72 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



mine more specifically just wliat trees are sufficiently resistant to 

 the attack of the Gypsy moth larvae to be safe from damage. In 

 other words, it is desired to learn if possible just what trees 

 should be removed from a woodland and what trees left on 

 the same woodland to render it safe from this pest. The 

 importance of these cannot be over-estimated since it must be 

 realized that the only eventual relief from the tremendous dan- 

 ger of the Gypsy moth can be afforded by the action of para- 

 sites and disease. 



Foreign parasites have been imported to this country in great 

 numbers by the United States authorities and many of these have 

 been liberated in the infested woodlands. It has been noted 

 that several of the species liberated have survived the winter 

 months anrl that favorable results have been attained in certain 

 sections. No general results can be looked for, however, until 

 the parasites become generally established over the infested 

 territory. 



Any encouragement that can be gained from the parasite 

 situation does not mean that we should cease our present 

 methods of checking the pest. In all probability the Gypsy 

 moth will alwavs be a source of more or less dangei to the 

 forests of this vState and increased efforts should be made during 

 the next few years to minimize the danger which threatens our 

 tree growth. The encouraging features of the parasite situa- 

 tion should be an encouragement to continue the work of sup- 

 pression rather than an excuse to drop it. The work already 

 done by the State of Maine has saved the State many times the 

 amount it has cost and there is yet time for the Gypsy moth to 

 do untold damage before the parasites become well established 

 over all of the infested area. 



COXCLUSION. 



The most discouraging feature of the moth situation in* 

 Alaine is the enormous increase of infested territory. As has 

 been shown in this report, the area has m.ore than doubled dur- 

 ing the past year and the seriousness of the situation can no 

 longer be doubted. We are, however, receiving more assistance 

 from the I"^nited States government forces than previouslv and 

 it seems likely that this will continue even in an increased 

 measure during the coming year. Practically all of the govern- 



