hampered by the sear- 
city of labor. Later it became possible to hire competent men, 
and field operations last fall were vigorously pushed. Consider- 
able work has been done both in orchards and woods in prepar- 
ing infested places for the burlapping season, but much clearing 
up still remains, especially in the woods. In some eases the 
owners of wood lots where the moths were found rendered ma- 
terial aid by cutting the large trees on these lots. 

The moth campaign in Carver has been well handled by the 
local superintendent, who has always been ready with summary 
measures against the moths when occasion has arisen. <A con- 
tinuance of such a policy in 1908 should result in a decided 
improvement in the gypsy moth situation in the town next year. 

Few brown-tail moths are found in Carver, and the infesta- 
tion is much seattered. 


CHELMSFORD. 
GEORGE. B. Wricut, Local Superintendent. 


The local force, benefiting by the experience gained in the 
work during the past year, has been able to do considerable 
effective scouting, and as a result Mr. Wright estimates that 
upward of 4,000 egg clusters will be destroyed the present win- 
ter. The orchard problem is indeed a serious one here, and a 
large amount of semipermanent work in the way of trimming, 
closing cavities and removing dead and hollow trees must -be 
done in the orchards throughout the town before a net gain can 
be effected in the struggle against the moths. 

Much good work has been done here during 1907. When all 
possible had been done in the way of winter and spring work, 
burlapping and spraying were resorted to with good results. 
Nearly all the streets and lanes were cleared of roadside brush, 


a measure that will reduce the scattering of the moths and 
the cost of future work. 

The important woodland colony opposite Alfred Clark’s place 
on the Carlisle road will require cutting out, followed by bur- 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 73 


lapping and spraying, during 1908. For this work and the 
effective treatment of orchards the purchase of a power sprayer 
is desirable. 
CLINTON. 
M. A. Monawan, Local Superintendent. 

The small gypsy moth colony in this town located by . the 
State employees in the early part of the year has received care- 
ful attention, burlaps being used during the summer with ex- 
cellent results. A force of 3 men was employed during the 
fall months in scouting operations and in burning brush, tin- 
ning cavities in orchard trees and destroying the webs of the 
brown-tail moth. The infestation developed here is not of great 
importance as yet, but a thorough scouting of the town at an 
early date is most desirable. 


COHASSET, 
Henry L. McManon, Local Superintendent. 


The work of removing brown-tail webs, destroying gypsy moth 
egg clusters and cutting roadside brush was carried on during 
the winter and spring months, and the- known infestations, aside 
from those in certain woodlands, put in good condition for the 
season’s work. ‘The liberal use of burlap gave good results, and 
a considerable amount of effective spraying was done in the 
most badly infested places. In August and September the work 
of putting old orchards in proper condition was prosecuted, and 
later the general fall scouting of the town was made. 

It has been difficult in many cases to get several of the large 
property owners to consent to having their infested woodlands 
cleared of underbrush and dead and crowded trees, in order to 
permit of effective spraying later on; and it may be that noth- 
ing short of a.serlous gypsy moth outbreak in the section will 
be required to give them an adequate idea of the destructive 
powers of the gypsy moth caterpillars. Such a state of affairs 
we earnestly hope to prevent, but unless more spraying and 
other effective methods can be adopted in treating the woodland 
sections, such an outbreak is bound to occur before many years 
have passed. 


74 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. Jan. 


CONCORD. 
H. P. RicHarpson, Local Superintendent. 


A very difficult gypsy moth problem is found in Concord, 
the conditions here being similar to those obtaining in the 
near-by towns of Lincoln and Weston. Concord is a well- 
wooded town, and the gypsy moth is scattered in small numbers 
throughout the entire area. Work of most excellent quality 
against the insect has been done here by the local organization, 
aided by the hearty co-operation of town officials and the citi- 
zens in general. By the first of March the work on street 
trees had been completed, and 10 men were employed in the 
work of destroying the moths on private property. A force of 
7 competent men scouted the woodland for gypsy moth egg 
clusters, and found the insect widely scattered. The burlaps 
were well attended during the summer, a very large number of 
caterpillars being destroyed, while a limited amount of spray- 
ing gave good results. In the late summer and fall months 
badly infested roadsides were cleared of brush and worthless 
trees, and a considerable amount of excellent work done in the 
way of repairing decaying orchard trees. At this writing the 
work of scouting for the gypsy moth and the general destruc- 
tion of gypsy moth eggs and brown-tail moth webs on street 
trees is in progress. 

It will be necessary in Concord to increase the general use 
of burlap in 1908, and more spraying should be done than 
in 1907. The purchase of a power sprayer here will prove a 
good investment, and, if possible, such an outfit should be ob- 
tained in ample season for the work of the coming year. 


DEDHAM. 
GrorGE W. Purtures, Local Superintendent. 

The agent in charge of the district reports this’ town as being 
in a worse condition as regards the gypsy moth than in past 
years. The trees in the 69 colonies in this town were burlapped 
and attended during the sttmmer season. The spraying for the 
elm leaf beetle in June was of considerable assistance in de- 
stroying gypsy moth caterpillars on street trees. The work of 


1908.] _ PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 75 


turning the burlaps was discontinued early in August, at a time 
when gypsy moth pup were still being found. 

The fall inspection, now in progress, shows the gypsy moth 
to be generally distributed throughout the town, and a great 
deal of very thorough work will be required here, particularly 
in old orchards, before the opening of the caterpillar season. 

There has been an unfortunate tendency on the part of prop- 
erty owners in this town to rely too much upon the efforts of 
the local superintendent, and to give him too little assistance 
in his work, —a state of affairs which undoubtedly accounts 
for the increasing infestation. 

DovER. 


GeorGeE D. Haut, Local Superintendent. 


In the early part of the year work against both moths was 
vigorously carried on, practically all the private estates cleaned 
and a large number of orchards put in condition for the sum- 
mer’s work. Burlaps were put on in good season in all infested 
sections, and well attended during the summer, about 22,000 
burlaps, all told, being used. Upward of 1,000 larve were 
taken in the residential sections, and about 3,000 in the wood- 
land colonies. 

The deputy superintendent, who was directly in charge of 
the field work, used most excellent judgment in extending his 
burlapping operations wherever the caterpillars were found in 
abundance, and, as a result, discovered several extensions of a 
number of the colonies. As yet no single section of this town 
is badly infested, but the seattering of the moths is general over 
the entire area of the town. 

In 16 of the 26 infested localities egg clusters were found at 
the time of the fall inspection, and about 70 small new infesta- 
tions were also located. While the total number of nests found 
this fall is much less than that in the previous year, careful 
attention must be given to the work, particularly to the use of 
burlap, during the season of 1908. 


76 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


DRacot. 
R. D. CosBurn, Local Superintendent. 

The gypsy moth has increased in the eastern part of this 
town, the worst infestations being on Methuen Street. An im- 
portant orchard colony also occurs on the property of B. A. 
Cliff, near the New Hampshire line. 

Following the winter cleaning of the trees, which was con- 
fined to orchards and roadsides, a considerable amount of bur- 
lap was used, with good results. In this town a great deal 
of excellent work has been done in cutting brush along infested 
roadsides and in repairing decayed and neglected orchards, thus 
doing away with many hiding places of the moths. The work 
of scouting, burning brush and destroying gypsy and brown-tail 
moth nests is now in progress. As in other towns in this sec- 
tion, the orchard problem is a serious one, and in addition the 
woodlands require a very thorough scouting at the earliest pos- 
sible date. The orchard and roadside work should be continued 
through 1908, with a very liberal use of burlap. 


DUNSTABLE. 
JAMES A. Davis, Local Superintendent. 


A number of small infestations have been found in this town, 
and those located before the caterpillar season were well cared 
for by the use of burlap. The local foree has done much 
excellent work in the way of removing roadside brush in the 
infested localities, and in repairing partially decayed trees pre- 
paratory to next season’s work. At the present writing the 
general work of cleaning street trees and those on private es- 
tates is in progress. The moth problem here is not a very 
serious one as yet, but the infestations discovered should be kept 
closely under supervision for a year or two more. Next sea- 
son’s work should include as much in the way of scouting op- 
erations as possible, and the liberal use of burlap wherever the 
moths are found. 

DUXBURY. 
H. A. Fisu, Local Superintendent. 

The vigorous campaign against the gypsy and brown-tail 
moths in Duxbury was begun early last year by the local super- 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 77 


intendent. The brown-tail winter webs were carefully sought 
and destroyed, with the result that to-day there is only a scat- 
tering and light infestation in the town, mostly in the center 
and the south villages. Operations were also pushed with vigor 
against the gypsy moth. Careful cleaning work was done, trees 
were seraped, trimmed and cemented, and many worthless ones 
removed. The value of this preliminary work was fully real- 
ized by the local superintendent, who spared no effort to get 
the known infestations in condition for effective work during 
the burlap season. All told, 1,600 trees were burlapped and 
4,303 larvee and pupe were killed. 

The fall scouting of the town, while failing to reveal any 
gypsy moths on more than one-half of the estates known to be 
infested prior to June 1, 1907, nevertheless added 104 new 
estates to the list, making a total of 141 infested estates. This 
increase is to be accounted for largely by the fact that the shade 
trees generally on private estates and the woodlands of the town 
were never before inspected. While the situation in the resi- 
dential sections of the town is now well in hand, the woodland 
conditions present a serious problem. The fall scouting of the 
town concluded in December last revealed 49 infestations in the 
woods, and in these 832 egg clusters were destroyed. In 13 of 
the woods colonies a great deal of cutting will be required, and 
all will require close attention during the coming summer. Be- 
cause of its location on the State road, a thoroughfare for auto- 
mobiles and other vehicles, the woods colony at the corner of 
Depot Street may be considered the most important in town. 
Here the necessary thinning of trees and cutting of underbrush 
has been done over six acres in a most satisfactory way. The 
same summary method is at present being applied at other in- 
fested points in the woods. The town is to be congratulated on 
the good judgment shown and the remarkable results secured 
by the very efficient local superintendent in his scouting for the 
gypsy moth in the woodlands, and upon the energy with which 
he has begun the task of suppressing the insect in the infesta- 
tions found. 

The excellent public spirit of the selectmen and citizens of 
Duxbury is evidenced by the business-like methods of carrying 
on operations against the moths. At a special town meeting, 


78 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


held on November 26, a sum equal to the town’s full yearly 
liability was provided to continue the work. 


East BRIDGEWATER. 


WILLIAM T. GREENE, Local Superintendent. 


The fall examination in 1906 showed the presence of the 
gypsy moth in 63 localities. The necessary cleaning work was 
well done in these places, together with considerable cutting in 
woodland colonies and cementing, scraping and tinning in old 
orchards. At the opening of the caterpillar season the known 
infestations were in good condition for the burlaps, of which 
3,852 were used. The bands were frequently examined during 
the summer, and over 2,300 caterpillars were destroyed. In a 
number of the places burlapped, including the woods colony, no 
caterpillars were found. During the very thorough fall scout- 
ing of the town, up to December 15, 15 additional infestations 
were located, containing the small total of 414 egg clusters, — 
a great gain over the condition of affairs in the previous year. 
The local superintendent has taken a great interest in dealing 
with the moth pest in this town, has planned his work with ex- 
cellent judgment, and has carried on the necessary operations 
in a thoroughly efficient manner. In this work he has been 
well supported by officials and citizens alike. 


EASTON. 
R. W. MELENpDy, Local Superintendent. 


The 3 small gypsy moth colonies found in 1906 in Easton 
were burlapped in the summer of 1907, but no caterpillars were 
taken in them. During the fall scouting of the town egg clusters 
of the gypsy moth were found in 5 localities, the most important 
finding being at Washington Street, where 23 egg clusters were 
treated. The tree warden and the local superintendent of the 
town are carrying on the moth work in a very satisfactory manner. 

The brown-tail moths in the town are few. 


FALMOUTH. 
W. B. Bosworru, Local Superintendent. 
The first colony of gypsy moths found in this town was 
located in March (last) by Inspector John F. Carleton of this 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 79 


office. The trees in the vicinity of the colony were burlapped 
and well attended during the summer, and upward of 100 
larvee were killed. There were no special difficulties in the way 
of the extermination of this colony. The entire town should be 
thoroughly inspected as soon as possible, as it is quite probable 
that other small gypsy moth infestations exist here. 

As in Bourne, the brown-tail moth infestation is scattering, 
the largest number of winter webs being found in West Fal- 
mouth. 

FITCHBURG. 
George H. Hastines, City Forester. 

A few gypsy moth egg clusters were found in this city by 
scouts employed by the central office during November. These 
were treated, and the local authorities notified. There should 
be no great difficulty in dealing with the gypsy moth situation 
here, if no further findings are made. It seems quite probable, 
in view of the number of automobiles passing through this city, 
that a complete examination of the woodlands may show small 
additional colonies. 

FRAMINGHAM. 


N. I. Bowpitrcu, Local Superintendent. 


Most excellent work has been done in this town along all the 
lines ordinarily followed in combating the gypsy and brown-tail 
moths. Particularly commendable is the work of repairing in- 
fested orchard trees and putting them in shape for economical 
treatment. Few towns in the district make a better showing of 
progress than Framingham. Careful records have been kept 
here, which show that during 1906 381,536 caterpillars and 
880 egg clusters were destroyed. For 1907 the figures are 
21,275 caterpillars and 125 egg clusters. The work here has 
been ably handled, and has been well supported by the citizens 
in general. 

FRANKLIN. 


JoHN W. Sropsart, Local Superintendent. 


The work of scouting this town by the State forces was begun 
on December 17. A few gypsy moth egg clusters were located 
in various parts of the town, chiefly in apple orchards. ‘These 
infestations were pointed out to the local superintendent, who 
had already been appointed by the town to deal with the brown- 


80 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


tail moth situation. The extermination of these colonies offers 
no serious obstacle, although it is quite probable that further 
examinations, particularly of the woodlands, may reveal the 
presence of the gypsy moth elsewhere in this town. 


GEORGETOWN. 
WILLIAM E. SHERBURNE, Local Superintendent. 


An unfortunate delay in securing funds necessary for the 
moth work early in the year retarded the necessary operations, 
but before the beginning of the caterpillar season the cleaning 
of street trees and those on private estates was practically com- 
pleted. Gypsy moth colonies to the number of 322 were treated 
while this work was in progress, and, as a result of the good 
attention given to the burlaps, in about 705 of these colonies no 
ege clusters were found this fall. A very thorough scouting was 
given the town during the fall months, and 174 small additional 
infestations, containing from 1 to 5 egg clusters, were located. 
These should be cleaned by the use of burlap, and well cared 
for during 1908. 

The most important colony so far discovered in Georgetown 
is in the woodland of Samuel Fuller, on North Street, where 
about two acres are badly infested. The orchard problem in 
Georgetown is a serious one, and should have careful attention. 
There are numerous worthless old apple trees to be removed, 
and a liberal amount of tinning of cavities in the remaining 
trees will be required to put them in good condition for the 
effective use of burlap. The town officials and citizens have 
well supported the work against the moths, and if this co-opera- 
tion can be continued during the next few years, the cost of 
holding the moths in check in Georgetown should be greatly 
reduced. 

GRAFTON, 
JOHN E. SHERIDAN, Local Superintendent. 

State employees made a scouting of this town in the period 
between November 18 and December 24, with the result that 
the gypsy moth was found in considerable numbers in 5 well- 
separated localities. On an estate on Westborough Street 46 
egg clusters were found; 42 on another on Ferry Street. The 
2 findings on Hall Street were respectively 6 and 14 egg clus- 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 81 


ters, while 17 were destroyed in the Follet Street colony. Work 
will soon be organized here. It is probable that when a local 
gang has been organized and trained still other findings will be 


ma de. 
GROTON. 


The work in this town against the brown-tail moth has been 
done under the direction of Chairman J. F. Ryan of the board 
of selectmen, who has taken an active interest in the work. This 
town has no permanent local superintendent, the work being 
carried on under the direction of the selectmen. The gypsy 
moth colonies were well burlapped and attended, and a number 
of caterpillars destroyed. The fall scouting is now in progress. 
Three new colonies have been cleaned. The most important 
infestation is near the Groton School. 

The orchards in this town will require careful attention dur- 
ing the coming season. Worthless trees should be cut and 
burned; also, cementing and tin patching should be done. 

The brown-tail moths are on the increase in this town. 


GROVELAND. 
Frep A. Woop, Local Superintendent. 

This town was thoroughly inspected by employees of the cen- 
tral office in the early spring, and 111 new infestations found. 
The trees in the infested section were burlapped, with good 
results. At the present writing the ground work and cementing 
or tinning of cavities in old trees have been completed except in 
the woodland colonies, and here a considerable part of the 
ground work has been done. In approximately 75 per cent. 
of the 111 colonies mentioned no egg clusters were found last 
fall,—a condition of affairs which speaks well for the effi- 
ciency of the local work. At the present writing a considerable 
amount of roadside trimming has been done, and local forces 
are now engaged in clearing the street trees. A park of some 
size in this town, ‘“‘ The Pines,” owned by the Boston & North- 
ern Street Railway, has been thoroughly examined by the care- 
taker, Mr. Murphy, and his assistants, and 92 ege clusters 
found. The necessary trimming in the infested district has 
been done, and the brown-tail moth webs removed. Burlap- 
ping and other careful work will be needed here next season. 


82 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


HALIFAX, 
FRANK D. Lyon, Local Superintendent. 

An improved state of affairs is shown in the orchards of this 
town. Up to May 1, 1907, 25 infested orchards had been dis- 
covered, but during the recent fall scouting egg clusters were 
found in only 18 orchards, and 10 of these were infestations not 
before known. During the summer the local superintendent 
personally cared for the 574 burlapped trees in town, and killed 
about 1,000 caterpillars. The total number of egg clusters found 
later in orchards was about 160. 

The fall scouting of the town has been carried on in a satis- 
factory way, and, as in many other towns, ha been extended for 
the first time to the wood roads. The gypsy moth has been 
found in 10 places in the woods, 548 egg clusters in all being 
destroyed. Many of these egg clusters were found on white 
pines. While none of the 11 infestations are in an alarming 
condition as yet, the woods problem in the town is nevertheless 
a serious one, and much thorough work must be done here in 
1908. 

Very good preliminary work was done last year in the in- 
fested orchards preparatory to burlapping. Additional work of 
this sort may be required in several of these orchards and in 
others that may be found later to be infested. 

The brown-tail infestation in the town of Halifax is exceed- 
ingly lght. 

HAMILTON. 
Frep A. Nason, Local Superintendent. 

The work of the early part of the year included the thorough 
treatment of private estates and the closing of cavities in old 
fruit trees. Later in the season burlapping and spraying were 
used to good advantage. The infestation in and near Asbury 
Grove Park has been a source of considerable anxiety. This 
park is much frequented by cottagers and campers during the 
summer months, with the consequent danger of scattering the 
gypsy moth caterpillars. Although the park proper was badly 
infested two years ago, the number of the moths has now been 
reduced to a minimum. Early in the year 1907 the under- 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 83 


brush in the infested woodland adjoining the park was cut, 
the trees thinned, burlapped and thoroughly attended during the 
summer. The result of the fall examination shows that the 
numbers of the moths have been greatly reduced. 

At the present writing the street trees have been cleared of 
the moths, and a large amount of roadside trimming and brush 
cutting has been done. In connection with the work of clearing 
private estates this winter, worthless hollow trees will be re- 
moved and the cavities in those remaining cemented or closed 
with tin. 

HANOVER. 


W. 5S. Sropparp, Local Superintendent. 


In the town of Hanover, where the problem of the gypsy 
moth in orchards reaches great importance, there were killed 
last summer about 17,000 gypsy moth caterpillars. Seven thou- 
sand yards of burlap were put on trees by the local superintend- 
ent, and were well attended, as the above figure shows. 

Following the larval season over 2,400 ege clusters of the 
gypsy moth were destroyed, 500 of these being on two pasture 
oaks. In the fall of 1906, 96 estates in Hanover were known 
to be infested with the gypsy moth; and since May 1, 1907, 66 
additional infestations have been located. 

There*are a number of badly infested localities, due mostly 
to the existence therein of hollow, worthless old apple trees. 
Operations against the gypsy moth in the town have been 
pushed with very great energy by the local superintendent. 
Under his direction infested walls have been worked over, and 
eggs, larvee or pup hidden under the stones destroyed; while 
many trees have been either cut or trimmed, scraped, burned 
out and cemented. Much orchard work yet remains to be done, 
for the number of worthless or neglected trees is still great, and 
these are a distinct hindrance to the work against the gypsy 
moth. A continuance of the energetic orchard campaign in 
1908 should show a great advance in the work of suppressing 
the gypsy moth in Hanover next fall. 

The fall scouting of the town did not develop serious woodland 
conditions. The known gypsy moth infestations are not many 
or in bad shape to handle; but the woodland area between 


84 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


Webster, Washington and Main streets, where scattering egg 
clusters have been found, must receive careful attention in the 
future. 

The brown-tail moth infestation in Hanover is light, and can 
be easily taken care of. It is estimated by the local superin- 
tendent that there are not over 500 winter webs in the town. 

Operations against the moths in Hanover have been well sup- 
ported by the local authorities, and the citizens generally have 
shown much interest in the work and in some eases have cleared 
up their infested orchards. 

HANSON. 
A. L. DAME, Local Superintendent. 

Prior to May 1, 1907, in the town of Hanson 104 estates had 
been found infested with the gypsy moth. From about one- 
half of these the moths were practically cleared last year, and on 
each of 30 others but a single egg cluster was found. On the 
other hand, the careful scout of the town last fall by the local 
superintendent added to the list 35 infested estates in the open 
country. The most important result of the fall scouting was, 
however, the discovery of additional woods infestations of the 
gypsy moth. Most of these colonies at present are small, some 
having 1 egg cluster each. The largest woods colony is near 
Wampatuck Pond, and here 48 egg clusters were destroyed. A 
good deal of woods scouting in Hanson has been done by In- 
spector W. A. Wight of the central office. 

During the larval season of 1907 about 5,000 yards of bur- 
lap were used and attended, with the result that 2,300 caterpil- 
lars were destroyed. Specially good burlap work was done in 
the woods colony at Oldham Pond, and only 2 egg clusters were 
found here in the fall scouting. A great deal of work against 
the gypsy moth will be required in 1908 in Hanson. The effect- 
ive work done in 1907 in neglected orchards, in the way of cut- 
ting, cementing, trimming and scraping trees, must be resumed 
this year in the orchards not yet cared for. The woods present 
an even graver problem than the orchards, for to handle the 
scattering infestation there will require much time and labor. 

As in other towns in this part of the State, the brown-tail 
moths in Hanson are few and seattered, and their continued 
suppression will be a matter of no difficulty. 


IOS] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 85 


HARVARD. 
GroRGE MAYNARD, Local Superintendent. 


Twenty gypsy moth colonies were located in this town in the 
spring of 1907. There was an unfortunate delay in getting out 
the necessary notices to property owners, requiring them to 
clean up their places, and as a result they have done but little 
work to assist the local organization. The condition of the town 
as regards the brown-tail moth has improved over that of 1907. 
During the present year the chairman of the board of selectmen, 
Mr. Fairbanks, has given a great deal of personal attention to 
the prosecution of the work, and his advice and assistance have 
been most valuable. A great deal of burlapping will be required 
in this town next season, and everything possible should be done 
in the way of repairing decayed orchard trees and in cutting 
and burning those which have survived their usefulness. 


HAVERHILL, 
GEORGE F. Moore, Local Superintendent. 

During the spring of 1907, in the clearing of private prop- 
erty of the gypsy and brown-tail moths, upward of 135 gypsy 
moth infestations were found. The trees in these moth colo- 
nies were burlapped and well attended during the caterpillar 
season, with excellent results. As the result of the experience 
gained in this work, the local superintendent and his assist- 
ants were able to make a more thorough inspection of Haver- 
hill, including the Bradford district, than had heretofore been 
attempted. This fall inspection showed 928 new infestations, 
containing, all told, 5,423 egg clusters. The most important 
infestation is on Seventh Avenue, while another colony which 
will require careful attention is located on High Street. In the 
Bradford district a few egg clusters were found in nearly every 
orchard. 

The spraying operations in this city during the summer 
months gave good results. The usual campaign of burlapping 
and spraying will be needed here in the summer of 1908. The 
general co-operation of the citizens during the year has been 
gratifying as well as helpful. 


86 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


HINGHAM. 
ArtTHuUR W. YouNG, Local Superintendent. 

The progress of the work in Hingham has been both remark- 
able and gratifying. Practically all the orchard trees have been 
trimmed and the cavities tinned or cemented. That the citi- 
zens of this town take a most commendable pride in the care of 
their property is shown by the large amount of very practical 
assistance given to the local superintendent in his work. At 
this writing Inspector T. Willard Burke reports that not over 
25 orchards remain to be treated. 

The trees in the infested districts were well burlapped and 
thoroughly attended. No better illustration has ever been given 
of what thorough burlapping and careful attention will do than 
the results obtained in Hingham during 1907. The orchard in- 
festations found in the winter of 1906—07 range from 50 to 500 
nests each. In the fall inspection of 1907 place after place was 
found absolutely free of the moths, while in those infested but 
from 1 to 6 egg clusters were found. A thorough examination 
of the woodlands is now being made, and a number of small 
colonies have been found. Next year’s work should include the 
free use of burlap in localities where egg clusters have been 
found, and particularly in the Old Colony Hull district. 


. HOLBROOK. 
WILLIAM HaybEN, Local Superintendent. 

This town has about held its own as far as infestation by the 
gypsy moth is concerned. Burlaps were used in the 38 known 
colonies, and a considerable amount of trimming, cementing, 
etc., was done. There are about 60 estates infested by the gypsy 
moth, as shown by the fall inspection, while the fine elms along 
the main street are generally infested. A more vigorous cam- 
paign should be made against the insects in Holbrook in 1908. 


HOLLISTON. 
FRANK Caspr, Local Superintendent. 
The somewhat hasty scouting of the town made in the winter 
of 1906-07 showed 5 places infested by the gypsy moth. The 


1908..] PUBLIC, DOCUMENT — No. 73. 87 


trees were trimmed and the cavities closed with tin, while later 
burlaps were used to intercept the caterpillars, but not one was 
taken during the summer. <A thorough scouting of this town 
by trained men should be made before a correct opinion of its 
condition as regards the gypsy moth can be formed. 


HOPKINTON. 
SAMUEL SMITH, Local Superintendent. 


The usual winter and spring work of removing the brown- 
tail moth webs and creosoting gypsy moth egg clusters occupied 
the attention of the small force employed in this town during 
the winter and early spring, and the necessary work of tinning 
cavities in orchard trees and of thinning and brush cutting was 
carried on. The burlaps received satisfactory attention during 
the season, caterpillars being found in nearly every colony. The 
section so cared for during the summer was in very good condi- 
tion at the time of the fall inspection, but some 10 small ad- 
ditional infestations were located, the one on the shore of 
Whitehall Pond being of serious importance, since 376 egg 
clusters were destroyed there. The general condition of this 
town, so far from the central infested district, is a serious one, 
and much good work must be done here to hold the gypsy moth 
in check. 

Hupson. 


JOHN E. WALSH, Local Superintendent. 


By the middle of April the winter work of clearing street 
trees and those on private estates in the residential district 
was completed, and during May much attention was given to 
trimming, cementing and tinning infested orchard trees pre- 
paratory to burlapping. Burlaps were freely used and well 
cared for during the summer, with the result that a large num- 
ber of caterpillars were destroyed. In the late summer scout- 
ing operations and the general work of clearing up infested 
roadsides and orchards was in progress. A number of new 
gypsy moth infestations were found as a result of the fall scout- 
ing, none of them being of notable size. At this writing the 
work of removing brown-tail moth webs and creosoting gypsy 
moth nests is in progress. During 1908 a general burlapping 


88 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


campaign will be needed in this town, and doubtless a limited 
amount of spraying. There yet remains a considerable amount 
of work in the way of tinning and cementing of cavities in 
orchard trees in or near infested localities. 


HULL. 
SmirH F. Srureis, Local Superintendent. 


Much good work was done in clearing the town of gypsy and 
brown-tail moths during the winter and early spring months, 
particular attention being given to infested orchard trees. Bur- 
laps were freely used, but not attended as thoroughly as they 
should have been as shown by the fact that many ey psy moth 
ege clusters were found upon them in the late summer. We 
have done but little more than hold our own in this town, and 
next season a somewhat larger force than was employed in 1907 
may be necessary. 

Hype Park. 
Harry G. HIGBEE, Local Superintendent. 


In the winter of 1906-07 ‘a thorough scouting was made 
of this town, and 297 localities were found infested, the most 
serious infestation occurring in the northern part, showing that 
the close proximity to badly infested sections in Boston was 
having its effect in the distribution of the moths. Until the 
Roxbury district can be thoroughly cleared, Hyde Park is liable 
to continued reinfestation from this source. In contrast to this 
condition, the southern part of Hyde Park was found to be 
lightly infested, the nests being but a few in a place and widely 
scattered. 

The places where the moths were located were well cleared up, 
more than 25,000 burlaps being used and well attended. A 
limited amount of spraying was also done in the most badly in- 
fested sections. Two important colonies are at Clarendon 
Hills, where more than 200 egg clusters were destroyed, and 
in the woodland near Ashland Street on the Boston line, where 
defoliation occurred last summer. The local superintendent 
was successful in preventing serious damage by the moth on the 
Hyde Park side of the line, but this latter locality must be 


1908. | “PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 89 


carefully watched for some years to come. Throughout the 
woodlands in this town the gypsy moth is generally scattered, 
yet in these latter colonies, where 500 egg clusters were found 
last year, only about 300 were found in the fall of 1907. So 
far this town has assumed the care of private estates, paying for 
the cost of this work from the town appropriation. The in- 
festation is so severe at Hyde Park, however, that it will be 
better policy in the future to assess each property owner for the 
eare of his place in accordance with the terms of the act, and 
thus induce citizens to take a more active interest in suppressing 
the moths on their estates. The situation in Hyde Park is a 
serious one, and a liberal expenditure of funds in fighting the 
moths here during 1908 will be in the interests of economy. 
The work for the coming year should include a general burlap- 
“ping campaign, together with a considerable amount of spray- 
ing. The purchase of a power sprayer for use here is desirable. 


IpswicH. 
JAMES A. Morey, Local Superintendent. 


The condition of this town has been greatly improved dur- 
ing the past year. Before the caterpillar season arrived the 
street trees and those on private estates had been thoroughly 
cleaned of moths and a considefable amount of scouting also 
accomplished. In the most severely infested sections spraying 
was used, with good results. Street trees and others on infested 
estates were burlapped and attended throughout the summer. 
The work of the local superintendent has been of excellent 
quality, and the townspeople have co-operated with him in a 
most commendable manner. During the fall roadside trimming 
has been continued wherever the moths have been found, and a 
large proportion of the trees cleared of gypsy moth egg clusters 
to a distance above the probable snow line. In the course of 
the fall work a small woodland colony was located near the 
Rowley line, which will be thinned out and put in condition for 
burlapping and spraying. 

At the present time the work of cleaning the street trees is 
in progress. 


90 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


KINGSTON. 


DANIEL WESTON, Local Superintendent. 


In the orchards infested with the gypsy moth the local super- 
intendent cut many worthless old trees and cemented holes in 
others, preparatory to the burlap season. Unfortunately, this 
preliminary work was not supplemented by other methods 
equally necessary, such as scraping the bark and removing dead 
wood. About 500 burlaps were well attended during the cater- 
pillar season, and more than 4,500 larvae and pupe taken. 

In the fall the selectmen of the town practically took charge 
of the work, and spent much time in the field. As a result 
of their public-spirited efforts, nearly all the town has been 
scouted, aside from the woodlands, and its condition has be- 
come quite definitely known. Of the 53 infested estates found 
prior to June 1, on which in 1906-07 664 egg clusters were 
destroyed, 36 were found to be still infested in the fall of 1907, 
with 749 ege clusters. This inexcusable increase of the moths 
on so many estates may be attributed chiefly to the neglect to 
apply the approved cleaning methods in the orchards before 
the hatching of the eggs. 

Only 2 woods colonies are known in Kingston at the present 
writing, but it is probable that the woodland is scatteringly 
infested. The town officials are awake to the-importance of the 
moth work, and many owners of private estates have done much 
work in cleaning their orchards and cutting worthless trees. 
We are assured by the chairman of the board of selectmen that 
the necessary work of cutting, cementing, trimming and scrap- 
ing of trees will be done before the larval season. This will 
involve a considerable amount of labor during the winter and 
spring, but the work is indispensable if the gypsy moth is to 
be brought under control here. 


LAKEVILLE. 
S. T. Netson, Local Superintendent. 

Since the finding of the single egg cluster in 1905, no form 
of the gypsy moth has been found in the town, but a thorough 
inspection of the whole area will be made prior to May 1, 1908. 

The brown-tail moth infestation in Lakeville is very slight. 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 91 


LAWRENCE. 
Isaac KeELuLEy, Local Superintendent. 

Early in the spring of 1907 the examination of this city by 
Inspector John J. Fitzgerald showed 191 gypsy moth egg clus- 
ters. The trees in the infested sections were burlapped and 
well attended during the season, with the result that a very 
large number of caterpillars was destroyed. A limited amount 
of spraying was done, with excellent results. In the fall 
months, the local men having acquired sufficient experience to 
qualify them for scouting work, a thorough examination of the 
entire city was made, with the exception of woodlands remote 
from highways. Seven hundred and sixty-two gypsy moth in- 
festations were found, containing more than 500 egg clusters, 
the largest number (425) being destroyed on the trees standing 
in the Common. The colony at Mount Vernon Street, where 
225 nests were treated, is also a dangerous spot, which should 
be thoroughly cared for next year. In the 191 infested sections 
found last spring egg clusters were found this fall in less than 
30 per cent. In fact, very few clusters were found in any of 
the colonies which had been burlapped and properly attended 
during the summer, —a state of affairs which reflects great 
credit upon the local superintendent. In common with other 


municipalities, where manufacturing is the main industry, but 
little interest, relatively speaking, has been taken by the citi- 
zens in caring for the trees. 

Now that the general condition of the city with reference to 
the moth pests has been determined, a vigorous campaign of 
burlapping and spraying should be put through in the summer 
of 1908. | 

LEICESTER. 

If evidence were needed to show how automobiles scatter the 
gypsy moth, no better illustration could be found than in the 
case of the colony in this town located by State scouts on De- 
cember 14. Two men were detailed to scout roadsides and or- 
chards thoroughly along the State road from Boston to Spring- 
field, the gypsy moth being known to occur as far west as 
Worcester. No egg clusters were found in Leicester until the 
center of the town was reached, when 2 were discovered on a 


92 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. . 


tree in the rear of the Leicester Inn garage. We are assured 
that the necessary work will be done in this town to care for 
this infested spot. 
LEOMINSTER. 
S. F. WatKker, Local Superintendent. 

A single gypsy moth nest was found in this town at the time 
of the spring scouting. No caterpillars were taken under the 
burlap in this locality, but later caterpillars were found in one 
locality in the northern part of the town. Although the bur- 
laps were well cared for here, no gypsy moth egg clusters were 
discovered at the time of the fall inspection. The property 
owners have greatly assisted the local superintendent in his 
work, and there should be no special difficulty in holding the 
gypsy moth in check in this town. 


LINCOLN. 
Epwarp R. Farrar, Local Superintendent. 


This town contains a very large amount of woodland, much 
of which is included in the many beautiful estates of summer 
residents, who desire, as far as possible; to preserve its in- 
tegrity. It is practically impossible to attempt to clear the 
moths from this woodland until it has been thinned and under- 
brush removed, in order to permit of economical and efficient 
spraying. Much good work has been done in the orchards here, 
yet much more will be required. After the usual work of clear- 
ing street trees, orchards and private estates had been com- 
pleted in the early part of the year, a dozen or more men were 
put at work scouting and cleaning woodland territory, and kept 
so employed until after the egg clusters had hatched. In May 
and June burlaps were applied and faithfully attended during 
the summer season. A limited amount of spraying was done, 
with good results, while during the late summer a considerable 
amount of brush was cut in certain infested localities. A small 
force of men began work in the latter part of November, and 
is now engaged in destroying brown-tail webs and gypsy moth 
egg clusters. 

The work for 1908 in Lincoln should include a very thorough 
treatment of the infested woodlands, and for this purpose much 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 93 


burlapping and spraying will be required. At least one power 
spraying outfit is needed here, and two can be used to advan- 
tage during the caterpillar season. 


LITTLETON. 
GrEoRGE Davipson, Local Superintendent. 


The work against the gypsy moth in this town has been de- 
layed at times by lack of suitable help and unfortunate local 
complications. In the early part of the year the street and 
orchard trees were looked over, the brown-tail moth nests re- 
moved, and considerable work done in repairing infested or- 
chards and putting them in shape for the effective use of bur- 
lap. This town is thoroughly infested, particularly in the or- 
chard sections, and probably in the woodland districts. If it 
had been possible to give better attention to caring for the bur- 
laps during the summer, a greater gain against the moth pest 
would have been made. 

At the present writing a considerable amount of tinning and 
cementing in orchards is under way, brush is being cut along 
infested roadsides, and numerous dead and decayed trees are 
being removed. We are obliged to report that the gypsy moth 
has made a gain in this town in 1907. It therefore means that 
more effective work and larger expenditures will be required 
the coming year. The work for 1908 should include the liberal 
use of burlap, and particularly a large amount of spraying. 
A thoroughgoing, vigorous campaign over this town will put 
the orchard sections and residential district in good condition. 
If such a campaign is not carried on, the increase of the moths 


here will be rapid. 
LOWELL. 


CHARLES A. WuHiTtTET, Local Superintendent. 

A very large number of gypsy moth egg clusters were found 
in this city last winter and spring, when a gang of from 20 to 
30 men were employed in the work of clearing street trees and 
private estates. There was an unfortunate delay in obtaining 
and applying burlap in season for its most effective use, but 
during the latter part of the summer it was well attended, and 
a considerable amount of spraying was also done in the most 
seriously affected places. 


94 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


Good work has been done here against the brown-tail moth, 
but this city is peculiarly liable to reinfestation by this insect 
from outside sources. The masses of bright lights at night 
prove a strong attraction during the flying season of the moths, 
thousands of which are thus drawn from the woodlands which 
surround the city. Since it is not practicable to clear all the 
low-cost woodlands lying within a few miles radius of this and 
other manufacturing cities in the Merrimac valley, we must 
expect at Lowell, as well as at Lawrence and Haverhill, re- 
peated reinfestations of the insect, varying in intensity with 
the numbers of moths and the direction of the winds at the 
flying season. There has been a net gain in the work against 
the moths in this city, due to the active efforts of the local 
superintendent, who has been supported at all times by the park 
commissioners having the work in charge. 

The lack of proper financial support at critical times has 
made it necessary to lay off the force of trained men engaged in 
this work, with the consequent loss of efficiency. If funds can 
be provided for a thoroughgoing, systematic campaign without 
let-up or hindrance throughout the entire year of 1908, notable 
progress will be made in wiping out the moths in this city. 
During the coming year extensive burlap operations will be re- 
quired, while additional spraying outfits should be purchased 
and freely used during the caterpillar season. 


LUNENBURG. 
S. FarnswortnH, Local Superintendent. 

The scouts from the central office located 3 gypsy moth egg 
clusters in this town in April, 1907, 1 on the State road over 
the Fitchburg line, and 2 at Whalom Park, where a large num- 
ber of trees were burlapped and attended during the summer. 
This park is in high favor as a pleasure resort, and has doubt- 
less become infested from the large number of automobiles and 
the electric cars which pass through it. 

