60 GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 



before the close of the fiscal year, a force of nearly 250 men 

 was put at work. The few trained foremen available were 

 simply unable to handle this large gang of men, and, although 

 repeated complaints were made by the State agents to the 

 officials in charge, practically no improvement in the condi- 

 tion was obtainable. It is safe to say that a gang of 25 

 men, properly directed and working throughout the season, 

 would have accomplished much more in suppressing the 

 moths than the poorly directed forces employed in 1905. 



We have assurances that during the coming year the moth 

 work in Woburn will be treated as a business proposition 

 and carried out on business-like lines. If this is done, 

 much relief from the pests should be obtained. If not so 

 done the money expended will be practically squandered, 

 and the condition of the city at the close of the year will be 

 even worse than at present. 



Nearly all the infested roadsides in the city have been cut 

 out and about one-half of the street trees have been cleared 

 of both moths, although a considerable amount of reinspect- 

 ing will be necessary. The work of next season should in- 

 clude a vigorous campaign of spraying, burlapping and an 

 effort to control, if funds permit, the increase of the moth in 

 woodland colonies. 



Outer Toivns. 



ABINGTON. 

 C. FRED SHAW, Local Superintendent. 



1905, amount required before reimbursement, . . . $50808 



1906, amount required before reimbursement, . . . 1,016 16 

 1905, amount expended in work against moths, estimated, . 46 75 

 1905, amount of State reimbursement, 



An examination of this town by inspectors from this office 

 revealed the gypsy moth in 12 localities. The brown-tail 

 moth is generally scattered throughout the town. The street 

 trees have been cleared of both species of the moths, but as 

 yet little work has been done on private estates. Burlap- 

 ping will be necessary in the sections infested with the 

 gypsy moth during the caterpillar season of 1906. 



