8 AGRICULTURE OF MAINE. 



of a better system of orchard management. Personal appeals 

 have been made to the orchardists, but many are not yet aroused 

 to the full importance of cultivating, fertilizing and pruning 

 their trees, and keeping them free from insect pests. 



The past dry season has been particularly favorable for the 

 increase of all kinds of insects, and some of our common insect 

 enemies, which have not usually been very troublesome, have 

 appeared in large numbers, not only in the orchards but in the 

 forests. 



THE GYPSY AND BROWN-TAIL MOTHS. 



The work for the suppression of these pests has been carried 

 on during the year on the same lines as in the previous year. 

 Through the persistent efforts of our special field agent, Capt. 

 E. E. Philbrook, and his efficient assistants, with the aid of the 

 general government, the gypsy moth has been kept in check to 

 a large extent, although some new infestations have been dis- 

 covered, and the situation is still a grave one. We believe that 

 unless new territory is found to be infested, beyond the limits 

 that have been scouted, the spread of this pest can be checked. 



The brown-tail moth has spread over the State to quite an 

 extent, and a determined effort is needed, on the part of each 

 individual owner of fruit and shade trees, as well as on the 

 part of towns and cities, to keep this insect under control. 



OUR DAIRY INTERESTS. 



The dairying industry is growing in importance as the demand 

 for dairy products increases, and the Department has made an 

 earnest effort, during the past year, through the State Dairy 

 Instructor, to raise it to a higher plane. An increased knowl- 

 edge of the business is necessary in order to secure the best 

 results. The two cow testing associations organized in Decem- 

 ber, 1907, have been continued and another has been added, and 

 the results obtained thus far are very encouraging. It is our 

 opinion that this movement will do more towards developing 

 and extending dairying than any other effort that has been put 

 forth for years. The dairyman, by the aid of these associations, 

 is enabled to learn more nearly the value of each individual 

 cow, and the cost of production. The official tester, employed 

 by the association, weighs and tests the milk of each cow every 