At the present writing the local superintendent is making a 
thorough scouting of the town. A considerable amount of bur- 
lapping will be needed here next summer. 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT—No. 73. 95 


MARLBOROUGH. 


F. B. Proctor, Local Superintendent. 


From January through April the local force, averaging from 
25 to 30 men, was kept diligently occupied in cleaning the 
brown-tail moth webs from street trees. On private property 
some 45 small eypsy moth colonies were located and treated. 
While this work was in process burlaps were freely used on the 
infested estates, and in 19 of the colonies gypsy moth caterpil- 
lars were taken. A great deal of good work has been done in 
the way of thinning out infested roadsides and tinning cavities 
in orchard trees. The fall inspection shows this city to be very 
generally infested by the gypsy moth, while the brown-tail moth 
is notably abundant. In the northerly part of the city the latter 
insect is unusually abundant. The work for the winter and 
spring should include a considerable amount of brush cutting 
along fences, and the putting of numerous old orchards in such 
condition that burlapping and spraying operations next summer 
may be carried on economically and effectively. 


MARSHFIELD. 


P. R. Livermore, Local Superintendent. 


In the latter part of March, 1907, Mr. Livermore was ap- 
pointed local superintendent of Marshfield. At this time there 
were but 4 estates known to be infested by the gypsy moth. The 
superintendent at once organized a gang of 3 men (all inexperi- 
enced), and began work with such vigor that before June 1 
the gypsy moth had been located on 58 estates, and 437 egg 
clusters destroyed. All the infested estates were put in good 
condition for burlapping, which was used with good results, 
about 1,300 trees being banded and 8,463 larve and pup de- 
stroyed. A complete scouting was not possible in the spring, 
with the great amount of cleaning work to be done; but a thor- 
ough inspection of the town was made for the first time last fall, 
with the result that over 100 estates (33 of them located in the 
spring) were found infested with the gypsy moth. Eleven of 
these are woods colonies of no great extent, presenting no special 


96 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


difficulties in the way of handling. Five of them have already 
been cleaned, and in all the necessary cutting, ete., will be done 
before the caterpillar season of 1908. <A certain amount of 
woods scouting, hindered by unfavorable weather, still remains 
to be done. 

The brown-tail moth is not much in evidence in Marshfield, 
but the regular winter search for the webs of the insect will be 
made, to insure its suppression. 

The work of the local superintendent in this town is entitled 
to much praise, and has been effectively supported by the board 
of selectmen. 

MAYNARD. 


LuKE S. Brooks, Local Superintendent. 


About 40 gypsy moth infestations have been found in this 
town, mainly in the southern and western sections. The most 
important colony was that on the property of George Brown, 
where numerous egg clusters were found, more than 300 being 
discovered in a single abandoned bee-hive. Good work was done 
here in the winter and spring months by the local gang in clear- 
ing street trees and those on private estates from the gypsy and 
brown-tail moths. Burlaps were used with good results during 
the caterpillar season, and a considerable amount of excellent 
work has been done in putting infested orchards in good shape 
for next season’s work. Aside from the ordinary work of bur- 
lapping, repairing orchard trees and cutting and burning worth- 
less roadside trees and brush, we shall recommend for 1908 
the purchase and use of a power sprayer, which will prove of 
great value during the caterpillar season. 


MEDFIELD. 
G. L. L. ALLEN, Local Superintendent. 


In the 7 known gypsy moth colonies caterpillars were taken 
in 5 during the summer season. Where necessary, brush ecut- 
ting and the filling of cavities in hollow trees was done, and 
later the burlaps were well attended. Infestations here, as 
shown bv the fall scouting, are small but widely seattered. A 
considerable amount of roadside and orchard work yet remains 
to be done in this town. 


1908. | - PUBLIC DOCUMENT—No. 73. 97 


Merpway. 


Capt. FRANCIS H. LEONARD, Local Superintendent. 


The State gang of scouts made a thorough examination of 
this town during the month of December. It was found to be 
generally infested by the gypsy moth, scattered in small num- 
bers over the entire area. Here the old orchards are often 
found infested, and will require much careful attention during 
the coming year. We have assurance that the necessary work 
in this town will soon be under way. The scouting of the wood- 
- lands here will be very desirable at an early date. 


MERRIMAC. 


GILBERT G. Davis, Local Superintendent. 


The local forces finished clearing the moths from private 
property early in the year. The thorough scouting of the town 
by the employees of the central office showed 12 small new in- 
festations of 1 or 2 egg clusters each. All the trees in the in- 
fested sections of the town were burlapped and well attended 
during the caterpillar season, a small number of insects being 
taken in a few of the colonics. At the present writing the work 
of clearing the street trees is in progress, and later the local 
superintendent will thoroughly examine all private estates for 
the moths. 

METHUEN. 


A. H. WAGLAND, Local Superintendent. 


In January and February the work of clearing private estates 
of the gypsy and brown-tail moths was vigorously prosecuted, 
and some work done in badly infested orchards, to put them in 
condition for the caterpillar season. The trees in all infested 
localities were burlapped, and attended twice a week during the 
summer season. Spraying operations in the sections where the 
caterpillars were most abundant gave excellent results. The 
fall scouting showed a number of new infested localities, but 
not more than 2 or 3 egg clusters were found in any of them. 
During the fall months a considerable amount of work was 
done in old infested orchards, where trees were removed, cavi- 
ties tinned over or cemented and the brush burned. A large 


98 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS.  [Jan. 


amount of trimming of infested roadsides has been accom- 
plished, and at this writing the gypsy moth work has been done 
over the entire town up to the probable snow line, and the work 
of thorough clearing of the street trees is now in progress. The 
local street railway company have done most excellent work 
against the moths in Glen Forest Park, one of the most badly 
infested sections. 


MIDDLEBOROUGH. 


JOHN C. CHASE, Local Superintendent. 


The large town of Middleborough, over much of its area, ap- 
pears to be free from the gypsy moth. Nevertheless, the infes- 
tion is serious, for on Dee. 15, 1907, more than 50 estates 
were found infested. The most important single orchard in- 
festation was on an estate on Chestnut Street, where 201 egg 
clusters were treated on one apple tree. In the residential sec- 
tion burlaps were turned during the summer in 6 places, and 
1,015 larve were killed. 

The most extensive infestation in Middleborough is in the 
Rocky Meadow Street neighborhood, in the extreme eastern 
part of the town. Some orchards on this street were found in- 
fested during the summer, and the infestation has since been 
found spread over a number of acres, including both woods and 
open land, and extending scatteringly over the line into Carver. 
In the woodland of the town the most important infestation is 
on the Carver line in the same locality. 

The necessary cutting, trimming, ete., is already completed 
in two woods colonies and in many orchards. This work will 
be continued until all infestations are in readiness for the bur- 
lap season. In addition to the burlapping, spraying will be 
needed on many estates. With adequate care and labor, the 
gypsy moths in Middleborough should not only be prevented 
from spreading from the present known infestations, but also 
reduced in numbers and eventually suppressed. 

The brown-tail moths in the town are few in number and are 
scattered, the largest number being found near the central rail- 
road station. 

The moth work in Middleborough is in competent hands, and 
has been well supported by town officials and citizens. 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 99 


MIDDLETON. 
M. J. Emerson, Local Superintendent. 


The good work done here in 1906 has been continued during 
the year just closed. In all the infested localities the street and 
orchard trees were burlapped or banded with sticky materials, 
while in certain colonies burning with the oil flame was re- 
sorted to, with excellent results. Along Forest and. Boston 
streets a considerable amount of roadside thinning has been ac- 
complished, and in the important woodland colony lying be- 
tween Haswell Park and Boston Street underbrush and dead 
or worthless trees have been removed. Nearly all the necessary 
work in orchards in the way of cementing or tinning cavities 
has been done, and a large number of worthless trees cut and 
burned. ‘The condition of this town, aside from certain of the 
woodland colonies, is greatly improved. The street trees have 
been cleaned of the moths, and local forces have commenced a 
thorough scouting of the woodlands. 


MiLrorp. 
GEORGE E. STANLEY, Local Superintendent. 


A single colony was located in this town by State employees 
during the winter. The trees in the vicinity were trimmed, 
and cavities cemented and put in condition for the summer 
work. During the caterpillar season the burlaps were well at- 
tended, but nothing was found. <A thorough scouting of this 
town will be needed before a proper estimate of its condition 
can be made. 

MILLBURY. 


JOHN J. Garvey, Local Superintendent. 


In December a gang of scouts from the central office spent the 
entire month in making a thorough inspection of all roadsides 
and orchards in this town. Gypsy moth egg clusters were found 
on Canal, Curve, Martin and Greenwood streets, 14 ege clusters 
being found in one locality and 41 in another, the most serious 
infestation being on Martin Street and Parkhill Avenue. 

Work against the moths will soon be organized here. It will 
be necessary to do considerable orchard work in this town, and 
the woodlands should be scouted at an early date. 


100 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


MILLIs. 
Henry W. ALDEN, Local Superintendent. 


In one locality in Millis near the Medfield line the gypsy 
moth has been found. The underbrush in this section was cut 
out, the trees burlapped and attended during the summer, but 
only 4 caterpillars were taken. This town should have a thor- 
ough inspection before the opening of next season. 


MILTON. 
NATHANIEL T. Kipper, Local Superintendent. 

The general infestation of this town continues, although a 
net gain has been made against the gypsy moth here. The work 
in Milton has been well carried on, and has been properly sup- 
ported by town officials and citizens alike. Particularly com- 
mendable is the spirit shown by the property owners in co- 
operating fully with the local authorities in this important 
work, as in Canton, Scituate and many other towns it has been 
difficult to convince several owners of large wooded estates of 
the necessity of a considerable amount of brush cutting and 
spraying. In order that spraying may be done economically 
and effectively during the caterpillar season, the citizens of 
this town should realize that the gypsy moth is not a pest to be 
trifled with, and that the application of most vigorous meas- 
ures alone will suffice to keep the pest in check. 

All told, about 40,000 burlaps were applied to trees in the 
infested sections, and the 8 men employed to examine them 
gave most faithful attention to their work. During the fall 
months brush cutting along roadsides and scouting operations 
occupied the attention of the local forces. At the present writ- 
ing the work of cleaning street trees and infested estates is im 
progress. 

Milton is particularly liable to infestation from Boston and 
other cities and towns lying to the north. Much careful work 
will be required here for some years to come. 


NATICK. ~ 
Henry 8S. HUNNEWELL, Local Superintendent. 
Throughout the town the gypsy moth is generally scattered, 
both in woodlands and on private estates, but serious damage 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 101 


by the gypsy moth has been prevented by the use of thorough 
control measures. In the late winter and early spring trees on 
private property were thoroughly cleared of the pests, and a 
considerable amount of most excellent work was done in put- 
ting old orchards in good condition for spraying and burlap- 
ping. About 65,000 burlaps were applied and attended during 
the summer, over 30,000 caterpillars being killed in this way. 
About 80 per cent. of the caterpillars taken were in the wood- 
land, a fact which reflects great credit on the good work done 
in the residential sections in 1906. 

The fall inspection of the residential district has been com- 
pleted, and shows great gain over last year, only 314 egg clus- 
ters being found. The woodland inspection is now in progress, 
and a large number of scattering nests have been destroyed. 

In the course of the summer’s work an important colony on 
South Main Street, where 383 egg clusters had been destroyed, 
was sprayed so thoroughly that not a single caterpillar was 
taken there under the burlaps. At the Wignot colony in South 
Natick, where 802 egg clusters were destroyed, the spraying 
was so effective that only a single caterpillar was found later. 
The work against the moths in Natick has been ably adminis- 
tered, and has not suffered from lack of sufficient financial sup- 
port at any time. The most important problem on hand here 
at present is the condition of woodlands in the northern part of 
the town along the Weston line, where co-operative work be- 
tween the two towns will be necessary. We have assurances 
from the Weston authorities that the colonies over the line in 
that town will be thoroughly treated before the opening of the 
caterpillar season. 

NEEDHAM. 


ERNEST E. RitEy, Local Superintendent. 


The gypsy moth has become well established in nearly every 
portion of this town. Larly in the year the street trees were 
cleared of the moths, and in the latter part of June the work of 
cleaning private estates and certain important woodland colo- 
nies was under way. A number of infested orchards were thor- 
oughly treated, and at the opening of the caterpillar season 
more than 35,000 burlaps were applied to the trees in the in- 
fested districts. A careful attention to the burlaps reduced the 


102 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


moth infestations in the residential sections about 80 per cent. 
and in the woodlands about 70 per cent. During the fall in- 
spection 3,612 egg clusters were destroyed in various parts of 
the town, a fact which shows the need of very thorough meas- 
ures against the gypsy moth in 1908. Needham is exposed to 
reinfestation from Wellesley, and more particularly from New- 
ton, where many important woodland colonies have not yet been 
brought under control. In turn, the condition of affairs at 
Needham is a menace to Dover and Medfield. The work done 
here has been of good quality, but much remains to be done. 


NEWBURY. 
CHARLES O. BatLEy, Local Superintendent. 

This town was thoroughly scouted in the spring of 1907, and 
found to be generally infested by the gypsy moth, particularly 
in the orchard sections. These orchard sections were thoroughly 
sprayed later in the season, with excellent results, while the 
liberal use of burlap greatly reduced the numbers of caterpil- 
lars on street trees and in orchards alike. The fall scouting 
showed a few new infestations, none of which present any seri- 
ous difficulties to thorough suppressive measures. The most 
difficult factor to deal with in the Newbury situation, as far as 
the moths are concerned, is the large number of old orchards 
containing numerous hollow and decayed trees. There should 
be a general cutting of the worthless apple trees and a system- 
atic effort to cement or tin cavities in the remaining ones, es- 
pecially in the central part of the town and in the Old Town 
district. A considerable amount of roadside trimming has been 
accomplished this fall, and in the orchards the gypsy moth egg 
clusters have been destroyed up to a height of the probable 
snow line. 

NEWBURYPORT. 
Tuomas T. Upron, Local Superintendent. 

In the early months of the year all private property was 
thoroughly inspected and cleared of gypsy and brown-tail moths. 
A few new infestations of minor importance were found. A. 
very large amount of spraying was done in this town during the 
summer season, with the result that the number of caterpillars 


1908.) PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 103 


and consequently of egg clusters found in the fall inspection was 
greatly reduced. The trees in the infested districts were bur- 
lapped and thoroughly attended during the summer months. 
While the gypsy moth infestations have now been found in 
practically all parts of the city, the situation is well in hand 
and is much improved over that of 1906. All ground work 
against the gypsy moth has been done, and at the present time 
the cleaning of the street trees is nearly finished. As soon as 
this latter work is completed, the work of clearing private es- 
tates will be taken up. In the greater part of this city bur- 
lapping and spraying operations during 1908 will suffice to keep 
the moths under control. 


NortH ANDOVER. 
Peter Hout, Local Superintendent. 


The work against the brown-tail moth in this town has been 
well done; but owing to the many other duties of the local 
superintendent, it has not been possible to give the work against 
the gypsy moth as much attention as seemed desirable. The 
result is that in this town the gypsy moth has made a gain dur- 
ing the past year, and a thorough scouting of the entire town 
should be made before the egg clusters hatch next spring. The 
numerous old apple orchards are generally infested, and should 
be thoroughly overhauled during the winter. There are several 
small colonies in the woodland in the southern part of the town 
and one large colony covering several acres between Farnum 
Street and the Boston & Maine Railroad track. The work of 
clearing the street trees is now in progress. 


NortH ReEapINa. 
Grorce E. Eaton, Local Superintendent. 

Throughout this town the gypsy moth infestation is general, 
while the brown-tail moth is found in woodlands and orchards 
alike. The woodland gypsy moth colonies have increased in 
size considerably, due to the fact that it was not possible to 
provide funds for their thorough treatment during 1907. In 
the residential sections and along the highways the condition of 
affairs as regards the moths is certainly 40 per cent. better than 
last year. The most important woodland colonies occur along 


104 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


Swan Pond Road and Central Street. A large amount of road- 
side thinning and brush cutting has been done, while in the 
northern part of the town about 20 acres of infested woodland 
have been thinned and put in proper condition for next season’s 
operations. During the season of 1908 a very vigorous cam- 
paign must be made against the moth pests in the woods, in 
order to prevent serious stripping of the trees by the caterpil- 


lars. 
NORTHBRIDGE. 


A thorough scouting was made of this town in the latter part 
of December, and a single infestation of the gypsy moth was 
found in the Whitinsville district. This will be properly dealt 
with by the local authorities. 


NORWELL. 
JOHN H. SpPARRELL, Local Superintendent. 

The town of Norwell, like Hanover, contains a large number 
of apple orchards in which are many worthless or neglected 
trees, — notorious breeding places for the gypsy moth. The 
orchard work against the moths, comprising the usual scraping, 
trimming and cementing, done by the local superintendent, has 
been of good quality. In addition many worthless trees have 
been summarily disposed of by fire and the axe. 

About 4,000 yards of burlap were used in the town last sum- 
mer, and a large number of caterpillars were killed. As the 
result of a careful scouting last fall, there were on December 15 
109 known colonies of the gypsy moth. There still remain to 
be looked over some infested territory in the western part of 
the town, and the wooded area to the north and south of Grove 
Street and west of Prospect Street. 

The woods problem is also a serious one in Norwell. In its 
northern portion the town is extensively wooded, and several 
gypsy moth infestations are already known there in the section 
west of Prospect Street. One of these, situated north of Grove 
Street, not far from the Hingham line, was discovered by Chair- 
man Alpheus Thomas of the board of selectmen. The light in- 
festation here extended over several acres, much of which was 
pine woods of good size. These trees are now being cut by the 
owner. ‘To the south of Grove Street there is another similar 
infestation, and the pines here will also be cut and marketed. 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 105 


The existence of the gypsy moth in various places in the 
woods west of Prospect Strect makes imperative an inspection 
of the entire area, so that any additional infestations there may 
be promptly located and cared for. Such inspection will be 
made before May 1. The only known woods colony in the 
southern part of the town is a very shght infestation off Pine 
Street, near Green Street. 

Much work in orchards infested by the gypsy moth still re- 
mains to be done, and a large amount of burlap must be used 
during the coming summer. 


Norwoop. 
H. F. Winstow, Local Superintendent. 

The winter scouting when completed showed 6 infested es- 
tates. These were cleared up, burlapped and well attended dur- 
ing the summer. The colony on Pleasant Street, covering some 
5 acres, and another of about the same size on Leyden Street 
are the two most important infestations in the town. In all, 
over 3,200 caterpillars were taken under the burlaps in these 
two colonies. The fall inspection of the residential district has 
not increased the number of known infested places, and with 
good work the moths should be controlled here without unusual 
difficulties. 


ORLEANS. 
ALBERT W. SmitH, Local Superintendent. 

The two former infested places in this town were burlapped 
last summer, as in 1906, but again nothing was found. In 
December last a single egg cluster was found by Inspector 
Carleton on the South Orleans road. A large part of the town 
has been inspected, and the area that still remains to be looked 
over will be cared for before spring. 

The brown-tail moth infestation in this town is slight and 
scattering. 


PEMBROKE. 
CaLyIn 8S. West, Local Superintendent. 

In Pembroke, as in so many other towns of Plymouth County, 
the orchard problem has been given the first attention. In 1907 
the local superintendent and various property owners did con- 
siderable work in orchards, worthless trees being cut and others 


106 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


cemented, trimmed and scraped, but a great deal of this kind 
of work remains to be done. 

In the summer of 1907 about 2,000 yards of burlap were put 
on trees in Pembroke. The burlaps were diligently cared for, 
but more should have been put on in and around the infesta- 
tions. In round numbers, 2,000 larve were killed during the 
season. The careful, close work done in 1907 by the local super- 
intendent and his deputy resulted in the destruction of about 
1,500 gypsy moth egg clusters, several hundred of which were 
found in one stone wall. The entire town was carefully scouted 
last fall, and to-day over 100 infestations of the gypsy moth are 
known. Eight of these are woods colonies, in which cutting 
will be required before the burlap season of 1908. On account 
of the number of egg clusters found, 4 of these colonies will re- 
quire special care. Much good work will be needed throughout 
the town, to keep the moths under control in 1908. 


PEPPERELL. 
JosePpH A. WILEY, Local Superintendent. 


Four gypsy moth egg clusters were found in this town, near 


the center, by State inspectors in January, 1907. The neces- . 


sary cutting and thinning operations have been done by the 
local superintendents, and burlaps were used: freely and well 
attended. In November and December attention was given to 
the work of preparing old orchard trees, removing brown-tail 
moth nests and scouting for the gypsy moth. A few egg clusters 
were found in the section near the old colony. The infestation 
here is light, but the town must have thorough attention during 
the coming year. As the town is quite badly infested by the 
brown-tail moth, it will be desirable that at least a large hand- 
spraying outfit be purchased and used as needed during the 
coming summer. 
PLYMOUTH. 
GEORGE R. “Briacs, Local Superintendent. 

The usual good work against the moths in Plymouth has been 
carried on by the town authorities, through the local superin- 
tendent, his efficient deputy and employees, and a distinct gain 
has been made in the work of suppressing the gypsy moth. 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 107 


About 7,000 trees were burlapped last summer, and 4,559 larvee 
and pupe were killed. Prior to June 1, 1907, the known in- 
fested estates in Plymouth numbered 122, and on these 903 egg 
clusters had been found. During the fall scouting of the town 
only 86 of these estates were found to be still infested, and on 
them but 87 egg clusters were discovered. The fall scouting 
also revealed 77 additional places, infested with 249 ege clus- 
ters. The total result of the scouting was therefore but 336 
ego clusters destroyed on 118 estates. The largest number of 
ege clusters found on a single estate was 15, while on each of 61 
estates only a single one was found. These figures sufficiently 
testify to the present good condition of the orchards of Plymouth. 

There were 4 infested estates last fall in the vicinity of Long 
Pond, but the total number of egg clusters found was small. 
At certain other points in the pond district where formerly there 
were slight infestations no ege clusters were found during the 
fall scouting. On November 30, at White Island Pond, on the 
Wareham line, a small gypsy moth infestation was located and 
2 egg clusters were destroyed. The slight but scattering in- 
festation which has been noted in the extensive pond district 
of the town has emphasized the need of a thorough inspection 
along the borders of all the roads in this area, and the prob- 
ability of the discovery of additional small colonies of the 
moths. Such an inspection it is planned to make, weather per- 
mitting, during the present winter. The brown-tail moths in 
Plymouth are few and scattering, and will be cared for before 


spring. 
PLYMPTON. 
ZINA Hi. SHERMAN, Local Superintendent. 
, L 


Plympton is very seriously infested with the gypsy moth over 
its entire area. Prior to May 1 of last year there were 38 
known infestations in the town. Eighteen additional colonies 
were located during the summer by Inspector Souther, while 
the fall scouting developed later 45 more infestations. There 
were 1,537 trees burlapped here last summer, and about 50,000 
caterpillars were killed. In round numbers there have been 
destroyed since the larval season about 950 ege clusters. There 
are nearly 30 known woods colonies in Plympton, and during 


108 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 


1908 a large outlay of money and much hard work will be re- 
quired to hold the gypsy moth in check. 

Excellent work was done during the burlap season as the large 
total of larvee killed and the small number of eggs later found 
in orchards sufficiently indicate. In addition to the good bur- 
lap work, trimming, cementing, scraping and cutting operations 
were pushed vigorously, so that the orchard problem in the 
town to-day, while still serious, is of less moment than the seri- 
ous infestation of the woods. The largest wood colony lies off 
Upland Road. The egg clusters here, while not excessive in 
number, are scattered over an area of more than 7 acres. 

The woodland in Plympton, much of which is white pine, 
will require a great deal of watching in 1908, in order that the 
gypsy moths may be kept within the present known infestations, 
and that any colonies as yet unknown may be located as soon as 
possible. 

RANDOLPH. 


RoyaL T. Mann, Local Superintendent. 


About 50 infested estates had been discovered in this town at 
the close of the winter inspection. All were put in condition 
for burlapping before the caterpillar season was well under way. 
The thorough attention given to some 1,300 burlaps was notably 


effective in reducing the numbers of the moths. In many of | 


the former colonies no egg clusters were found at the time of 
the fall inspection. A few egg clusters were found on about 90 
different estates, which indicates that the previous scouting work 
was not done as thoroughly as was desirable. Such a condition 
of affairs is not unusual in towns where the local force must be 
taught to recognize the moth and to know where to look for it. 
In all the outlying towns the skill of the local employees will 
doubtless increase with the lapse of time. 


RAYNHAM. 
Georce Leacu, Local Superintendent. 

No caterpillars were found last summer at the only known 
gypsy moth colony in this town, nor were any egg clusters dis- 
covered later. A thorough cleaning was given this place in the 
spring, and the burlaps were well attended during the summer. 
The town will be thoroughly scouted before May 1, 1908. 


_—— 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 109 


ROCKLAND. 
FRANK A. SHAw, Local Superintendent. 


The town of Rockland in most of its residential section 1s 
generally but not heavily infested with the gypsy moth. Work 
against the moths was carried on in 1907 in a very thorough 
manner by the local superintendent, who did a great deal in the 
way of trimming, scraping and cementing in infested apple 
orchards. At his urgent request many citizens cut their worth- 
less trees, regardless of the question whether or not the trees 
were infested. It follows that Rockland to-day, as far as the 
orchard problem goes, is in better condition over most of its 
area as concerns the gypsy moth than many towns in eastern 
Massachusetts. The preliminary operations of the spring were 
supplemented later by an extensive burlapping campaign. Over 
7,000 yards of burlap were put on about 5,000 trees, which 
were diligently cared for throughout the summer by the local 
gang. Since egg laying time over 2,000 nests have been treated. 

The fall scouting of the town has developed several rather 
badly infested places in the town proper, in some of which spray- 
ing will be required next spring. The woodland problem in 
Rockland is not yet a serious one. In the rather extensively 
wooded southern part of the town no moths have been found, al- 
though 7 woodland infestations are known to exist elsewhere. 
The most important are the 3 off Pond Street, near the Hanover 
line, where about 60 egg clusters were found, many of them on 
pines, and the one at Accord Pond, where 200 larve were taken 
last summer under the burlaps, and later 75 egg clusters were 
destroyed. Some cutting will be required in both these places. 
A burlapping campaign as extensive and energetic as that of 
last summer will be needed in 1908, and this should bring about 
a marked reduction in the numbers of the gypsy moth. 

Operations against the moths in Rockland have been aided 
in a most public-spirited way by the selectmen, and much in- 
terest in the work is evinced generally by the citizens. 


110 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 


Rockport. 
Evi Gorr, Local Superintendent. 

In the month of February the trees on private estates were 
thoroughly cleared of both moth pests, the gypsy moth being 
found in nearly every orchard, although few infestations were 
found upon the street trees. The burlaps on public trees were 
thoroughly attended during the caterpillar season; but those on 
private estates were not as well inspected as they should have 
been, owing to the limited amount of money available for the 
work. Very little assistance was given to the local superintend- 
ent by private citizens, with the result that private estates in 
general throughout this town are in much worse condition as 
regards the gypsy moth than last fall. The spring infestation 
showed a few egg clusters in Manning Park, where the under- 
brush and worthless trees were removed and the burlaps thor- 
oughly attended during the summer; but few were found in. 
the park this fall. The thinning out of roadsides in infested 
sections has been commenced, and if the local superintendent 
has suitable funds with which to enforce the law thoroughly 
against the negligent property owners and to put the infested 
orchards in shape for next season’s work, there is no reason why 
this town should not show a marked improvement in 1908. 


ROWLEY. 
DANIEL O'BRIEN, Local Superintendent. 

The quality of the work done in this town has been most 
satisfactory. In the early part of the year all orchards Were 
examined and a few gypsy moth infestations found. These were 
thoroughly burlapped, with gratifying results. The “ Stack 
Yard” colony, so called, badly infested in 1906, where a large 
amount of cutting and burning was done last winter, is in most 
excellent condition this fall, and now offers no serious obstacle 
to control measures. In common with other towns in this sec- 
tion, a large number of old orchards are generally infested. 
Ilere the hollow and dying trees should be removed, and much 
cementing and tinning of cavities will be required if the work 
against the gypsy moth is to be carried on to the best advantage. 
This the local superintendent will attend to in connection with 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. Bia 


his regular winter work of clearing private estates. Plans have 
also been made for a thorough scouting of at least a part of the 
woodland, where the gypsy moth has already been found in 


small numbers. 
SALISBURY. 


Henry C. Ricu, Local Superintendent. 


A general campaign of burlapping was carried on here dur- 
ing the summer months, with good results, many thousands of 
caterpillars being killed by hand. The orchard problem here 
is a serious one, and, while a great deal of good work has been 
done in the way of closing cavities and in cutting and burning 
a number of hollow trees, much remains to be done along this 
line. There is a considerable amount of woodland in this town, 
which should be thoroughly scouted before the opening of the 
caterpillar season. 

On the island, where a large colony was found in the fall of 
1906, good attention given to the burlaps has greatly reduced 
the number of moth nests. Notwithstanding the fact that this 
town is the gateway, as it were, through which passes a very 
large part of the automobiling to New Hampshire and Maine 
points, and hence is particularly liable to infestation from out- 
side sources, a net gain has been made against the gypsy moth 
during the year just closed. The 1908 work here should in- 
clude the liberal use of burlap and a larger amount of thor- 
ough work in orchards, and the vigorous treatment of the small 
woodland colonies known to exist within its limits. 


SANDWICH. 
Josava E. Hotway, Local Superintendent. 


In the gypsy moth colony, in which 8 egg clusters were found 
in the winter of 1906, a thorough cleaning was given the trees, 
the cavities being cemented, dead wood taken out and loose bark 
removed. During the caterpillar season burlaps were applied 
and thoroughly attended, but no gypsy moths were found. In 
common with other Cape Cod towns, Sandwich should be given 
a thorough scouting during the winter months. 

Very few brown-tail moth webs have been found in Sand- 
wich since 1905-06. Very thorough local work was done against 
this insect. 


112 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


’ 
ScITuATE. 
JETSON WADE, Local Superintendent. 


The neglected orchards in Scituate are still the chief hin- 
drance to effective work against the gypsy moth, although a 
considerable amount of trimming, cementing and tinning was 
done by the local superintendent before the burlap season. 
Nearly 5,400 caterpillars and pup were taken under the bur- 
laps in this town. The fall inspection showed 162 estates in- 
fested, and on a dozen or more the moths were found in impor- 
tant numbers. Much good scouting work has been done in this 
town by Inspector C. 8S. Mixter of the central office. 

This town is in a worse condition with reference to the gypsy 
moth than it was a year ago, due to the fact that the scouting of 
1906 was not properly done, and, as a result, in the colonies 
overlooked the moths have increased. It was not possible to 
examine the town thoroughly in 1906, because of lack of funds. 
We hope to be able to make a thorough scouting of the entire 
town before the caterpillar season of next year. It is apparent 
that the local authorities have not properly grasped the impor- 
tance of the infestations here. A notably large amount of thor- 
ough work will be required in the orchards and woodlands 
before the caterpillar season of 1908, if the gypsy moth is to 
be held in control in Scituate. 


SITARON. 
THOMAS J. Leary, Local Superintendent. 

The gypsy moth was found in this town by the local organiza- 
tion during November. Good work by the local superintendent, 
assisted by Inspector T. F. Curry of this office during Decem- 
ber, has resulted in locating a few egg clusters of the gypsy 
moth. These have been treated, and the infested localities will 
be properly looked after during the coming year. 


SHERBORN. 
W. H. Cooiiner, Local Superintendent. 
Forty-five colonies had been found in this town at the close of 
the scouting season of last winter, in which 527 egg clusters 
were destroyed. The burlaps were used with good results dur- 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 113 


ing the summer, but the fall scouting showed egg clusters in 34 
of the known colonies, although the number in each colony was 
greatly reduced over that of 1906. The previous scouting op- 
erations had only included a belt 50 feet wide on each side of 
the roads and streets. The fall scouting of 1907 included a 
thorough search of the residential and orchard sections and a 
considerable amount of woodland scouting, with the result that 
the gypsy moth has been found widely scattered throughout the 
town. Much thorough-work will be required here during the 
next two or three years, to bring the insect completely under 
control. The quality of the work done in Sherborn has been 
good, and a considerable amount of assistance has been given by 
the property owners. | 
SHIRLEY. 
J. Hazen, Local Superintendent. 

The infestation in this town is slight as yet, only 2 egg clus- 
ters having been found. This of course indicates the need of 
thorough scouting of the town as soon as funds permit. In the 
infested localities the trees were burlapped and well attended 
during the season, and no egg clusters were found at the time 
of the fall inspection. The work of destroying the brown-tail 
moth is now in progress, and while this is going on careful at- 
tention will be given to making a search for the gypsy moth. 


SHREWSBURY. 
FRANK L. Ort, Local Superintendent. 


During November and the early part of December this town 
was thoroughly scouted by State employees, and a few gypsy 
moth egg clusters found on Gulf, Reservoir, Prospect, North 
and School streets. Scattering numbers of the brown-tail moth 
were also noticed in this town. 

From the large number of automobiles passing through 
Shrewsbury, this town is peculiarly lable to infestation by the 
gypsy moth from outside sources. A considerable number of 
old orchards in Shrewsbury will make the problem of handling 
the moth here somewhat difficult. The work will be organized 
at an early date, and the necessary operations completed before 
the hatching time of the eggs. 


114 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 


SouTHBOROUGH. 
Harry Burnett, Local Superintendent. 


In the known gypsy moth colonies the trees were trimmed, 
cemented and put in good condition for burlapping early in the 
season, while thorough work was done against the brown-tail 
moths over the entire town. A liberal amount of spraying was 
done here, with good results. In the 34 old colonies gypsy 
moths were found only in 5 places, with a total of only 15 cater- 
pillars, —a most remarkable result. In the fall scouting only 
a single nest was found in the old colonies. An incidental re- 
sult of the spraying work in the infested orchards was an un- 
usually fine crop of fruit. During the fall inspection but 8 
estates were found infested by the gypsy moth, a total of 78 
egg clusters being found. The brown-tail moth is well under 
control in this town, although a considerable number of webs 
are in evidence near the Marlborough line. 


STOUGHTON. 


WILLIAM P. KENNEDY, Local Superintendent. 


About 400 burlaps were used in the 5 gypsy moth colonies 
here, and at the last examination of the bands no caterpillars 
were found, neither were any egg clusters discovered at the time 
of making the fall inspection of these colonies. Two egg clus- 
ters were found in a new locality near the West Stoughton 
depot, and one on Page Street. The results in this town are 
remarkably good, considering the fact that local appropriations 
have not always been made in season to be used to the best ad- 
vantage. ‘The known infested places should be kept under thor- 
ough observation next season, and a considerable amount of 
woodland scouting is recommended. 


Stow. 
J. F. Rogprns, Local Superintendent. 

The most important gypsy moth infestation in this town is 
that at the Red Acre Farm. Here a number of egg clusters 
were found in 1906. During the summer months a great many 
horses are brought to this farm for boarding, and this travel 
from Boston and other badly infested central towns is no doubt 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT— No. 73. 115 


responsible for the presence of the moths here. The infested 
trees in this section were put in good condition for burlapping, 
and received careful attention during the summer. A consider- 
able number of caterpillars were destroyed, but only 1 egg clus- 
ter was found at the time of the fall inspection, as against 
more than 100 egg clusters destroyed here in the fall and 
winter of 1906-07. Much good work has been done by the 
local superintendent in repairing decayed orchard trees and in 
removing and burning underbrush and dead trees in the gypsy 
moth colonies. A limited amount of spraying was done here 
with good results. A considerable amount of burlapping and 
spraying will be necessary here during 1908. 


SUDBURY. 
WituiaAm E. BaLpwin, Local Superintendent. 

Over 3,000 gypsy moth egg clusters were treated by the local 
superintendent in the orchard sections during the month of 
January. Following this, in February-and March the street 
trees were thoroughly cleaned, and at the end of April the win- 
ter work on street trees and residential sections was completed. 
A limited amount of tinning and cementing of cavities was done 
in the early part of the caterpillar season, while burlaps were 
freely applied and attended. In September, October and No- 
vember the work consisted mainly of repairing orchard trees, 
cutting brush along infested roadsides and destroying brown- 
tail moth nests. During December about 6 men were continu- 
ously employed in treating gypsy moth egg clusters and remoy- 
ing the webs of the brown-tail moth. 

At the present writing the work of cleaning infested orchards 
is in progress. But few woodland infestations have been located 
as yet, but a thorough examination of all the woods in the town 
will be desirable at an early date. The quality of the work 
done at Sudbury has been most excellent, and the efforts of the 
local superintendent have been well supported by citizens and 
town officials. 

TEWKSBURY. 
Henry C. Bricas, Local Superintendent. 

The partial scouting of this town by the State inspector 
showed a considerable number of infestations, in which the 


116 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


trees were later burlapped and well attended during the cater- 
pillar season. During the fall months the residential section, 
as well as a part of the woodland, was thoroughly scouted by 
the local men. ‘Twenty-one small colonies were found in the 
latter, and a considerable amount of cutting of underbrush and 
thinning of trees will be required to put the woods in condition 
for next season’s work. The work of cutting worthless orchard 
trees and cementing and tinning of cavities has been commenced, 
although at the present writing no work is going on, for lack of 
funds. During the caterpillar season of 1908 a thorough cam- 
paign of burlapping should be carried on, and a limited amount 
of spraying will also be required. 


TOPSFIELD. 
C. W. Fioyp, Local Superintendent. 

Very encouraging results have been obtained from the work 
in this town during 1907. In infested districts burlaps were 
liberally used and well attended, while the sticky bands were 
used on shade trees standing near infested walls. A great many 
property owners co-operated with the local superintendent by 
attending to the burlaps on their orchard trees, thus giving very 
practical assistance in the work. A limited amount of cutting 
of brush by roadsides has been done in the districts where the 
gypsy moth was most numerous. The woodland colonies re- 
ceived good attention during the season, and are in a much im- 
proved condition. The two most important ones on the prop- 
erty of Messrs. Conant and Shattuck, in which the moth is now 
under control, give the best kind of evidence of the good qual- 
ity of the work done by the local superintendent. The fall work 
in orchards is well in hand, and the work of clearing street trees 
of the moth pests is now in progress. 


TOWNSEND. 
J. 8. Coox, Tree Warden. 


A single infested tree was found December 11 by scouts from 
the central office, on the property of A. H. Wilson on the old 
Fitchburg road, so called. The local organization having charge 
of the work against the brown-tail moth will do the work needed 
in this small gypsy moth colony. 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 11% 


TYNGSBOROUGH. 
ARTHUR R. MARSHALL, Local Superintendent. 

The usual operations of burlapping and repairing orchard 
trees have been carried on in the sections where the gypsy moth 
had been previously located. <A great deal of excellent work has 
been done in cutting brush along infested roadsides, thus reduc- 
ing the danger of scattering the gypsy moth pest. The most 
seriously infested section in the town now is an estate on Var- 
num Avenue opposite Tyng’s Island, where about 40 gypsy 
moth egg clusters were destroyed. The work here is now well 
in hand, and has been carried on in a very efficient manner. 

For much of the success of the operations in this town the 
present year we are indebted to the excellent co-operation of 
property owners and constant support on the part of the town 
officials. 

UPTON. 


GrorGE H. Evans, Local Superintendent. 


