1907.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT No. 73. 11 



thereby largely preventing the farther spread of the gypsy moth. 

 In upward of 90 per cent, of the residential districts both moths 

 have been so well controlled that but little caterpillar damage 

 was noticeable last summer. The woodlands are more severely 

 infested by the gypsy moth than ever before. 



3. In the enforcement of the law against these insects we 

 have been greatly assisted by a general spirit of helpful co- 

 operation on the part of city and town officials, and by citizens 

 throughout the moth-afflicted district. 



4. In a few localities the work has been seriously hampered 

 by the complication of local politics or by apathy, and in some 

 cases by open opposition on the part of city or town officials. 



5. The work of importing beneficial parasites is progressing 

 satisfactorily. 



6. By sections 8 and 9 of chapter 381, Acts of 1905, provi- 

 sion is made for expenditures to May 1, 1907. Additional ap- 

 propriations should be authorized applying to future operations 

 against the moths until such time as they are brought under 

 control. Recommendations are : - 



(a) A suitable appropriation should be made for the unin- 

 terrupted continuation of the work against the moths over a 

 period of at least three years. Similar provisions should be 

 made for further investigation and importation of beneficial 

 parasites. 



(6) In computing municipal and individual assessments the 

 valuations of the previous year should be used. 



(c) The superintendent should be given authority to do the 

 necessary work against the moths in such cities or towns as 

 fail to provide the necessary appropriations or suitable organiza- 

 tions for carrying on the work, subject to the approval of the 

 Governor. The proportional cost of the same, as fixed by law, 

 with a proper additional allowance for the cost of management, 

 should be charged against such municipalities, to be collected in 

 the same manner as other State taxes. 



(d) The superintendent should be given authority to take 

 charge, at the expense of the State, of the work against the 

 moths in certain public parks, cemeteries and other places of 

 general resort, subject to the approval of the Governor. 



