GYPSY AND I'.UOWN-TAIL MOTHS. [Jan. 



SUMMARY <u CONDITION OF TERRITORY. 



A- previously pointed out, much progress has been made in 

 clearing the gvpsy moth from the street trees and residential 

 districts, - - a condition of affairs well borne out by statements 

 from interested property owners and others familiar with ihe 

 conditions as compared with those of one year ago. The cen- 

 tral towns remain quite thoroughly infested, but the control of 

 the moth in residential districts offers no notable obstacle, pro- 

 vided thorough suppressive measures can be continually on- 

 forced, and suitable work can be inaugurated in the infested 

 \voo<] hinds. While the funds available for the work during the 

 year were sufficient for the field operations undertaken, it is 

 greatly to be regretted that so little was possible in the way of 

 -learing the moth from woodlands, or at least isolating the 

 prineipal woodland colonies. Beyond the border of the central 

 infested district there are important infestations at Braintree, 

 Dedham, Xatick, Framingham, Concord, JSTorth Reading, An- 

 dover, and throughout the entire eastern part of Essex County. 

 In many eases these outlying infestations have received the 

 necessary preliminary treatment, but an enormous amount of 

 work yet remains to be done, if the moth is to be brought under 

 control and prevented from increasing in numbers. 



The area occupied by the brown-tail moth apparently remains 

 about the sam-' aa thai of la-t year, and owing to the marked 

 epidemic of di-ease among the eaterpillars, mentioned elsewhere 

 in this report, the numbers of this insect, broadly speaking, 

 -how no material increase. Its principal spreading still con- 

 tinues along- the coast line both to the north and south of Bos- 

 ton. but more particularly toward New Hampshire and Maine 

 localities. 



The time has come when a decision should bo reached as to 

 90me definite policy in regard to the treatment of the large 

 woodland areas infested by the gypsy moth. The moth can be 

 controlled in the woodlands at a moderate expense, provided 

 BOme definite -y-tem of action is arranged for and properly 

 -npported by -tillable appropriation-. This will require time 

 and a considerable outlay of funds, and should not be under- 

 taken except on the basis of a plan of work which shall be 

 carried on over a term of years. 



