1907.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT No. 73. 131 



miliar with the many details involved in combating the moths, 

 the selection by Dr. Howard of Mr. Rogers as field agent has 

 met with general approval, and has been amply justified by the 

 quality of work accomplished under his immediate direction. 

 Since the federal effort has been practically confined to prevent- 

 ing the spread of the gypsy moth, it seemed best that the first 

 step should be to clear, as far as possible, the pest from the main 

 highways of the infested district. To this end protective belts, 

 100 feet wide, have been thinned of trees on some 25 or 30 

 miles of roads and streets in all badly infested sections in the 

 central district. 



The spreading of the gypsy moth does not take place, as is 

 popularly believed, from the border of the moth-afflicted re- 

 gion, but from the badly infested central towns. In such 

 towns it has often been impossible in May or June to drive 

 for even half a mile without acquiring as accidental passengers 

 hundreds of the tiny caterpillars which spin down from over- 

 hanging trees. 



The superintendent is of the opinion that the work now be- 

 ing done under Mr. Rogers's direction, if properly followed up 

 next season by spraying and banding, will be the most impor- 

 tant single factor involved in preventing further extension of 

 the infested district. This work, so ably carried on, has been 

 of greatest possible assistance to this State, and it is hoped that 

 further appropriations will permit of its continuance. There 

 has been at all times a complete harmony of interests between 

 those in charge of the national work and the state superintend- 

 ent, and from this co-operative work most satisfactory results 

 must inevitably follow. 



WORK OF STATE BOARDS. 



As in 1905, the State boards which hold lands in the in- 

 fested district have heartily co-operated in our efforts to sup- 

 press the moths. In some cases, from their ability to control 

 the class of labor engaged in the work, their efforts have been 

 more effective and economical than the operations of certain 

 of the towns. Of particular note is the work done by the Met- 

 ropolitan Park Commission, Metropolitan Water and Sewerage 

 Board and the Massachusetts Highway Commission. Very 



