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



-1 raxing operations against the gypsy and brown-tail moths in 

 . .rchards was apparent when the fruit was gathered in the fall. 

 As is well known, the year 1007 was, as our farmers term it, an 

 " off year " for apples ; in other words, the year in which but a 

 verv small crop was expected. Yet from the sprayed orchards 

 d crops 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 

 P< '~ts, 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 or SPEAYING. 



The efficacy of spraying with arsenical insecticides as an ef- 

 fective means for controlling the gypsy moth was long ago dem- 

 onstrated. Jt 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- ( .f the operator and the care he gives to the outfit i- a 

 faetnr of great importance. The best possible type of spraying 

 "in fit in the hands of an ignorant or careless operator will not 

 do the maximum amount of work possible, while under such 

 condition- 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 

 -praying operations under the known conditions in any loealitv. 

 su.-h estimates as the superintendent and his assistants have been 

 failed upon to make have been largely a matter of personal 