A number of gypsy moth egg clusters were found in this town 
in woodland on Westborough Road, near the Westborough hne; 
on Orchard Street, near Braddish’s Road; and on Winter and 
Wood streets. The scouting of this town by State employees 
from November 6 to December 11 shows that the gypsy moth 
has established itself in sufficient numbers to cause anxiety. 
Many of the infestations are in orchards which contain the usual 
proportion of hollow trees, part of which should have the cavi- 
ties cemented or tinned, and others should be cut and burned. 
A considerable amount of brush cutting and thinning will be 
required in the sections where the gypsy moth has been found. 
Work will soon be organized here, and we hope to have the 
necessary operations completed before the eggs hatch next spring. 


WALPOLE. 
Puitip R. ALLEN, Local Superintendent. 

A single egg cluster was found in this town last winter, near 
the Medfield line. The worthless trees in the infested locality 
were cut, and cavities in the remaining ones cemented. Bur- 
laps were applied and well cared for during the caterpillar sea- 
son, but no larvee were taken. This fall it was possible to make 


118 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


a thorough examination of all streets and cultivated lands in 
the town, and over 20 infestations of the gypsy moth were 
found, though only a single nest was discovered in each locality, 
with the exception of 2, where 2 were found. The Walpole 
infestation can be handled without serious difficulty. 


WAREHAM. 
JAMES J. WALSH, Local Superintendent. 

The most important event of last year in Wareham was the 
finding on July 13 of the gypsy moth colony at Onset Bay by 
Inspector N. S. Souther of the central office. The first cater- 
pillars were located near the new Auditorium building of the 
Onset Bay Association. A plentiful supply of burlap was im- 
mediately put on the trees in the neighborhood, and a rather 
slight infestation developed. Two additional infestations were 
found later in this village. A total of 1,100 caterpillars were 
killed last summer in the 5 known gypsy moth colonies. 

As the result of the fall inspection of the town, there were 
found 16 additional gypsy moth colonies, of which 3 were in 
the woods. ‘Two of these, while not in a serious condition, will 
require considerable cutting and careful attention in 1908. One 
rather bad orchard colony was found on Tremont Street, near 
the Carver line, where 100 egg clusters were treated. 

Prior to May 1 of 1908, much trimming, cementing, cut- 
ting, ete., in infested orchards will be required. In addition, 
all infested orchards should be sprayed at the proper time. 
One of the infestations on Main Street and that at Onset Bay, 
by reason of their location, are as important as any in town, 
and in them the immediate suppression of the gypsy moth 
should be brought about. To effect this, persistent, careful 
work will be required, such as has not yet been done in this 
town. 

The selectmen of Wareham are to be commended for their 
public spirit in the matter of the work against the gypsy moth 
in their town. Realizing the need of prompt action if the moth 
was to be suppressed, they arranged for an inspection of the 
area by trained men taken temporarily from the State force. 
As a result of the inspection, the location of the gypsy moth 
colonies in the town is for the first time definitely known. 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. Tas. 


WAYLAND. 
GroRGE W. FaiRBANK, Local Superintendent. 

While the work in this town has been of good quality, much 
could have been accomplished had funds been available. In the 
early part of the year street trees and private estates were 
cleared of the gypsy and brown-tail moths, and during the sum- 
-mer burlaps were generally used and well attended. 

A considerable amount of work has been done in putting the 
infested orchards in condition for effective burlapping next year. 
The gypsy moth is generally scattered throughout this town, 
and much work will be required in the woodlands before it is 
brought under control. During 1908 a vigorous effort should 
be made to check the increase in certain important woodland 
colonies, as well as to hold the ground gained in the residential 
and farming sections. The purchase and free use of a power 
sprayer will be desirable during the next caterpillar season. 


WELLESLEY. 
FretcHer M. Apsort, Local Superintendent. 


The work against both species of the moths on town property 
and private estates was well done by a gang of about 8 men in 
the winter and spring months. A considerable amount of work 
was done in the woodland colonies in April and May, and with 
the opening of the caterpillar season about 45,000 burlaps had 
been placed on the trees, while a considerable amount of band- 
ing with sticky materials had also been done. The spraying 
done here for the elm leaf beetle was also of considerable value 
in keeping down the gypsy moth infestations. The net gain 
has been in the condition of street trees and trees on private 
estates, and in woodland colonies which were worked over. 
Much remains to be done, however, since the town is infested 
practically from one end to the other. <A great deal of work 
will be required to put the old orchards in condition for effect- 
ive burlapping and spraying. Woodland colonies will also 
require constant attention during 1908, work which will be 
somewhat hampered by the fact that much of the woodlands 
form parts of the many beautiful private estates, whose owners, 
not fully realizing the necessity for thorough measures in fight- 


120 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


ing the moth pest, do not look with favor on the brush cutting 
and thinning operations so necessary before effective spraying 
can be done. 

WENHAM. 


J. D. Barnes, Local Superintendent. 


Although no residential sections in this town were found to 
be seriously infested in the thorough scouting operations of last 
winter, several important colonies were found in the woodland 
in the eastern part of the town. Wenham may be considered 
as generally infested throughout by both species of the moth. 
Orchard and street trees were burlapped and carefully attended 
during the caterpillar season, thousands of caterpillars being 
thus destroyed. The good condition of the residential districts 
speaks well for the quality of work done by the local superin- 
tendent. Much remains to be done, however, in the way of 
cutting worthless trees and cementing cavities in those remain- 
ing, while woodland colonies should be thinned out and put in 
condition for spraying and burlapping. At Highland Wood 
Lake, where there is a little colony of summer camps, the gypsy 
moth was found in considerable numbers. Here the trees were 
thinned and burlapped, and attended in part by the cottagers 
and in part by the town forces. That this co-operative work 
was successful is shown by the small number of egg clusters 
found here this fall. At the present writing the street trees 
have been cleared, and the destruction of egg clusters and 
brown-tail moth webs on trees on private estates is in prosecu- 
tion. 

WESTBOROUGH. 


CHARLES 8. Henry, Local Superintendent. 


About a dozen small infestations were located in this town 
in the winter and spring, and in March and April a gang of 6 
men were used in clearing up infested sections and removing 
brown-tail moth webs on private estates. About 500 caterpil- 
lars were taken under the burlaps during the summer, the ma- 
jority being found at the so-called Parker colony. In the fall 
inspection no egg clusters were found in the colonies, but in 6 
other localities a number of nests were found. With the experi- 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT— No. 73. 121 


ence gained in the work of 1907, the local force should be able to 
make a much better showing in 1908. At this writing the work 
of clearing street trees has been nearly completed. 


West BRIDGEWATER. 
OcTAVE BELMORE, Local Superintendent. 

In the 12 known gypsy moth infestations the necessary work 
preliminary to the summer operations was excellently done by 
the local superintendent. Burlaps to the number of 555 were 
used in places where the gypsy moth had been found, and were 
so well attended that but few ege clusters were discovered at 
the time,of making the fall inspection. In an orchard on Mat- 
field Street, where a large number of ege clusters were found in 
1906, faithful attention to the burlaps apparently resulted in 
the extermination of the insect, since no egg clusters were found 
in the fall. 

A thorough scouting of the town has been made, and about 
25 small colonies located. The work against the moth in this 
town has been well supported by officials and citizens, with the 
result that the local superintendent has the situation well in 


hand. 


West NEWBURY. 
WILLIAM MERRILL, Local Superintendent. 

During the month of February the residential section of this 
town was thoroughly scouted by the State force, and more 
than 100 small gypsy moth colonies were located. The in- 
fested trees were burlapped and well attended during the eater- 
pillar season, and a limited amount of spraying gave excellent 
results. Much remains to be done in this town in the way 
of orchard work before a notable gain can be made against 
the gypsy moth. The hollow and worthless orchard trees should 
be cut and burned, and the cavities in the remaining trees closed 
with tin or cement. If this work can be done before the open- 
ing of the caterpillar season and properly followed up by bur- 
lapping and spraying, the future cost of the work at West New- 
bury should be greatly reduced. 


LIBRARY \=0 
jay } 


122 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


WESTFORD. 
H. L. Nesmiry, Local Superintendent. 


From one end to the other this town is thoroughly infested 
by the gypsy moth, although no large colonies have yet been 
found. The necessary work against the moth has been well 
done here, more than 5,000 trees being burlapped and care- 
fully attended during the caterpillar season. As a result, the 
gypsy moth has been greatly reduced in numbers where the bur- 
laps were used. In common with the neighboring towns of Lit- 
tleton, Carlisle and Chelmsford, the orchard problem here is a 
very serious one. Before a permanent gain can be made against 
the moth, the orchards should be thoroughly overhauled, dead 
trees removed, cavities cemented and the necessary trimming 
done. When the orchards are once put in good shape, a single 
season of thorough burlapping and spraying will reduce the 
numbers of the gypsy moth to a minimum. The woodlands 
have not been thoroughly scouted as yet, but are probably gen- 
erally infested. This work should have attention as soon as 
funds permit. 

The purchase of a power sprayer for use in 1908 is desirable, 
and burlap must be generally used in all the infested localities. 


WESTON. 
E. P. Riptey, Local Superintendent. 


This is another of the extensively wooded towns in the gypsy 
moth district, and is much favored as a place of summer re- 
sort. Many beautiful country estates here include, as a rule, 
large areas of woodland which it is desired to keep as nearly 
as possible in their natural condition. ,Unfortunately, these 
woods are .quite generally infested by the gypsy moth, and 
their economical treatment necessitates a considerable amount 
of cutting and thinning. To meet the owner’s point of view, 
and also to accomplish the control of the gypsy moth, a large 
amount of hand work will be required, with a proportionate 
increase in the cost of the work. 

The quality of the work done in this town by the local or- 
ganization is of the best, while the co-operation of citizens and 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 123 


town officials has been constant and helpful. The local com- 
mittee organized to co-operate with the town officials in the 
work of suppressing the moths has been of great assistance, par- 
ticularly in calling public attention to the danger of allowing 
the moths to increase, and in urging property owners to co- 
operate in the care of their estates. 

During the early part of the year and up to the hatching 
period of the eggs a force of about 12 men was constantly em- 
ployed in clearing street trees and private estates of the moths. 
Burlaps were applied in good season, and received thorough at- 
tention during the summer. On stormy days infested road- 
sides were cleared of brush, and a considerable amount of clear- 
ing done in certain woodland colonies. In the late summer 
and fall very thorough scouting operations were in progress, 
while the work of repairing orchard trees and thinning trees 
along roadsides where the moth had been discovered was being 
carried on. At the present writing the winter cleaning opera- 
tions are under way, and it is hoped that the town will be 
thoroughly covered before the opening of the next caterpillar 
season. A very badly infested section near the Natick line, 
along with other woodland colonies, should receive thorough 
treatment at an early date. The power sprayer can be used 
here in 1908 to good advantage, although the principal reliance 
must be placed upon the use of burlap. 


WESTWOOD. 
C. H. SouTHERLAND, Local Superintendent. 


The scouting operations in this town in the winter and spring 
months showed 16 small gypsy moth colonies, 3 of them being 
on the border of woodland. The necessary work of clearing up 
these infestations, trimming trees, cutting brush, ete., was very 
thoroughly done, and later more than 1,800 burlaps were used 
and carefully attended. A large number of caterpillars were 
taken during the burlap season, but only 4 of the 16 old colo- 
nies contained gypsy moth egg clusters at the time of the fall 
scouting. A considerable number of new infestations were 
found elsewhere in the town during the progress of the fall 
inspection, but none of them offered any serious difficulties in 


124 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 


the way of suppressive treatment. The colony on Thatcher 
Street is the most important one, and should receive extra care. 
The work of cleaning street trees is in progress at this writing. 


WEYMOUTH. 
DuMMER SEWALL, Local Superintendent. 

Following the fall inspection of 1906, a small gang was em- 
ployed in scouting woodlands along the Hingham line, with the 
result that the gypsy moth was found in several places. Before 
the caterpillar season opened the men went over the private es- 
tates, and those which had not been properly attended to by 
their owners were put in condition for the summer’s work. 
More than 30,000 burlap bands were used, with excellent re- 
sults. At the time of the fall inspection a large number of 
single gypsy moth egg clusters were found widely scattered 
throughout the town, but in the 548 places previously reported 
infested no egg clusters were found on 148. The roadside thin- 
ning is practically all done, but about 300 orchards yet remain 
to be thoroughly overhauled this winter. A considerable amount 
of thinning will also be required in the woodland colonies. 
There are very few brown-tail moths to be found in this town. 


WHITMAN. 
CLARENCE A. RANDALL, Local Superintendent. 


Prior to May 1, 1907, 96 estates were found to be infested 
by the gypsy moth in Whitman. These places were cleaned 
arly in the year, and nearly all of them put in good condition 
for the summer’s work. Two small woodland ‘colonies were 
found during the summer, and were promptly thinned out and 
burlapped. Over 3,000 burlaps were used in this town and 
were fairly well cared for, but the additional infestations found 
during the year make a total of about 150 estates that must be 
treated in 1908. During the fall months more than 1,400 egg 
clusters of the gypsy moth were destroyed. 

An increased amount of burlapping must be done and more 
thorough attention must be given to turning the bands next year, 
while spraying and burning over woodland colonies will also be 
in order. Owing to the widespread infestation, only the most 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 125 


thoroughgoing efforts will suffice to hold the gypsy moth in 
check during the coming year. Nowhere in the town are the 
brown-tail moths present in large numbers, although scattered 
nests are everywhere in evidence. The work in this town has 
been well supported by the local authorities. 


WILMINGTON. 
OLIvER McGRANE, Local Superintendent. 

This town is thoroughly infested by the gypsy moth over its 
entire area, — a condition most unfortunate, because of a large 
acreage of woodland of low valuation. While but few sections 
of the woods were stripped of their leaves by the caterpillars 
last summer, there will be a much greater defoliation in the 
season of 1908 unless funds are available for thoroughgoing 
control measures. The most serious infestations are along that 
part of the town bordering on Woburn. In the important colo- 
nies the nests have been treated above the probable snow line, 
and a large amount of thinning of trees and cutting of brush 
has been done along the roadsides. In the residential section 
the numbers of the gypsy moth have been greatly reduced, and 
here burlapping will be sufficient to hold the insect in check. 
There is much to do at this writing in the way of putting or- 
chards im condition for the summer’s work, while in the wood- 
land colonies the underbrush should be cut and burned to per- 
mit of economical operations. 


WORCESTER. 
J. H. Hemrneway, Local Superintendent. 

While visiting Worcester, June 16, Field Agent D. M. 
Rogers, in charge of the gypsy moth work of the U. 8. Depart- 
ment of Agriculture, found several caterpillars of this insect 
on an estate on Hope Avenue. The following day an agent 
from the central office made a thorough examination of the in- 
fested district, and acquainted Mr. Hemingway with the facts 
discovered. The trees in the district were promptly burlapped, 
and early in July a considerable area in and around the moth 
colony was well sprayed. This colony received very careful 
attention both by the local force and by an inspector specially 


126 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


detailed from the central office. So thoroughly was this work 
done that no egg clusters were found here at the time of the 
fall inspection. In October, while repairing tree guards on 
Union Street, a colony containing 35 egg clusters was found by 
the local superintendent’s gang. Later, in December, Inspector 
J. J. Bruton and 6 men employed by the central office com- 
menced a thorough scouting of the city. At this writing about 
one half of the city has been covered, and no additional infesta- 
tions found. From the large number of automobiles and elec- 
tric cars passing through Woreester, it seems quite probable 
that additional small infestations will be found here. 


YARMOUTH. 
CHARLES R. Basserr, Local Superintendent. 

In the single gypsy moth colony in this town burlaps were 
freely used and well attended during 1907, but, as in 1906, no 
caterpillars were found. Yarmouth has been much infested 
with the brown-tail moth, but present conditions are much im- 
proved over those of the past, as far as this insect is concerned. 
A thorough scouting of this town should be made at a fairly 
early date, with the probability that a few small gypsy moth 
colonies may be found. 


Summary OF ConpITION OF TERRITORY. 


A eareful survey of the results obtained in each city and 
town in the work against the gypsy and brown-tail moths in 
the year 1907 shows that a notable net gain has been made both 
in preventing the spread of and reducing the damage by these 
insects in thickly settled districts and in farming sections. It 
also shows that the infested woodland problem is a most serious 
one, and that the vigorous application of wholesale methods for 
destroying the moths will alone suffice to keep the insects in 
check. It is only fair to state, however, that great progress has 
been made in bringing the moths under control in the wood- 
lands of what were three years ago the most seriously infested 
municipalities. At Belmont, Arlington, Winchester, Medford, 
Melrose, Saugus and Lynn, many infested woodland districts 
have been so thoroughly treated in recent years that damage by 


=~l 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 12 


the caterpillars in the summer of 1907 was scarcely notice- 
able. In many of the towns, particularly Brookline, Newton, 
Waltham, Lincoln, Lexington, Woburn, Reading, Beverly and 
Manchester, the gypsy moth has increased in numbers in the 
woodlands, and here the principal efforts as far as work in 
the forests is concerned must be made the present year. In the 
towns more remote from the central infested district the known 
colonies are well in hand, and local scouting operations in fall, 
winter and spring should detect incipient moth colonies in sea- 
son for their effective treatment. An unfortunate feature of 
the work in these outer towns is the fact that such towns are 
practically non-revenue-yielding under the terms of the act; in 
other words, the amount of the town’s financial lability is 
often so small as to be a negligible quantity, while the cost of 
the necessary field work, which must be continued along exter- 
minative lines, is relatively large. Against this condition of 
affairs should be set the fact that the cost of controlling the 
work in a large part of the badly infested central district has 
already been notably reduced, and that a further reduction in 
outlay will here be made during 1908. The funds thus re- 
leased will be available for work in the outer sections. 

_Those whose duty it is to keep closely in touch with the 
details of the field work from day to day are not in the best 
position to judge of the amount of progress made in the battle 
against the moths. We see so much work remaining to be done 
and the needs and responsibilities of the present moment press 
so heavily that it is with difficulty we can make a fair com- 
parison between the conditions now prevailing and those which 
obtained in 1905. Yet the results of such a comparison are 
most striking. This work against the moths, viewed either from 
the standpoint of financial outlay or from its relation to the 
country at large, is without doubt the most remarkable and 
important entomological undertaking in the entire world. Never 
before has such a thoroughgoing, systematic effort been made 
to stamp out an imported insect pest, and never before has so 
much been expended in the way of money and labor to the ac- 
complishment of the desired end. Because of this fact, visits 
to the field of action in eastern Massachusetts have been fre- 


128 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 


quently made by the leading entomologists of the country, and 
the enthusiasm with which the expert entomologists called to 
Massachusetts for consultation the past summer commented on 
the improved condition of the infested district, as compared 
with that prevailing at the time of previous visits was as grati- 
fying as it was, for the moment, unexpected. The superintend- 
ent feels that it is but a fair and entirely conservative statement 
to say that notable progress has been made all along the line in 
bringing the moths under control, and that the results to date 
have amply justified the expenditures thus far made. 


Furure Work. 


The plans for 1908 should include in each city and town the 
continued control of the moths in the sections already cleared. 
This can be done very largely by the winter cleaning, summer 
burlapping and spraying where necessary. The importance of 
keeping the street trees free from the caterpillars is apparent 
to all engaged in the work. Much more spraying should be 
done in the badly infested sections, particularly in woodlands. 
There is no cheaper or more effective way of treating these in- 
festations than by liberal spraying operations, and the purchase 
and use of power-spraying outfits, as far as funds permit, will 
be insisted upon. In the selection of these outfits it should be 
borne in mind that low-cost rigs are often in the end the most 
expensive; and while, as pointed out elsewhere, the manufac- 
ture of heavy outfits suitable for our work has not yet passed 
the experimental stage, there are now available several types of 
substantially built machines, which, while commanding a rela- 
tively large price, will doubtless in the long run prove the most 
satisfactory. 

The burning over of the woodland colonies with a light fire, 
where thinning operations have been done, is again recom- 
mended during the month of May, after the eggs from broken 
or seattered nests and on the ground have hatched. Extensive 
burning operations in a large area of the Lynn and Saugus 
woods in midsummer, when nearly all the insects were in the 
pupal condition, gave good results in 1907, and is worthy of 
further testing where conditions warrant. The injury to seed- 
ling trees caused by these operations is much to be regretted, 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 129 


but nature will soon supply a new group. The preservation of 
trees already partly grown is of greater importance at the pres- 
ent moment. Again we recommend the general destruction of 
pup and female moths during the egg-laying period, the thor- 
ough treating of gypsy moth nests, on private estates and streets 
alike, up to the probable snow line in the fall months, and the 
cutting and burning of worthless brush along infested road- 
sides. ‘“‘ Clean culture” here is as desirable at present as in 
the orchard or garden of small fruits. With the greater skill 
gained by the local forces as a result of their experience in 
combating the moths, and the greater confidence in their meth- 
ods on the part of property owners, we look forward confidently 
to greater and better results in the entire work during the com- 
ing year. 


Report oF ConsuLtting ENTOMOLOGIST. 


As in previous years, the consulting entomologist, Prof. C. 
H.. Fernald, has kept closely in touch with the work of this 
office, and his helpful advice has been freely sought. As is 
well known, Professor Fernald has followed the developments 
of the gypsy moth as a pest since its first discovery at Medford 
in 1889, and is thoroughly familiar with all features of the 
efforts made to suppress it. The superintendent considers it 
most fortunate for the interests of the State work that he is able 
to consult on questions of methods and policy, as well as on 
technical outlays, an entomologist so well qualified to give ad- 
vice by long and successful experience as well as by well-proven, 
sound business judgment. We are particularly indebted to 
Professor Fernald for help in selecting from his students as- 
sistants for our summer work on parasites, and for the very 
practical aid he is now giving us in building up a working ref- 
erence collection. His report follows: — 


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

DEAR Sir: — The spread of the gypsy moth in this country may be 
likened to a great conflagration, which, starting from a mere spark 
dropped accidentally and unintentionally into some inflammable sub- 
stance, burns readily and quietly at first, but soon spreads in all direc- 
tions where there is anything to burn, leaping from one mass of 
inflammable matter to another, and even being wafted a considerable 


130 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


distance by the wind over streams of water or other obstacles, destroying 
every combustible object in its way. The further it goes, the wider the 
area of destruction becomes, and, as a result, the more rapidly it 
spreads. 

Every one knows the danger of allowing a fire to get even the slight- 
est headway, and so every precaution is taken to stamp it out at the 
start; but if it gets well under way no one attempts to belittle the dan- 
ger, but every one aids and encourages the work of putting out the 
fire, regardless of whether it is accidental or of incendiary origin. No 
one stops to count the cost, but all realize that the conflagration must 
be stamped out, regardless of labor and expense. The authorities tele- 
graph in all directions for assistance, and the fire departments of other 
cities, without the slightest hesitation, are rushed to the scene of con- 
flagration, every available means being used to transport them to their 
destination. Many private citizens having means contribute freely to 
relieve the sufferers who have lost by the fire. Towns and cities pour 
out their money freely; State Legislatures take an active interest; and 
even the general government at Washington has made large and much- 
needed appropriations for the relief of sufferers from fires and other 
disasters. Such acts of kindness and generosity always appeal to the 
human heart, and give us a deeper appreciation of the instinets of 
humanity. 

About forty years ago the gypsy moth was accidentally allowed to 
escape from confinement in Medford, where it fed readily but quietly 
on the foliage of trees near at hand. Soon, however, it began to spread 
in all directions where there was suitable food, making its way from 
one section to another, and even being carried a considerable distance 
by the wind and other means over streams of water or other obstacles, 
to fall upon and destroy any vegetation in its way. The farther it 
went, the wider was its area of destruction and the greater the rapidity 
of its spread. 

Here the parallel ceases. No one at first knew or realized the danger 
from allowing this insect to make even the slightest headway, and hence 
no precautions were taken to stamp it out at the start. Even after the 
caterpillar plague was well under way, there were many who publicly 
belittled the danger both in public print and before the Legislature; 
and many also attempted to discredit the work because it was thought 
that some unprincipled employees were intentionally spreading the in- 
sect, yet no attempt was made to prove the statement and bring the 
guilty parties to punishment. It is human nature to stop to count the 
cost, and too few realize that it is quite as important to stamp out 
this inseet and put an end to the destruction of property caused by it 
as it is to stamp out fire, —and for precisely the same reasons. If a 
new colony of gypsy moths should be discovered, which threatened the 
destruction of valuable forests as well as the vegetation on numerous 
private grounds, and the authorities should call for help from other 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 131 


towns or States, they would not respond as in the case of a fire; yet 
the destruction of property by the moths in time is just as sure and just 
as severely felt as if by fire. 

What would be the action of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
and of the other States of the Union if a fire were raging in all the 
forests of eastern Massachusetts, and, in spite of all that was being done 
to check it, was holding its own with every prospect that it would 
escape and spread over the rest of this State and into other States and 
finally over all of the United States? This supposed case parallels 
the present condition of the gypsy moth plague in Massachusetts. 

The work is now carried on chiefly in the residential parts of the 
infested territory, along the lines of travel and to some extent in the 
forests; but for the latter work funds have not been sufficient to pre- 
vent the increasing spread of the insects. If it were a fire running 
through the forests and destroying the same amount of property with 
the same certainty of spreading over the State that there is of the 
spread of the moths, public opinion would demand that ample appro- 
priations be made, and that no stone be left unturned to accomplish 
the stamping out of this destructive pest. 

For the purpose of destroying the gypsy and brown-tail moths, it is 
necessary first to find the new colonies; and to do this the scouts who 
are sent out for this purpose should have ample legal authority to enter 
on private lands whenever circumstances require, with the privilege of 
searching the forests, orchards, shrubbery, ete., to ascertain whether 
these moths are present. 

After a careful survey of the work, I regret to say that I do not feel 
satisfied with the condition of the forest lands. In the residential parts 
of the territory and along roadsides, where the greatest danger of 
scattering the caterpillars exists, very commendable progress has been 
made in nearly all of the cities and towns, but the condition of the for- 
ests grows more serious yearly. I understand perfectly that this state 
of affairs exists because there have not been sufficient funds to prose- 
eute properly the work over the entire infested area, thus making it 
necessary to neglect the forests in order to suppress the moths along 
lines of travel and in the residential parts of the infested territory. If 
the forests had incipient fires in place of these centers of infestation, 
and every one knew that these fires would spread all over the State and 
country if they were not stamped out, as surely as we know that the 
gypsy moth will spread over the country if not checked, public opinion 
would demand that the Legislature make all necessary appropriations, 
and further demand that this pest be stamped out in the shortest pos- 
sible time. 

It is not enough merely to hold this insect in check. The only good, 
sound business policy is to make actual progress towards extermination, 
and for this work liberal appropriations are necessary. 

Respectfully submitted, C. H. FERNALD. 


132 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


As an evidence of the interest in the effort to suppress the 
moth pests shown by the official entomologists of the country, 
the following resolution may well find place at this point : — 


Resolution on the Gypsy Moth Work, adopted at the Chicago Meeting 
of the Association of Economic Entomologists, Dec. 28, 1907. 


Resolved, That the association heartily approves the work now being 
done in the control of the gypsy moth and brown-tail moth by the State 
of Massachusetts and other States and by the Bureau of Entomology; 
and, inasmuch as we have heard of criticism of this work from certain 
quarters, we hereby express our unqualified approbation of the present 
management and of the methods which it has adopted; and, further- 
more, would consider a change in policy as most dangerous to the vital 
interests concerned in the most important work in applied entomology 
that has ever been undertaken. 

W. D. Hunter, 

E. DwicgHt SANDERSON, 

F. L. WASHBURN, 
Committee on Resolutions. 


Work or Oruer Strate Boarps. 


Again we acknowledge the continued help of other State 
boards in the great problem of controlling the gypsy moth. The 
work of the Metropolitan Park Commission, the Metropolitan 
Water and Sewerage Board and the Massachusetts Highway 
Commission are worthy of particular mention, while other 
boards having under their control various public lands have 
given hearty co-operation. The summary of their operations 
is given in the following correspondence : — 


Boston, Jan. 8, 1908. 
Prof. A. H. Kirxuanp, Superintendent for Suppressing Gypsy and 
Brown-tail Moths. 

Dear Str: —TI have the honor to submit the following in response 
to your request that our Board should furnish you a brief statement of 
its work against the gypsy and brown-tail moths during the past year 
on lands under its supervision. 

The extensive work which has been earried on by the Board in pre- 
vious years on the lands under its charge, not only at Spot Pond but 
in the towns of Medford, Arlington and Somerville, has resulted in 
greatly reducing the number of gypsy moths, and it is believed that the 
work of the past year will be felt by a still further reduction in their 
number in the future. 


* 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 133 


Although the cost of the work done at Spot Pond constitutes the 
larger part of the entire expenditure, the amount expended was reduced 
from that of last year by about two-fifths. There has, however, during 
the past year been a considerable increase in the number of gypsy 
moths along the lines of the Sudbury and Cochituate aqueducts in New- 
ton, Weston, Natick and Framingham. The 220 acres of land about 
the Weston reservoir and lying along the Weston aqueduct between the 
reservoir and the terminal chamber were especially infested, and the 
cost of protecting these lands was more than double the amount ex- 
pended in the previous year. No gypsy moths have been found upon 
the property of the Board situated west of the town of Framingham. 

The number of brown-tail moths at the Chestnut Hill reservoir and 
on other lands in the vicinity of Boston has been greatly decreased, 
apparently from natural causes. Very large numbers of nests of the 
brown-tail moths have been destroyed at the Sudbury reservoir, and 
these nests in considerable and increasing numbers have been destroyed 
at the Hopkinton reservoir, along the line of the Wachusett aqueduct 
in Southborough and Northborough, and in the vicinity of the Wachu- 
sett reservoir in Clinton. 

The methods employed for destroying and preventing the spreading 
of the moths have been as follows: — 

At Spot Pond the egg clusters of the gypsy moths were painted dur- 
ing the winter with a mixture of creosote and fuel oil. During the lat- 
ter part of April and the early part of May tanglefoot was used in 
large quantities for banding the trees. During June and July the trees 
on 23 aeres of land were sprayed with arsenate of lead. To protect the 
lands of the Commonwealth along the lines of adjoining properties, 
where the moths were very prevalent, lines of boards set on edge and 
smeared with tanglefoot have been effectively used as in the previous 
year. The trees upon the grounds at Mystic Lake, Mystie pumping 
station and reservoir and at the Chestnut Hill aud Weston reservoirs 
were treated in a similar manner. Along the line of the aqueducts and 
at Lake Cochituate the egg clusters of the gypsy moths were painted 
with creosote, and at Lake Cochituate great numbers of trees were 
banded with burlap. | 

Vast numbers of the caterpillars of both gypsy and brown-tail moths 
were destroyed along the lines of the Cochituate and Sudbury aque- 
ducts, at Lake Cochituate, and of the brown-tail moths about the reser- 
voirs in Framingham, Southborough and Clinton. 

Inasmuch as experience has shown that the absolute suppression of 
the gypsy moth is very difficult, if not impossible, wherever there is 
a thick growth of underbrush, considerable work has been done, par- 
ticularly along the lines of the aqueducts, in cutting away underbrush 
and undesirable trees. 

The total amount expended for the work on all of the water works 
lands was $10,700, as against an expenditure of $12,700 the preceding 


154 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


year. Of the total sum expended, $6,450 was devoted to the lands about 
Spot Pond and $1,300 to those about the Weston reservoir. 

The work of suppressing the gypsy and brown-tail moths has been, 
as in previous years, carried on under the supervision of Mr. Dexter 
Brackett, the chief engineer of the metropolitan water works. 

Very truly yours, Henry 'H. SPRAGUE, 

Chairman, Metropolitan Water Board. 


Boston, Jan. 3, 1908. 


Prof. A. H. Kirxuanp, Superintendent for Suppression of Gypsy and 
Brown-tail Moths, 6 Beacon Street, Boston. 

Dear Sir:—-In accordance with your request, I take pleasure in 
sending you the following statement concerning the work against the 
gypsy and brown-tail moths during the year 1907, under the direction 
and at the expense of this Board : — 

The work during the year 1907 in the reservations and parkways in 
the charge of the Metropolitan Park Commission has been done by the 
forces employed and directed by the superintendents regularly in charge 
of the several divisions, except that in the Blue Hills, as in the previous 
year, Mr. Minott of your staff has been employed by the Board to direct 
the work. At the request of the Board, you have sent assistants from 
time to time who have very courteously and thoroughly inspected the 
work after it was done. 

The result has been very favorable. No serious defoliation has oe- 
curred at any point, and the number of new egg clusters is less than 
it was a year ago. This success is gratifying, but causes some fear 
that it may be misleading. The danger of renewal of the bad conditions 
of the past few years remains in lessened form, and can be met only 
by continued and unremitting work, especially in those districts where 
least effective work has been done on neighboring lands outside the res- 
ervations. The Boarf appreciates the thorough work done under your 
direction in those outside lands where co-operation of the cities and 
towns has been complete, and in some sections where even that co-opera- 
tion was lacking. In the neighborhood of these Jands the expense of 
the work for the coming year will be materially diminished. 

Very truly yours, W. B. pe LAs Casas, 

Chairman, Metropolitan Park Commission. 


By chapter 157, Acts of 1907, the Massachusetts State 
Highway Commission was authorized to expend in connec- 
tion with the suppression of the gypsy and brown-tail moths 
on trees bordering on the State highways a sum not exceeding 
$10,000. At the request of the commission this office has taken 
full charge of this work during the year, made the necessary 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 135 


inspections and arranged for the proper treatment of the in- 
fested trees. The preliminary inspection to show the kind and 
amount of work needed was first made, and later the neces- 
sary details were attended to either by local organizations or by 
contractors, the work being inspected and approved by em- 
ployees of this office before the bills were forwarded for pay- 
ment. 

The State highway trees are particularly liable to infestation, 
because the most excellent roads built by the commission offer 
favorable routes of travel between various centers of population, 
and are much frequented by automobiles. All told, there was 
expended on this work up to December 1, $7,019.52. At the 
present writing the trees on the State highways are in a most 
excellent condition for future operations against the moths. A 
great deal of infested brush has been cut, and a large number of 
trees have been pruned, cemented or tinned and put in proper 
condition for the economical control of the moths. Work has 
been done on State highway trees in the following towns: — 


Acton. Hingham. Scituate. 
Amesbury. Holbrook. Southborough. 
Andover. Hudson. Stoneham. 
Ashland. Ipswich. Stoughton. 
Bedford. Lexington. Sudbury. 
Beverly. Lincoln. Swampscott. 
Billerica. Littleton. Tewksbury. 
Bourne. Lowell. Townsend. 
Boxborough. Lunenburg. Wayland. 
Braintree. Marlborough. Wellesley. 
Brockton. Melrose. Wenham. 
Burlington. Merrimae. West Bridgewater. 
Chelmsford. Methuen. West Newbury. 
Cohasset. Newbury. Westborough. 
Concord. Newburyport. Westford. 
Dover. North Reading. Weston. 
Framingham. Northborough. Weymouth. 
Gloucester. Quincey. Wilmington. 
Groveland. Reading. Winchester. 
Hamilton. Revere. Wrentham. 
Harvard. Rockland. Yarmouth. 
Haverhill. Salisbury. 


136 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


Narionat Ap. 


The excellent work done in Massachusetts by the Bureau of 
Entomology of the United States Department of Agriculture in 
caring for the main infested highways in the moth district has 
been a most valuable aid in preventing the further spread of the 
gypsy moth. The special field agent in charge, Mr. D. M. 
Rogers, has co-operated most heartily at all times with the efforts 
of this office to secure a better control of the moths and to reduce 
the danger of the scattering of the caterpillars. Nearly all the 
important highways in the district have been put in excellent 
condition for further treatment, which can now be applied at a 
relatively smaller cost. Particularly helpful also has been the 
assistance of the national forces in spraying operations in cer- 
tain badly infested park lands much frequented by the public, 
and where the danger of scattering the caterpillars was particu- 
larly great. All told, Mr. Rogers’ forces have worked over 122 
miles of highway in Massachusetts. 

By direction of His Excellency the Governor, the superin- 
tendent spent several days in Washington at the time when the 
appropriation for this particular work was pending. He was 
glad to find that the Senators and Representatives from this 
State were fully aroused to the importance of making liberal 
appropriations for the national work in Massachusetts, and to 
their united efforts, particularly to those of the Hon. Ernest 
W. Roberts, the appropriation of $150,000 by the National 
Congress was principally due. The good showing made by Mr. 
Rogers in his field work will amply justify further liberal ap- 
propriations to enable him to carry out his plans. 


OrnrrR EnromoLtoagicaL Work. 


The function of this office primarily is to deal with the 
gypsy and brown-tail moths, no other insect pests being recog- 
nized by the law defining the scope of eur work. The fact that 
both these moths are most serious pests of vegetation has become 
very widely known throughout Massachusetts, and as a result, 
farmers, orchardists and other property owners without as well 
as within the infested district are giving greater attention to 


OO Oooo kK —™ 


BROWN TAIL MOTH 


After Dr. E, P. Felt, 


State Entomologist, New York. 


a 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 137 


the attacks of injurious insects. It naturally follows, therefore, 
that throughout the year, particularly in the spring and. sum- 
mer months, several thousands of specimens of various insects 
are brought or sent to this office, under the impression that they 
may be the gypsy or brown-tail moths. In this way quite a 
number of infestations by the moth pests have been located, but 
at least 90 per cent. of the insects presented for examination 
prove to be some of the more common native species. Almost 
invariably the question is asked, “ If this is not the gypsy moth, 
what is it, and what can I do to destroy it?” Information on 
these questions should be more properly sought from the ex- 
periment station at Amherst, the entomological department of 
which is so finely equipped with able entomologists, libraries 
and collections. At the same time, the farmer or orchardist 
cannot always wait to obtain information from this source, par- 
ticularly if his trees or crops are being devoured. 

Since this condition of affairs makes it possible to render a 
large amount of practical assistance to our citizens, particularly 
those in eastern Massachusetts, where the bulk of our popula- 
tion resides, the superintendent has at all times gladly given 
the desired information by identifying the insects and giving 
directions for their effective treatment. He feels that if a man 
. has sufficient interest in the gypsy moth work to send or bring 
specimens of noxious insects to this office, through fear that they 
may be either the gypsy or brown-tail moths, that man is en- 
titled to all the help and advice this office may be qualified to 
give. The inquiries of this nature which reach us in the course 
of a year cover practically the whole range of insect pests, from 
those of the household, of stored goods or of fruit and vegetable 
crops, to those ravaging shade and forest trees. 

To aid in the rapid and accurate identification of such in- 
sects as may be sent in, the superintendent has obtained, through 
the courtesy of Hon. J. L. Ellsworth, secretary of the Massa- 
chusetts State Board of Agriculture, the reference collection of 
insects formerly in use at the office of the gypsy moth commit- 
tee. To this has been added by purchase the valuable collec- 
tion of moths and butterflies of the late George H. Harris, while 
by exchange and donation we have also obtained much valuable 
material from the insectary collection of the Massachusetts 


138 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


Agricultural College. All this material is now being put in 
order by Mr. I'rederick B. Lowe, formerly of the British Mu- 
seum, London, and now assistant at our entomological labora- 
tory. When this work is finished we shall have a very complete 
collection of all common injurious insects of this region, which 
at all times will be available for the information and assistance 
of the public. 
Spraying OPERaTIONs. 

