STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 33 



the orchard the leading feature of the farm, and give first 

 attention to what the teaching of this Society and their own 

 experience and observ-ation have shown them is necessary to an 

 abundant and reHable fruitage, then will they begin to realize 

 the full measure of the profits of an orchard. That progress is 

 surely being made along these lines may be accepted in evidence 

 that the faithful labors of the members of this Society, freely 

 rendered, have met with their merited reward, and should be 

 taken as an encouragement to continued effort. 



The brown-tail moth and the gypsy moth situation is not 

 very different from what it was a year ago. It was my priv- 

 ilege to accompany Dr. Howard, Entomologist of the Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture, Washington, and Dr. Kirkland, in charge 

 of the gypsy moth appropriation in Massachusetts, on the 

 occasion of their visit to this State inquiring into the situation 

 here. Strong suspicion was felt by these authorities that the 

 gypsy moth may have been transported into our State along the 

 line of travel from Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and it 

 ^\2LS stated by Dr. Howard that experts would be furnished to 

 make a thorough search, after the leaves of the trees had fallen, 

 along the line of probable approach. A rumor has been abroad 

 that this damaging moth had made a lodgment on our side of 

 the State line. The State Entomologist will give our meeting 

 information in regard to impending dangers from these insect 

 enemies during the course of our proceedings. Without ques- 

 tion it is the sentiment of every fruit grower among us that the 

 aid of the State should be continued in staying the progress of 

 these insect enemies, and that action should be taken at this 

 meeting providing for the further aid of this Society in bringing 

 this important matter before the forthcoming Legislature. 



Before leaving this matter I wish in behalf of this Society 

 to commend the prompt and efficient action of our State Com- 

 missioner of Agriculture in the invasion of the brow n-tail moth 

 so suddenly thrust upon us, and with him the several individuals 

 and municipalities that have so promptly tendered their aid in 

 defense against its damaging progress in our State. Your Pres- 

 ident has strong faith that our important fruit-growing industry 

 is not destined to be seriously decimated by an insignificant 

 insect, but that intelligent action will sooner or later discover a 

 way through which its damaging presence can be overcome. 



