1909.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT- -No. 73. 23 



where extensive woodland operations are necessary for protection, 

 and here large amounts of money can be well used. The in- 

 creased number of power spraying outfits in the field will have 

 to be taken into consideration in making allotments for 1909. 



ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 



In previous years we have freely sought advice from those 

 best qualified to give it, as the exigencies of the work demanded. 

 It is impossible to mention the many good friends of the work 

 in which we are engaged, who have helped by suggestion or 

 counsel. We are particularly indebted, however, for helpful 

 advice to the Honorable Attorney-General, the Honorable 

 Auditor to the Commonwealth, the secretary of the Board of 

 Agriculture, the officials of the Massachusetts Association for 

 the Suppression of Gypsy and Brown-tail Moths, and also to 

 Prof. C. H. Fernald, Col. W. D. Sohier and others. Finally, 

 we are glad to acknowledge the loyal and efficient assistance 

 given at all times by secretary C. O. Bailey, and field agents 

 F. A. Bates, J. W. Enwright, J. A. Farley, C. W. Minott, 

 Harry B. Ramsey and George A. Smith. Our thanks are also 

 due to the officials of the various cities and towns, to the local 

 moth superintendents and to the inspectors and other employ- 

 ees of the central office, for faithful service and hearty co- 

 operation. 



SCOUTING WORK. 



At the beginning of the year 1908 it seemed necessary to 

 continue the scouting on as large a scale as during the fall of 

 1907, as the extent of the infestation by the gypsy moth had not 

 been sufficiently well determined. In nearly all of the towns 

 which had been scouted egg clusters of the gypsy moth were 

 found, and it seemed necessary to continue until the border of 

 the infestation was known. This work was continued until May 

 16, approximately 100 men being employed. The men engaged 

 in this work were well trained and had a thorough knowledge 

 of gypsy moth scouting, as the local officials in towns bordering 

 on known infestations were not well enough acquainted with the 

 habits of the gypsy moth to scout their own towns thoroughly. 

 The results obtained by our scouting gangs were so satisfactory 

 that we feel that the Commonwealth and the cities and towns 