Appreciating fully the value of spraying as a means for con- 
trolling the gypsy and brown-tail moths, the superintendent 
from the beginning of the present work has constantly urged, as 
far as funds permitted, the purchase and use of spraying outfits 
by the cities and towns most generally infested. Financial con- 
siderations have prevented the buying, in any one year, of all 
the outfits needed in the most severely infested municipalities ; 
there has been, however, a steady increase in the number of 
sprayers, and during the summer of 1907 there were operated 
in the field 54 power sprayers and 38 hand outfits. This does not 
include a very large number of sprayers owned by private citi- 
zens. The unusual drought made it possible to continue the use 
of the sprayers throughout the caterpillar season with but slight 
interruption because of rain. Notable improvements have been 
made by the manufacturers of power-spraying outfits, and, while 
there is still much room for improvement, the machines gave 
more satisfactory results in 1907 than in any previous year. 
The prepared arsenate of lead, or disparene, secured fresh from 
the manufacturers, fully upheld its reputation as an effective 
insecticide. 

Two systems of spraying were used, that of the mist spray 
from Vermorel nozzles, used principally in orchards, on shrub- 
bery and along roadsides, and the solid-stream spray from 
straight-bore nozzles on shade trees and in woodland. With the 
first system of spraying, a pressure of from 75 to 100 pounds 
to the square inch is sufficient; with the second, a pressure of 
from 150 to 200 pounds is desirable, the high pressure causing 
the stream to break into a mist at a considerable distance from 
the nozzle. The results obtained practically confirm our pre- 
vious opinion in regard to the two systems of spraying, each of 
which has its champions. As usual, the mist spray gave the 


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1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 139 


best results, due to the more thorough coating of the foliage, 
and required less poison; but the cost of labor where it is used 
was considerably greater than with the solid stream. On the 
other hand, the solid-stream spray permitted of more rapid 
work, reduced the amount of climbing to be done, but required 
a much greater quantity of insecticide as compared with the 
mist spray. The superintendent is of the opinion that both 
systems of spraying are desirable in badly infested towns; that 
the proper field of usefulness of hand sprayers or low-pressure 
power outfits throwing a mist spray will be found in the treat- 
ment of orchards, trees on private estates, shrubbery and road- 
sides, or where exterminative measures are necessary. The 
high-pressure power outfits with the solid-stream spray are most 
useful in the treatment of tall shade trees, woodland, and where 
the wholesale destruction of the caterpillars in the shortest pos- 
sible time is desired. 

While in the past years we never had a bona fide instance of 
the death of live stock from grazing beneath trees where the 
mist spray had been used, during the past year a number of 
cows were killed by feeding in orchards and woodlands where 
the solid-stream spray had been employed. The reason for this 
is not far to be sought. With the solid stream a very much 
larger quantity of the poison is thrown into the trees, and much 
of it falls to the ground and thoroughly poisons the grass. In 
some cases, in their most commendable desire to wipe out the 
moth pests, the local superintendents increased the proportions 
of poison used, as recommended by the central office, from 10 
pounds of arsenate of lead to 100 gallons of water, to 15 or 20 
pounds of ‘the insecticide to the same quantity of water. Notices 
giving warning that poison was being used on the premises were 
generally posted throughout the sprayed districts, and farmers 
were notified to cut the grass in the orchards before spraying 
operations commenced, and also warned against pasturing their 
cattle in the woodlands which had been sprayed. In spite of 
these precautions, the disastrous results above mentioned oc- 
curred in several cases. This indicates the necessity in the 
future work of adopting much greater and more complete pre- 
cautions than were taken in the season of 1907. 

One interesting and very gratifying result of the general 


#,, 


140 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


spraying operations against the gypsy and brown-tail moths in 
orchards was apparent when the fruit was gathered in the fall. 
As is well known, the year 1907 was, as our farmers term it, an 
“ off year ” for apples; in other words, the year in which but a 
very small crop was expected. Yet from the sprayed orchards 
good erops of fine, sound fruit was the general rule. This re- 
sult was particularly noticeable in the apple-growing sections 
of Essex County. The statements made by farmers by letter or 
personally, regarding the increased yield of apples of improved 
quality, were very gratifying. While our spraying operations 
have been carried on solely with a view to controlling the moth 
pests, it is, of course, pleasant to know that, aside from protect- 
ing the trees from damage, this work has also directly benefited, 
financially, a large number of our farmers. | 


Cost oF SPRAYING. 


The efficacy of spraying with arsenical insecticides as an ef- 
fective means for controlling the gypsy moth was long ago dem- 
onstrated. {It is doubtful if any single wholesale method of 
work against this insect would give better or quicker results for 
the expense involved than spraying. To get this work done to 
the best advantage involves factors that are subject to great 
variation. The spraying outfit must be built on correct eco- 
nomical principles, in order to secure the greatest efficiency with- 
out unnecessary waste of power. It should be substantial, 
durable, and yet not cumbersome. Again, the skill and judg- 
ment of the operator and the care he gives to the outfit is a 
factor of great importance. The best possible type of spraying 
outfit in the hands of an ignorant or careless operator will not 
do the maximum amount of work possible, while under such 
conditions the repair bill and consequent loss of time in the 
spraying gang will be a large item. 

While experience in actual field spraying operations has 
taught us how to judge approximately the probable cost of 
spraying operations under the known conditions in any locality, 
such estimates as the superintendent and his assistants have been 
called upon to make have been largely a matter of personal 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 141 


opinion, based upon a somewhat extended experience. It is 
perfectly true that no two spraying problems present exactly 
the same conditions. The presence or absence of roads, the dis- 
tance from the sprayer to the point to which the stream must 
be carried, the contour of the ground, height of the trees, abun- 
dance or scarcity of underbrush, and the distance from which 
water must be pumped or hauled to supply the sprayer, are a 
part of the many details which must be taken into considera- 
tion in estimating costs of work. Again, the type of outfit with 
reference to the manner of obtaining power is of importance. 
The three styles of rigs in general use in the gypsy moth dis- 
trict include those operated by hand, by gas or compressed air, 
and by gasoline engines. Each kind of outfit has its own field 
of usefulness, and each has its ardent champions. Still, again, 
the kind of spray used, whether the mist or solid stream, greatly 
affects the cost of spraying. ? 

It seemed desirable this summer to get careful data on the 
actual cost of spraying operations in the field, and Mr. A. F. 
Burgess, assisted by Mr. C. G. Barnum, was especially assigned 
to this work. The data which follow are condensed from Mr. 
Burgess’s very complete field notes : — 


WATERTOWN, WHITNEY Hint Park, June 11, 12, 1907. 

On the steep hillside in this park 7 acres of large forest trees, viz., 
oak, hickory and beech, were sprayed with one of the outfits belonging 
to the United States Department of Agriculture. Although the cater- 
pillars were less than half grown, the effect of their feeding was very 
noticeable. About 600 trees, averaging 60 feet in height, were treated. 
In the twelve hours required to make this spraying, considerable time 
was lost in moving the sprayer. Water was obtained from the city 
hydrants. Work was begun at the top of the hill, and but very few 
of the trees were climbed. June 11, S tanks, and June 12, 5 tanks of 
spray were used, the total amount applied being 7,800 gallons. 


Outfit. 

The outfit consisted of a 7 horse-power Olds engine, with double- 
acting pump and a 600-gallon tank. One 200-foot line of 11-inch 
hose and a 34-inch nozzle were used, the pressure averaging 130 pounds. 
The insecticide was Swift’s arsenate of lead, applied at the rate of 10 
pounds to 100 gallons of water. 


142 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


Cost. 
1 team and driver, 14 days, ; ; : , ‘ $5 00 $7 .50 
1 engineer, 14 days, . : ‘ : : : : 2 80 4 20 
8 men, 14 days, : : 2 00 24 00 
780 pounds arsenate of lead, - . : 11 85 80 
5 gallons gasoline, . : , : ; : 2 18 90 
Oil, waste, etc., : : ; 3 f ; : : ; 10 
Total, . _ : : : : : ‘ ; . $122 50 


Average cost of treatment, $17.50 per acre, or 20.5 cents per tree. 
Poison was used at the rate of about 110 pounds per acre. 


MELROSE, JUNE, 1907. 


Mr. John J. MeCullough, local superintendent, supplied data con- 
cerning the treatment of an infested 6-acre wood lot. The trees, averag- 
ing about 40 feet in height, had been thinned to stand 15 or 20 feet 
apart, and the underbrush had been cut and burned. 


Outfit. 

A 2 horse-power Olds gasoline engine, connected with a double-acting 
pump and 300-gallon spray tank, supplied 4 lines of 14-inch hose 
equipped with 10-foot extension rods and single Vermorel nozzles. 
Four men and a foreman were required to operate this outfit, and 5 
gallons of gasoline were consumed in the four days required to spray 
the wood lot. About 25 per cent. of the trees were climbed. 


Cost. 

The data of cost of this work was not kept in quite as much detail 
as in the eases previously deseribed. Mr. MecCullough’s figures show, 
however, that the cost of arsenate of lead was $4 per acre, and the 
total cost of treatment averaged $12 per acre. 


MELROSE, JuLy 1, 1907. 
On a private estate in Melrose Highlands 2 shade trees about 40 feet 


in height and 15 rose bushes were treated in one hour with an ordinary 
barrel outfit, such as is commonly used on private estates. 


Outfit. 


A common hand pump, mounted in a 40-gallon barrel and carried 
in an express wagon, furnished spray for a single line of %-inch hose 
and for Vermorel nozzle. 


Cost. 
2 men,tday, . : ; : J ‘ ; ; $2 25 $0 56 
1 horse, 4 day, . : 1 50 19 
2 pounds arsenate of lead, . 12 24 


“+ Potal,) ~. , ' ; . $0 99 


A 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 143 


_ Allowing 9 cents for spraying the 15 rose bushes, the cost of spraying 
the shade trees was 45 cents each. 


Saueus, JuNE 20, 1907. 

This spraying included work on street trees, fruit and other trees in 
yards, and the forest trees in uncleared lots along the roadside. Three 
hundred and fifty trees averaging 35 feet in height, and about 1 acre 
of brush, a part of which was in the area where no trees were growing, 
were treated. About 25 per cent. of the trees were climbed. 


Outfit. 


A 1% horse-power Lunt & Moss engine, with a small double-acting 
pump, connected with 5 lines of 14-inch hose, was operated. Single 
Vermorel nozzles were used, the insecticide, Bowker’s arsenate of lead, 
being applied at the rate of 10 pounds to 100 gallons of water. 


Cost. 
1 team and driver, 4 day, . : , : : : $6 25 $3 13 
6 men, 4 day, ; 2 25 6 75 
50 pounds arsenate of lead, . 12 6 00 
2 gallons gasoline, : : : : : : 20 40 
Oil, waste, etce., : F : : : , , : 05 
otal. : : : ‘ , : : : . $16 33 


Average cost of treatment, 4.6 cents per tree. 


Saueus, JuNE 20, 1907. 

Three hundred trees along streets and in vacant lots were sprayed 
with arsenate of lead, at the rate of 10 pounds to 100 gallons of water. 
About 25 per cent. of the trees, which average 25 feet in height, were 
climbed, and a small amount of brush in the vacant lots was also 
treated. 

Outfit. 

A 4% horse-power Olds engine, with double-acting pump, a’350- 
gallon tank and 4 lines of 14-inch hose, equipped with single Vermorel 
and Bordeaux nozzles, was used; each hose line was 100 feet long. 


Cost. 
1 team and driver, 4 day, . = ; ; : ‘ $6 25 $3 13 
5 men, 4day, . : ; : ; ¢ ; : 2 25 5 63 
35 pounds arsenate of lead, . P : : j ; 12 4 20 
2 gallons of gasoline, . F : : : : ; 20 40 
Oil, grease and waste, . : 3 ‘ : : ¢ : 05 
Mocaleae. ; 3 : ; A i : : - $13 41 


Average cost of treatment, 4.5 cents per tree. 


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


Saucus, JuNE 20, 1907. 


During the period this outfit was under observation, 40 street trees, 


chiefiy elm and Norway maple, from 25 to 40 feet in height, 40 fruit 
and small shade trees ranging from 10 to 15 feet in height, 30 shrubs 
and a few rows of currant bushes were treated. Forty per cent. of 
the trees were climbed. 

Outfit. 

A 3% horse-power Fairbanks-Morse engine, with Deming triplex 
pump, 5 lines of 1-inch hose and single Vermorel and Bordeaux 
nozzles, was used. The tank carried 650 gallons of spray, the entire 
outfit when loaded weighing about 5 tons. Six hundred gallons of 
spray, containing 10 pounds of Bowker’s arsenate of lead to 100 gal- 
lons, were used. 


Cost. 
1 team and driver, $day, . $6 25 $3 13 
6 men, 4 day, ; 2 25 6 75 
60 pounds arsenate of lead, . : ; : : 12 7 20 
24 gallons gasoline, . - : : ; : ; 20 50 
Oil, grease and waste, . : é ; : ‘ ; : 05 
Total, . z : , : : : : : - $17 63 


Average cost of treatment, about 22 cents per tree. 


Sauaus, JUNE 20, 1907. 

Shade trees averaging 28 feet in height and fruit trees, mainly apple, 
averaging 20 feet in height, were sprayed in a residential section. A 
part of the shade trees and a few of the larger apple trees were 
climbed. One hundred and seventy-five gallons of spray, containing 10 
pounds of arsenate of lead to 100 gallons of water, were used in this 
work. 

Outfit. 


A Bonanza hand pump, made by the Deming Company, Salem, O., 
mounted on a 100-gallon hogshead, with 2 lines of 14-inch hose, equipped 
with single Vermorel nozzles, was used. Two men were required to 
operate the pump. All told, 63 trees were treated during the time the 
outfit was under observation. 


Cost. 
1 horse, } day, . ‘ : ; : : : : $1 50 $1 31 
2 men, j}day, . : F E : : ; : 2 00 3 50 
3 men, {day, . : ; ; E : d : 2 25 5 91 
174 pounds arsenate of lead, . ; : ? : ; 12 2 10 
Total, . 3 ; : : ; ri : - $12 82 


Average cost of treatment, 20.3 cents per tree. 


_— 
i eee, te 


1908.) PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 145 


Saugus, JuNE 21, 1907. 

The spraying operations in this case were along both sides of the 
road leading from North Saugus to Wakefield. Here the infested 
woodland had been thinned back to a distance of 100 feet on each side 
of the road. Owing to steep grades, the 600-gallon tank was only filled 
to about three-fourths of its capacity. Swift’s arsenate of lead was 
used, at the rate of 10 pounds to 100 gallons of water. The trees 
ranged from 10 to 60 feet in height, with an average of about 50 feet. 
They were mainly oak, pine, ash and walnut. 


Outfit. 


A 7 horse-power Olds engine, coupled to a double-acting pump and 
connected with a 600-gallon tank, was the essential feature of this 
outfit. A single line of 100 feet of 114-inch hose with a 14-inch nozzle 
was used. About 214 tanks were sprayed out during the morning, it 
requiring about thirty-five minutes to empty the sprayer. There was 
much loss of efficiency because of the time required to fill the tank. 


Cost. 
1 engineer, 4 day, , $2 80 $1 40 
1 team and driver, 4 day, . 5 00 2 50 
1 supply team and driver, + day, 3 00 1 50 
6 men, 4 day, : ; 2 00 6 00 
113 pounds arsenate of lead, . ! . : : : 11 12 43 
24 gallons gasoline, . : ; : : : : 18 45 
Oil, grease and waste, . : ; ; : ‘ ‘ 05 
ocala ' : ‘ F : : : ; . $24 33 


Average cost of treatment, about 20.6 cents per tree, or $12.16 per 
acre. 


STONEHAM, JUNE 21, 1907. 


The rough hillside off Franklin Street, covered with hardwood trees 
averaging 45 feet in height and running over 300 trees to the acre, 
was sprayed by the local gang, under the supervision of Mr. George M. 
Jefts. The trees were badly infested, and a part of them nearly de- 
foliated at the time of spraying. 


Outfit. 
A 41% horse-power Olds engine, with double-acting Myers pump with 
a 300-gallon tank, was used. A single line of 14-inch hose, 400 feet 
in length, with a %6-inch nozzle, was being operated. The average 
pressure was 130 pounds, and a tank full was sprayed in about taventy- 
five minutes. Water was hauled about % of a mile, the same team 
being used to move the sprayer from one place to another. It required 


146 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


seven minutes to transfer the water from the barrels to the spray tank. 
The insecticide was Swift’s arsenate of lead, 10 pounds to 100 gallons 
of water. 


Cost. 
1 foreman, 4 day, . $3 00 $1 50 
1 team and driver, 4 day, . 4 50 2 25 
1 engineer, 4 day, 2 40 1 20 
4 men, 4 day, 2 25 4 50 
1 man, 4 day, : : : 2 00 1 00 
200 pounds arsenate of lead, . ? ; ; : : 12 24 00 
2 gallons gasoline, . : - : ; ; : 18 36 
Oil, grease and waste, . ; : : é 3 ; : 05 
Total, . : . : % - : 5 : - $34 86 


The cost of this spraying was $8.71 per acre for trees and brush, or 
slightly less than 3 cents per tree. Seven tanks or about 2,000 gallons 
of spray were applied during one-half day, poison being used at the 
rate of 50 pounds per acre. 


Meprorp, JUNE 25, 1907. 

Here the work consisted of spraying street trees and those on private 
estates in the residential section of West Medford. Nearly all the 
trees were along the road, and averaged 55 feet in height. All told, 73 
trees were sprayed with 10 pounds of disparene to 100 gallons of water. 


Outfit. 

The outfit was made up from a 5 horse-power Church engine, a 
triplex pump and a 400-gallon tank. The line of 1%-inch hose of 
varying length, to which was attached a 3%¢-inch nozzle, was used. It 
was necessary to move the outfit frequently, with a consequent increase 
in the cost of work. 


Cost. 
1 foreman, } day, . ; 2 : ; : : $3 00 $0 75 
1 engineer, } day, 2 50 63 
7 men, + day, ‘ 2 25 3 94 
1 team and driver, } day, . : ; ; F 5 00 1 25 
40 pounds disparene, . r ‘ é : ; : 12 4 80 
1 gallon gasoline, : ; ‘ : ; ; ' 20 20 
Oil, grease and waste, . : : ‘ ‘ : ; ; 05 
“Total. 4 : ; ; . $11 62 


Average cost of treatment, 16 cents per tree. 


READING, JUNE 28, 1907. 
The woodland in the northern part of the town was being treated by 
a power outfit on this date. The trees were principally oak, mixed 
with a few pine and other species, and averaged 50 feet in height. One 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 147 


hundred and ninety trees were treated during the forenoon. Water 
was hauled about 1% of a mile, and 30 per cent. of the trees were 
climbed. 
Outfit. 
A 41% horse-power Olds gasoline engine, with duplex pump and a 
300-gallon tank, was the essential feature of this outfit. A single line 
of 1-inch lead hose was connected with 4 lines of 44-inch hose. The 


pressure ranged from 90 to 125 pounds, and the nozzles used were of 
the Vermorel type. 


Cost. 

1 foreman, 4 day, : ; : ; é ; : $2 25 $1 13 
1 engineer, 4+ day, 2 25 1 13 
1 team and driver, 4 day, . 4 50 2 25 
5 climbers, 4 day, 2 25 5 63 
2 ground men, 4 day, : : : : : 2 00 2 00 
30 pounds disparene, . ; ; A : : : 12 3 60 
2 gallons gasoline, . ‘ ‘ : ; : ; 20 40 
Oil, grease and waste, . : : F é : : : 05 
Totals oa/ 0 : : : 5 ; ‘ : . $16 19 


Average cost of treatment, 8.5 cents per tree. 


READING, JUNE 28, 1907. 


The spraying of small shade and fruit trees and shrubbery, by means 
of a gas power sprayer, was under observation here on this date. 


Outfit. 

This spray rig consisted of a 100-gallon iron tank, equipped with an 
agitator and connections with gas tank. The tank was mounted in a 
one-horse wagon, the mixture being constantly agitated while the spray 
was being applied. Two lines of 14-inch hose, equipped with gas pipe 
extensions and double Vermorel nozzles, completed the outfit. Dis- 
parene was used at the rate of 10 pounds to 100 gallons of water. 


Cost. 
3 men,4ofaday, . : : : 3 : 4 $2 25 $1 13 
1 horse, 4 of aday, . j : : ; : : 1 50 25 
10 pounds disparene, . : F : : : : 12 1 20 
Gas, : : ‘ ; F : , ; F : : 32 
Total, : : : ‘ : F : : : : $2 90 


With this outfit 8 tanks can be used per day under good conditions, 
a tube of gas usually being sufficient for 9 tanks. The cost of spraying 
in the work under observation was slightly more than 22.3 cents per 
tree. 


148 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 


WAKEFIELD, JuLY 1, 1907. 

In the hilly section of the town off Chestnut Street there were 
treated during the forenoon on this date 100 cedars 20 to 25 feet tall, 
10 pines, 6 fruit trees, 4 maples and about 34 of an acre of brush and 
scrub growth. While the cost of spraying the latter was not great, the 
time spent on it inereased the net cost of the work per tree. 


Outfit. 

The outfit used here consisted of a 31% horse-power Church air-cooled 
gasoline engine, with direct connection to a Douglas triplex pump. 
The tank was of 300 gallons capacity, with propeller agitator. A steady 
pressure of 80 pounds was easily maintained on about 1 gallon of 
gasoline per day. Two lines, 300 feet long, of Y-inch hose Siamesed 
to make 4 lines all told, and equipped with an extension spray pole 
and double Vermorel nozzle, completed the outfit. 


Cost. 
1 foreman, 4 day, ; 7 : ; : F “ $2 50 $1 25 
1 engineer, } day, ; : F : é : : 2 50 1 25 
5 men, $day, . ‘ ; : P e : 5 2 25 5 63 
1 horse, 4 day, . ‘ . : : : ‘ - 1 50 75 
30 pounds arsenate of lead, . ; : : : ‘ 12 3 60 
4 gallon gasoline, ‘ ; 3 é : 5 : 20 10 
Oil, grease and waste, ; : : : , : : ; 05 
Total, . : : 3 : : : : a . $12 63 


Average cost of treatment, 10.5 cents per tree. 


Mawpen, Jury 1, 1907. 

On this date two sprayers were in operation in the woodland of Pine 
Banks Park, the spraying being done under the direction of Mr. A. M. 
Cobb, contractor. In this work it was necessary to haul water a con- 
siderable distance. Trees being treated were principally oak, birch and 
hickory, averaging about 30 feet in height. In all 150 trees were 
sprayed during the forenoon, about one-third of them being climbed. 
Two hundred gallons of spraying mixture were applied. 


Outfit. 
This outfit consisted of a 100-gallon galvanized-iron tank, connected 
with a double-cylinder Gould Monareh pump.’ Three lines of 14-inch 
hose with Bordeaux nozzles were used. 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 149 


: Cost. 
1 foreman, 4 day, $2 50 $1 25 
4 men, 4 day, 2 25 4 50 
1 horse, 4 day, . j : 1 50 >) 
. 1 water wagon and team, 4 day, : : ; 5 00 2 50 
20 pounds arsenate of lead, . F : ‘ ti : 12 2 40 
Total: : ; . $11 40 


Average cost of treatment, 7.6 cents per tree. 


MawpEn, Juuy 1, 1907. 


In Pine Banks Park on this date there were sprayed 160 hardwood 
trees of mixed growth averaging about 25 feet in height, and some 2 
acres of sprout and brush land in which the trees stood. About 25 per 
cent. of the trees were climbed. 

; Outfit. 

A single-cylinder hand pump, connected with a 100-gallon tank and 
3 lines of 45-inch hose, equipped with Bordeaux nozzles, completed the 
outfit. Arsenate of lead at the rate of 10 pounds to 100 gallons of 
water was used. 


Cost. 
1 foreman, 4 day, : 3 : J : : f $2 50 $1 25 
4 men, $day, . : ; : . : ; : 2 25 4 50 
1 horse, 4 day, . ; , : : : ; : 1 50 75 
1 water wagon and team, 3 day, ‘ : F : 5 00 2 50 
25 pounds arsenate of lead, . ; : ; ‘ ‘ 12 3 00 
otal a ‘ ; : : : : : >  $12''00 


Average cost of treatment, 7.5 cents per tree. 


ARLINGTON, JULY 2, 1907. 

An infested wood lot, in which pines represented one-third and mixed 
hardwood growth two-thirds of the number of trees, ranging from 30 
to 50 feet in height, was treated during four successive days. It was 
necessary to climb 80 per cent. of the trees. During the spraying 
operations 1 acre of undergrowth among the trees and 3 acres of brush 
land and sprout land were sprayed. Water could only be obtained at 
a considerable distance, and about one-third of the time was spent in 
hauling it. 

Outfit. 

A 2 horse-power Olds gasoline engine, with double-acting pump and 
300-gallon tank, composed the outfit. Five lines of 14-inch hose, with 
8-foot extension rods and Bordeaux nozzles, were used. Arsenate of 
lead was applied at the rate of 15 pounds to 100 gallons of water. 


bad é 
150 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


Cost. 
8 men, 4 days, . . : : : - ; ‘ $2 25 $72 00 
1 man, 4 days, . : ; : : : : : 2 00 8 00 
1 team and driver, 4 days, , : : : r 5 00 20 00 
360 pounds arsenate of lead, . ; - ; : é Ee 43 20 
8 gallons gasoline, . - : : : : : 20 1 60 
Oil, grease and waste, . ; : : ; 5 - ‘i 20 
Total, . F 3 . . : - : : - $145 00 


Average cost of treatment, $36.25 per acre, or, if figured on basis 
of trees, 76.3 cents per tree. 


ARLINGTON, JuLy 2, 1907. 


A mixed hardwood growth, ranging from 40 to 50 feet in height, was 
treated on this date. Sixteen trees were sprayed in one hour with one 
tank of spray, and from the difficulty of obtainimg water near by, one 
hour was required to refill the tank. 


Outfit. 


A 100-gallon tank, in which was mounted a Ware double-acting hand 
pump, supplied 2 lines of 44-inch hose, to which spray-holes and Bor- 
deaux nozzles were attached. Fifteen pounds of Swift’s arsenate of 
lead were used to 100 gallons of water. Two men were required to 
operate the pump. 


Cost. 
3 men,}iday, . : : : : , : : $2 25 $1 69 
2 men,}iday, . : : : ; : 3 ; 2 00 1 00 
1 horse, } day, . : : 1 50 38 
15 pounds arsenate of lead, . 12 1 80 
Total, . : ; : : ; ; : : ; $4 87 


Average cost of treatment, about 30.4 cents per tree. 


ARLINGTON, JuLty 2, 1907. 

In spraying the hospital lot two Pomona hand pumps were used in 
treating 1,800 mixed hardwood trees, averaging 30 feet in height. 
About 30 per cent. of the trees were climbed, and 3 men were employed 
in supplying water for the tanks. 


Outfit. 


Each pump was mounted in a 50-gallon barrel, carried on a wheel 
truck. Two lines of 14-inch hose with Bordeaux nozzles were used 
with each outfit. 


Power Sprayer used at Medford. — 1907. 


1908.) PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 151 


Cost. 
4 climbers, 64 days, . ; : : : : : $2 25 $58 50 
5 men, 64 days, : : 5 , : : ‘ 2 00 65 00 
425 pounds arsenate of lead, . : F ; 3 ‘ 12 51 00 
Motaly i). F ; : : , : : : . $174 50 


Average cost of treatment, 9.7 cents per tree. 


LeExineton, JuLy 3, 1907. 


The woodland along each side of a badly infested road was treated 
to a depth of 150 feet. All told, 3 acres of mixed growth, ranging from 
20 to 60 feet in height, and 1 acre of underbrush not included in the area 
covered by the trees, were sprayed in one hour’s time by employees of 
the United States Department of Agriculture. Arsenate of lead was 
used, at the rate of 10 pounds to 100 gallons of water. 


Outfit. 

A 7 horse-power Olds gasoline engine, with double-acting pump, was 
supplied by a 600-gallon tank mounted on a substantial truck. A single 
line of 145-inch hose and a 14-inch nozzle applied spray under a pres- 
sure ranging from 150 to 175 pounds. 


yore vg ES, 


Cost. 
1 engineer, } day, : : ? : 5 : : $2 80 $0 35 
7 men,}¢day, . : : d : ; : : 2 00 1 75 
1 team and driver, 4 day, : : t : ; 5 00 63 
1 supply team and driver, } day, : : : 2 3 00 38 
60 pounds arsenate of lead, . ; : : : 11 6 60 
Gasoline, : E : 5 : : ; 5 : : 10 
Oil, grease and waste, .. : , ‘ : ; : : O1 
ovale : : ; ; ; : ‘ “4 : $9 82 


Average cost of treatment, $2.46 per acre, or 3 cents per tree. 


CHELMSFORD, JULY 3, 1907. 


The spraying on this date consisted in treating a strip of shade trees 
and sprout land where gypsy moth caterpillars had been found in con- 
siderable numbers. The trees were mainly oak, ranging from 50 to 55 
feet high, with a few pines and birehes. Two men were used on the 
pump, while the driver assisted in the spraying operations. All told, 36 
large trees and about 1% acre of brush land were treated. 


Outfit. 


A Friend pump, mounted on a barrel, supplied two lines of 44-inch 
hose equipped with Vermorel nozzles. Disparene was used, at the rate 
of 12 pounds per 100 gallons; and 50 per cent. of the trees were 

- climbed. 


al ere 


152 GYPSY AND BROWNX-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


Cost. 
4 men, 4day, . ‘ ; 3 : ‘ : $2 00 $4 00 
1 horse and driver, 4 day, : ; é : ; - 3 00 1 50 
24 pounds arsenate of lead, 12 2 88 
Total, . - ; : : : - : : ; $8 38 


Average cost of treatment, about 23 cents per tree. 


Lexinaton, Juty 4, 1907. 
A steep hillside, covered with a mixed growth of about 250 trees 
ranging from 40 to 60 feet in height, was sprayed on this date with 
the two hand outfits previously mentioned. 


Cost. 
1 foreman, 1 day, ‘ : : ; - : : $3 50 $3 50 
5 climbers, 1 day, J : : : , . ; 2 25 11 25 
1 climber, 4 day, ‘ : : . : : : 2 25 Hope 
3 men, 1 day, . . ; : ; ; : 2 00 6 00 
120 pounds arsenate of lead, ; = : : : 12 14 40 
Total, . : : : : : : , ‘ - $36 28 


Average cost of treatment, 14.5 cents per tree, or $36.28 per acre. 


GLoucestEer, Juuy 5, 1907. 


A private estate covering between 4 and 5 acres, with numerous 
walks and drives, was treated. All told, 60 tall shade trees averaging 
80. feet in height, and 100 tall shade trees from 25 to 50 feet in height, 
were climbed and sprayed. These were scattered over 11% acres of 
ground. In addition, 1 acre of underbrush was sprayed. The trees 


< 


were mainly pine, beech, and red and white oaks. 


Outfit. 

The Niagara gas engine, with a 100-gallon tank connected with lines 
of hose and with single Vermorel nozzles, was used. The pressure 
ranged from 60 to 125 pounds, 50 pounds of gas being required per 
day. This amount was sufficient to expel 500 gallons of poison. Dis- 
parene was applied at the rate of 15 pounds to 100 gallons of water. 


Cost. 
1 foreman, 14 days, $2 50 $3 75 
3 men, 14 days, 2 25 10 13 
1 horse, 14 days, 2 00 3 00 
74 pounds gas, 50 3 75 
113 pounds disparene, 11 12 43 
Total, . , < : : : ‘ : ' - $33 06 


Average cost of treatment, 20.6 cents per tree, or $16.53 per acre. . 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 153 


BrverLy, JuLy 5, 1907. 

On this date a long, narrow strip of woodland near a river was 
sprayed, under the direction of the local superintendent. The water 
supply being near at hand, the cost of treatment was notably reduced. 
All told, 6 acres of woodland, averaging 100 trees, 45 to 65 feet in 
height, per acre, were sprayed in six hours with 2,100 gallons of spray- 
ing mixture, containing 14 pounds arsenate of lead to 100 gallons of 
water. 


Outfit. 
A 4% horse-power Olds gasoline engine, with double-acting pump 
and 350-gallon tank, was the essential feature of the outfit. A single 


line of 1%-ineh hose and 14-inch nozzle delivered the spray under a 
pressure of 125 pounds. 


Cost. 
1 foreman, ? day, 2 : 3 : : . : $2 50 $1 88 
1 team and driver, ? day, . : : : : 5 5 00 3 75 
5 men, 2 day, . : 5; : : : : mi 2 00 7 50 
294 pounds arsenate of lead, , : : : : . 11 32 34 
2 gallons gasoline, . : : : : F 3 18 36 
Oil, grease and waste, : 5 : 04 
otal. 3 : : ; F : : . . $45 87 


Average cost of treatment, 7.6 cents per tree, or $7.65 per acre. 


Swampscott, Juty 5, 1907. 


The spraying operation in this case is of interest since it was done 
with the ordinary outfit used m oil-burning of infested walls and brush 
land. It was necessary to carry the water in buckets a considerable 
distance. Twelve apple trees, ranging from 20 to 35 feet in height, 
together with about 14 acre of brush that had grown up in the old 
orehard, were treated. Six tanks of spray, containing arsenate of lead 
at the rate of 23 pounds to 100 gallons of water, were used. 


Outfit. 


On a 20-gallon eask a common Johnson hand pump was mounted, 
and eonnected with 50 feet of 14-inch hose with extension rod and 
single Vermorel nozzle. 


Cost. 
2 men, 4day, . A : : 2 : ; : $2 25 $2 25 
27% pounds arsenate of lead, . : : : : ; 12 3 30 
ocala. : - i : : 5 ; : : $5 55 


Average cost of treatment, 46 cents per tree. 


154 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


LEXINGTON, JuLy 6, 1907. 

An orchard of 61 apple trees 15 to 20 feet in height was sprayed 
on this date in three hours’ time, arsenate of lead being used at the 
rate of 16 pounds to 150 gallons of water. Two hand outfits described 
below were used. 

Outfit. 

Two Morrill & Morley Eclipse pumps, mounted in barrel trucks and 
each supplied with two lines of Y-ineh hose connected with Bordeaux 
nozzles, were used. A crew of 3 men operated each pump. 


Cost. 
1 foreman, ~ day, $3 50 $1 31 
4 climbers, $ day, 2 25 3 38 
2 men, # day, . ; : 2 00 1 50 
264 pounds arsenate of lead, . 12 3 18 
Total, . : : ; : F : é : : $9 37 


Average cost of treatment, 15.3 cents per tree. 


WALTHAM, JULY 6, 1907. 


Miscellaneous spraying along roadside. The work in this ease was 
quite badly broken up by reason of the frequent moving of the spray- 
ing outfit, but is of interest because similar conditions are frequently 
met with in all cities and towns. The first spraying was that of a 
white oak 35 feet in height and a red oak 55 feet in height, near the 
railroad station. The outfit was then moved 4g mile to treat a very 
large white oak 55 feet in height. One-half mile from this point 4 
large oaks 55 feet in height were sprayed; and in the fourth locality, 
14 mile distant, 10 maples averaging 50 feet in height were also sprayed. 
All the trees were climbed, and 200 gallons of spray, containing ar- 
senate of lead at the rate of 18 pounds to 100 gallons of water, were 


used during the half day the outfit was under observation. 
. 


Outfit. 
The spraying rig consisted of a 4% horse-power Odds gasoline engine, 
a double-acting pump and a 350-gallon tank. Two lines of hose, 
equipped with extension rods and 3-way Vermorel nozzles, were used. 
All the trees were climbed. 


Cost. 
1 engineer, + day, é : : : : : ; $2 00 $1 00 
3 climbers, 4 day, : ‘ " : : : ‘ 2 00 3 00 
1 team and driver, 4 day, 5 00 2 50. 
36 pounds arsenate of lead, . 12 4 32 
2 gallons gasoline, : 20 40 
Oil, grease and waste, F / : : , é P 05 


Total, . , : é 7 : ; ‘ ‘ pe iy Ms 
Average cost of treatment, 66 cents per tree. é 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 155 


SOMERVILLE, JuLY 6, 1907. 

Spraying of 12 small shade trees averaging 30 feet in height, 90 per 

cent. being climbed. Hi 
Outfit. 

Two lines of '-inch hose 100 feet long, equipped with Bordeaux 
nozzles, were supplied by Pomona hand pump mounted on a 50-gallon 
barrel. Arsenate of lead was used at the rate of 18 pounds to 100 
gallons of water. 


Cost. 
1 horse and wagon, + day, . : : A 2 : $2 00 $0 33 
3 men, 4day, . ; 0 : : : ; , 2 00 99 
134 pounds arsenate of lead, . : : : : : 11 1 49 
Motaly 7 : : : . : F : F : $2 81 


Average cost of treatment, 23 cents per tree. 


DANVERS, JuLy 10, 1907. 


During the day this outfit was under observation, 91 large shade 
trees, 14 evergreens, 7 small trees and 12 shrubs were treated. The 
trees, principally maple, averaged nearly 60 feet in height, and 50 per 
cent. were climbed. 

Outfit. 

This outfit consisted of a 4% horse-power Olds gasoline engine, a 
double-acting pump and a 350-gallon tank. Three lines of 14-inch hose, 
with extension rods and 3-way Vermorel nozzles, were in use. Disparene 
was applied at the rate of 11 pounds to 100 gallons of water, using a 
pressure of from 100 to 125 pounds. 


Cost. 

1 engineer, 1 day, ‘ : : ‘ ; ; : $2 00 $2 00 
3 men,1day, . : : : : ‘ 5 F 2 25 6 75 
1 team and driver, 1 day, . : ; : , : 5 00 5 00 
50 pounds disparene, . ; ‘ , : : : 11 5 50 
24 gallons gasoline, . : 3 : ; : : 20 50 
Oil, grease and waste, .. , ‘ : : s : ‘ 50 
otalsee. ; : : : : : ; d . $19 80 


Average cost of treatment, 17.6 cents per tree. 


Lynn, Juty 13, 1907. 

Work along parkways in the Lynn Woods. During the day that the 
two outfits described below were in operation, a strip of road 1 mile 
long was sprayed to a depth of about 150 feet on both sides of the road. 
On one side of the road the underbrush had been removed, but on the 
opposite side no pruning or cutting had been done. The ground ecov- 


156 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


ered was about 3642 acres, the trees averaging about 100 per acre and 
ranging from 30 to 40 feet in height. The growth was principally oak, 
with other species of hardwood intermingled. But few trees were 


climbed. Water was hauled in one of the city sprinkling carts. 


Outyits. 

Each of the two outfits consisted of a 44% horse-power Olds gasoline 
engine, a double-acting pump and a 300-gallon tank. <A single line of 
14-inch hose eyuipped with a *¢-inch nozzle applied the spray, which 
contained arsenate of lead at the rate of 14 pounds to 100 gallons of 
water. The pressure was quite uniformly at 125 pounds. 


Cost. 
2 engineers, 14 days, . - : = ; ; ; $2 40 $7 20 
12 men, 14 days, ; ; : ; : ; ang 2 25 40 50 
1 man, 14 days, 7 ; ; ; : ; 2 00 3 00 
2 teams and drivers, 14 ier ‘ ; * 2 : 5 00 15 00 
1 water team and driver, ms days, : : : ; 5 00 7 50 
5 gallons gasoline, . ; : : ; : 20 1 00 
1,152 pounds arsenate of lead, : : : : : 11 126 72 
Oil, grease and waste, 20 
Total, . ; : é : é - : : - $201 12 


Average cost of treatment, about 5.5 cents per tree, or $5.51 per acre. 


Lynn, JuLty 13, 1907. 


Spraying operations in Lynn Woods Park. During the period this 
outfit was under observation 6 pines ranging from 60 to 75 feet in 
height and a small amount of undergrowth were treated with 200 gallons 
of poison, carrying arsenate of lead at the rate of 15 pounds to 100 
gallons of water. 

