296 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



The committee believes that' the work of gathering the 

 eggs throughout the entire district infested should be com- 

 pleted in the most thorough manner before the appearance 

 of the Leaves next spring, [f this can be accomplished, we 

 believe that the number of caterpillars that will appear in 

 the spring will be comparatively small, and that they will 

 be so much scattered that they can be found and destroyed 

 without the spraying of the trees and shrubs of the whole 

 country. The work of spraying is very expensive, and 

 many owners of property arc much opposed to having it 

 done on their premises. If this systematic egg-gathering is 

 to be completed as above recommended, a large force of 

 sharp and reliable men must be set at work at once. The 

 appropriations granted by the last Legislature are almost 

 exhausted, and this work cannot be begun until the 

 present Legislature provides the means. With prompt and 

 liberal provision for the next season's work the committee 

 believes that decided progress can be made in the task 

 Massachusetts has undertaken, to wit, "To prevent the 

 spreading and to secure the extermination of the Ocneria 

 dispar or gypsy moth in this Commonwealth." 



The committee believes that an appropriation of seventy- 

 five thousand dollars will be needed to carry on the work 

 according to the plans laid out for 1892. For details of the 

 work of the past season we beg to refer you to the reports 

 of Prof. C. H. Fernald, entomological adviser of the com- 

 mittee, and of Mr. E. H. Forbush, director of the field 

 work, which are transmitted with this report. 



The following is a statement of the expenditure- of the 

 Board of Agriculture by their committee. 



WM. R, SESSIONS. 



Secretary of the Board of Agriculture. 



