10 AGRlClJl^TURE OF MAINE, 



SEED AND PLANT IMPROVEMENT. 



Soon after coming into charge of this Department the 

 Bureau of Seed and Plant Improvement was aboHshed and its 

 work transferred to the Dairy Division. This was done in 

 favor of economy and to secure greater efficiency. A plan of 

 work was outlined and carried forward by Mr. Adams and his 

 Assistant, Mr. Leland, with results highly commendable. The 

 exhibition held at Lewiston City Hall in connection with the 

 Annual Dairy Conference, was the largest and best ever held in 

 the state. Plans are being made to enlarge and make more 

 valuable the work of Seed and Plant Improvement. Our farm- 

 ers need to realize more forcibly -the advantage accruing from 

 the planting of superior seeds. Reference is made to the report 

 of Mr. C. R. Leland, Assistant Dairy Instructor. 



INSECT ENEMIES. 



Gypsy and Brozmi-tail Moths. 



The gypsy moth has spread over the larger part of the south- 

 ern section of the istate, having been found, at the present time, 

 in more than one hundred and fifty towns. Its ravages are the 

 greatest in York County, where a great deal of damage has 

 been done. 



The brownntail moth is found now in nearly all inhabited 

 parts of the state as far north as Houlton, and in the western 

 and southern sections it has become a great scourge. Apple 

 and pear trees, elm, oak, maple and other trees are loaded witii 

 the nests. 



Under the law it is the duty of the mumi:ipal officers in towns 

 and cities to clear the parks and highways, reckoning 60 feet 

 from the center of the highway, each way. It is also their duty 

 to notify private owners to clear their orchards and shade 

 trees. The municipal officers in very many towns are faithful 

 and their work i? well done. There are, however, some towns in 

 which the officers neglect their duties and do not properly 

 superintend the work. I wish to note the fact that a few towns 

 neglect or refuse to make sufficient appropriation to do tne 

 work. 