Outfit. 

The outfit consisted of a 2% horse-power Olds gasoline engine, a 
double-acting pump and a 300-gallon tank. Three lines of 14-inch hose 
were used, and 3 of the trees were climbed. 


Cost. 
1 engineer, } day, ; : - ; : 2 - $2 40 $0 40 
4 men,}day, . , ; ‘ : : - 2 25 1 50 
1 team and driver, 4 day, : : : ; . : 5 00 83 
30 pounds arsenate of lead, ‘ : P ; : 11 3 30 
4 gallon gasoline, ; : ; ‘ : ; : 20 10 
Total, ., ; , . . : é . rare! De $6 13 


Average cost of treatment, $1.02 per tree. This work was done under 
great difficulties, chief of which were defective pressure on the pump 
and loss of time in climbing. 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 157 


BROOKLINE, JuLY 15, 1907. 


About 800 feet of hedges on private estates and 7 elms 35 feet in 
height were treated during the forenoon that this outfit was under ob- 
servation. The work was done in three different localities, and about 
400 gallons of spray were applied. Arsenate of lead was used at the 
rate of 13 pounds to 100 gallons of water. 


Outfit. 


A 2% horse-power Olds gasoline engine, a double-acting pump, a 
300-gallon tank and 5 lines of 14-inch hose were used in this work. 
Three lines of hose were equipped with single Vermorel nozzles and 
two with 3-way Vermorel nozzles. The pressure ranged from 30 to 80 
pounds. 


Cost. 
1 foreman, 4 day, ‘ : : é : : : $2 50 $1 25 
1 engineer, + day, 2 00 1 00 
1 climber, 4 day, 2 25 ik ils 
4 men, 4 day, 2 00 4 00 
1 team, 4 day, . ; : 4 00 2 00 
52 pounds arsenate of lead, . : : : : F 11 5 72 
1 gallon gasoline, : é ; : , : ; 18 18 
Oil, grease and waste, : : Q : - : sa ec 05 
Total cost for 4 day,. ; : ; : i : . $15 33 


Wosurn, Juty 16, 1907. 

Spraying of street trees. Fifteen large elms were treated with 300 
gallons of spray, containing arsenate of lead at the rate of 20 pounds 
to 100 gallons of water. All the trees were over 60 feet in height, and 
were climbed. 


Outfit. 
A Niagara gas sprayer supplied two lines of 14-inch hose, to which 
extension poles and Bordeaux nozzles were attached. 


" Cost. 
4 men,4day, . ; F F ; ; : : $2 50 $5 00 
1 horse, 4 day, . : : : : ; : ; 2 00 1 00 
60 pounds arsenate of lead, . : ‘ , . J 11 6 60 
Gas tos : ; , : ; 1 00 
otale= = : : ‘ : ; 7 , : . $13 60 


Average cost of treatment, 90.6 cents per tree. It should be noted 
that an excessively large quantity of arsenate of lead was used. 


158 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


Boston, Juty, 1907. 


Spraying of the Common and Public Garden. Exact data of a single 
day’s run of the spraying outfit used here were not obtained. The local 
superintendent, Mr. D. H. Sullivan, kept accurate records of the 
total cost of spraying the trees in these park spaces. The shade trees, 
numbering about 2,000, ranged from 50 to 70 feet in height. About 
2,500 shrubs were also sprayed. The outfit was an 8 horse-power Olds 
gasoline engine, with 600-gallon tank, a single line of 1%-inch hose and 
a 44-inch nozzle. Arsenate of lead was used at the rate of 15 pounds to 
100 gallons of water. No division was made of the cost of spraying 
shrubs and trees, but figured on the basis of trees alone, the expense 
averaged 21 cents per tree. 


The data given on the preceding pages cover typical spray- 
ing operations carried on under varying conditions in surface 
treated and style of outfit. Their value lies in the fact that the 
figures of cost were not obtained from estimates, but from the 
actual records made in the field, and include not only the time 
and material used, but also the cost of delays incident to haul- 
ing water, breakdowns of machinery, and time spent in moving 
outfits from place to place. The cases cited cover nearly all the 
different problems the local superintendents are -called on to 
solve in spraying to destroy the gypsy and brown-tail moths. 

The only items not possible to figure accurately are those of 
repairs, depreciation of outfit and interest on investment. The 
latter might have been computed with a fair degree of accuracy, 
but, since the spraying outfit question is yet in an experimental 
stage, the items of repairs and depreciation for this year would 
not hold good for succeeding seasons. Already manufacturers 
are perfecting notable improvements to be available for the 1908 
trade. 

This careful study of actual field spraying operations shows 
that, all things considered, best and cheapest* results are ob- 
tained by the use of high-power rigs throwing a small solid- 
stream spray. While these outfits have their good points, their 
field of usefulness is limited by their weight, and depends 
largely on the proximity of good roads and abundant water sup- 
ply to the areas to be sprayed. It is not feasible as a rule to use 
the high-pressure solid stream near houses, because of the dis- 
colorations caused by the spray, although in some eases house 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 159 


walls can be immediately washed down with clear water applied 
from the lawn hose. For the same reason it is difficult to use 
this kind of spray in cemeteries, although much can be done in 
protecting monuments, ete., by covering with light-weight duck 
cloth. 

The medium-weight outfits, with a 4 to 5 horse-power engine, 
triplex pump and 3800-gallon tank, seem to have the greatest 
field of usefulness in the average city and town. They can be 
used for both solid-stream and mist sprays, and with the exer- 
cise of due care can be used in woodlands where the grades and 
conditions of roads make it impossible to use the heavier spray- 
ing rigs. These outfits are also most useful in treating orchards. 

The hand outfit of whatever type is the most expensive of all, 
tested by cost of results, yet it will always have a field of use- 
fulness in treating the odds and ends of spraying operations. 
There are numerous small jobs of spraying to be done in every 
city and town, such as the treatment7of fruit trees and back 
yards, infested shade trees and shrubbery, or small orchards 
where large power outfits cannot be economically used, and in 
this work the small spray tank finds its greatest usefulness. 

The same considerations apply to the use of the gas sprayer, 
where carbonic acid gas furnishes the pressure for the expul- 
sion of the spray. With this outfit the saving of the labor of 
one or two men at the pump is effected; yet this in a measure Is 
more theoretical than actual, since the team transporting the 
outfit requires a driver, and considerable attention must be given 
to maintaining a constant pressure. A good point in connection 
with this kind of spraying apparatus is its light weight, thus 
making possible its use on hillsides, rocky ground, ete., where 
the heavier power outfits cannot be used to advantage. 


Table of Theoretical Discharges. 

In selecting a spraying outfit and in planning for spraying 
operations, it is often important to know the quantity of fluid 
discharged or required to be discharged in a given time. The 
principal factors involved in such a determination are pressure 
and diameter of nozzle. 

The Goulds Manufacturing Company, O. D. Hogue, man- 
ager, have kindly supplied this office with a table showing the 


160 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


discharge of different-sized nozzles under varying pressures. 
The figures given in the following table are those of theoretical 
discharges. The actual discharges or constants are 64 per cent. 
for ring. nozzles and 82 per cent. for taper nozzles. 


Theoretical Discharges (in U. S. Gallons of 231 Cubic Inches). 


Pressure Heap. || Velocity DIAMETER OF ORIFICES. 

Sp ee) en eeb ; ; . 

Pounds) iE PCe Th ane faa | een Me | sink Para | eo 
10 23.1 38.58 .37 1.48 3.30 5.90 13.2 23.6 
15 34.7 47.25 45 1.81 4.02 7.23 16.2 28.7 
20 46.2 54.55 52 2.09 4.66 8.35 18.7 33.4 
25 57.8 60.99 58 2.33 5.23 9.33 20.9 37.2 
30 69.3 66.82 64 2.56 5.71 10.20 22.8 40.9 
35 80.9 || 72.16 69 2.76 6.16 11.00 24.7 44.2 
40 92.4 | 77.14 74 2.95 6.60 11.80 26.4 47.2 
45 104.0 | 81.83 x78 3.13 6.99 12.50 28.0 50.2 
50 115.5 || 86.26 1 82 3.30 7.37 13.20 29.5 52.8 
55 127.1 || 90.46 86 3.46 7.73 13.80 30.9 55.4 
60 138.6 || 94.49 90 3.62 8.08 14.50 32.3 57.8 
65 150.2 98 .35 94 3.77 8.40 15.10 33.6 60.2 — 
70 161.7 || 102.06 97 3.91 8.73 15.60 34.9 62.5 
75 173.3 || 105.65 1.01 4.04 9.03 16.20 36.1 64.6 
80 184.8 109.11 1.04 4.18 9.33 16.70 37.8 66.6 
85 196.4 112.46 107 4.31 9.62 17.20 38.5 68.8 
90 207.9 115.72 1.10 4.43 9.89 17.70 39.6 70.8 
95 219.5 118.89 1.13 4.55 10.20 18.20 40.7 72.8 
100 231.1 121.98 1.16 4.67 10.40 18.70 41.7 74.6 
105 242.6 125.00 1.19 4.78 10.70 19.10 42.8 76.5 
110 254.2 127.94 1.22 4.90 10.90 19.60 43.8 78.3 
115 265.7 130.82 1°25 5.01° 11.20 20.00 44.8 ants 
120 277.3 133.63 1.27 5.12 11.40 20.40 45.7 81.8 
125 288.8 136.38 1.30 §.22 11.70 20.90 46.7 83.5 
130 300.4 139.08 1.33 5.32 11.90 21.30 47.6 85.1 
135 312.0 142.00 1.34 5.37 12.10 21.50 48.5 86.2 
140 324.0 144.00 1.37 5.50 12.30 22.00 49.5 88.2 
145 335.0 147.00 1.40 5.62 12.60 22.50 50.5 90.0 
150 347.0 150.00 1.43 5.72 12.80 22.90 51.5 91.7 
175 405.0 162.00 1.55 6.20 13.90 24.80 55.7 99.2 
200 463.0 172.00 1.64 6.57 14.80 26.30 59.2 | 105.2 
250 578.0 193.00 1.84 7.37 16.50 29.50 66.2. | 118.0 
300 | 693.0 211.00 2.01 8.07 18.10 32.30 72.7 | 120.2 


Nest which Orioles were forced by the Caterpillars to abandon. — Lynn, 1907. 


a 


er) 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 161 


Spraying v. Brrp Lire. 


It has been often asked of the superintendent if the immense 
spraying operations having for their object the poisoning of the 
gypsy and brown-tail moth caterpillars would not also result in 
the poisoning of the birds which feed upon these insects. Until 
recently evidence bearing on this point has been only of a nega- 
tive character. It is well known that certain birds like the 
cuckoos, the oriole, vireos and a few others are quite partial to 
a diet of hairy caterpillars; and it is not at all unnatural to 
suppose that in the case of a bird consuming a large number of 
partially poisoned caterpillars a considerable amount of poison 
might be acquired accidentally, and the sickness or death of the 
bird ensue. Additional reasons for this assumption are found 
in the well-known resistance of the large gypsy moth caterpil- 
lar to arsenical insecticides, and the relatively large quantities 
of this insect consumed by the birds above mentioned. It is 
doubtful if any of these birds feed to any extent on dead in- 
sects; hence, the quantity of poison which a bird might acci- 
dentally take in is restricted to that contained in the bodies of 
the caterpillars which, at the time of being devoured, had not 
fed sufficiently to be killed by the insecticide. 

During the summer of 1906 a yellow-billed cuckoo, which 
had its nest in a very badly infested section of West Medford, 
was found dead in a pear orchard which had been heavily 
sprayed with arsenate of lead. The bird was turned over to 
Mr. John A. Farley of this department, who carefully removed 
the stomach. Later, the superintendent sent it for analysis to 
Mr. H. D. Haskins, chemist at the Massachusetts Agricultural 
Experiment Station, with the request that it be tested both for 
arsenic and for lead. Under date of Oct. 1, 1906, Professor 
Haskins wrote: — 


My Dear Mr. Kirkuann:—TI have earefully tested stomach and 
contents of the American cuckoo that you forwarded to me, and found 
the presence of lead and traces of arsenic. The lead was present in 
considerably larger quantities than the arsenic, and I was able to isolate 
it in minute globules. I was unable to make a quantitative determina- 
tion of the two elements, on account of the small quantity of material 
with which to work. To make a satisfactory quantitative determination 
of the two elements, the chemist should have several of these specimens. 


162 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


This shows conclusively that in the case of this single bird, 
since the body had no evidence of other injuries, death was 
probably caused by feeding upon caterpillars which had con- 
sumed sprayed foliage. The fact that the lead was found in 
much greater quantities than the arsenic is readily explained 
by the fact that arsenic, being a soluble substance, is rapidly 
eliminated from the system; while the lead after decomposition 
in the stomach becomes practically insoluble, and its elimination 
is a very slow process. 

We have given quite fully the facts bearing upon this par- 
ticular case, because of its great scientific interest. We are not 
disposed to consider it of any great economic importance, al- 
though it must be a source of regret to all nature lovers that the 
very necessary spraying operations should cause the death of 
even a single beneficial bird. That such occurrences are not 
common is apparent from the fact that this is the only case 
reported by the field employees, whose numbers run above one 
thousand in each spraying season, and whose work daily in- 
cludes the examination of hundreds of infested orchards and 
woodland areas where spraying has been done. Furthermore, 
were the killing of insectivorous birds in this way of even notice- 
able proportions, it is an open question if the gypsy moth eat- 
erpillars, by destroying the foliage of woodlands and orchards 
in sections where no spraying was done, and thus exposing the 
young nestling birds to the hot rays of the sun and causing the 
old birds to forsake their nests, do not cause a much greater 
injury to bird life than any of the spraying operations made to 
date. 


Dancrrous Banpine Marertats. 

The general practice of banding trees which have been cleared 
of gypsy moth eggs or brown-tail moth webs, in order to prevent 
their reinfestation during the caterpillar season, has naturally 
made a considerable demand for sticky banding materials. The 
relatively high price of certain of these proprietary substances 
has induced certain manufacturers to enter the market from time 
to time with cheaper substitutes, whose usefulness in stopping 
saterpillars and whose effect on the trees has not been fully 
tested. As might be supposed, many of these materials, al- 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 163 


though most ingeniously worked up, are worthless; and, as with 
many other nostrums, the greater the promoter’s ignorance of 
the situation to be dealt with, the more marvelous are the 
mysterious properties of his own preparation. 

It is not our purpose to discourage the investigation and 
manufacture of these materials; in fact, this field should be 
further exploited by the manufacturer. A few banding mate- 
rials are now in successful use, and we should be glad to ex- 
amine and test out others that promise well, particularly if there 
is a prospect of a reduction in the prices prevailing at present. 

The folly of rushing into the market with a preparation not 
thoroughly tried out in field work was never better shown than 
in the case of a banding material bearing the euphonious name 
of ‘‘ Razzle-Dazzle,” of which a considerable amount was used 
in Winchester and vicinity in 1906-07. This substance was 
fairly effective in stopping the ascent of the caterpillars; it also 
stopped the flow of the sap by girdling the trees, and, as a re- 
sult, many fine shade and fruit trees have been needlessly sac- 
rificed. No banding material yet offered which contains mineral 
oil or its derivatives, such as vaseline, etc., has been used on 
trees without. seriously injuring them. 


Tur Gypsy Motu v. Wuitr PIne. 


The fact is well known that the available supply of the white 
pine, a most valuable timber tree, is being rapidly exhausted. 
It is equally well known that one stripping of the white pine by 
gypsy moth caterpillars results in its death. After the gypsy 
moth swarm has swept through white pine or other coniferous 
woods they cannot be cut over and the timber marketed any too 
soon. The trees die quickly, and the borers and bark beetles soon 
come in to ruin them for lumber. 

From certain field observations in the past we have been led 
to question the extent to which the newly hatched gypsy moth 
caterpillars would feed on the white pine. No exact or definite 
laboratory experiments had been made to test this point pre- 
vious to this year, yet field observations extending over some 
years seemed to indicate that the moths did not multiply rapidly 
on pine alone; in fact, we have never yet had a serious gypsy 


164 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


moth outbreak in woodland where nothing but pines were stand- 
ing. Wherever the pines have suffered there have always been 
scattering white oaks or other deciduous trees, and a consider- 
able quantity of broad-leafed underbrush, which was defoliated 
before the pines were attacked. As the gypsy moth is getting 
more and more prevalent in the pine-growing sections of the 
State, particularly in Plymouth County, it seemed desirable to 
make further studies of the feeding habits of the caterpillars 
with reference to this most valuable species of tree. To this 
end, the entomologist in charge of the laboratory, Mr. F. H. 
Mosher, in the spring of 1907 took some 1,500 newly hatched 
caterpillars from 3 gypsy moth egg clusters, and placed them 
on white pine foliage contained in suitable breeding jars. The 
foliage was changed every other day, yet all the caterpillars 
died without attacking it. This experiment was repeated with 
about 4,500 more caterpillars hatching from 9 egg clusters, and 
with the same result; in other words, not one of the some 6,000 
newly hatched caterpillars was able to feed upon the pine 
needles. 

Following this work, between 300 and 400 larve in the sec- 
ond stage (first molt) were placed on pine foliage in breeding 
jars. The food supply was kept fresh by repeated changings, 
yet all the caterpillars died. This experiment was continued 
with a similar number of caterpillars in the third stage (see 
ond molt), and of these about 40 per cent. fed and molted. An 
examination of the pine twigs under the lens showed that feed- 
ing in this stage was done in small places along the edges of the 
needles. 

While these experiments were in progress, a favorable oppor- 
tunity was presented to check the laboratory work by a whole- 
sale experiment in the field. In a certain badly infested 
woodland section in Saugus, on the property of Mr. Benjamin 
Johnson, there was a beautiful pine grove interspersed with 
numerous hard-wood trees and containing a considerable amount 
of underbrush. The underbrush and hard-wood trees were cut 
and burned, and the pines well banded with sticky materials. 
As a result of this treatment, the caterpillars hatched from the 
many thousands of egg clusters in the pines, and, not finding 
suitable food, spun down to the ground and starved to death, 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 165 


or else were destroyed by hand in great numbers below the 
sticky bands on the tree trunks. In this case the experiment 
worked out most satisfactorily. The gypsy moth was thoroughly 
suppressed in this grove, and at a minimum expeuse. 

Careful observations made by Mr. C. W. Minott on 7 newly 
hatched ‘caterpillars in 1893 showed that they crawled from 36 
to 144 feet, with an average of 91 feet, without food before 
being overtaken by death.* 

In 1895, 50 newly hatched gypsy moth larve were under 
observation at the laboratory to determine the average length 
of time spent in each stage of growth. Of 47 caterpillars that 
molted once, the average time spent in the first stage was 18.4 
days; 46 molted twice, average for second stage 6.8 days; 43 
molted three times, average for third stage 6.95 days. These 
observations previously of scientific interest only now have a 
practical value since it has been shown that the first and second 
stage caterpillars cannot survive on pine only. While the work 
of cutting deciduous growth in the infested pine lands and the 
banding of the trees should be done before the eggs hatch, it 
may be continued to advantage up to the time of the second 
molting of the caterpillars. Furthermore, the pine is but little 
if at all injured by the ordinary banding materials, including 
raupenleim and bodlime, materials that cannot always be used 
with safety on thin-barked, hard-wood trees. 

The superintendent realizes that the data at hand both from 
field and laboratory experiments are too small to warrant a 
sweeping general conclusion at this time. The results obtained, 
however, are most interesting and suggestive. It is greatly to be 
hoped that they will be confirmed by the more extensive field 
experiments now planned along this line for 1908. We plan to 
treat several badly infested areas of coniferous woodlands by 
cutting and removing hard-wood growths and shrubbery, band- 
ing all remaining trees with sticky materials, and following up 
the care of the bands diligently throughout the caterpillar 
season. We are of the opinion that this plan will work out 
satisfactorily; if so, a relatively simple and cheap means of 
handling the moth problem in pine lands will be at hand. In 
places where the growth is much mixed with hard-wood species, 


= 1 The Gypsy Moth, Forbush-Fernald, 1896, p. 310. 


166 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


the vigorous thinning of the latter and the cleaning and banding 
of the remaining oaks, ete., followed up by a thorough spray- 
ing of these trees, should suffice to hold the insects in check. 
Where infested hard-wood growth adjoins pine woods, the thin- 
ning and spraying of a protective belt, together with the band- 
ing of the pines up to a hundred feet from the border of the 
woods, should be an effective control measure. 


A Disrasrt oF THE Gypsy Morn. 


It is a well-known law of nature that starvation induces 
weakness, and weakness favors the inroads of disease. When 
any species of animal life suffers from lack of sufficient or suit- 
able food, that species becomes an easy victim to disease. This 
principle applies as strongly to insects as to the higher forms 
of life. There have repeatedly come under the observation of 
the superintendent, in recent years, numerous cases where some- 
what isolated gypsy moth colonies have completely consumed 
the foliage available for food, and after many days of fruitless 
wandering have been attacked and decimated by one or more 
bacterial diseases. This was notably the case in the Lynn and 
Saugus woodland colonies during midsummer, 1907. While 
these colonies were not isolated, and while the caterpillars on 
their borders could still find food, in the central part of the 
wide-spreading defoliated area no foliage was available for them, 
and here the inroads of the disease were as remarkable as grati- 
fying. Where the trees were banded with sticky materials to 
prevent the ascent of the caterpillars, at their base could often 
be found masses of the dead insects in quantities running as 
high as half a bushel or more, while throughout this large colony 
the bodies of hundreds of dead insects could be seen hanging on 
almost every tree. So notable and important was this unex- 
pected assistance on the part of natural causes, that it seemed 
worthy of scientific investigation, particularly with the view of 
determining if it were possible to propagate the disease, and use 
it as an additional means for destroying the moth pests. To 
this end we have fortunately secured the services of Prof. Her- 
bert P. Johnson of the University of St. Louis, a man thor- 
oughly qualified to make the necessary investigations. Although 


. 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 167 


this work cannot be done until the opening of the caterpillar 
season in 1908, the preliminary arrangements for a study of 
the disease have been completed, and Professor Johnson will 
take up the main problem as soon as insects are available for 
inoculation experiments. 

In the case of most insect diseases, which often serve as 
notable checks on the increase of undesirable species, much 
depends upon weather conditions, particularly upon the rela- 
tive decrease of heat and moisture. A warm, damp season usu- 
ally favors the development of such diseases, while a cool or 
dry season acts adversely upon them. In the case of the gypsy 
moth disease now being investigated, our observations so far go 
to show that its potency depends largely upon a semistarved 
condition of the insects. This leads to the conclusion, possibly 
erroneous, that, if the gypsy moth colonies in the cheap scrub 
woodland can be thoroughly isolated and prevented from spread- 
ing, after one complete stripping of the trees has occurred the 
disease will come in to reduce the insects below the danger 
point. If this is proved to be the case, one of the most difficult 
problems in connection with the moth work will have been 
solved. 


Tur Funcous Dispast oF THE Brown-trait Morn. 


In the two previous reports we have called attention to a 
fungous disease of the brown-tail moth caterpillars, which has 
been most effective in certain localities in holding this insect 
in check. This disease was abundant throughout the district 
in the summer of 1906, destroying the large caterpillars by the 
thousands, notably in the infested white oak woodlands, where 
nothing had been done in the way of the applications of hand 
methods. As a result, the numbers of moths emerging in mid- 
summer from these woodlands was greatly reduced, and there 
naturally followed a consequent reduction in the degree to which 
orchards and shade trees were reinfested by the insect. 

Still later in the fall of 1906 it was found that the disease 
had notably attacked the small brown-tail moth caterpillars, 
with the result that in 1907, although certain localities were 
generally infested by the moths, the condition of the entire 
brown-tail moth district in Massachusetts was greatly improved. 


168 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


That our comparatiye freedom from the brown-tail moth plague 
during the year just closed was not due entirely to this disease 
is evident from the fact that in a few cities and towns where, 
because of local complications, the campaign against the insect 
was not vigorously prosecuted during the winter of 1906-07, 
there was a considerable amount of damage and annoyance 
caused by the caterpillars during the late spring and early 
summer. This fact alone is sufficient to indicate the wisdom 
of continuing the work against the moths by the use of those 
methods which have been tried and found to be effective. 

During the spring of 1907, before any of the caterpillars 
had an opportunity to emerge, a large number of brown-tail 
moth webs were collected at various points in the district, to 
determine the death rate from the fungous disease, cold or other 
causes. At the suggestion of Prof. E. D. Sanderson, Durham, 
N. H., we also secured data as to the relative death rate on 
high land v. low land. The results so obtained are presented 
in the following table: — 


— 


169 


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1908.] 


170 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


Tur Parasite Work. 


Work in importing parasites of the gypsy and brown-tail 
moths has continued steadily during the year. The excellent 
corps of foreign collectors organized by Dr. L. O. Howard has 
made large shipments of parasitic material at frequent intervals 
throughout the year. All stages of the gypsy and brown-tail 
moths have been collected in various parts of Europe at the 
proper seasons, and forwarded by fast steamers to New York 
or Boston, at which ports arrangements with the United States 
customs authorities permit the prompt examination and for- 
warding to the laboratory. Egg clusters of the gypsy and 
brown-tail moths and winter webs of the latter insect have 
reached us usually in good order. The early stages of gypsy 
moth larvee and the predaceous caterpillar-eating beetles have 
been shipped to us with a fair degree of success. The experi- 
ments in importing full-grown caterpillars and pupeze have not 
been entirely successful, but with the experience gained, par- 
ticularly during the last season, we shall be able to improve our 
shipping methods greatly. 

Early in the summer Mr. E. 8. G. Titus of the Bureau of 
Entomology, specially detailed by Dr. Howard for the work 
at the parasite laboratory, was obliged, because of ill-health, to 
seek a new field of labor. During the period Mr. Titus was 
with us many valuable and important discoveries in connection 
with the imported parasites were made, and it is to be regretted 
that the severe and painful illness to which he was subjected 
because of the poisonous effect of the brown-tail moth hairs 
made necessary the loss of his services. The work he had in 
hand was promptly taken up by another of Dr. Howard’s as- 
sistants, Mr. W. I. Fiske, who has shown great skill and ability 
in carrying on the necessary operations. Mr. Fiske’s excellent 
work on forest and parasitic insects peculiarly fits him to deal 
with the important problem of propagating and disseminating 
the imported parasites of the moth pests. In giving us the 
benefit of his services Dr. Howard has again placed us under 
important obligations. During the summer months such large 
quantities of parasitic material were received from abroad that 
the services of a large number of assistants were required at the 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 171 


laboratory. To meet this need a number of students from vari- 
ous colleges were employed, experience having shown that this 
class of help was particularly efficient. Our permanent force 
has been increased by the employment of Mr. Frederick B. 
Lowe, an entomologist favorably known in England and in 
western Australia, where he was actively engaged in the work 
of propagating parasites of injurious insects. It will probably 
be advisable to make further additions to the permanent force 
at the laboratory, as the work is now in such shape that a few 
well-trained entomologists can be profitably employed through- 
out the year. Now that we have a better knowledge of the most 
important species of parasites of the moths, more attention must 
be given to studying carefully the life history of these parasites 
and improving the methods for their propagation and dissem- 
ination. This work calls for a high grade of technical skill, and 
only well-trained entomologists should be employed. 

The trip to Europe made by Dr. Howard last summer was 
more productive of valuable results than either of the two pre- 
vious trips. Not only was he able to give important directions 
to collectors already employed, but he also secured the services 
of a considerable number of additional assistants, and arranged 
for the first time for the shipment of parasitic material from 
Russia, — a source of supply previously unexplored. The im- 
portant details of his journey are given elsewhere in this report. 

It was only too apparent during the summer season of 1907 
that the facilities for work at the Saugus laboratory had become 
badly outgrown. The proper examination and rearing of the 
parasites requires absolutely tight rooms of considerable size, 
—-a condition not available at the Saugus building; while the 
rapid accumulation of valuable parasitic material there empha- 
sized the need of better fire protection. To meet this condition 
of affairs, a large house with ample grounds, at Melrose, Mass., 
close by a badly infested region, has been leased for a term of 
years. The building has been remodeled as far as necessary 
to fit it for our work, and two suitable outdoor laboratories, 
properly screened and ventilated, have been built under the 
direction of Mr. Fiske. Here excellent fire protection obtains, 
while the accessibility of the laboratory to the central office will 
effect a considerable saving in the time formerly required for 
forwarding shipments received from abroad. 


172 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


All told, there were received during 1907 from our European 
agents, according to Mr. Fiske’s notes, as follows: brown-tail 
moth, — webs, 111,473; larve and pupx, 154,760; egg masses, 
27,041; gypsy moth, — small larve, 48,000; large larve and 
pup, 143,950; egg masses, 262. Predaceous beetles were re- 
ceived as follows: Calosoma sycophanta and inquisitor, 1,911; 
Carabus violaceus, 54; C. auratus, 600. 

From the various forms of the gypsy and brown-tail moths 
imported there were obtained 485 specimens of Pimpla instiga- 
tor and examinator, of which 251 were released in 1 colony; 
Apanteles viminetorum, 995 obtained, 410 released, 3 colonies ; 
A. fulvipes, 3,065 (dead); Meteorus sp., 483 obtained, 33 re- 
leased, 1 colony; Pteromalus egregius and nidulans, 40,300 re- 
leased, 7 colonies; Telenomus sp. 5,000 (estimated) obtained, 
4,560 released, 4 colonies; T'richogramma, 11,600 released, 5 
colonies; Calosoma sycophanta and inquisitor, 1,911 obtained, 
578 released, 4 colonies. The very obvious discrepancy between 
the number of parasites obtained and the number released is 
principally due to the fact that a large percentage of the para- 
sites died en route. With certain of the large forms, in which 
the males predominated, only mated pairs or fertilized females 
were released. Of the Tachinid parasites, we now have on 
hand in hibernation upwards of 15,000 puparia. The list of 
parasites bred from imported material during the’ year, as far 
as determined, has been furnished by Dr. Howard, as fol- 
lows : — 


HYMENOPTERA. 
Rogas bicolor Spin. Apanteles viminetorum Wesm. 
Rogas pulchripes Wesm. Apanteles fulvipes Hal. 
Habrobracon brevicornis Wesm. ‘  Hemiteles areator Panz. 
Phanerotoma dentata Panz. Hemiteles pulchellus Grav. 
Schizopyga podagrica Grav. Phygadeuon perfusor Gravy. 
Polysphincta multicolor Grav. Pteromalus egregius Foerst. 
Spilocryptus incubitor Strom. Pteromalus nidulans Foerst- 
DIPTERA. 

Thryptocera sp. aff. latifrons Pales pavida Meigen. 

Meigen. Compsilura concinnata Meigen. 
Bigonichaeta setipennis Fallen. Tricholyga grandis Zetterstedt. 


Bigonichaeta spinipennis Meigen. Phorocera sp. 


‘LOGT ‘AilojeIoqey sndneg— ‘sive pue sesvg FZuipesig oyisvieg 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 173 
-Dexodes nigripes Fallen. Argyrophylax sp. (now galii B. 
Hemimasicera sp. aff. ferruginea & von B.) 

Meigen. Chaetolyga sp. aff. cilicrura Ron- 
Parexorista cheloniae Rondani. dani. 

_ Parexorista susurrans Rondani. Sisyropa lucorum Rondani. 
Parexorista gnava Meigen. Myxexorista libatrix Panzer. 
Parexorista sp. Tachina larvarum Linne. 
Nemorilla sp. Tachina sp. (non glossatorum 
Blepharidea vulgaris Fallen. Rondani.) 

Blepharipa scutellata Rondani. Kupeleteria magnicornis Zetter- 
Argyrophylax gilva Hartig. stedt. 


Report on Parasrres, py Dr. L. O. Howarp. 


At our request Dr. L. O. Howard has prepared the follow- 
ing summary of his efforts in introducing parasites of the moths 
during the year just ended: — 


Unitep States DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 
BurEAvU OF ENTOMOLOGY, WASHINGTON, D. C., Jan. 20, 1908. 


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

Sir:—TI have the honor to submit a brief report of my efforts dur- 
ing the period since I submitted my last report to you, on Nov. 24, 1906, 
to import the foreign parasites of the gypsy and brown-tail moths into 
Massachusetts. Respectfully yours, 

L. O. Howarp, Chief of Bureau. 


During the winter following the last report many thousands of nests 
of the brown-tail moth were received from agents engaged by me in 
different parts of Europe. These nests were cared for in the large 
breeding cages which had been found successful the previous winter, 
and from them large numbers of parasites were reared. They issued 
mainly during the month of May. As it happened, the month of May 
in-New England, as well as in other parts of the United States, was phe- 
nomenally cold and wet. As a result of this unlooked-for condition, 
very many of the parasites refused to leave the nests until they were 
so weakened as to be unable to survive the close confinement and careful 
scrutiny to which they were necessarily subjected in order to eliminate 
the danger of introducing secondary parasites. As a result, a smaller 
number of this group (Pteromalus) was colonized than in the summer 
of 1906, but 40,000 specimens were put out in several localities, the 
principal colonies consisting respectively of 13,000, 11,000 and 7,000 
individuals. 

In this important work with the introduced hibernating nests of the 


174 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


brown-tail moth it was early found most difficult to preserve the health 
of the laboratory assistants. The irritating and poisonous hairs of the 
brown-tail moth larve, of which the nests are full, soon penetrated 
the skin of the assistants handling them, entered their eyes and throats, 
and the atmosphere of the laboratory became almost filled with them. 
It was necessary that the rooms should be kept thoroughly closed; 
double windows and screens were used, and the doors of the rooms were 
darkened, in order that a possible secondary parasite, if accidentally 
liberated, should have no chance of escape. This made the rooms very 
warm, and increased the irritating effect of the larval hairs. Some of 
the assistants employed could not stand the work, and resigned. One 
of the best and most experienced helpers was induced to continue the 
present year only upon the promise that he would be relieved from this 
especial class of work. Spectacles, gloves, masks and even head-pieces 
were invented to avoid this difficulty, but these, while greatly increasing 
the suffering from the heat, were not entirely effective. The most 
serious result of this trouble was the breaking down in health of Mr. 
E. 8. G. Titus of this Bureau, in charge of the laboratory at Saugus, 
who was obliged to resign in May, 1907, on his physician’s advice, in 
order to save his life. The difficulty in Mr. Titus’s case was the intense 
irritation to his lungs from the entrance of the barbed hairs. Mr. W. 
F. Fiske of the Bureau force in Washington, a man who had made 
especial studies of the parasitic Hymenoptera, and who had done a 
large amount of breeding of parasites in the course of his other work, 
was sent from Washington to replace Mr. Titus, and has since had 
charge of the laboratory. Since then new methods of handling the 
brown-tail moth nests have been invented, and it seems reasonably sure 
that this difficulty will be measurably obviated in the future. 

I visited Europe again during May and June, 1907, and engaged new 
voluntary assistants among Furopean entomologists, and succeeded in 
establishing a very effective corps of observers in Russia, —a country 
which has not before been called upon. At Kiew a very effective 
station was established, under the supervision of Prof. Waldemar Pos- 
pielow, who voluntarily gave his important services without compen- 
sation. An orchard in the suburbs of the city was rented for the 
season at 20 rubles per month, and a well-trained assistant, to have 
charge of rearings and collections, was engaged at 34 rubles per month. 
The results, as evidenced by shipments from this locality, have been 
excellent. Two species hitherto unknown as parasites of the gypsy moth 
have been reared, and one of them, being a rapid breeder, promises to 
be of much assistance. From Kiew I proceeded to Kischinew via 
Odessa, and started work under Mr. Isaack Krassilstschik, chief of the 
entomological station at that point, and he acts for the State of Massa- 
chusetts without compensation, sending in through the summer a num- 
ber of important shipments. Returning to Odessa, and proceeding 
thence to Simferopol in the Crimea, I spent two days with Prof. Sigis- 


ee 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 175 


- mond Mokshetsky, director of the Museum of Natural History at that 
place. Professor Mokshetsky is a trained economic entomologist, well 
informed upon all American methods, and in the most courteous way 
volunteered his energetic assistance without compensation. From him 
also has been received during the summer important material. Re- 
turning by the way of Constantinople (where it was found impossible 
to secure assistance) to Vienna, later proceeding from Vienna to various 
points, including Dresden, Halle a. S., Berlin, Eberswalde and Zurich to 
Paris, I was able to give additional instructions to Fritz Wagner in 
Vienna, E. Schopfer in Dresden, Miss Marie Riihl at Zurich, and to 
engage the active co-operation of Dr. M. Holrung at Halle a. S., Dr. R. 
Heymons in Berlin, Dr. Carl Eckstein at Eberswalde and Prof. A. 
Séverm at Brussels. To each of these gentlemen I am greatly indebted 
for courtesies and advice, as well as active assistance.- On the return 
trip to France I arranged with Mr. René Oberthiir of Rennes for a 
regular station at Rennes, in charge of Prof. C. Houlbert of the Uni- 
versity of Rennes, which will be in charge of an especial assistant 
chosen by Professor Houlbert. In this especial work I was assured of 
the good will and co-operation of the University of Paris by Prof. 
Alfred Giard. 

As a resuit of this trip, much more material was received at the 
North Saugus laboratory than ever before,—so much, in fact, as to 
demand a great extension of laboratory space. Especial efforts were 
made to arrange for the importation of larger numbers of the egg 
parasites of both species, and to introduce in living condition the 
important parasites of the genus Apanteles, which, according to my 
field observations in Europe, are among the most important of the 
European enemies of the gypsy moth. Previous importations of these 
parasites had failed, owing to the fact that the adults emerged and 
died on the journey. The present year, however, specific directions were 
given to agents to send im young larve of the second stage, and by this 
means living specimens of the parasites in considerable numbers have 
been reared at North Saugus. These, on issuing, laid their eggs in the 
gypsy moth larve in their first stage, and from these were secured the 
cocoons and adults of a second generation, which was reared through 
all of its stages on American soil. It is hoped to repeat this experience 
on a more extensive scale next year, and thus to secure a very large 
number of the adult parasites for colonization. 

An important result of this year’s work has been a successful experi- 
ment in rearing from the imported brown-tail moth nests of a very 
‘large number of caterpillars which gave out in their later growth a 
second lot of parasites entirely different from those reared in May from 
the very young hibernating larve. Last year, after the May parasites 
had issued, the brown-tail larvee were destroyed. Among the later 
parasites were at least two species of the genus A panteles. 

Another important result of the work of the early summer was the 


176 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


rearing of a species of the genus Meteorus from the imported brown-tail 
moth nests. From the larger larve a second generation was reared after 
a very brief interval, the cocoons appearing in about ten days in cages 
in which the adult parasites were confined with their host insects. 
This indicates a very short breeding period during the summer time, 
and, although this parasite has not been reared in great numbers, its 
quick breeding indicates that it is a very desirable introduction. What 
is probably the same species was occasionally found in boxes in which 
the nearly mature brown-tail caterpillars were shipped, and a few 
emerged from some of these caterpillars, which arrived alive and in . 
apparently a healthy condition. After the parasite emerged the larger | 
caterpillars seem not to have been fatally affected, but all have died 
after transforming. The encouraging part of this, introduction, aside 
from the quick-breeding habits, is our knowledge that a native species 
has been known to destroy 90 per cent. of the larve of a native moth 
infesting the western pines. 

The egg parasites this year have been reared in considerable num- 
bers from the brown-tail moth eggs, in lesser number from gypsy moth 
eggs. Two species have been reared and have been carried through 
several generations in artificially retarded egg masses. One is a Procto- 
trypid of the genus Telenomus, and the other a Chalcid of the genus 
Trichogramma. 

