P.D. 123 17 



Society and the Massachusetts Forestry Association and had the official approval 

 of the Department of Education. Formerly this bulletin was published annually 

 and there are many persons who believe this practice should be continued. Un- 

 questionably there is no better place to teach the conservation of our natural 

 resources than in our public schools. 



The past year has brought to the Division more requests than usual for bird 

 literature and specific information on bird life. Hundreds of copies of State and 

 Federal bulletins on such subjects available have been distributed. Two of our 

 most popular and valuable State Publications on Birds are now out of print, but 

 have been revised and are ready for publication whenever funds are available. 



Extending General Bird Information 



It is apparent that the general public are becoming more and more "Bird 

 Minded." As an evidence of this, the Division notes increasing interest by the 

 growing demand of Bird information in one way and another. For example, 

 damage to orchards by Ruffed Grouse and other birds, or injury to gardens by 

 starlings, as well as objectionable roosting habits of certain birds, have each 

 received their full measure of attention. 



The Division is likewise frequently consulted regarding proposed wild life 

 sanctuaries or the further development of areas set aside for this purpose, not only 

 within our own Commonwealth, but generally throughout the other New England 

 States. 



Numerous organizations have requested the Division for lectures on Bird Lore 

 during the year, which have in practically all cases been complied with. The 

 Division has been represented at various meetings of both State and National 

 character and in all ways endeavored to supply information on all matters relating 

 to the Birds of our Commonwealth. 



REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF PLANT PEST CONTROL 

 Nursery Inspection 



It is very gratifying at this time to report that the Massachusetts nurseries are 

 in excellent condition and apparently free from injurious insects and plant diseases. 

 Our nurserymen have become accustomed to Federal quarantines, and these seem 

 justified when the restrictions are not more harmful than the pest, or when the 

 expense of enforcing them is not greater than the damage that the pest could 

 inflict. Within the last year Massachusetts has been subjected to another quar- 

 antine — this against the Japanese Beetle. This insect has neither been found m 

 or near any nursery, yet the Federal quarantine restricts the free movement of 

 nursery stock from three counties. With the keen competition of business as it 

 exists today, it would seem as if our nurserymen were situated more favorably 

 than their associates in any part of the country. We have a wonderful market 

 for all of our ornamental stock. We do not grow and cannot supply the demand 

 for planting within the Commonwealth. Carloads and truckloads of nursery stock 

 are brought in each year. Should we not concentrate on the opportunities we 

 have here in New England and supply the demand with home-grown stock? 



The Division has issued 303 certificates, an increase of 33 over 19'-29. In addi- 

 tion, over 300 licenses were issued to agents who buy and sell stock from certified 

 nurseries. The properties immediately adjoining the nurseries are in very good 

 condition, and it is our endeavor to keep them free from pests in order to safeguard 

 the nurseries. Insects and diseases might readily enter from surrounding prop- 

 erties as well as on imported stock, and for this reason, considerable time is spent 

 in examining stock brought in from other States. 



Infestations of the gypsy moth were at a lower ebb than for several years, and 

 consequently we were able to complete our inspection and issue all certificates 

 early in October. . 



The Satin Moth is seldom found in the nurseries, and causes little concern by its 

 feeding. It comes to our attention largely because of the quarantine, which 

 restricts the shipping of willows and poplars. Up to this time it has been found 

 as far west as Pittsfield. 



