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trained man, equipped with the proper apparatus and insecticides, 
was placed at work destroying the egg clusters, and in a few days 
accomplished more than an amateur could have done in as many 
weeks. 
While not as important in its injury to trees as the gypsy moth, 
few insects have created a greater local commotion than the brown- 
tail moth (Hwproctis chrysorrhea Linn.) in Boston and its suburbs 
the present summer. The caterpillars were sufficiently numerous to 
strip shade and fruit trees in many residential localities; pear trees 
suffering to the greatest extent, with apple, cherry, plum, and willow 
following in about the order named. 
As is generally known, the hairs of the brown-tail moth caterpillar 
coming in contact with the human flesh produce a fierce and endur- 
ing irritation. As the caterpillars matured and commenced to 
migrate in search of shelter, large numbers of children and many 
adults were severely ‘‘poisoned” by them. So numerous were com- 
plaints from this source, and so prevalent was the belief that a new 
epidemic disease had appeared, that the Boston board of health gave 
a public hearing on the subject. At this hearing it was explained 
that the so-called epidemic was due to the caterpillar hairs, and that 
by the destruction of the winter webs which shelter the hibernating 
insects, future annoyance could be prevented. As has been deter- 
mined by Mr. F. J. Smith, former chemist to the gypsy moth com- 
mittee, the irritation caused by the caterpillars is probably of a 
mechanical nature and not due to any poisonous principle contained 
in the hairs. The hairs are barbed and very brittle, and when once 
lodged in the skin are easily broken, and require several weeks for 
their expulsion. 
It has not been possible to continue following accurately the spread 
of this insect, but it is now known to occur in Brockton and in Hud- 
son, Mass., and probably it has established itself throughout the ter- 
ritory lying between these localities and the known infested region, 
making a total infested area of over 1,200 square miles. More or less 
work has been done against this insect by local park and street boards, 
and where this has been carried on along approved lines the results 
have been very satisfactory. 
It is noticeable that the moth is strongly attracted to lights, and 
hence the greatest infestation is usually where street lights are most 
numerous. The little European parasite, Diglochis omnivorous 
Walker, is very effective in destroying the pupz, but its services 
have not been sufficient to restrict the increase of the moth. 
Taking Massachusetts as a whole, the most general damage by any 
insect pest the past season has been that by the elm-leaf beetle 
(Galerucella luteola Muell.). This insect has now become established 
in nearly all of our cities and larger towns, and has finally invaded 
Boston, where it threatens to cause serious damage. It is noticeable 
