22 P.D. 123. 



Investigations. 



The investigations undertaken during the year were largely such as would 

 furnish material for the publication of the second volume of the work referred 

 to above. Many facts regarding the food of birds have been gathered and re- 

 corded. The Boston Society of Natural History, the Museum of Comparative 

 Zoology of Harvard University, the American Museum of New York and the 

 National Museum at Washington all have placed specimens at the disposal of 

 the Director. 



Corresi^ondence has been maintained with a large number of observers during 

 the year through which information has been received as usual regarding the 

 distrib-ution and migration of New England bird life, and a bulletin has been 

 sent out to each observer each month. 



Cooperation. 



During the year the Division eooiDerated with the Massachusetts State Grange 

 Committee on Wild Birds and joined them in celebrating a bird day at Concord, 

 where the Director was one of the speakers. The Division has joined with the 

 New England Federation of Bird Clubs in a plan for protecting the terns along 

 the Massachusetts coast by placing wardens upon their breeding grounds. The 

 Division has cooperated with the Northeastern Bird Banding Association, the 

 Fish and Game Protective Association, the Department of Conservation, the 

 Massachusetts Audubon Society and the National Association of Audubon So- 

 cieties in measures looking toward the protection of useful birds in Massa- 

 chusetts. 



Heath Hen. 



Investigations made during the year in regard to the Heath Hen indicate that 

 the birds have bred during the year, as several broods of young birds have been 

 reported, but no very definite census of the Heath Hen has been taken. 



Consultation and Advice. 



Advice has been given to many persons and organizations proposing to estab- 

 lish bird sanctuaries in dilferent parts of the State and in other parts of New 

 England. Many individuals have consulted with the Director regarding the best 

 means of establishing such reservations and attracting birds to them. In such 

 cases advice is always freely given. 



Educational Work. 



Lecturers on bird life have been recommended or furnished to many organiza- 

 tions and in many cases lantern slides have been loaned to lecturers. Articles 

 have been prepared for newspapers. 



Records. 



The records of the Division have been kept up to date with one important ex- 

 ception. The mapping year by year of the distribution and migration of Massa- 

 chusetts birds was discontinued in 1922, as the appropriation for assistance was 

 insufficient. 



REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF PLANT 

 PEST CONTROL 



Nursery Inspection. 



The duties of the Division of Plant Pest Control are largely protective in 

 their nature and this year they have been principally devoted to the inspection of 

 nurseries, scouting for the Oriental and Satin Moths, control of the European 

 Corn Borer and the White Pine Blister Rust. 



The inspection of growing stock in the nurseries is very essential. It is designed 

 to rid the nursery of injurious insects and plant diseases. The purchaser 

 is thereby assured of receiving apparently healthy and clean stock. It is neces- 



