84 REPORT OF THE FOREST COMMISSION. 



TREE PESTS. 



SUMMARY. 



Situation now better in hand under authority given State Ento- 

 mologist and State Plant Pathologist, though danger still 

 great through lack of National quarantine Chestnut blight 

 the most serious evil, no hope that any chestnut tree in the 

 State will survive 1 Elm beetle still active, but neither Gypsy 

 nor Brown-tail moth are yet here Beware of fake tree 

 doctors. 



The year has again been unusually favorable for the develop- 

 ment of many kinds of tree enemies. Complaints and inquiries 

 from all parts of the State evidence at once the interest of tree 

 owners, and the growing dependence o>f the people upon the 

 Forest Commission. 



Fortunately the actual situation is less serious than the average 

 citizen imagines, for practically all the dangerous insects, and 

 some of the diseases, are capable of control. The Legislature 

 last year listened to the appeals of the Forest Commission, of 

 the State Board of Agriculture, and of other interested bodies 

 and citizens, and provided for more complete control both of 

 insect pests and plant diseases. The insect problem is looked 

 after necessarily and most efficiently by the State Entomologist, 

 who now feels that with the enlarged powers and increased 

 appropriations given him he can meet any emergency that is 

 likely to arise. Plant diseases will be attended -to by the State' 

 Plant Pathologist, an official authorized by the last Legislature, 

 but only recently appointed because it was found most difficult 

 to secure a competent man. 



The Forest Commission is working in entire harmony with 

 both these specialists. Ordinarily the Commission's foresters are 

 able to satisfy inquirers from their own knowledge, though 

 whenever there is doubt the question is referred to one or the 

 other expert. The people of the State may, therefore, be as- 



