94 (iVl'SV 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- 

 prated 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 w r ork 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 purchase*! 

 ;m<l IVi dy used during the caterpillar season. 



LUNENBUEG. 



S. FARNSWORTH, Local Superintendent. 



The scouts from the central office located 3 gypsy moth egg 

 clusters in tins town in April, 1007, 1 on the State road over 

 the Fitchburg line, and 2 at \Vhalom Park, where a large num- 

 l>er of frees were burlapped and attended during the summer. 

 This park is in high favor as a pleasure resort, and has doubt- 

 less he. ic 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 hur- 

 will he needed here next slimmer. 