In addition to the sending of brown-tail hibernating nests above 
referred to, during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1907, there was re- 
ceived from Europe a total of 1,375 boxes, containing the matured 
caterpillars and pup of the gypsy moth and the brown-tail moth. Of 
these, 872 boxes of the brown-tail were received during June, 1907, and 
82 of the brown-tail and 425 of the gypsy during July and August, 1906. 
The percentage of parasitism varies considerably, according to the 
different localities from which the nests were sent, but it must be re- 
membered that in these European localities the percentage of para- 
sitism is constantly fluctuating, being smaller in some years and almost 
exterminative in others. A part of the parasites sent over do not 
emerge from the caterpillars or pupe until after they arrive at the 
laboratory; others are found in the boxes in the pupal condition; and 
a few, especially toward the latter part of the season of sending, trans- 
form into adults and die on the journey. 

Of these parasites, about 90 per cent. have been Tachinid flies, and 
perhaps 12 species have been reared from the two host insects, most of 
them being common enemies of both species. About 40 per cent. of - 
these flies emerge as adults at nearly the time of the emergence of the 
moths of the species which they attack, while the remainder pass the 
winter in the pupal condition, emerging the following spring. Seven- 
teen hundred adult Tachinids were colonized in July and August, 1906, 
and more than 2,000 during June, 1907. It is now obvious that a very 
large number will be on hand hibernating during the winter of 1907-08, 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. IE 


“1 


and the problem of caring for them is a serious one. They are con- 
siderably parasitized by hymenopterous secondary parasites, so that it 
will be necessary to keep them well protected, at the same time under 
conditions as near the normal as possible. At the close of the fiscal year 
between 6,000 and 7,000 puparia were already on hand. With one of the 
smaller species of Tachinids breeding experiments were very successful, 
and the species reproduced freely under these conditions, indicating that 
it will be the part of economy to handle it in this manner, liberating 
only after having bred large numbers. 

The large predatory beetles of the genus Calosoma, referred to in 
previous reports, have been successfully introduced in considerable 
numbers. Calosoma sycophanta was discovered in several of the field 
colonies in the spring of 1907, having established itself, survived the 
winter and reproduced. It is a valuable importation, but whether it 
will prove in itself sufficient to reduce the numbers of the gypsy moth 
and the brown-tail moth to an appreciable extent is undetermined. 

In the report for last year the writer drew particular attention to 
two species of the genus Pteromalus, small parasites of the super-family 
Chalcidoidea.. Some 60,000 were reared in the early summer of 1906, 
and the great majority of them were liberated. That the species has 
established itself, at least temporarily, has been shown by the fact that 
specimens were bred in the spring of 1907 from nests collected in 
colonies of the year before. Throughout a considerable portion of the 
territory directly north of Boston, within which all of the larger colonies 
were planted last year, the caterpillars of the brown-tail moth died very 
generally from a fungous disease, and as a result there was a scarcity 
of the hibernating nests; therefore it was not considered desirable to 
collect for breeding purposes many of these nests, and it is confidently 
expected that the species will be found more abundantly in the col- 

“lections of nests made this winter. Several new colonies have been 
planted in quite widely separated localities. 

The difficulty of determining the exact names of these European 
parasites, nearly all of which are very common members of the European 
fauna, is scarcely to be believed. The two species of Pteromalus, for 
example, mentioned in the last report, have been a source of great 
diffeulty. The writer was unable to find them represented in the large 
museums at Vienna, Dresden, Berlin, Brussels and London, nor did 
they occur in the type collections of Ratzeburg at Eberswalde, where, 
on account of that writer’s important work on the parasites of Euro- 
pean forest insects, one would naturally expect to find them. At last, 
in the Museum of Natural History in the Jardin des Plantes at Paris, 
specimens of both species were found that had been reared many years 
ago by the French entomologist Sichel, and had been named for him by 
the eminent authority on parasites, Arnold Foerster of Germany. They 
will therefore in the future be known definitely as Pteromalus nidulans 
Foerst. and Pteromalus egregius Foerst. 


178 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


The naming of the Tachinids has been done by Messrs. Coquillett and 
Townsend of this Bureau, by Mr. Kértesz of the National Museum at 
Budapest, and by Dr. Handlirsch of the Royal Museum of Natural: 
History at Vienna. Such of the Ichneumonids and Braconids as could 
not be named by comparison with the large museum series in Europe 
have passed through the hands of an eminent European authority, Prof. 
O. Schmiedeknecht of Blankenburg, Germany. 


PurcHASES OF SUPPLIES. 


The purchase of supplies for use in the work against the 
moth pests has been made by the local superintendents of each 
city and town, the cost of the same being certified to the cen- 
tral office on blanks furnished for the purpose. Each schedule 
of bills forming a part of the account on which the State reim- 
bursement is based is required to be accompanied by receipted 
bills, and is duly attested by the city or town treasurer, as in 
the case of pay rolls. During the first year of our work, while 
the enforcement of the law was, as it were, in the experimental 
stage, the selection and purchase of supplies was largely left to 
the local authorities. It soon became apparent that widely 
varying prices were being paid for many articles, and that in 
some cases unnecessarily large sums had been paid for tools, 
insecticides, ete., thus reducing the amount available for labor. 
To systematize this feature of the work, a list of supplies needed 
in the field operations was prepared and submitted to a large 
number of responsible dealers, requesting bids from them, with 
the assurance that the lowest bidder would be recommended to 
the city and town authorities, for the particular class of goods 
offered. In this way we have been able to secure a notable re- 
duction in the cost of the materials needed, and to furnish local 
superintendents with a list of dealers and prices at which the 
supplies could be obtained. Furthermore, this system has put 
all the municipalities on the same basis as far as tools, ete., are 
concerned. The local superintendents of moth work have also 
been instructed that they are at liberty to purchase their sup- 
plies of local dealers offering the same grade of goods at the 
prices given in the printed list. 

Goods bought at prices in excess of the list are credited only 
at list price, unless some satisfactory reason to the contrary is 
given, such as emergency work, where delay might prove more 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 179 


expensive than the excess cost of the supplies needed. ‘To check 
up the itemized purchases of supplies used in the field has 
formed an important part of the work of the central office, and 
the controversies which have arisen from time to time where 
the superintendent has felt obliged to disallow certain items 
have been most unpleasant as well as undesirable. 

Under the present system, while we have been able to make 
a notable saving through securing competitive bids, it is appar- 
ent that further economies might be made if all the supplies 
needed for the year’s work were bought in bulk quantities. 
Burlap and insecticides, for example, can be bought cheaper 
in carload lots than when bulk shipments are broken by the 
dealer and shipped in bale or keg lots. Hose in lots of 10,000 
feet can be bought closer than in 100-foot lots; a larger dis- 
count is given on axes by the gross than by the dozen or half 
dozen; and so on throughout the list. It is an open question in 
the mind of the superintendent if it would not be in the interest 
of economy for the department to establish a central warehouse 
at some convenient shipping point near Boston, buy the goods 
in large quantities, ship them on orders from the local super- 
intendents, and charge same against the town or city ordering 
them; the supplies so furnished to stand to the credit of the 
State in computing reimbursements due. The superintendent is 
of the opinion that this plan is entirely feasible, and that, while 
adding somewhat to the duties of the central management, it 
would result in obtaining a better and more uniform class of 
supplies, and at more advantageous rates than now prevail. 
In the work against the moths, labor is the all-important item, 
and the amount saved in buying materials would then be avail- 
able for increasing the number of employees in the field; while 
the benefit to the local organizations in being able to procure 
at short notice from a single source any supplies required needs 
but to be mentioned to be appreciated. 


RECOMMENDATIONS. 


As pointed out elsewhere, the largest problem in dealing with 
the gypsy moth now is found in the widespread serious infesta- 
tion of the woodland. The pest is well under control in resi- 
dential districts; it must be kept in this condition. To prevent 


180 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


reinfestations of the sections already cleared, the woodlands 
must have most vigorous treatment. ‘To continue the expensive 
operations now under way for the treatment of woodlands and 
the protection of the thickly settled districts, more funds than 
those provided by the appropriation made in 1907 for the pur- 
pose of continuing the 1908 work ($150,000) will be needed. 
In following up the plan made last May, when the full appro- 
priation for 1907 became available, a considerable sum has 
been held in reserve for use in clearing woodlands the present 
winter. The large force of men now at work clearing private 
estates and street trees will be transferred to woodland work 
whenever snow interferes with the efficiency of the work now in 
progress. In Waltham, Lexington, Woburn, Burlington, Wake- 
field, Reading, Lynnfield, Saugus, Peabody, Beverly, Manches- 
ter and elsewhere there are most serious woodland problems to 
be dealt with. Other towns, like Georgetown, Concord, Lincoln 
and Brookline, — to mention but a few, — have woodland in- 
festations that should be thoroughly treated without delay, to 
prevent their increase. 

- The work of importing parasites, while requiring much time 
and patient effort, is now well organized, and important results 
have been obtained in establishing in Massachusetts certain nat- 
ural enemies which are known to be important checks on both 
species of moths in their natural regions in Europe. How long 
it may be before these parasites show effective results in the 
field, no one can accurately predict; it may require five or ten 


_ years, it may not require two years. The work is a very large 


experiment, with very great prospects of success. In view of 
the relatively small expense required to continue the operations 
now under way, — small, indeed, compared with the great cost 
of field work, — suitable provision should be made for further 
importing and studying the parasites of the gypsy and brown- 
tail moths. 

Owing to the peculiarly hazardous nature of the field work 
against the moths, involving, as it does, much climbing of tall 
trees, the superintendent early advised the cities and towns to 
insure their employees against accidents, and further to insure 
against accidents to the persons and property of the public 
through falling of apparatus, branches of trees and the dropping 


‘LOGT ‘snoneg—"yuey, 100pyno ul seSegQ Surpeerg ‘z ‘OSBD SSID Jepun SqoM IOP [le}-UMOIgG UO FIOM Ye sjuL sissy ‘T 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 181 


of creosote or other insecticides necessary in the work, — experi- 
ence’ having shown that such accidents were of frequent occur- 
rence. It is greatly to be regretted that several employees are 
killed and from 20 to 25 seriously injured in this work annu- 
ally. When such accidents can be shown to be due to defective 
apparatus, the municipalities may become liable to legal action, 
followed by heavy damages, and the latter would fall heavily on 
many towns of lowvaluation. For this reason the superintend- 
ent, until the matter was officially ruled upon by the Honorable 
Auditor of Accounts, had approved the premiums paid for in- 
surance covering these expenses along with other expenditures 
as a basis for reimbursement by the State. The question having 
arisen whether such an expenditure might properly be included 
as a basis for reimbursement, the matter was officially submitted 
to the Honorable Auditor of Accounts, Henry E. Turner, who 
ruled, under date of July 9, 1907, that : — 


Since the language of the law apparently limits the purposes for 
which the money can be expended and reimbursement be made by the 
Commonwealth, I must, therefore, decide that contingent expenses and 
accidental damages cannot be taken into account in establishing a basis 
for reimbursement. Allowances for damages caused by spraying must 
be a matter to be determined by each municipality in its dealings with 
its citizens; and while I believe it wise action on the part of cities and 
towns to insure themselves against their lability as employers in such 
hazardous work as is done by employees in the gypsy and brown-tail 
moth departments, certain other departments of said cities have equally 
hazardous work, and the matter of insuring is one for each municipality 
to determine for itself, as is the case in other forms of insurance. 


If, in the opinion of the Legislature, the premiums paid for 
liability insurance should be included as a basis for reimburse- 
ment on the part of the State, the act should be so amended as 
to specifically include this class of expenses. 

In treating the gypsy moth infestations, particularly in wood- 
lands, it often becomes necessary to remove or thin standing 
trees. The suppression of the moth is of such manifest benefit 
to the property owners that as a rule they are very glad to have 
~ work of this kind done, and often co-operate freely in its execu- 
tion. Occasionally cases occur, however, when claims for loss 
or damage have been set up, although as far as is known to the 


182 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


superintendent none have taken the form of a suit against the 
municipality in which the work was done. The superintend- 
ent is of the opinion that legislation should be enacted to recog- 
nize the possible rights of property owners to compensation 
where it becomes necessary to destroy such property. If such 
an amendment to the existing laws, permitting compensation, is 
enacted, there should also be taken into account the benefits de- 
rived by the property owner through the work of having the 
moth suppressed on his property. 

Under existing legislation, the property owner receives a 
notice requiring him to clear the moths from his estate, and a 
reasonable period is allowed him in which to do the work, the 
date of notification usually being November 1, and the expira- 
tion of the time limit December 1 or January 1. While em- 
ployees of the central and local organizations now have the 
right to enter upon all lands for the purpose of suppressing the 
moths, it has been held by one judge of a municipal court and 
by eminent lawyers that under the law local employees of cities 
and towns have no legal right to enter on lands during the 
period given their owner in which to clear them of the moths. 
This matter is of small importance except in the work of 
scouting or inspecting property, to determine if either of the 
moths are present. A few stubborn property owners now pre- 
vent a thorough inspection of a town or city by refusing the 
local employees admittance to their grounds during the time 
allowed for clearing the trees. When the time limit expires, 
the trained scouting gang may be miles away, and must be 
brought back at a considerable expense to complete the work. 
Since the fall and winter scouting furnishes the data on which 
is based the plan for future work in any town or city, the diffi- 
culty above described should be removed by an amendment to 
the existing legislation. 


Summary of Recommendations. 


1. For the effective prosecution of the field work against the 
gypsy and brown-tail moths, an additional appropriation of 
$150,000 is recommended for the fiscal year of 1908. 

2. To continue the work of importing and breeding the nat- 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 183 


ural enemies of the gypsy and brown-tail moths, the superin- 
tendent recommends an appropriation of $15,000. 

3. An amendment to existing legislation, clearly giving prop- 
erly authorized employees of the central and local organizations, 
while engaged in the work of suppressing the moths, the right 
to enter on property at all times, is desirable. 

4, The superintendent alsc presents for your consideration, 
but without specific recommendations, the questions of insuring 
employees engaged in the moth work; the desirability of estab- 
lishing a central storehouse of supplies; and the compensation 
to property owners when it becomes necessary to destroy prop- 
erty of value in connection with the field operations. These 
latter matters are treated elsewhere in this report, and the 
superintendent believes that the action desirable with reference 
to them can best be determined by a frank discussion of the 
several subjects by the parties in interest before the proper 
committees of the Legislature. 


Respectfully submitted, 


A. H. KIRKLAND, 


Superintendent. 


184 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


SPECIAL REPORT ON IMPORTING PARASITES. © 


By A. H. KiIrnkLaANnp, Superintendent. 


The study of insect parasitism opens up one of the most in- 
teresting fields in the whole domain of nature, —a study full 
of interest and surprises, and often of great practical value in 
its results. Nearly every insect has enemies of its own kind, 
remote relatives, they may be called, which prey upon it and 
attempt to destroy it. The result of their work is shown by the 
abundance or scarcity of their unwilling hosts. We note that 
some years are “ caterpillar years,” for example, and that others 
are not. The abundance or scarcity of any caterpillar depends 
in large measure upon the presence or absence of the parasites 
which attack that particular insect. Other factors, such as the 
work of insectivorous birds, bacterial and fungous diseases, also 
play an important part, but the influence of insect parasitism 
in the long run controls the situation. 

The army worm, a pest of grass and grain fields, gives a good 
illustration. This insect at long intervals appears in tremen- 
dous numbers, only to disappear for many more years. It is 
notably attacked by a certain fly, which lays its eggs on the 
“worms,” these eggs in turn hatching into grubs, which enter 
the bodies of their hosts and kill them. When the worms are 
abundant, there is offered a wealth of food for the parasites. 
They multiply prodigiously, destroy their hosts, and in a season 
the army worm outbreak becomes a thing of the past. The fol- 
lowing year there is a multitude of parasites, and but little 
food for them. 

As a result, the parasite flies die off; the few remaining 
‘army worms increase slowly in swamps and along the banks of 
streams, until after the lapse of years their numbers are suffi- 
cient to lay the foundation for another army worm outbreak, 
and this in turn is followed by the development of a multitude 


‘peolqy WIOl] [elIeIVJAL DIYIseieg Jo sedseyoeg [eUlLsUO 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 185 


_of parasites, which 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 tent caterpillar are equally good illus- 
trations, except that the period of their ravages often extends 
over two or three years before it is checked. Practically the 
same thing holds good in Europe, with the two notable imported 
caterpillar pests with which we in New England, particularly 
in Massachusetts, are contending, — the gypsy and brown-tail 
moths. The mid-temperate zone of Europe is their natural 
home. Wherever the apple, pear and oak flourish, there they 
may be found. They do not occur in the frozen north; they 
are not found in the tropics; but in the life zone mentioned 
their periodical ravages are notable, and equally notable is the 
fact that, no matter how severe may be their attacks on orchard 
and forest trees, in a given year they soon subside and for many 
years the insects are harmless, if not practically unnoticed. 
This state of affairs is brought about by the same controlling 
influences that govern the army worm, the canker worm and 
the tent caterpillar in America; viz., the silent but mighty 
work of parasitic enemies, which soon develop in multitudes 
wherever the natural host is abundant. This increase of both 
these important enemies of fruit and forest trees is eventually 
checked and their ravages stopped by their parasites. 

While the work of exterminating the gypsy moth in Massa- 
chusetts was in progress from 1890 to 1900, no effort was made 
to secure the importation of parasites, since from the very na- 
ture of the case such an effort would be an anomaly. The former 
State work was for absolute extermination. Parasites require 
a host to feed upon, and the State was bending all its energies 
to absolutely destroy the host. When the work was stopped in 
1900 the case became an altogether different one. It was known 
by those best qualified to judge that the moth was bound to in- 
crease and spread, and that after a few years control measures 
would be the only ones available to protect our trees; hence the 
desirability of employing every such measure possible was ap- 
parent. Among these none seemed to offer greater promise of 
aid than the importation of the parasitic and predaceous enemies 
of the moths in their native home. The moth pests in Europe 


186 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


were under many natural checks. Transported across the sea, 
freed from all natural restraints on their multiplication, they 
had increased to greater numbers and caused greater damage 
than had been known in the old world. Hence the logical thing 
to do under the circumstances, in addition to remedial measures 
to stop the damage by, and check the spread of, the insect, 
seemed to be to bring to Massachusetts as many as possible of the 
foreign natural enemies of the moths in the shortest possible 
time. This view, strongly presented to the Legislatures of 
1903-05 by many intelligent and public-spirited citizens, finally 
resulted, in the latter year, along with the resumption of the 
work against the moth, in a special appropriation for the pur- 
pose of introducing the European natural enemies of the moths. 
At the same time the Massachusetts delegation in the National 
Congress, particularly the Hon. Ernest W. Roberts of the Sey- 
enth District, were endeavoring to obtain national aid in solv- 
ing this great problem, since it was realized by all who were 
familiar with the ravages of the moths in Massachusetts and 
the cost of combating them that could they be held in check by 
their imported natural enemies, such a state of affairs would 
scarcely fall short of being ideal. The National Congress finally 
appropriated the small sum of $2,500 for this work, and this 
was soon followed by the more liberal action of the Massachu- 
setts Legislature, which appropriated (May 8, 1905) for the 
same purpose $30,000, to be expended as needed over a period 
of three years. 

When the present superintendent was appointed, with this 
large sum of money at his disposal for this special work, he 
fully felt the responsibilities as well as the opportunities of the 
occasion. Nothing of the kind had ever been attempted before 
in the world. True, indeed, two imported scale insects in Cali- 
fornia had been notably checked in their increase by the im- 
portation of parasites from their native region; but each of 
these insects had a specific parasite. The case of the gypsy 
and brown-tail moths is altogether different. There is no spe- 
cific parasite of either of these insects. Their multiplication is 
checked by a large number of parasites, many of which ap- 
parently may be of equal value. It seemed desirable, in fact 
absolutely necessary, that this unique and important experi- 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 187 


ment — for it was and is yet an experiment only, in a new 
field — should be placed in the hands of a man of the highest 
technical training, with experience in this particular class of 
work, and wide acquaintance with European entomologists and 
the entomological conditions of that country. From a somewhat 
extensive acquaintance with American workers on insect para- 
sites, there seemed to the superintendent to be but one man 
equal to this work, viz., the recognized American authority on 
parasites, Dr. L. O. Howard, Chief of the Bureau of Ento- 
mology of the Department of Agriculture at Washington, D. C. 
Dr. Howard is without question the best-known worker on cer- 
tain important groups of parasitic insects, has had large ex- 
perience in their successful importation and dissemination, and, 
what in this case is most valuable, has a wide acquaintance with 
the entomologists of Europe. After a conference with Governor 
William L. Douglas, who heartily approved of the arrange- 
ment, the superintendent visited Washington and secured the 
consent of the Honorable Secretary of Agriculture, James Wil- 
son, as well as that of Dr. Howard himself, that the latter should 
supervise and direct the work of importing parasites of the 
moths to Massachusetts. 

The arrangement made was substantially that Dr. Howard 
should direct the work, organize and care for European col- 
lectors, and furnish one or more assistants at the Massachu- 
setts laboratory; that the State of Massachusetts should finance 
the operations, provide laboratory and supplies, and as many 
assistants as were needed to attend to the work of breeding and 
disseminating the parasites. In this way the cordial co-opera- 
tion of national and State governments under the best possible 
conditions was secured, and this hearty co-operation has con- 
tinued to the present time. 

Dr. Howard immediately left for Europe, and engaged a 
number of collectors of parasitic material; while the superin- 
tendent organized and equipped a suitable laboratory for its 
proper care. Dr. Howard’s European trip was repeated in 1906 
and again the present year, each time with increasing success, 
until now we have some forty or fifty foreign collectors at work 
gathering material in all important sections where the moths 
are known to occur. The laboratory, first established in Mal- 


188 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


den, was transferred in the fall of 1905 to the wooded and 
badly infested section of North Saugus, where the work was 
carried on during the seasons of 1906-07. It being well dem- 
onstrated the present fall (1907) that the Saugus building had 
become outgrown, by reason of the large number of employees 
necessary during the busy season and by the lack of certain 
almost indispensable requisites, arrangements have now been 
made for a larger and more convenient building at Melrose 
Highlands. 

As might be expected, methods of packing and shipping 
the insects so that as many as possible of them should reach 
America alive was one of the first details to require atten- 
tion. The shipments of 1905 were of little value; in 1906 a 
very large amount of material arrived in good condition, and 
upward of 54,200 parasites and 850 predaceous beetles reached 
us alive, and a large part of them were liberated in infested 
districts. The figures for 1907 are not completed as yet, but 
the number of living parasites was larger and of a much richer 
variety than for 1906. As 1907 draws to a close, we can safely 
say that at least two, if not more, of the species liberated in 
1906 have thoroughly established themselves in this country, 
and are at work on American gypsy and brown-tail moths. A 
certain minute parasite determined by Dr. Howard as belonging 
to the genus Pteromalus, which attacks the small brown-tail 
moth caterpillars in the fall, later hibernates in their webs, and 
attacks them and also the small gypsy moth caterpillars the fol- 
lowing spring, was liberated in very large numbers in 1906. 
Webs collected in the winter of 1906-07 in the localities where 
these insects were allowed to escape in the spring of 1906 con- 
tained a substantial number of the Pteromalus, thus showing 
that the insect had established itself. 

Again, in all European literature particular stress is laid 
on the value of a certain predaceous beetle, Calosoma sycophanta, 
as an enemy of the gypsy moth caterpillars. This large beetle 
climbs the infested trees, seizes the caterpillars and devours 
them. There is hardly a European treatise on the gypsy moth 
but mentions and praises the good work done by this rapacious 
insect. Prof. C. H. Fernald tells the writer that some years 
ago, when he was in the Thiergarten at Berlin, it was a very 


1, Parasite Breeding Jars. 2 and 3, Parasite Boxes just received from Abroad. 
4, Opening the Boxes and Sorting their Contents. 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 189 


‘common occurrence to see large gypsy moth caterpillars drop 
to the ground under the trees with the Calosomas firmly attached 
to them. In the “ plantings ” of this beetle in 1906 the insects 
were carefully marked, by Dr. Howard’s direction, with white 
enamel paint. ‘This year in the same localities several bright, 
fresh-colored specimens, without paint marks, were taken feed- 
ing eagerly on the gypsy moth caterpillars, while later numerous 
larvee or young of the beetles were so found, thus showing that 
this valuable check on the larvee had become well established in 
many localities. In addition to this, a large number of species 
of every parasitic form has been liberated, and we have reason 
to believe that several of them have now become established. 

In order to give an adequate idea of the scale on which this 
work has been conducted, the following summary of the ex- 
penditures by the State of Massachusetts for this purpose dur- 
ing the period covered by this brief report, June 1, 1905, to Nov. 
30, 1907, will be of interest: — | 


Receipts. 
Appropriations, 1905, . ; : 6 - : $10,000 00 
Appropriations, 1906, . ; : ; : : 10,000 00 
Appropriations, 1907, . ; . ; ‘ : 25,000 00 
——_—_—— $45,000 00 
Expenditures. 
Wages of employees, . : , . ‘ : $8,902 50 
Travelling expenses, . ; : : : : 3,805 80 
Rent, . 5 4 : : : : : : 746 00 
Supplies, . : seyre : 5 A 2,442 18 
Stationery and ponte: : : : : 68 37 
Services of experts, . : : : : . 2,116 28 
Sundries, . ; F f . ‘ ; 1,001 33 
Importation of par ie ; ; : 5 : 15,591 66 
34,674 12 
Balance Novy. 30, 1907, A ; : ‘ : ; . $10,325 88 


In spite of all the thought, energy and skill that have been 
brought to bear on this most important problem of introducing 
the natural enemies of the moths, —a problem entirely novel 
in the field of entomology, — it was apparent during the winter 
of 1906-07 that several of our influential citizens had expected 
immediate results from the importation of the parasites, and 


190 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


were beginning to get restive because such results had not been 
obtained. Several expressed a doubt if everything possible was 
being done to secure the successful introduction of the parasites. 
Others became enthusiastic over the specious proposition put for- 
ward by a certain western horticulturist (not an entomologist), 
who offered to suppress the gypsy moth in Massachusetts by 
means of parasites for the sum of $25,000, — “ no cure, no pay.” 
This state of affairs was no doubt a natural outcome of the desire 
to avoid a repetition of the great damage to property caused 
by the moth in past years. Again, men without any technical 
knowledge of entomology or of the life histories of the parasites, 
not realizing the difficulties in securing, shipping, breeding and 
disseminating these beneficial insects, and equally ignorant of 
how long it takes an imported insect to become established even 
under the most favorable conditions, might well be pardoned 
for expecting almost immediate results from the introduction 
of the relatively small number of parasites, — small indeed in 
comparison with the tremendous numbers of the moths. 

These citizens expressed the feeling before the Legislative 
committee that we were not going ahead fast enough in this 
important work, and desired that the superintendent secure 
additional counsel and advice in the matter, to determine, if 
possible, whether the best lines of procedure were being fol- 
lowed, and for this purpose an additional appropriation of 
$15,000 was made available. It was first suggested that con- 
sultation be had only with certain California men who had 
had experience in the matter of importing parasites of scale 
insects. The superintendent, however, pointed out that such a 
reference of the matter to those whose experience had been 
confined to a single group of insects (not caterpillars), while 
no doubt helpful, would not be sufficiently broad to throw much 
light on the Massachusetts problem in dealing with the moth 
‘pests. 

It seemed to him much wiser and certainly more thorough- 
going, since this entire work might be called in question at any 
time, and in view of the large amount of money Massachusetts 
was expending in securing parasites, to consult not with the 
trained entomologists of a single State, but with as many ento- 
mologists of national or even world-wide reputation as possible. 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. TO 


| In other words, that a large number of entomologists of the 
highest possible scientific standing, and particularly those having 
practical experience in dealing with parasitic insects, should 
be invited to visit Massachusetts, learn of our difficult prob- 
lems on the spot, examine into the methods of importing, rear- 
ing and distributing parasites, and then give us the benefit of 
their criticism and counsel, based on a full knowledge of the 
facts at hand. He also suggested that, since by some this move- 
ment might be taken as a criticism on his management and on 
his judgment in placing the direction of the work in the hands 
of Dr. Howard, it would be well to have some outside board or 
commission take charge of the matter, so that it should be en- 
tirely an ex parte affair, free from any suggestion of influence 
by the present administration of the work. The suggestion to 
authorize the superintendent to invite the entomologists was 
heartily endorsed by the legislative committee which had the 
matter under consideration, while the arrangement of the entire . 
affair was left in his hands. 

After looking over the list of prominent entomologists of 
other countries, and conferring with Prof. C. H. Fernald at 
Amherst, Mass., the list given below was made up. There are 
numerous other workers in this field of science, who from train- 
ing and experience would no doubt be equally able to render 
competent opinions and give sound advice, but it is believed 
that the list is a thoroughly representative one. Those invited 
from America were: — 


Prof. Edward M. Ehrhorn, Deputy Commissioner of Horticulture, 
State of California, a man of large practical experience in importing, 
breeding and disseminating insect parasites, particularly those of scale 
insects, and also a man well trained in applied entomology. 

Prof. Herbert Osborn, Ohio State University, one of the country’s 
best known teachers of entomology, and of large experience in investi- 
gation and laboratory work. 

Dr. John B: Smith, Entomologist, New Jersey Agricultural Experi- 
ment Station, an investigator of the highest order, a successful teacher 
and the author of numerous standard works on insects. 

Prof. S. A. Forbes, State Entomologist, Illinois, a most successful 
teacher and investigator and one of the most prominent entomologists 


of the middle west. 
Prof. EK, P. Felt, State Entomologist of New York, a well-known 


192 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 


writer on and investigator of insect pests, and particularly ingenious 
in devising laboratory methods. 

Prof. H. A. Morgan, Director of the Tennessee Agricultural Experi- 
ment Station, of large experience, and one of the best-known entomolo- 
gists of the southern States. 

Prof. M. V. Slingerland, Cornell University, New York, an investi- 
gator hardly without an equal, and one who has had great success in 
studying life histories of beneficial and injurious insects. 


Naturally, we have sought among foreign entomologists, par- 
ticularly those familiar with the moth pests, and those of prac- 
tical experience in importing parasites for the largest measure 
of help, and in so doing have been particularly fortunate in 
securing the counsel of some of the best known workers in other 
countries. The list includes: — 


Prof. Charles P. Lounsbury, Entomologist, Cape Town, South Afriea, 
one who has had great experience as well as great success in importing 
beneficial insects. 

Prof. Walter W. Froggatt, Government Entomologist, New South 
Wales, and also investigator for Victoria and Queensland. Professor 
Froggatt’s work has been practically along the same lines as that of 
Professor Lounsbury, and has met with a large measure of success. 

Dr. James Fletcher, Dominion Entomologist, Canada, well known for 
his success in working out difficult points in the life histories of insects, 
and more particularly in dealing with a wide range of injurious 
species. 

Prof. R. Blanchard, University of Paris, and member of the Academy 
of Medicine. 

Dr. G. Horvath, Director of Zodlogical Section, National Hungarian 
Museum, member of the Academy of Science of Hungary and formerly 
Director of the Entomological Station of Hungary. The last two 
gentlemen are entirely familiar with the two moths and their parasites. 

Dr. Richard Heymons, Extraordinary Honorary Professor and Cus- 
todian at the Zoédlogical Museum of: the Royal Institute of Berlin. Dr. 
Heymons has made a large study of the injurious insects of central 
Europe, and particularly of their natural enemies. 

Prof. A. Séverin, Conservator at the Royal Museum of Natural His- 
tory of Belgium, and member of the Superior Council of Forests. Pro- 
fessor Séverin’s position is naturally that of one of the best-posted ento- 
mologists, particularly with reference to dangerous forest insects. 


It will be seen from the foregoing that the work of importing 
parasites of the gypsy and brown-tail moths in Massachusetts 


ne he 
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1 and 2, Outdoor Tents and Breeding Houses. 
3, Breeding Cages in Outdoor Tent. 


i in, 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 193 


has been thoroughly examined by practically a congress of the 
world’s leading entomological experts. And it is believed that 
their consensus of opinion, which is, in the main, that every- 
thing possible to secure the successful importation of these in- 
sects is being done, will be taken as authoritative and final. It 
would seem that the last word has been said on this matter, and 
that there should be no further occasion for that kind of adverse 
criticism, whose sole effect is to harass those who are giving 
their best thought and most sincere effort to the accomplishment 
of the desired result. Destructive criticism of scientific work, 
by the amateur or dilettante, is absolutely valueless. Construc- 
tive criticism, such as these reports make on certain minor 
details of this important work, is helpful, and of public good. 
Wherever in the reports of visiting scientists helpful and prac- 
tical suggestions have been made, they will be adopted, and 
applied to this great problem as soon as opportunity permits. 
The expert opinions follow. 


REPORT OF PROF. CHARLES P. LOUNSBURY, 


GOVERNMENT ENTOMOLOGIST OF THE COLONY OF CAPE OF Goop HOPE, 
SoutH AFRICA. 


Lonvon, Enea., Aug. 19, 1907. 
Prof. A. H. KirKLAND, Superintendent for Suppressing the Gypsy and 
Brown-tail Moths, 6 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass. 

Str: — In response to your request that I examine into the work of 
introducing insect natural enemies of the gypsy and brown-tail moths, 
during my visit to America, and that I submit to you a memorandum 
conveying my opinion of its organization and management, and also 
making any comments or criticisms which might prove helpful, I take 
pleasure in reporting as follows :— 

For the purposes in view, I paid three visits to the parasite labo- 
atory at Saugus: one in late April, one about the middle of June and 
he last in early August. On the first oceasion I discussed the work in 
etail with Mr. E. S. G. Titus, then the federal officer in immediate 
arge of the introductions; and on the two latter I had similar con- 
rse with Mr. W. F. Fiske, the federal officer now in charge. I was in 
e company of Assistant Superintendent Worthley on the first trip, 
d from him gleaned a fair notion of the position as a whole in regard 
the pest as it stands at present; and more was learned later from 
urself while motoring through a large section of the most infested 
On my last visit to the laboratory I was accompanied by Pro- 
or Fernald and yourself. Altogether, I think I have obtained a 


194 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


comprehensive and fairly accurate knowledge of the position. I may 
mention that I was not an entire stranger to the gypsy moth problem. 
In 1891 I had direct connection with the extermination work carried 
on under Mr. E. H. Forbush; from 1892 to 1895, as assistant to Prof. 
C. H. Fernald at Amherst, I was kept in touch with the operations 
conducted in that period; and though since 1895 resident in South 
Africa, the problem of the pest has continued to interest me. The 
control of injurious insects by introduced natural enemies is also a 
subject which has long interested me, and one to which I have given 
much time and thought. South Africa, like California, suffered se- 
verely by the cottony cushion seale (Icerya purchasi), and found relief 
with the introduction of the Australian ladybird (Novius cardinalis). 
My office is now concerned with the introduction of parasites for the 
red scale and codling moth, brought to notice by Mr. George Compere; 
and a few years ago I obtained for California Scutellista cyanea, the 
now famous parasite of the black scale. 

In my opinion, the project of securing the establishment in Massa- 
chusetts of the leading over-sea insect natural enemies of the gypsy and 
brown-tail moths is unreservedly commendable from the standpoint of 
public economy; and I think that in the public interest the work now 
undertaken should be kept up continuously under the ablest supervision 
procurable, and with unstinted funds, until the object appears to have 
been attained, or until it is established beyond any doubt that there are 
insurmountable difficulties to suecess. I do not think hope of getting 
efficient enemies should be*abandoned even should a decade of contin- 
uous endeavor yield little positive result. But if the present standard 
of work is faithfully maintained, I shall be surprised if gratifying 
success is not attained well within that time, and I deem the chance 
of failing to secure good results ultimately commensurate with the 
expenditure only a remote possibility. So confidently do I look for- 
ward to efficient parasites being finally established successfully, that I 
regard the parasite phase of the work of your office more important 
than any other feature, however necessary measures undertaken are to 
the preservation from almost certain destruction of almost innumerabl« 
valuable trees. To my mind, the introduction of natural enemies o/ 
the pests is a work of priceless and permanent value, and no lack o 
funds should at any time be allowed to interfere with its prosecutio 
to a finish, 

It seems to me quite reasonable to expect that by the successful esta’ 
lishment of natural enemies both the gypsy and brown-tail moths w 
before many years be brought to a degree of subjection similar to th 
which exists in the over-sea countries of similar climate where tl 
are indigenous. They may both continue to be reckoned as “ pest’ 
and in abnormal years may bring about serious defoliation of favol 
food plants, unless what are termed “ artificial” measures are pract‘d 
against them. It is quite probable that at the best they will give ne 
trouble than the tussock moths, tent caterpillars and canker worms ;t 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 195 


any one acquainted with their prodigious potentiality for damage under 
present cireumstances will appreciate that the improvement in condi- 
tions here suggested would be enormous, and of inestimable value. 
Some persons fear that the insect natural enemies which may be ob- 
tained will fail to adapt themselves to the New England climate, and 
therefore prove of little practical utility. The gypsy moth, however, is 
known to occur in Europe and Asia over an immense’area in many parts 
of which the climatic conditions must be quite as rigorous as they are 
in New England; and that it is nowhere else the formidable pest that 
it has proved in New England may be reasonably attributed to its 
insect enemies. Should it appear in a few years that the leading 
European parasites give no promise of efficiency, I think that arrange- 
ments should be made to try parasites from eastern Asia. The vastly 
greater ‘difficulties of getting material in a satisfactory condition to 
Massachusetts from the latter part of the world than from Europe 
naturally make it advisable that European sources of supply be ex- 
hausted before much time and money are expended there; and, besides, 
parts of European Russia that are now being exploited experience 
almost if not quite as severe a climate as New England. 

The plan which has been devised to obtain parasitized material from 
over-sea and to rear and breed from it in America appears to me to be 
exceedingly praiseworthy, both in general arrangements and in details. 
I have no suggestion to offer for its improvement, further than that 
more trained entomologists, if they can be procured, be employed in 
the laboratory and breeding work, and that lay assistants who are 
valuable through natural inclination for their work and by acquired 
experience be encouraged to remain from season to season by liberal 
wages, and, when necessary, continuous employment. Work of such 
great and permanent importance to the State and nation should not 
be allowed to suffer through any lack of expert assistance; and it 
seems to me preferable, on the ground of ultimate economy, to have 
highly paid qualified men for months together doing work for which 
their special skiil and knowledge may not be of practical advantage, 
rather than that such men be wanting at critical moments, when their 
services may be necessary to insure proper treatment of some parasite. 
As in many respects the work undertaken is entirely without precedent, 
and as by its nature it bristles with minor technicalities, unforeseen 
problems that demand immediate solution by specialists in entomology 
may arise at any moment. Incidentally, if trained entomologists are 
engaged on the details of this unique work, the science of entomolog 
will benefit to no mean extent. Such men would observe and record 
innumerable hitherto unknown particulars regarding the insects han- 
dled that would quite escape the attention of others; and, while it is 
true that such information might have no immediate practical signifi- 
cance, occasions might later arise when they would elucidate problems 
that would otherwise prove difficult and expensive. 

