1908.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT No. 73. Gl 



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 1,300 egg 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 



