REPORT OF COMMITTEE. 15 



In January, 1897, a careful inspection and investigation 

 of the exterininative work was made, under the auspices of 

 the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, by 

 Prof. John B. Smith, entomologist of the New Jersey Ex- 

 periment Station. His report has been largely given to the 

 public through the press. In it he speaks in the highest 

 terms of the work of the committee, and expresses the 

 opinion that extermination is possible if sufficient means are 

 seasonably provided. He recommended that it would be 

 well to investigate the natural enemies of the gypsy moth in 

 Europe, with a view to introducing any insect enemy of the 

 moth that might be of advantage. While the members of 

 your committee consider the results of such an investigation 

 to be problematical, they will be ready at any time to carry 

 it out should the Legislature provide the means. 



The entomologist of the United States Department of 

 Agriculture, under the instruction of Congress, has been 

 making an extended inspection of the work and an investiga- 

 tion of the methods in use. The report of his investigation 

 will very soon appear as a bulletin of the United States 

 Department of Agriculture. 



Experiments have been continued in perfecting spraying 

 machinery and insecticides at the insectary in Maiden and 

 the experiment station at Arnherst. In addition to the 

 regular experimental work, a large number of injurious in- 

 sects, erroneously supposed to be the gypsy moth, which 

 were sent to the office of the committee by residents of the 

 infested region, have been identified and advice given con- 

 cerning remedies. 



The committee desires in this connection to emphasize its 

 grateful appreciation of the value of the scientific work as 

 conducted by Prof. C. H. Fernald, entomologist of the 

 Board. 



Reference is also made to the reports of Prof. C. H. 

 Fernald, entomologist, and E. H. Forbush, director, presented 

 herewith as a part of the report of the committee. 



FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 1897. 



The gypsy moth committee of the State Board of Agricult- 

 ure presents below its financial report for the year 1897 : 