The arrangement whereby the federal Bureau of Entomology secures 


196 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


the co-operation of entomologists and collectors abroad in obtaining 
material and making helpful observations, is, to my mind, wise and 
admirable from all points of view. One advantage lies in the fact that 
the successful establishment of natural enemies may speedily remove 
to a very great extent the necessity for the control measures at present 
practised, and thus throw the staff now engaged out of employment. If 
State employees alone were concerned, and all that is hoped for from 
natural enemies not be realized speedily, it might be argued plausibly, 
though utterly without truth, that the lack of success was due to failure 
being in the private interest of the parties supervising the work. Such 
an argument might lead to a serious delay in getting an appropria- 
tion, and jeopardize such progress as had been made. Because officers 
of the federal Bureau have nothing to gain by a continuance of the 
pests, and on the other hand will achieve much honor in their branch 
of science if through their assistance these pests are brought under the 
control of natural checks, their entire honesty of purpose cannot be 
questioned. Another advantage in having federal aid is the prestige 
it secures in dealing with the helpers abroad. Personal experience 
leads me to emphasize the fact that foreigners as a whole are more in- 
clined to stand on etiquette thau Americans, and it is nearly always 
desirable, in approaching them for assistance on any publie matter, to 
be able to represent one’s mission as connected with the highest power, 
the central government, and to have credentials to that effect. The fact 
that the United States is not one country, but “many in one,” is not 
well understood over-sea; and service on behalf of the State might be 
half-hearted, when on behalf of the nation it would be eagerly rendered. 
For the reasons given, the State is, I think, fortunate in having secured 
federal aid in the form it has; and it is particularly fortunate in that 
Dr. Howard, the Chief of the Bureau of Entomology, is giving the 
subject his personal attention, — he having been to Europe during three 
successive seasons for purposes of investigation, and to arrange with 
numerous parties for the collection and forwarding of material from 
various localities. Dr. Howard has long been a leading authority on 
certain groups of parasitie insects, and, by virtue of his oceupaney of 
the foremost position in economic entomology in the world, he is better 
known amongst foreign official entomologists than any other American 
entomologist; and much that has been simple for him to accomplish in 
organization would, I feel sure, have proved difficult to any one else 
to whom the task might have been entrusted. 

While in the west a few weeks ago, I heard that Hon. Elwood Cooper, 
Horticultural Commissioner of California, had been in extensive corre- 
spondence with interested parties in Massachusetts with reference to 
natural enemies of the two pests concerned, and that he made an offer, 
a few years ago, to have an effective parasite for each found and intro- 
duced for a specified amount. It was his intention, I was told, to have 
Mr. George Compere, a professional searcher for insect natural enemies, 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 199 


now engaged jointly by California and West Australia, assume the 
undertaking. Mr. Cooper probably felt, and may still feel, that Mr. 
Compere is better fitted than any other man in or out of America for 
such a task, and he doubtless made the offer in full sincerity and be- 
lieving that its acceptance would be in the best interest of Massachu- 
setts; yet all who have studied the gypsy and brown-tail moth position 
in America and abroad, and have much knowledge of Mr. Compere 
and the work he has done, must realize that the nonacceptance was for- 
tunate. Mr. Compere’s extensive experience in searching for natural 
enemies of various insects would not be of much value if applied to the 
problem of suppressing these caterpillar pests. It is not as if the 
original home was unknown, and as if a single species of parasites 
from there was thought likely to prove capable of suppressing the host. 
The gypsy and brown-tail moths are known to be indigenous in Europe, 
and both were studied there by entomologists long before they reached 
America. It has been found that numerous species of parasites of 
several distinct groups attack them; and, as there is no way to deter- 
mine which of these enemies is most effective without extensive rearing 
work, and as in all probability several species together will answer the 
purpose better than any one alone, it is certainly advisable to try to 
get all that seemed promising, as is being done. Under Dr. Howard’s 
‘organization, presumably parasitized specimens in large numbers are 
obtained from widely separated parts of Europe through the aid of 
many expert collectors resident in and familiar with the districts in 
which they work. This plan is incomparably superior to having Mr. 
Compere collect alone, however excellent a collector he may be; and, 
no matter who collects, reliable experts are required in America to rear 
out and breed the parasites, and to see that no injurious insects are 
incidentally introduced. It may be contended that Mr. Compere, be- 
cause of his lengthy experience at collecting in foreign countries, should 
be better qualified to organize and supervise a collecting force abroad 
than Dr. Howard, whose chief work for some years has been in an 
office at Washington; but any one who. knows both men would not for 
an instant doubt Dr. Howard’s vast superiority in this field, even irre- 
spective of the considerations discussed in foregoing paragraphs. 
Ability to impress foreign entomologists favorably seems an essential 
factor for satisfactory progress, and such ability involves a high 
degree of education, scientific standing, tact and judgment. I make 
these remarks because there seems a chance that well-meaning but ill- 
informed parties may yet insist that he be engaged for the work, and 
thus oceasion a needless flood of discussion and perhaps costly delay 
in getting an appropriation to continue with the scheme as now ar- 
ranged. Mr. Compere has many qualifications for obtaining natural }il/ 
enemies. He has had a unique experience in transporting insects on 
long journeys, is a good collector, a tireless and industrious worker in 
the field and a keen natural-enemy enthusiast. His unbounded faith 


198 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


in there being effective enemies somewhere for every insect pest may 
have considerable value in connection with the problems upon which he 
is engaged for California and West Australia; but I am convinced, 
as I have said above, that these qualities would have little value in 
dealing with the collection and establishment of enemies for the gypsy 
and brown-tail moths. 

In discussing the position as a whole with others, I have heard the 
eriticism made frequently that the officials who have been concerned 
with the fighting of the pests were grossly negligent in not long ago 
taking action to obtain natural enemies. I myself think it a great pity 
that steps were not taken when State work first began; but considering 
the cireumstances, I do not feel that any blame attaches to the officers. 
It was known that in Europe the gypsy moth committed great ravages 
from time to time, despite its natural checks; and hence its total ex- 
termination was adjudged worth a large expenditure, and vastly pref- 
erable, all things considered, to accomplishing its suppression. The aim 
of the operations was made to eradicate the insect absolutely, and this 
project was considered feasible by the leading entomological experts of 
the States. To trouble with natural checks seemed quite unnecessary, — 
indeed an unealled-for waste, since before the time in which the most 
sanguine would have expected introduced enemies to multiply suffi- 
ciently to be of appreciable benefit could elapse, it was anticipated that 
the pest would be exterminated, and any natural checks thereby rendered 
utterly useless. The battle with the pest was stopped by the cessation 
of appropriations while the issue was still considered in doubt. When 
it was taken up again, the idea of total extermination was abandoned, 
and then, I understand, no time was lost in seeking natural aids to 
effect suppression. 

In conclusion, I have pleasure in summarizing what I have expressed 
at rather great length by stating that I consider the arrangements for 
obtaining the natural aids admirably planned, their fulfillment entrusted 
to safe hands, and that satisfactory progress is being made. I regard 
gratifying suecess as highly probable, and expect to see it achieved 
within a decade, if the work gets no set-back by a lack of funds at any 
time, or by any ill-advised alteration in plan or personnel of staff. 


REPORT OF DR. RICHARD HEYMONS, 


AUSSERORDENTLICHER HONORARPROFESSOR UND KUSTOR AM ZOOLOGISCHEN 
MUSEUM DER KOENIGLICHEN UNIVERSITAT IN BERLIN. 
Boston, Mass., Aug. 22, 1907. 
I made use of my stay in Boston, in August, 1907, in visiting the 
Massachusetts parasite station in Lynn, in order to learn the methods 
which are used in the United States of North America in combating in- 
jurious insects. In this subject European countries are also interested, 
as in Germany and other European States great outbreaks of injurious 
insects have taken place repeatedly, when every wood and field is devas- 


Breeding Cages used in Outdoor Tent. 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 199 


tated, and damage is caused to the amount of many hundred million 
marks. 

The progress which during the last deeade has been made in Germany 
in fighting injurious insects has at present shown that in very many 
cases man can accomplish with technical expedients relatively little 
against the insects. The most effective means of fighting them is found 
in nature itself, for all great disasters which, for instance, have been 
caused by caterpillars in Germany in the course of the last generation 
have found their natural end through parasites, which have destroyed 
the injurious insects. 

In New England now you are concerned chiefly with the fight against 
two European pests which have been accidentally introduced, namely, 
the gypsy and brown-tail moths. Both insects are in Europe relatively 
harmless, while in America they do dreadful damage. The reason that 
these insects are of so great economic importance in America is prin- 
cipally that in America the parasites of the gypsy and brown-tail moths 
are still lacking, while in Europe these parasites prevent the great 
damage of these pests. : 

I consider it a special service of Dr. L. O. Howard, that he has 
realized the importance of the parasites in the destruction of the gypsy 
and brown-tail moths, and that he has tried to find a means to render 
possible the importing of European parasites into America by efficient 
methods. 

The method which is practised in the Massachusetts parasite station 
I have examined in Saugus. I am of the opinion that these methods 
are wholly efficient, and that they will give the best results in the 
future. I am of the opinion, after being in Saugus, that the cultivation 
of parasitic bacteria in large numbers is of doubtful value, and that 
instead of this the main efforts should be devoted to the breeding and 
propagating of parasitic insects, namely, of Hymenopterous and Tachi- 
nid parasites. The arrangements and apparatus for this work which 
’ have been perfected and put in practice at Saugus I consider best and 
most suitable, and worth imitating in every respect. I intend to recom- 
mend similar arrangements in Germany. 

My opinion is that for the economic interests of agriculture parasite 
stations are of great importance, and the troublesome and lengthy work 
of breeding and naturalizing European parasites gives the best help 
and advancement. As to scientific entomology, I wish to say, in con- 
elusion, that from the experiments which are being made in the parasite 
station for the destruction of the gypsy and brown-tail moths a real 
enrichment of our knowledge of the life history and biology of para- 
sitic insects is to be expected. 

In addition to the practical economic work, which is without doubt of 
paramount interest to the American people, a good piece of scientific 
work is being carried on under the management of Dr. L. O. Howard 
and his assistants, the conclusion of which all civilized nations will 
await with thankfulness. 


200 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 


JOINT REPORT OF PROF. R. BLANCHARD, 


(UNIVERSITE DE PARIS) MEMBRE DE L’ACADEMIE DE MEDECINE, SECRETAIRE 
GENERAL DU COMITE PERMANENT DE CONGRES. INTERNATIONAUX DE 
ZOOLOGIE, 

AND 


DR. G. HORVATH, 


MEMBRE DE L’ACADEMIE DES SCIENCES DE HONGRIE, DIRECTEUR DE LA SECTION 
ZOOLOGIQUE DU MUSEE NATIONAL HONGROIS, ANCIEN DIRECTEUR DE LA 
STATION ENTOMOLOGIQUE DE L’ETAT DE HONGRIE. 


Dr. L. O. Howarp, Chief, Bureau of Entomology, Department of 
Agriculture. 

Dear AND Honorep COLLEAGUE: — European entomologists are fol- 
lowing with the liveliest interest the efforts which for three years you 
have been making looking toward the destruction of two species of 
European Lepidoptera, unfortunately introduced into the United States. 

We knew by the reports already published upon this subject the 
grave character of the devastations done in American plantations by 
the gypsy mbth (Porthetria dispar) and by the brown-tail moth 
(Euproctis chrysorrhea) ; we knew also what persevering efforts were 
being put forth by you, and by the other distinguished entomologists 
placed under your orders, in the struggle against this plague. 

However, it has been very pleasant to be able to visit the laboratory 
at North Saugus, directed with so great competence by Mr. Kirkland. 
The excursion which we have made through the country has allowed us 
to estimate the extent of the damage, and we were further confirmed 
in our opinion that it was necessary to take the most energetic measures 
to stop the pest. These measures, we are convinced, are planned in the 
most rational and most intelligent manner by the new processes put in 
operation. The destruction of the eggs of the caterpillars, or of the 
nests, in the forests and orchards is surely an excellent method; but it 
demands a considerable force of men, and necessitates very heavy ex- 
penses; it is only an artificial proceeding, and is useful only on condition 
that it is continuous. 

In European countries, where the Lepidopterous insects in question 
live and multiply without causing loss to an unnecessary degree, there 
is established a kind of equilibrium, thanks to the struggle which exists 
among injurious insects and their natural enemies. It should be pos- 
sible to establish a quite entirely similar equilibrium in other countries. 
You have had the ingenious idea of attempting to bring this about, and 
you have the ability to realize by experience the necessary biological 
conditions. That is why you have undertaken to introduce in America, 
in the five States of the Union which are directly concerned, the insects 
which normally in Europe attack the two injurious species and limit 
their destructive action. 


| 
| 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT— No. 73. 201 


The visit to the laboratory at North Saugus has benefited and edified 
us.. The truly ingenious methods which are applied there are adapted 
perfectly to the end which you propose, and we have been able to see 
that the acclimatization of the insects in question can be considered 
now as an accomplished fact, at least for a good part of the species 
upon which the experiment has been made. Such results obtained in 
so short a time permit us to think that the acclimatization of the other 
species will also be accomplished. The warfare against the injurious 
insects will thereafter be undertaken under the same conditions as in 
Europe, and we have a certain belief that it will be as efficacious. 

One point which has particularly struck us is the minute precautions 
which are taken in the laboratory at North Saugus to avoid the intro- 
duction into America of insects other than those which it is necessary 
to introduce. The methods of rearing and of selection which you have 
chosen, and which Mr. Kirkland and his assistants carry on in such a 
conscientious way, give every surety against the legitimate apprehen- 
sions of those who may fear the introduction of species not useful in 
the struggle undertaken, but, on the other hand, injurious to certain 
American crops. k 

We have thought, dear and honored colleague, that you should 
authorize us to express to you all the satisfaction which our visit to-day 
to the laboratory at North Saugus has given us, and all our admiration 
for the conscientious intelligence and persevering energy which you 
have shown in this novel work. The States of the Union owe you much 
already; you are rendering them an actual and new service of truly 
inestimable value. 

Please believe, dear and honored colleague, in our most affectionately 
devoted sentiments. 


REPORT OF PROF. WALTER W. FROGGATT, 


GOVERNMENT ENTOMOLOGIST OF NEW SouTH WALES AND INVESTIGATOR FOR 
Victorta, SouTH AUSTRALIA AND QUEENSLAND. 
WasuinetTon, D. C., Oct. 14, 1907. 
Dr. L. O. Howarp, Bureau of Entomology, United States Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, D. C. 

Dear Dr. Howarp: —I have been very much interested in my visit 
last week to the districts infested with the brown-tail and gypsy moths. 
The area they have spread through is so vast that I do not think that 
with mere mechanical methods, such as spraying, burning, ete. (and 
even they must be continuous), they will ever be more than kept in 
check. Therefore, the question of introducing into these infested dis- 
tricts all the parasites that can be found attacking these destructive 
moths in their original home appears to be a very rational one. With 
an unlimited food supply around them, and no danger of liberating the 
secondary parasites that probably destroy a very large percentage in 


202 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


Europe, these parasitic Hymenoptera (from which I expect the most 
benefit) should rapidly increase in numbers, and in a very short time 
spread from one end of the district to the other. Under the scientific 
and practical methods, carried out by your staff of trained entomolo- 
gists, you should succeed, unless some unforeseen conditions arise. The 
effects of these parasites may not be apparent for several years, but I 
can assure you that I shall follow your work with the keenest interest, 
as will all the scientific entomologists in the world who have studied 
the possibilities of parasitie work. 

As I understand that there are certain people in Boston who would 
like to pass the work of dealing with the parasites of the brown-tail and 
gypsy moths over to the State Board of Horticulture of California, and 
obtain the services of Mr. George Compere, I would like to state, as 
official entomologist of New South Wales, that I have had many oppor- 
tunities of knowing the work that Mr. Compere has done in western 
Australia, and have also studied his work in California, where I find 
that no efficient parasite of any kind has ever been introduced into Cali- 
fornia during all the time Mr. Compere has been there. I should 
therefore strongly advise these people to have nothing to do with Mr. 
Compere’s work, and to leave the business in the able hands in which it 
is at present, of the United States Department of Agriculture at 
Washington. 


REPORT OF PROF. A. SEVERIN, 


CONSERVATEUR AU MUSEE RoyAL D’HISTOIRE NATURELLE DE BELGIQUE, 
MEMBRE DU CONSEIL SUPERIEUR DES Forgts. 


Boston, Aug. 21, 1907. 


My Dear Dr. Howarp: — The Administration and Superior Council 
of Forests of Belgium has been occupied for several years with the 
unhappy situation often created by the unusual development of certain 
insects injurious to wooded estates and domains. I have been officially 
charged by the Belgian government with the study of this especial sit- 
uation, with a view to its remedy. After having studied the action of 
the governments of the different European States, and having visited 
the institutions devoted to these especial studies, after having made my- 
self familiar with the means employed by them or by private enter- 
prise, I have had adopted in Belgium, suiting them to local conditions, 
the best preventive and destructive measures which I have been able 
to find. 

It goes without saying that I have followed with great interest at 
the same time the numerous enterprises of the American entomologists 
against the most important enemies of their forests; but I must 
acknowledge that these efforts seemed to me often carried on extrava- 
gantly, — that is, that the importance of the damage reported seemed 
not comparable to the efforts made to stop the injuries, so that the 
costly carrying out of remedial measures must surpass the importance. 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 203 


of the loss sustained. Thus these undertakings have appeared to me 
to have an experimental value rather than an economic one, for we can- 
not understand this extensive destruction when we consider the ravages 
caused by these same insects in Europe. 

I have no longer any such feeling, after having seen, hastily, it is 
true, your country, for I can testify to the enormous development of 
the pests which you are trying to combat. I am therefore led, my dear 
Dr. Howard, after having compared our methods with yours, with the 
confidence of a man especially prepared for this comparison, to tell 
you of the admiration which I have felt for the scientific and economic 
results which have already been obtained, and which your willing per- 
severance will still obtain. These results will be kept up by the work 
of the intelligent men who are your assistants and whom you have been 
able to gather around you. 

The examination of the fine experiment station at Saugus, near 
Boston, and the explanation which you have given me of the fight car- 
ried on, will greatly modify my views on economic entomology and on 
the methods to follow to make application of it. The program is up to 
the present the most vast and the best established, while the station is the 
largest that I have seen. It is also the only station in the world 
which permits the serious study of the development of the necessary 
means for fighting in an efficacious and natural manner an invading 
pest. It has been necessary to conduct these experiments on a large 
scale, as you have been able to do, in order to put these agents in a 
state as near as possible to nature. 

It is necessary, however, in order that your experiments have all their 
value and all their weight, that they should continue without ceasing 
during years; and I hope that the State of Massachusetts, as well as 
the intelligent taxpayers who have consented to the sacrifice of the in- 
dispensable money for the founding and equipment of the station, will 
continue to place you in a position to carry on these experiments for 
that time. 

I shall follow your work in the future with the greatest attention, as 
I shall better understand your reports; and I shall make known your 
methods of work, which depend upon the weapons which nature gives 
you, but which we are not always able to use. Your experiments have 
a great value for us, for the replanting of forests now going on in 
Europe is a source of anxiety to the specialists in forest entomology, 
as we foresee much damage by pests when the extent of forest land, 
comprising only a few varieties of species, shall become greater and 
greater. You will have shown us the way, and we can from now hope 
that your experiments will constitute our surest guide in our future 
struggle. 

Your enterprise, my dear Dr. Howard, is no longer an American one, 
— jit is world-wide, and I hope that the wealthy country of America, 
which has in you the man capable of carrying on this great work to a 


204 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


suecessful end, will continue the honor of sustaining you generously 
in your efforts. It will have merited, then, the gratitude of humanity, 
which will owe to your country an important part of its well-being. 


In a recent very extended article on the ‘ Utilization of the 
Parasitic and Predaceous Insects in the Struggle against In- 
sects Injurious to Agriculture,” published in the Annals of the 
National Agronomical Institute of France, second series, vol- 
ume VI., 1907, pages 282-354, Dr. Paul Marchal discusses in a 
most competent way all of the attempts that have been made in 
the past along this line, as far as literature has described these 
efforts. He has given us an admirable summary of the whole 
work with parasites. He devotes much space to the gypsy moth 
parasite undertakings, and in stating his conclusions says: — 


And to what practical results will all this work lead us? It is still 
difficult to state in a decisive way the answer to this question. The ex- 
periments have, however, been carried on under the very best conditions 
to bring success to the enterprise; and it was impossible to confide the 
work to a savant of higher scientific standing than the eminent director 
of the Bureau of Entomology at Washington. Given the great number 
of parasites imported, the abundance of food which they find at their 
disposition, a climate analogous to that of Europe, it does not appear 
doubtful that many of the species will become acclimatized; and once 
acclimatized they cannot fail to strongly influence the balance of nature 
to the prejudice of the injurious species. 

The time necessary for this movement of the seesaw may be long, and 
it does not seem that we can have appreciable results before four or five 
years; but what matter, in any case, since we are trying to obtain a 
result which is of indefinite duration, and which will dispense with the 
expensive process of destruction by insecticides and by hand, and which 
will mark the end of a public calamity menacing the trees of the whole 
United States? 


REPORT OF DR. JAMES FLETCHER, 


DOMINION ENTOMOLOGIST, OTTAWA, ONT. 


CreNTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM, 
Orrawa, Ont., CANADA, June 27, 1907. 


A. H. KiIrkLaNb, Esq., Superintendent for Suppressing the Gypsy and 
Brown-tail Moths, Boston, Mass., U. 8. 

Dear Sir:—TI have the honor to report that in response to your 
invitation I had, on June 24 and 25 last, the pleasure of inspecting some 
of the work which has been done under the superintendeney of Dr. L. 
O. Howard and yourself in Massachusetts in importing and establishing 
parasites, with the object of controlling the brown-tail and gypsy 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 205 


moths, and also of seeing the results of the work which has been done 
to destroy these pests on the shade trees and other trees along high 
roads and streets and in ornamental grounds over an extensive area in 
the State of Massachusetts around the city of Boston. 

Leaving your office at 9 o’clock on the morning of June 24, in an 
automobile, we passed through Cambridge, Somerville, Malden, Melrose 
and Wakefield to Saugus. I was much pleased and surprised to note 
the excellent condition of the trees which had been kept free of injury 
by caterpillars by means of the measures which your commission has 
adopted, viz., the spraying of the trees with the arsenate of lead mix- 
ture, the burlapping and banding of trees with tanglefoot, and by a 
discreet cutting out and burning of useless trees and undergrowth. The 
destruction of the eggs of the gypsy moth by ecreosoting and the effect- 
iveness of this method were plainly visible by the masses of dead eggs 
on many trees. 

At the parasite laboratory at Saugus we were received by Mr. F. H. 
Mosher, the entomologist in charge, and shown through the various 
rooms, where the large consignment of parasitized material from Dr. 
L. O. Howard and his agents in Europe was being unpacked and eared 
for. I knew of this work in a general way, but had no idea, before I 
visited the laboratory, of its great scope or of the skill and eare with 
which the details are being carried out at Saugus by a body of enthusi- 
astie scientific assistants, all of whom, although suffering more or less 
from the painful “ brown-tail rash,” continued their investigations with 
unabated interest. The painful irritation caused by the barbed hairs 
of the brown-tail moth caterpillars complicates this problem consider- 
ably, making it necessary to adopt special means to prevent to as large 
a degree as possible the poisoning of the hands and faces of those 
engaged in opening, examining and sorting the boxes of parasitized 
material which are constantly coming to hand, and which must be 
promptly attended to. 

At the time of my visit the work with the Pteromalus, which was 
called provisionally processionee when received, and upon which Dr. 
Howard based much hope, was practically finished for this season. I 
was able to see the cases in which these parasites were reared, and the 
great amount of care which was necessary in examining the insects so 
as to destroy secondary parasites when liberating the beneficial species. 
It is satisfactory to know that large numbers of this important enemy 
of the brown-tail moth in Europe have been successfully reared and 
liberated in several localities. It is hoped with reason that by this 
insect both the brown-tail and gypsy moths will be much reduced in 
numbers. 

On visiting the breeding cages out of doors we found that Tachina 
flies of nearly a dozen species were emerging in large numbers and in 
a healthy condition. These also, as soon as all species which were not 
actually known to be primary parasites of the moths had been de- 


206 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


stroyed, were turned out in infested districts where it was thought that 
they could do most good. 

The large and handsome predaceous beetle, Calosoma sycophanta, 
which is known to prey on the caterpillars in Europe and which was 
imported last year, had not yet appeared in numbers; but I was for- 
tunate enough to see, on the day of my visit, the first American-reared 
specimen of this species. It closely resembles our native Calosoma scru- 
tator, and will doubtless be confounded with it by many until the dif- 
ferences are pointed out by entomologists. 

There are some special features of this experiment in importing bene- 
ficial parasites to control such well-established enemies as the brown-tail 
and gypsy moths which must be borne in mind, and from which greater 
success may be anticipated than from any previous efforts. The ex- 
tensive scale on which the work is being prosecuted reduces the chances 
of error, and allows parasitized material to be imported at all times of 
the year and from a large number of different localities in Europe 
whenever the parasites may be observed to be abundant. The fact that 
the planning and earrying out of the details of the scheme have been 
done by some of the best-trained economic entomologists in the world, 
resident both in America and in Europe, and that ample funds were 
provided by the State for any suggested plan of action which was 
thought reasonable, all combine to render this one of the most im- 
portant efforts in the annals of economic entomology. 

I have no suggestions to make with regard to this work. The great- 
est care seems to have been taken in carrying out the many difficult 
operations which are necessary in rearing parasites, in keeping accurate 
records and in distributing the insects. 

After leaving the parasite laboratory, we passed through Swamp- 
scott, Salem, Beverly, Manchester, Essex, Rowley, Ipswich, Newbury- 
port and many other places. This gave another opportunity of seeing 
the good work which has been done in controlling the caterpillars along 
the main highways and in cities. The work of the spraying outfits in 
woodlands and parks was also examined. That 8,000 miles of streets 
should have been practically freed of devastating caterpillars of two 
of the worst known pests of shade trees in only two seasons is a 
triumph of applied science which must be of great encouragement to 
all engaged in such work, and is an indication of what may be hoped 
for in the near future in Massachusetts if the same plan of action is 
persisted in. 

From what I saw during the journey now reported upon, and dur- 
ing an extended trip taken the following day in company with Prof. J. 
B. Smith of New Jersey and Prof. E. P. Felt of New York, I feel con- 
fident that the vigorous campaign now being carried on under your 
management, including the systematie colonizing of the parasites under 
Dr. Howard’s direction, must result in the control of the two chief 
enemies against which it is directed, and, if continued, in their complete 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 207 


eradication. A hopeful sign in this warfare is the sympathy manifested 
in the work by many public-spirited citizens, such as Gen. Samuel Law- 
rence, Col. Wm. Sohier, numerous residents of the North Shore dis- 
trict, of Brookline, Winchester, Belmont, and in fact of all the badly 
infested towns, who have not hesitated to spend large sums of their 
own money for the public weal. The enterprising spirit which seems 
to be actuating the officials of the infested towns and cities to co- 
operate with the State and the federal government is a new develop- 
ment which is an example to the whole world. 

In passing through infested parks and woodland roads, the danger of 
the caterpillars being carried from place to place by passing vehicles 
was plainly demonstrated, and showed the wisdom of clearing a 100- 
foot protective belt by thinning out and spraying the trees, which is 
being done both by officials of the federal Bureau of Entomology and 
by your foree. The advent of the automobile has certainly increased 
enormously the difficulties of preventing the spread of these cater- 
pillars, which spin down over the roadways from the trees, and are 
thus carried lone distances in a very short time. Any one looking into 
this matter at the present day must regret deeply that the work of ex- 
termination should have been stopped in 1900, when there were prac- 
tically no automobiles. 

From what I saw of the work as now being done under you and Dr. 
Howard, I am deeply impressed with the careful and methodical man- 
agement of this whole campaign, and of the wisdom of the Legislature 
of the State of Massachusetts in providing funds so that the work may 
be prosecuted vigorously now. 

In the whole of this work I have only one suggestion to make, viz., 
that the fungous disease which we found to be very prevalent in some 
localities may be watched closely, so that, if practicable, its services may 
be directed against the caterpillars in some places where this is prac- 
ticable. This of course is a very difficult friend to control. It is a 
native species, and at times has done good service in limiting outbreaks 
of injurious insects; but on the whole has been less effective than insect 
parasites. 


REPORT OF EDW. M. EHRHORN, 


DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF HORTICULTURE, CALIFORNIA. 
San Francisco, Cau., Aug. 15, 1907. 
Mr. A. H. KIRKLAND, Superintendent for Suppressing the Gypsy and Brown- 
tail Moths, 6 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass. 

Dear Sir: — In accordance with your kind invitation to visit Massa- 
chusetts, and examine into the various phases of the introduced para- 
sites of the gypsy and brown-tail moths, as per your letter of May 
29, and having received permission from my chief, Hon. Elwood 
Cooper, State Commissioner of Horticulture of California, as well 
as the approval of Hon. James M. Gillett, Governor of California, I 


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


left San Francisco on July 16 and arrived in Boston on July 20, in 
the evening, where I found your kind letter with instructions awaiting 
me. During the period I was with you 1 made several trips to the 
laboratory at Saugus, and visited the whole infested area, and in this 
way I have been able to realize the stupendous work with which your 
office has been battling since May, 1905. 

We in California have dreaded the two pests for years, and have been 
on the constant lookout lest one or the other should find its way to our 
great State. Very few of California’s citizens have any idea of the 
magnitude and severity of either pest, and I for one must confess that 
I was greatly surprised at the conditions I found. I ean realize what a 
serious mistake it was to have discontinued the work in 1900, which re- 
duced the pest to a minimum at that time. 

I am told by honest individuals that conditions are greatly improved 
since the new appropriation for suppressing these pests began, and from 
my own observations I certainly believe this is true. In my opinion, you 
have done the very best work to check these pests; and during my stay 
I witnessed the constant and thorough work of killing the caterpillars 
under the bands, the burning over of wood lots and the establishment of 
protective belts which are to prevent the pest from spreading from badly 
infested wood lots to the public roads, to be carried thence on ears and 
other vehicles, as they pass, into new sections. These organized efforts 
with the various methods are, as I can judge, the very best, and if thor- 
ough co-operation is carried out, should go far towards reducing the pest 
to a minimum. It is to be hoped that in sections where there is a lack 
of interest, and where the authorities have been remiss in their duties, 
new interest will manifest itself, especially when the good work of other 
sections stands as a lesson and shows the result of thorough work- 
manship. 

I can readily see the great benefit which you will derive from the pro- 
tective belts, as well as from burning over the badly infested wood lots. 

I have been deeply interested in the rearing of the several parasites, 
which is being carried on in co-operation with the United States Depart- 
ment of Agriculture. The work of introducing and rearing beneficial in- 
sects is one that constantly presents new phases and odd problems; and 
one of the most important matters in conjunction with the work is to 
eliminate secondary parasites, so as to give the primary or true parasites 
full swing. I am pleased to say that I find that every precaution has 
been taken for this important work. You have certainly taken pains to 
prevent any questionable species from escaping, and the tight rooms in 
which the unpacking takes place and in which all the materials are 
handled are very safe places for this work. While you are, so to 
speak, only at the threshold of this work, you have to a certain extent 
laid a good foundation, and the methods you employ are much the 
same as are used in California. I particularly refer to the breeding 
cages, and I understand that these were made from our models.. Your 


— 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 209 


out-door breeding houses are well built, and apparently serve their 
purpose. The success of your parasite work will in a great measure 
depend on the study of the life cyele of the pests in the laboratory, as 
well as in the field, combined with the closest study of the life and 
habits of the parasite; this I note you are doing. 

I commend your work of destroying by fire all materials, boxes, ete., 
received, as well as the used-up materials after the parasites have 
emerged, and all food used in propagating larve, when this food be- 
comes stale and worthless. In this connection I would regommend the 
disinfection of all breeding cages as soon as vacated, and before new 
lots are introduced into them. In doing this you obviate the possible 
introduction of fungous spores, as well as members of the mite family. 

From the materials examined which were brought in from the field 
there remains little doubt but that several species of imported parasites 
are now established in your State. Calosoma sycophanta is especially 
promising, both beetles and larve are such voracious feeders. Several 
showings of the Braconids are very good; the Meteorus species has 
great possibilities, although mostly so far on the brown-tail moth. <A 
Pteromalus species appears to have established itself, and this season’s 
observations will settle all doubt in the matter. According to your 
record at the laboratory, some 50,000 individuals were liberated in 1906 
and upward of 40,000 this year, and it would seem unreasonable not to 
expect some results from this showing. Pimpla examinator seems to 
breed quite freely in the cages, and, as this species resembles our 
Pimpla conquisitor, there seems hope of it doing well out of doors. 
Your record shows that so far about 200 healthy specimens have been 
liberated this season. Most remarkable are the sendings of the various 
species of Tachinid flies. These seem to stand the long journey, and 
are apparently easily handled. Of the large quantities liberated (your 
record shows 7,000 up to date) you should have some very fine results 
in another year. From the egg parasites received and liberated in 1906 
nothing has so far been recorded. If these parasites should turn up, 
it would indeed aid materially in the work. JI am pleased to note that 
you are using the cold-storage plan for your egg masses, and that you 
are making good preparations for next year’s sendings. Mr. Fiske also 
informs me that he is trying other experiments with pups, ete., which 
no doubt is worth while on account of prolonging the season by main- 
taining a longer food supply for parasites. 

In looking over the various shipments of imported material, and ex- 
amining your records, it is apparent that the arrangements for import- 
ing parasites from abroad have been ably organized, and, in my judg- 
ment, thoroughly cover the field. While no one at this writing can 
predict the outcome of your labors with the parasite question, you 
surely have made a good start, and are using the very best methods in 
your propagation. I may say that the whole has a very promising 
future. 


210 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


REPORT OF DR. E, P. FELT, 


STaTE ENTOMOLOGIST OF NEW YORE. 
Aupany, N. Y., July 1, 1907. 
Prof. A. H. KIRKLAND, Superintendent of the Work for Suppressing the 
Gypsy and Brown-tail Moths, 6 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass. 

Dear Str: — It gives me great pleasure to submit the following re- 
port on my investigations, made June 25-27, 1907, of the work with 
parasites of the gypsy and brown-tail moths. 

Since a few general considerations are essential to a full understand- 
ing, I wish first of all to submit a brief résumé of the situation. The 
State of Massachusetts began operations against the gypsy moth in 
1890, at which time the area badly infested by the moth was quite re- 
stricted. The work was prosecuted vigorously, and, though much had 
to be learned by costly experience, substantial progress was made; 
during the latter part of the decade a remarkably extensive campaign 
of extermination was in full swing, and the gypsy moth was very 
scarce in many places where it had previously swarmed. Unfortunately, 
nothing was done in 1900 to 1905, and during this period there was a 
ereat extension of the infested territory, a marvelous multiplication of 
insects, and the extremely unfortunate conditions of 1890 were du- 
plicated over a much larger area. The work of recent years, now in 
progress, is avowedly repressive in nature, and consequently the earlier 
methods have necessarily been adapted to present needs. It is very 
eratifying in this connection to note the wonderful change that has 
taken place in the last two years, despite the fact that badly infested 
areas were much greater in extent and more widely distributed than 
ever before. Though there are still badly infested woodland tracts, as 
a general rule, the residential districts, including practically all lands 
adjacent to public highways, are very free from both gypsy and brown- 
tail moth caterpillars. 

The moment the policy of the Commonwealth changed from one of 
extermination to that of repression, the question of obtaining natural 
checks of one kind or another became of prime importance. This is 
particularly the case when it is remembered that some $750,000 were 
expended in 1906, under State supervision, in order to bring about the 
present condition. Even greater expense may be necessary in subse- 
quent years if the services of parasites cannot be enlisted, since there 
is bound to be some increase in the infested territory from year to 
year, in spite of most rigorous care. This practical consideration alone 
forees us to conclude that no expenditure of either time or money 
should be spared to bring about a result which would be beneficial not 
only to the afflicted communities in eastern Massachusetts, but also to 
those in other States already infested by the gypsy moth, and less 
directly to all having property interests in the northeastern United 
States, if not to those throughout the entire country. 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 211 


First of all, as is well known, the work of obtaining parasites has 
most wisely been placed in the hands of Dr. L. O. Howard, Chief of 
the Federal Bureau of Entomology,—a man eminently fitted to dis- 
charge this duty, since he is a recognized authority on insect parasites, 
and has at his command the vast technical resources of the general 
government. Furthermore, Dr. Howard’s extensive acquaintance with 
European entomologists has been of untold benefit in securing their 
co-operation in the collection of parasitized brown-tail and gypsy moth 
material. Our investigations show first of all that shipments of para- 
sites were being received daily from representative areas throughout 
Europe, where the gypsy moth was known to be more or less abundant 
and destructive at periodic intervals. They also disclosed the fact that, 
owing to conditions some of which were probably beyond human con- 
trol, there was no adequate representation of the Asiatic fauna. We 
are informed that an important parasite is known to prey upon the 
gypsy moth in Japan. Several attempts have been made, through the 
co-operation of consuls and Japanese entomologists, to introduce this 
insect, but all have failed. Inasmuch as many of the plants and 
animals of Japan thrive exceptionally in the eastern part of this 
country, we deem it extremely important that another effort be made 
to introduce this species, even though it involve the expense of sending 
a special agent to Japan in order to secure the insect. The experience 
of the last two seasons has shown that European parasites can be 
brought into this country successfully; and at the present time they 
are being received in large numbers by mail, taken promptly to the 
Saugus laboratory, the boxes opened, the contents inventoried, the differ- 
ent species separated, special care being exercised to destroy all dan- 
gerous hyperparasites, and the beneficial forms liberated under the most 
favorable conditions. We wish particularly to commend the care 
which has been given to this aspect of the problem. The areas where 
the various parasites have been planted are widely separated cone from 
the other, so that the relative efficiency of the different species imported 
ean be determined without great labor. Furthermore, the extensive 
distribution of the parasites throughout the infested territory reduces 
very largely the peril of importations being annihilated by forest fires, 
unfavorable climatic conditions or other agencies beyond the control of 
man. Many of the parasites have purposely been placed in badly in- 
fested sections burned over only a year or two earlier, as there is 
considerably less danger of a forest fire occurring in such woodland. 
A valuable predaceous beetle has passed through one generation and 
lived through the winter, while certain parasites, liberated in the open 
last year, have been found this spring in young brown-tail moth cater- 
pillars. These two facts alone are very encouraging. 

There has been for several years at least one or more fungous dis- 
eases destroying both the gypsy and brown-tail moth caterpillars, 
occasionally causing the death of large numbers. We were actually in 


212 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


localities where thousands were dead or dying from a disease. Inasmuch 
as the control of these insects by natural agencies is of greatest im- 
portance, we would recommend that careful and extensive studies and 
experiments be conducted, with a view of determining whether, under 
any conditions, these diseases could be made more efficient by artificial 
means. 


Recommendations and Conclusions. 


In the first place, we wish to place on record our opinion that the 
condition of the infested territory has been marvelously improved in 
the last two years, and residents of the Commonwealth as well as those 
responsible for this condition are to be congratulated thereupon. The 
progress already made in importing parasites of both the gypsy and 
brown-tail moths is exceedingly gratifying; and, judging from what we 
know of other insects which have been imported from foreign lands, 
free from their natural checks, as is true of the species under consider- 
ation, we deem the situation distinetly encouraging. There is a very 
good prospect of one or more of these natural enemies multiplying 
enormously, and becoming correspondingly efficient checks on the depre- 
dations of these two very destructive and annoying leaf feeders. 

