1906.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT No. 73. 159 



as the work on private estates is concerned, if the disposi- 

 tion now in evidence on the part of many to take refuge 

 under the "half of one per cent" clause is to be generally 

 followed, the State may as well stop the work now ; since, 

 unless citizens will co-operate with local and State authori- 

 ties, and perform their full duty not only to themselves hut 

 to their neighbors, no permanent benefit can be obtained. 



The outlook for controlling the gypsy and brown-tail 

 moths is hopeful within the limits previously mentioned. It 

 will, of course, be impossible to attack the moths in the wood- 

 lands generally until suitable funds are available ; but the 

 scattering of the gypsy moth can be stopped, our street trees 

 protected and our residential sections kept partially free from 

 damage by the swarming caterpillars, even with the present 

 reduced appropriation. But to accomplish this there must 

 be no faltering along the line ; there must be no apathy or 

 indifference on the part of any one concerned. A chain is 

 no stronger than its weakest link ; and to bring success, 

 thorough and efficient work must be done in each and every 

 infested municipality. This is an effort made for the pres- 

 ervation of our shade trees, fruit trees and woodlands ; their 

 safety is threatened by attacks of serious insect pests. 

 Sound business policy in any enterprise requires the employ- 

 ment of the most efficient men for a given rate of wages, and 

 the purchase of supplies at bottom market prices. No other 

 rule of procedure should obtain in carrying out the provi- 

 sions of the gypsy and the brown-tail moth act. If there 

 ever was a public enterprise which ought to be kept free from 

 local political considerations, and handled in a thoroughly 

 business-like manner, it is the work against the gypsy and 

 brown-tail moths. If we can have the whole-hearted inter- 

 est and support of the public, if we can have effective and 

 economical local administrations of work, and if the central 

 office does its full duty, then the pests can be brought under 

 control, and our parks, street trees and private grounds 

 preserved from harm. 



The success of this undertaking does not depend alone 

 upon the central organization ; it does not depend upon the 

 man in charge of any particular city or town, nor upon any 