Secondly, we would urge most seriously the importance of careful 
biological studies of the parasites of both the gypsy and the brown-tail 
moths. It appears upon inquiry that comparatively little is known 
concerning the habits of any of these species, and, as experience has 
shown repeatedly, in the case of injurious forms, that apparently insig- 
nificant factors in the life history may prove to be the vital point in 
successful control, so in the case of these parasitic forms habits at 
present unsuspected may possibly be taken advantage of to bring about 
a most gratifying multiplication and corresponding efficiency so far 
as suppressing the gypsy and the brown-tail moths is concerned. These 
investigations, furthermore, should be conducted on a comprehensive 
basis, and could hardly be planned to cover a period of less than three 
to five years, if the best results are to be obtained. A biological study 
of these forms, in our opinion, should not be confined to this country, 
as there may be determining factors in Europe which do not exist in 
this country, or are not readily apparent here. Consequently, we would 
suggest that, in a certain sense at least, parallel biological investigations 
of all parasites of both the gypsy and the brown-tail moths be under- 
taken along comprehensive lines in both Europe and America, as no 
time should be lost in determining the vital points in the habits of the 
beneficial forms. 

Thirdly, we would emphasize most strongly the advisability of study- 
ing the apparently rare or inconspicuous natural enemies of both the 
gypsy and the brown-tail moths, since experience has repeatedly shown 
that European species, rarely noticeable on account of their depreda- 
tions in their native country, may become the most destructive pests 
in another part of the world. Therefore, it would not be surprising if 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 213 


some of the rarer imported forms should prove far more effective 
parasites than those commonly abundant in Europe. 

Fourthly, we would reiterate the importance of making a serious 
attempt to obtain parasites from Japan, as noted above. 

In conclusion, we wish to eall attention, in an incidental way at least, 
to the fact that considerable of value in control work could undoubtedly 
be gained by a careful and practical study of repressive forestry meas- 
ures now in vogue in European countries. It is true that a wide dis- 
erepancy exists between the conditions obtaining in America and those 
in Europe; nevertheless, certain general principles would undoubtedly 
apply to both countries. We would include in this recommendation not 
only the advisability of studying the practical aspects of European 
control work against these two species in particular, but would also 
suggest that a careful ecological study of the gypsy and brown-tail 
moths in Europe, with special reference to the relative value of the 
various natural ehecks, would prove of great value in determining 
future lines of work. 


REPORT OF PROF. H. A. MORGAN, 


DIRECTOR, UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 
KNOXVILLE, TENN., Aug. 1, 1907. 
Mr. A. H. KirKnanp, Superintendent for the Suppressing of the Gypsy and 
Brown-tail Moths, 6 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass. 

Sir: — In response to your invitation, dated May 29, 1907, to inspect 
the work of importing parasites of the gypsy and brown-tail moths, I 
arrived in Boston July 23. At this time the conditions were most 
favorable for an examination and inspection of the habits and ravages 
of the gypsy and brown-tail moths, and of the methods in operation by 
your office and the Bureau of Entomology, United States Department 
of Agriculture, for the restriction and suppression of these pests. 

In submitting this statement I wish to acknowledge the facilities ten- 
dered by you and your assistants for a careful examination of much 
of the territory involved in the spread of the gypsy and brown-tail 
moths, of the various degrees of infestation and ravage, and of the 
opportunity for the comparison of results obtained where remedial 
measures were actively enforced, and where conditions were such as to 
warrant a postponement of remedial action until later, or for the 
colonization of predaceous and parasitic insects. This general view 
of the situation is essential to a due appreciation of the magnitude of 
the problem you have in hand, and the knowledge and technique re- 
quired for its proper and economical solution. 

There was a time in the history of the campaign against these moths 
that entomological opinion might have favored an attempt at extermi- 
nation; but as this opportunity may be regarded as past, control by the 
best-known methods, based upon an exhaustive study of the life histories 
and habits of these moths and their parasites, is the most economical 


214 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


avenue of relief. Among the important methods for control you have 
sought the assistance of predatory and parasitic forms, and it is upon 
this particular phase of the work that outside opinion has been invited. 

From the experience of entomological investigators throughout the 
world, there cannot be any doubt of the absolute warrant for extensive 
effort in the introduction and colonization, under expert supervision, 
of predatory and parasitic insects of the gypsy and brown-tail moths. 
In placing this work in the hands of the Chief of the Bureau of Ento- 
mology of the United States Department of Agriculture, you have 
shown an appreciation of the many problems involved in such an 
undertaking, and have made sure that the best service of the country 
will be given to accomplishing the most helpful results in an economical 
manner. Dr. Howard, by virtue of his ability, studies, experience and 
position, has the confidence of the scientifie world in this undertaking. 
The introductions already made, and the manner in which the entire 
work of collecting, breeding and colonizing has been outlined, cannot 
but stimulate the utmost regard for the methods in vogue, and en- 
courage the hope that this biologie effort will bring relief to the terri- 
tory now suffering from the ravages of two such serious pests. While 
the introduction and distribution of parasites is not new to entomo- 
logical endeavor, its full significance is not understood by all ento- 
mological students, or by the people to whom it is of the most benefit. 
From the results to be accomplished in the more extended study of the 
life eyeles and habits of the various forms of parasites introduced in 
the fight against the gypsy and brown-tail moths, much greater possi- 
bilities for the control of these and even other pests will be brought 
to light. There ean be little doubt of the outcome of such active and 
well-planned methods. 

Having watched the progress of these moths for some time, by visits 
to the infested areas and through published reports, I have become 
greatly interested in the investigations connected with them and the 
means developed for their control; and I do not hesitate to state that 
in your present campaign you have shown a very definite knowledge of 
conditions and of the problems therein, and your efforts should merit 
the confidence and support of your people, as well as the people of 
the nation. 


REPORT OF PROF. HERBERT OSBORN, 


PROFESSOR OF ZOOLOGY AND ENTOMOLOGY, OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY. 
CoLumBvus, O., Sept. 24, 1907. 
Mr. A. H. KirkLanp, Superintendent. 

Dear Sir: — In accordance with your invitation to visit the labora- 
tories and witness operations in connection with the efforts to introduce 
parasites of the gypsy and brown-tail moths, I spent several days in 
the first part of August in going over the ground, making observations, 
and examining into the work as thoroughly as possible. 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 215 


I may state at the first, as a result of this examination, that I was 
greatly pleased with the thoroughness of the work, and am fully con- 
vineed that it is being done with the utmost care possible and that the 
methods seem to be adapted as perfectly as possible to secure the 
desired results. One of the first questions that arises in the mind 
of an entomologist is whether there may be danger that with the de- 
sired parasites there may be introduced other insects that may be detri- 
mental either as pests in general or as a hindrance to the most sueccess- 
ful activity of the desired parasites. ‘The importance of the first is 
fully shown by the devastation caused by the two species which it is 
your special effort to control, as well as by numerous other instances 
of introduced species that have proven destructive pests in various 
parts of the country. for the latter it is only necessary to realize the 
great activity of hyperparasites to appreciate that their exclusion is a 
matter of the greatest concern if the work of the primary parasites is 
to be made effective. With regard to precautions taken against undesir- 
able insects, I failed to discover any point in which it seemed to me 
that there should be any reason for changes in the methods adopted. 
From the time that the insects are gathered in their native haunts in 
Europe until they reach Saugus there is evidently the greatest care not 
to permit the opening of packages or the possible escape of insects 
en route. The packages coming from Russia, which are opened by 
the postal authorities there, are the only exceptions that I could dis- 
cover to the rule to guard against the escape of the insects. The 
possibilities of any serious introduction in this connection are very 
remote, however, since the packages after leaving the vessels in which 
they are transported are transferred so directly to the laboratory in 
tight bags, that even with broken packages the escape of any insect 
so that it could survive is nearly impossible. The methods of liberating 
and separating the desired parasites are so perfect, the precautions 
against their escape so complete, that it seems impossible that the intro- 
duction of any pest could be possible. At any rate, I could not imagine 
any more perfect system that could be devised for the purpose. The 
one source of danger, that of carelessness by some indifferent em- 
ployee, must be guarded against by the continued employment of thor- 
oughly trustworthy individuals, who appreciate the responsibility of 
the work in which they are engaged. 

That great success is secured in obtaining parasites is shown in the 
securing of various kinds that were under observation at the time of 
my visit. After securing the parasites, the next serious problem, of 
course, is their multiplication and establishment in such locations and 
under such conditions that their survival may be assured. This prob- 
lem has evidently received the most careful attention, and in the 
placing of parasites it is evident that the greatest care has been taken 
to secure such locations and sneh favorable conditions as may furnish 
the very best opportunity for the successful establishment in the field. 


216 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


This is distinetly evident in the planting of colonies at widely different 
points, so as to avoid their destruction or loss by any local condition, 
and the placing of colonies at such distances from points under artificial 
treatment that they will not be lost by various methods of artificial 
destruction. I was specially impressed with the advantages in this 
selection, since it will serve a double purpose,—that of controlling 
the insect in places in which its artificial control is impossible, thereby 
lessening the power of overproduction and consequent migration, while 
at the same time giving the greatest promise of permanent establish- 
ment of parasites. I may say that, while my own hope with regard to 
the value of the introduction of parasites for this purpose heretofore 
has been rather slight, the plan and methods adopted in your work 
have given me much greater confidence in its value. It certainly is 
deserving of the most careful and extended trial that can be given. 

While it was not specified as a part of my program, it was a matter 
of much interest to me to note the methods adopted in the control for 
these introduced pests; and I was very much impressed, in travelling 
through infested districts over some hundreds of miles, over roads the 
borders of which had all been cleaned and treated, with the extreme 
care and the great efficiency that has been attained in this work. Ejvi- 
dence is at hand at every point that a thorough study has been made, 
and an application of every known method by which the successful 
control of these insects may be reached. It was a matter of much 
interest to me, also, to see the system of accounts in your office, whieh 
has been so simplified and perfected that the expenditures in each dis- 
trict and for every purpose may be learned with the least expenditure 
of time and effort. This system must be a great satisfaction to the 
authorities both of the State and of the townships interested, inasmuch 
as it affords such complete information as to all classes of expenditures. 
While this report might be much extended were I to include all of the 
different features of your work which were of interest to me, it seems 
to me that nothing can be gained by such a statement of facts as are 
already familiar to those who have looked into your work and which 
must be well known to the residents of the locality. 

To sum up in brief, therefore, I may say that the work of your 
department appears to me to be directed in a most intelligent manner 
toward the accomplishment of its purpose; and that, in the efforts to 
introduce parasitic enemies that will be of service in the control of 
these introduced pests, there is evident the utmost care and intelligent 
study of all the conditions which will favor the suecess of the under- 
taking. The success that it is hoped to attain in this direction, while 
undoubtedly of most particular interest to the region infested, is of 
extreme interest to the residents of the surrounding States; and it 
gives me extreme pleasure to find that the work of control is being so 
efficiently administered. With such work in progress there is certainly 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 217 


much less of a menace to the surrounding country; and, even if abso- 
lute suppression is impossible, the retardation of the spread of the 
insect will result in an enormous saving and permit of the development 
of more perfect means of control, so that the future devastations of 
the insect may be greatly reduced. 

In conelusion, I beg to express my appreciation of the favors ex- 
tended by the authorities, and the excellent opportunity offered for 
the examination of every phase of the work. 


REPORT OF PROF. 8S. A. FORBES, 
PROFESSOR OF ENTOMOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS. 
Urgpana, ILx., July 24, 1907. 
Mr. A. H. KirkKLAND, Superintendent, 6 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass. 

Dear Mr. KirKuanp:— In accordance with your invitation, I had 
the pleasure of a visit, July 10 and 11, to the laboratory near North 
Saugus, Mass., of your force engaged in a study of the parasites of 
the gypsy and brown-tail moths, as an experiment in the method of 
controlling those pests. I made a careful examination of the equip- 
ment, materials and methods of the work there in progress, receiving 
from Mr. Fiske and the assistants engaged with him every possible 
aid to a critical study of their operations and to a full knowledge 
of the results of their work, so far as these have as yet appeared. I 
examined the parasitized material as it arrives from Europe, following 
it through the various processes of inspection, assortment, maintenance, 
protection, experimental multiplication and release, and obtained the 
records of the season, showing the number of parasitic species obtained 
from the European collections, and the number of individuals of each 
‘species which had been liberated this year for their natural service as 
parasites of the destructive caterpillars. I also paid particular atten- 
tion to the methods used for detecting and destroying secondary para- 
sites of the beneficial species, and of maling sure that no European 
insect other than the parasitic species you desire to multiply is per- 
mitted to escape from your importations. 

My notes cover in detail the operations of the laboratory and the 
methods and results of its various lines of work. These notes were 
made, however, merely with a view to making sure that I understood 
the whole scheme of your work; and it does not seem to me worth while 
to expand them into a description of your methods or a statement of 
your present results, all of which have appeared, or will eventually 
appear, in full in your own published reports. It will serve the pur- 
poses of my visit completely, I am sure, if I give you my opinion of 
the methods, and make any suggestion which may have occurred to me 
looking towards their possible improvement. 

With reference to your plan of operations, the equipment provided 


218 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


for them and the manner in which they are being carried on, I am 
bound to say that I have little to offer by way of criticism or sug- 
gestion. The living parasites received are released, as a rule, as quickly 
as possible after arrival; the larve and pup alive on arrival are kept 
with great care under the most favorable conditions until they have dis- 
closed such parasites as they come infested by, and these are released 
as promptly as consistent with scrupulous care that nothing else is 
permitted to get away. 

The experimental operations for the infestation of American-bred 
specimens by the imported parasites and for the multiplication of the 
latter by that means are being carefully and very wisely carried on. 
A good deal of practical ingenuity and the results of much practical 
experience are shown in the various devices used in breeding-cage opera- 
tions and in the assortment of living material. I believe that the whole 
procedure is thoroughly sound, and that the work is being most ‘care- 
fully and intelligently done. 

It appears that there is a considerable loss of parasitic material, par- 
ticularly of that emerging from the hibernating webs of the brown- 
tail moth brought over in winter, owing to the difficulty of getting the 
parasites separated from their hosts in the storage boxes used for that 
purpose. Mr. Fiske described to me, however, a proposed improve- 
ment of your present apparatus, which it seems to me will go far 
towards remedying this difficulty. 

I was much interested by the evidences. of extensive fatal fungous 
diseases among the caterpillars arriving from Europe, and I understand 
that these diseases are undergoing expert study, at least as to their 
causes. If I were to make any suggestion of change or development 
in your methods, it would be that you should have investigated, in 
every practicable way and as rapidly as possible, by men wholly under 
your control, the fungous diseases of these insects, with a view to their 
experimental increase and their spread in the field. 

The museardine of the brown-tail moth, according to statements 
made to me by your men, has done more to diminish the numbers and 
arrest the progress of that insect than any other agency, — seems likely, 
indeed, to reduce the pest to insignificance; and the gypsy caterpillars 
are also subject to serious disease, apparently of a bacterial character. 
The museardines, dependent on spores formed in the open air for their 
spread, are more susceptible to weather conditions than the bacterial 
diseases, and are hence less reliable than the latter as a means to the 
economie end; but both these forms seem to me to be well worthy of 
thorough investigation and experimental trial. 

I have to thank your commission for the opportunity to examine a 
situation so extremely interesting to an entomologist, and should be 
pleased if I might have found myself able to make suggestions of 
ereater value in aid of your work, — important not only to your State 
and to New England, but to the entire country as well. 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 219 


REPORT OF DR. JOHN B. SMITH, 
ENTOMOLOGIST, NEW JERSEY AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 
New Brunswick, N. J., July 1, 1907. 

Dear Mr. KirKianp:— Permit me first of all to express to you 
my admiration of the wonderful results that you have obtained in your 
two years campaign against the gypsy and brown-tail moths in Massa- 
chusetts. The two days that I have just spent in the infested districts 
show a condition which two years ago I would have deemed it impossible 
to obtain. 

As you are aware, my acquaintance with the campaign against the 
gypsy moth dates back far toward the beginning of the work under 
Fernald and Forbush, and nearly or quite ten years ago I made a 
careful study of conditions as they then existed and of the status of 
the work at that time. The effort then was to exterminate, and the 
brown-tail moth had not yet entered as a complication. The territory 
was then well in hand, practical extermination of outlying colonies had 
been effected, and there were only a few bad centers of infestation 
which were being treated vigorously. 

The questions which I was then asked to answer were, whether in my 
opinion extermination was possible, and whether some attempt should 
not be made to obtain from the native home of the gypsy moth some 
of its natural enemies as aids in the work. In my report at that time 
I stated that in my opinion extermination was quite possible along the 
lines of work then being done, and I advised against any attempt to 
bring in natural enemies or to make scientific studies looking to control 
only. I urged a continuance of the work with equal thoroughness, and 
expressed a belief that the result aimed at was almost within grasp. 
For some little time thereafter the work was continued; but then, un- 
fortunately, it was stopped by a failure of the State Legislature to 
continue appropriations. 

For five years no effort to check the insects was made, and at the 
end of that time the gypsy moth had regained all its old territories 
and had spread considerably beyond them. The brown-tail moth had 
far outstripped the earlier arrival, and had extended into adjacent 
States. In 1905, when for the fourth time I went over the infested 
territory and looked over not acres but square miles of woodland 
stripped by the gypsy moth and webbed up by the recently hatched 
brood of brown-tails, it seemed as if even control was beyond human 
power, and it required courage of no mean quality to undertake a fight 
that seemed so hopeless. In 1906 I was out of the country, and learned 
of the results of the work by report only. My observations just made 
have enabled me to judge with some degree of accuracy of present con- 
ditions. 

Matters are now quite different from what they were ten years ago; 
extermination of the brown-tail moth is scarcely within hope of attain- 


220 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


ment, because the spread of the insect has been so great and is so easily 
accomplished. [Extermination of the gypsy moth is almost as difficult 
to attain, and under the conditions would prove so very costly as to 
put it practically beyond reach. Control only is the aim of the present 
organization, and that this is possible it has proved to demonstration. 
But the cost has been enormous, and with present methods there seems 
to be no period to the expenditure. Under these circumstances all 
natural aids should be pressed into our service, and the line of study 
and investigation which I deemed inadvisable ten years ago is now 
essential. The work of securing parasites and other natural enemies is 
well under way, has been carried on for two full seasons, and after 
looking over the methods in use at the Saugus field laboratory, I do 
not see how they can be much improved. 

There are several points, however, to which it might be well to call 
attention. A few species of parasites have been and are being received 
in great abundance, and these are no doubt among the most efficient 
agents for keeping their hosts in check in their native homes; but it 
does not follow that these same species will do as well here, under our 
climatie conditions, as their hosts have done. It is quite conceivable 
that those same factors which seem to favor the host with us may 
act unfavorably as against the dominant parasite. On the other hand, 
those species which in Europe merely maintain themselves may find our 
conditions to their liking, and may prove much more effective with us 
than they are at home. Special attention should therefore be paid to 
the minor parasites or those other enemies that are less numerously 
represented, and they should be given at least an even chance to develop 
under our conditions. 

It has been shown in a number of instances that Asiatic species of 
insects do better on our Atlantie coast than do those from Europe; and, 
as the gypsy moth oceurs also in Japan, I think it very highly desir- 
able that at least as much attention be paid to securing Japanese para- 
sitie and predatory species as to obtaining those from Europe. I would 
advise that, if necessary, a well-qualified man be sent to Japan to study 
the species there, and to send into Massachusetts such parasites and 
predatory enemies of the gypsy moth as are there obtainable. It is 
not possible to obtain too many of such forms, and among the orientals 
there may be one that is far superior to anything obtainable in Europe. 
No chance should be slighted in this connection, and a man acquainted 
with our conditions and in general with what has been already received 
from Europe could, in even a single year, determine what species should 
be collected and sent in. 

Another branch of work that I would recommend is the study of the 
diseases of the caterpillars of both gypsy and brown-tail, and their 
dissemination, if possible, over the entire range of both species. I am 
quite aware that insect diseases are unreliable in many eases, and that 
they depend largely upon weather conditions; but when they are active 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 221 


their effectiveness far exceeds that of any other natural agency. As I 
am informed, the brown-tail moth was almost exterminated by disease 
in a number of badly infested localities in 1906, and during the trip 
just completed I noticed that a very large percentage of the caterpillars 
seen — more than 50 per cent. — were obviously sick and dying. An 
epidemic may not come more than once in five or ten years, naturally ; 
but each year there is some period during which weather conditions are 
favorable to the spread of disease, and if the disease germs are present 
in sufficient numbers everywhere, or can be placed promptly, good re- 
sults may be secured which would not have come about naturally. One 
feature of this work which is in itself sufficient to authorize it is the 
following up the spread of the insects with the disease germs. Brown- 
tail moths may fiy or be carried tor long distances. A female may be 
-earried and found a colony twenty miles or more away from the nearest 
infested point, and in a place where the disease of the brown-tail larva 
does not exist. It may be years before it gets there under natural 
conditions, and not until the insect has done great injury and has be- 
come plentiful. If in a case like this the disease can be artificially 
introduced as soon as the colony is discovered, a great advantage will 
be gained and an epidemie will await only proper climatic conditions. 

My experience has been that as against some injurious species disease 
checks are far more important than any other; and, while I do not 
mean to say that this will be so in this instance, nevertheless, I do 
think there is sufficient probability of it to warrant a thorough study 
of the subject. To illustrate my point, I would refer to the elm-leaf 
beetle, an introduced species very abundant and in the past very 
troublesome in New Jersey and indeed in the New England States as 
well, which has been of late almost completely controlled in New Jersey 
by disease alone. 

About six years ago the disease developed at New Brunswick, and in 
two favorable seasons so completely destroyed the pup that for two 
years thereafter no spraying was necessary. In the summer of 1905 
the disease was not active, and in early 1906 the beetle occurred again 
in sufficient numbers to disfigure some foliage; but the late summer of 
1906 again favored the disease, and this year (1907) there is scarcely 
a larva to be found. Not a tree has been sprayed, and even if every 
existing larva comes safely to maturity, there cannot be increase enough 
to make the insect troublesome in 1908. 

It is not improbable, after the experience of 1906, that similar condi- 
tions may be brought into existence against the brown-tail moth, and not 
impossible that some inflnence may be obtained even against the gypsy 
moth. At all events, I consider the effort well worth while. 

In the direction of field work I have no recommendations to make. 
The methods now in use seem to cover the ground as well as it ean be 
covered, and the scheme of work devised seems to leave no point un- 
guarded and no opportunity for effective applications missed. It goes 


222 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


without saying that results from these natural checks will of necessity 
be slow in demonstrating their effectiveness. Where the caterpillars 
count by millions and the parasites by thousands merely, even the most 
favorable results will require a year or two to become perceptible even 
to the specialist, while they can hardly become obvious to general 
observation in less than five years. Until that time the work now in 
progress must be continued, unless the advantage thus far gained is to 
be again abandoned. 


REPORT OF PROF. M. V. SLINGERLAND, 
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ENTOMOLOGY, CORNELL UNIVERSITY. 
Iruaca, N. Y., Aug. 13, 1907. 
To A. H. KirKLAND, Superintendent for Suppressing the Gypsy and Brown- 
tail Moths, Boston, Mass. 

Sir: — Your invitation of May 29, 1907, “to inspect the work of 
importing parasites of the gypsy and brown-tail moths,” was accepted 
with much pleasure, for it gave me an opportunity to see what progress 
had been made against these serious pests since last year, when I at- 
tended your field day in June. The invitation surprised me, for from 
what I saw last year of your methods of work, it seemed hardly possible 
that sufficient opposition could have developed to cause the Legislature 
to make an appropriation “for the purpose of securing opinions and 
information from expert advisers relative to matters in connection with 
parasites ” of the gypsy and brown-tail moths, 

Arriving in Boston July 2, 1907, I spent five days in carefully and 
critically investigating and studying the methods employed in connection 
with the introduction and colonizing of the natural enemies of the 
gypsy and brown-tail moths, and also in looking over the so-called 
“handwork ” being done against these insects under federal and State 
supervision in the infested territory in eastern Massachusetts. Fur- 
thermore, I consulted with some of those who through their criticisms 
of the methods and work with natural enemies against these pests finally 
brought about the enactment of the law providing for this investigation 
and report. 

Any one familiar with the ravages of the gypsy and brown-tail moths 
during the past few years must be impressed with the different condi- 
tions now prevailing, in the residential districts especially. I rode many 
miles through the suburban towns about Boston, and was much im- 
pressed by the thoroughness with which the State law and regulations 
were being carried out. Most of the trees along the streets and main 
highways had been banded and were being watched for caterpillars. 
Only a few years ago many of these trees were being defoliated; now 
one can see scarcely any signs of infestation in riding along hundreds 
of miles of shaded streets. These gratifying conditions in the resi- 
dential districts have been brought about largely by the application of 
so-called “hand methods,” and necessarily at much expense. 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 73. 223 


I was also impressed by the effective work being done by federal 
and State authorities to prevent the spread of these pests on 
vehicles passing along the main travelled roads outside the residential 
districts. The thorough eutting out of underbrush, and the thinning, 
pruning, banding and spraying of the trees on both sides of these roads 
for many miles, will do much to prevent the carrying of the caterpillars 
into new territory. The truly astonishing and very gratifying results 
which are thus being accomplished throughout the residential districts 
and along the main highways against these pests show wise legislation, 
and very efficient work by those employed to administer it. 

A proposition to exterminate the gypsy and brown-tail moths with 
their natural enemies for the paltry sum of $25,000 is certainly very 
alluring. It is not surprising that sincere, thoughtful men should be 
caught with such a bait, and led to use their money and influence to 
investigate the proposition and its author, and to try to induce the 
State authorities to invest in such a cheap and alluring “ cure-all.” I 
talked with some of those to whom this proposition appeals very 
strongly, and I have carefully read the report of the lawyer sent to 
California to investigate the matter. I failed to get from these sources 
any convincing arguments or information which would appeal to a true 
scientist who is at all conversant with insect problems. The control of 
the gypsy and brown-tail moths presents a problem which is scientific 
in all of its aspects, and one which demands thorough knowledge of in- 
sects, their lives, their habits, their inter-relations, their enemies, and 
man’s methods for checking their ravages. In brief, it is an entomo- 
logical problem, to be worked out by entomologists trained along eco- 
nomic lines. This is especially true in the effort now being made to 
fight these pests with their natural enemies. 

It is well known that many insect pests are held in check in their 
native countries by their natural enemies, so that their periods of 
destructiveness come at longer or shorter intervals, but never entirely 
cease. And we know from sad experience in America that insect pests 
introduced from other countries may be more destructive here than in 
their native home, due largely perhaps to the absence of their natural 
native cheeks, which may be other insects or different climatic or en- 
vironmental conditions. It is an alluring thought that if we could only 
bring their native enemies here and get them at work the problem of 
the control of these pests would be accomplished. This is much more 
easily said than done, but much work has been and is being done along 
this line in various parts of the world. But as yet no “science of 
parasitology ” for insects has been developed, and if there ever is, its 
successful practitioners must be entomologists in the broadest sense of 
the term, and not horticulturists or pseudo-scientists. 

All insect pests are not alike in their inter-relations with local con- 
ditions and natural enemies, so that the successful control of one pest 
by the introduction of its enemies is not a guarantee that another insect 
with very different habits may be similarly controlled. The striking 


224 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [ Jan. 


success attained with the Vedalia lady-bird beetle against the cottony 
cushion scale in California should not obscure the fact that the Chinese 
lady-bird beetle failed to adapt itself to American conditions and con- 
trol the San José seale, and also that there have been many similar 
failures. 

It is well to note also that these alluring offers to control or extermi- 
nate insect pests do not come from well-trained entomologists familiar 
with the pests and conditions, even though they may have had some 
experience in this work, and are called expert “ parasitologists.” If 
such offers were made by true scientists, versed in insect lore; if the 
State of Massachusetts and federal government had not already pro- 
vided for the thorough testing of this method of fighting the gypsy and 
brown-tail moths; and if the work was not now being carried on by 
trained economic entomologists, to the extent that many thousands of 
these natural enemies are being liberated in the infested territory, — 
then there would be some exeuse for criticising and hampering the 
work being done, and asking that the State authorities turn loose the 
so-called “ parasitological scientists’? on the problem, and let them try 
to fulfill their absurd and unscientific proposition. 

I found that all of the work with the natural enemies of the gypsy 
and brown-tail moths coming from foreign countries was being carried 
on near Saugus in a picturesquely situated dwelling house that was not 
especially well adapted for laboratory purposes. This temporary labo- 
ratory is near some of the worst-infested woodland areas, and thus 
affords ideal opportunities for planting out colonies of natural enemies. 
I spent two days at this laboratory in studying the details of the work 
and the methods employed in caring for the material constantly ar- 
riving from Europe. I never spent two more interesting and instructive 
days in insect work. 

The problem of fighting the gypsy and brown-tail moths with their 
natural enemies from their native homes has been very wisely placed in 
the hands of Dr. L. O. Howard. No one in this country has had a 
wider experience with economic insects and is better trained in insect 
lore, especially that relating to parasitic forms. As the head of one of 
the great Bureaus of the federal government, he commands facilities 
and prestige that no one else could in dealing with foreign officials. 
This has enabled him to establish intimate relations with the leading 
entomologists and collectors in Europe, and this has resulted in his 
being able to arrange for and get larger quantities of the natural ene- 
mies of these pests from practically all of the infested European 
countries than could have been done at as little expense by any other 
American entomologist. Dr. Howard has put his best thought and 
energies into this work, and the large amount of material I saw coming 
in almost daily at the Saugus laboratory from several European coun- 
tries is evidence of the suecess of his efforts in getting the enemies onto 
American soil in sufficient numbers to give this method of fighting these 
serious pests a thorough trial. 


1908. ] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Nov 73. 225 


I saw more than a hundred small boxes of this foreign material come 
by mail to the Saugus laboratory in one day. This material is collected 
in various parts of Europe, and may contain few or many parasites of 
several very different kinds, and these may be accompanied by their own 
enemies in the form of secondary parasites. Thus the greatest care 
and expert attention are needed to properly handle this foreign material. 
I noted that very fine wire screens were used in all open windows, and 
the others were tightly closed with paper pasted over all cracks. All 
doors shut tightly, so that every precaution is taken to prevent the 
escape of undesirable material from the building, if by any chance it 
should get out of the cages into which it is placed soon after it arrives. 

The many thousands of brown-tail hibernating nests which come 
from Europe by express in winter are placed in tight boxes, and thou- 
sands of parasites emerge and find their way into glass tubes inserted 
into one side of the box. All secondary parasites are carefully separated 
out and killed, and the true parasites liberated in badly infested locali- 
ties. Many of the living larve from these winter nests are bred in 
eages, and when nearly full grown a different parasite develops which 
breeds freely in American larve in cages, and is thus allowed to mul- 
tiply before being turned loose in the field. 

During June and July hundreds of boxes containing later stages of 
brown-tail larva and gypsy eaterpillars come by mail from several 
European countries. These are opened inside a small show-case ar- 
ranged with armholes through the sides. Two men wearing tightly 
fitting sleeves and rubber gloves open the boxes through the armholes 
in the ease, and by looking through the glass top of the ease they ean 
separate out the parasites and any living larve without any danger of 
their escaping. The tight sleeves and rubber gloves are necessary to 
proteet cne from the brown-tail hairs, which cause an irritating “ rash.” 
Many Tachinid flies and their larve and pupe are found in these boxes 
of caterpillars from Europe. These parasites are placed in breeding 
jars, where they are kept till the flies mate and the larve and pupe 
develop into the flies. After the flies mate, most of them are taken into 
badly infested localities and turned loose, while some of them are kept 
in large field cages or houses in which gypsy and brown-tail caterpillars 
are living. 

The living caterpillars which are found in the European material 
are placed in cages and fed, with the result that more Tachinid flies 
are obtained and some Hymenopterous parasites, among which are 
some very promising enemies of these pests. Most of the parasitic 
material coming from these European caterpillars is carefully nurtured 
and multiplied in small cages on American gypsy caterpillars and be- 
lated or retarded European brown-tail larve from the winter nests, and 
it is finally turned loose in promising localities in the field. 

A little later the European material consists largely of the pupe of 
the brown-tail and gypsy moths, and from these emerge Tachinids and 
Pimpla parasites, which are just in time to attack the retarded European 


226 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. (Jan. 


brown-tail larve from the winter nests and the belated American gypsy 
caterpillars. As it is easier to get brown-tail material, like the winter 
nests, in Europe, many more natural enemies of this insect have been 
received and turned loose here than of gypsy moth enemies. But some 
of these enemies attack both the gypsy and brown-tail moths; and, owing 
to Dr. Howard’s thorough work among collectors in Europe, much 
larger and constantly increasing quantities of gypsy moth material and 
enemies are now reaching America. 

It was interesting to watch the opening of the European boxes 
containing the large predaceous Calosoma beetles, which climb trees to 
capture and eat the caterpillars. Each beetle came packed in sphagnum 
moss in a little pill or match box, and a dozen of these in a larger mail- 
ing-box. Often two-thirds of the beetles get here alive. Many of these 
are soon liberated in badly infested localities, and some are put in large 
house-lhke cages in the field, where they are kept supplied with cater- 
pillars. These handsome beetles have maintained themselves here, and 
I saw American-bred beetles in the large cages, and also the first one 
that had been found in an infested locality in the field. 

I was very favorably impressed with all the work being done at the 
Saugus laboratory with the natural enemies of the gypsy and brown- 
tail moths. Considering the limited facilities afforded by the improvised 
dwelling house, and the necessity of constantly working with material 
that keeps the air loaded with the minute brown-tail hairs which cause 
the exasperating “rash,” I think that the sixteen to eighteen men re- 
quired to properly care for the material are accomplishing most of the 
results desired. Detailed records are kept of ali material received, and 
many notes made on the breeding habits and other details observed in 
the one hundred or more eages. Conscientious effort is made to get out 
of the European material all the enemies possible, and to try to care 
for and propagate this to the fullest extent. 

At this point I wish to offer a suggestion or criticism. Only one or 
two of the men employed to care for this wealth of European material 
are expert entomologists who have had experience in insect breeding. 
As but little is known of the lives and breeding habits of these natural 
enemies, new conditions and problems are constantly arising in the 
work of handling this European material to get the most out of it. I 
think, therefore, that more entoniologists well trained in insect lore 
should be employed at the Saugus laboratory during the breeding 
season. This Muropean material is obtained with considerable difficulty 
and expense, and thus far provision has not been made to continue the 
work more than a year or so longer, thus every effort possible should 
be made to use it to the best advantage. Of course it would be inter- 
esting and well worth while to make detailed studies of the lives and 
habits of each of the many different enemies introduced, but the exi- 
gencies of a limited appropriation for a comparatively short period and 
the demands for quick results are sufficient reasons for not having 
undertaken such work to any great extent. Such studies can be made 


— 


1908. | PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 73. 227 


at any time by those especially interested after the enemies are weil 
established here. Those in charge of the work are justified in their 
efforts to get the Kuropean material at work in the field on American 
eaterpillars as soon and in as great numbers as possible, leaving the 
more technical or scientifie phases of the work to wait for more per- 
manent appropriations and better facilities. 

The work of collecting and introducing into America the principal 
enemies of the gypsy and brown-tail moths in most of the badly infested 
European countries is now well organized, and has already resulted 
in the liberation of many thousands of these enemies in Massachusetts, 
and is to be continued for another year at least. In spite of all this, 
and of the fact that never before has there been made and earried out 
so successfully such an extensive experiment in introducing nature’s 
forces from a foreign country to help man fight his insect foes, yet to 
silence all crities it will be necessary to scour all other countries in 
which these pests are prevalent, to determine if other enemies cannot 
be found and introduced into America to further aid in this warfare. 
The few feeble attempts to get such material from Japan, where the 
gypsy moth is a pest, have resulted in the insects all dying en route. 
Enemies different from and said to be equally as effective checks to 
the gypsy moth as those in Europe are known to oceur in Japan. To 
complete this world-renowned and greatest of all attempts to fight one 
of nature’s pests with its own enemies, every possible effort should be 
made, without regard to expense, to get living material from Japan 
in sufficient quantities to give it a fair chance to see what it can do 
towards helping the already established European enemies in checking 
the gypsy moth in America. Possibly these Japanese enemies may 
take more kindly to American conditions, and thus render more efficient 
aid than those from Europe. 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is worthy of much praise for 
the magnificent and costly fight it has made against the gypsy and 
brown-tail moths during the past fifteen years. Nowhere else in the 
world has there ever been made such a fight against an insect pest. The 
million-dollar fight for the extermination of these pests which the State 
made a few years ago, and unfortunately and unwisely allowed to lapse 
or cease, has finally resulted in such a widespread distribution of the 
insects that extermination is no longer seriously considered by those 
best qualified to judge. This means that the gypsy and brown-tail moths 
have come to stay, and will gradually extend their domain over more or 
less of the United States and Canada, taking rank wherever they go 
among the most destructive of the defoliators of fruit, forest and shade 
trees. Massachusetts has demonstrated, through the wise administration 
of its rather stringent but excellent and workable law, that these pests 
can be checked and their depredations reduced to the minimum by the 
use of man’s devices or so-called “ hand methods,” at a sum, however, 
that but few other townships or States could be induced to spend. Now 
that federal aid has been secured, it is to be hoped that liberal appro- 


228 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 1908. 


priations will be continued from this source until all danger from the 
rapid spread of these pests is overcome, and everything has been done 
that man’s ingenuity can devise and nature’s forces can accomplish 
to reduce the gypsy and brown-tail moths to the rank of such common 
native pests as the tent-caterpillars, tussock moths, canker-worms and 
elm-leaf beetle. These native insects have their periods of increase and 
decrease, or “ ups and downs,” at longer or shorter intervals. 

Massachusetts must not expect too much from the extensive and well- 
directed efforts now being made to introduce the natural native enemies 
of the gypsy and brown-tail moths from other countries where they 
are intermittent pests, due in part to their insect enemies, but also to 
conditions of environment developed through centuries of nature’s 
changes. While remarkable results have already been obtained in sue- 
cessfully introducing many thousands of Europe’s insect foes into the 
colonies of these pests in America, and while there is evidence that these 
enemies are breeding here, it may be several years before they make a 
noticeable impression upon their hosts. The people of Massachusetts 
must not look for a sudden and wholesale slaughter of these pests by 
their little European foes. 

The work of finding and introducing these natural enemies is being 
successfully and thoroughly carried on by careful, conscientious and 
expert workers, at a minimum expense to Massachusetts. The more 
thoroughly I investigated this work, the more I became convinced that 
it was being well done, and the less I could find to eriticise. If the final 
results prove of little value in helping to control these pests, it will not 
be because the work of scouring the earth for their natural enemies and 
introducing them was not thoroughly and successfully accomplished. 
This extensive experiment of attempting to control an insect pest with 
other insects brought from its native homes in various parts of the 
world will prove one of the greatest object lessons in economic ento- 
mology. It must be considered a success from an entomological stand- 
point, even if these little foes do not sueceed in conquering their hosts. 
Several entomologists are employed by the Hawaiian government to 
scour the earth for insect enemies with which to fight insect pests in 
the islands. But the federal entomologist, Mr. VanDine, who has spent 
several years at the experiment station at Hawaii, and who is thus 
familiar with the conditions there and the work being done with these 
natural enemies, has well diagnosed the situation there in the following 
sentence: “ The introduction of such beneficial species will, when they 
become established, help to solve the problem of Hawaii’s insect pests, 
but cannot be relied upon to exterminate the pests, or render the use of 
insecticides unnecessary.” So far as we know, no serious insect pest 
has ever been exterminated by its natural enemies, even when aided 
by man’s ablest efforts with insecticides. The most that Massachusetts 
ean hope for from the introduction of the enemies of the gypsy and 
brown-tail moths is that they will materially help in controlling these 
pests. Extermination by these little foes is impossible. 


+ ian bi 1 aig! * A tee PY es