No. 4.] GYPSY MOTH IN THE LEGISLATURE. 41 



Can the gypsy moth be exterminated? The committee 

 having charge of the work, after making it a study for sev- 

 eral years, says it can be. Leading entomologists of the 

 United States and Canada, some of wliom have made thorough 

 investigations, commend the work of the committee, say the 

 moth can be exterminated and advise the appropriation. In 

 fact, entomologists have been employed by the opposition to 

 inspect the work incognito, and, contrary to expectations, 

 have made favorable reports and advised the appropriation. 

 I learned that in 1894 there was a very thorough investigation 

 made, by those unfriendly to the work, of all books and 

 accounts, and the investigators became supporters of the 

 committee and its work. In 1896 the Boston Scientific 

 Society made an investigation, and recommended the full 

 appropriation asked by the committee. In 1897 the Society 

 for the Promotion of Agriculture made an investigation, and 

 employed Professor Smith of New Jersey to inspect the 

 work ; and his report sustained the committee's belief in the 

 extermination of the moth, and recommended the full appro- 

 priation. In 1898 the Massachusetts Forestry Association 

 made a thorough investigation, and its secretary came before 

 the committee on agriculture not only to commend the work 

 of the Board, but to urge the appropriation asked for by the 

 committee. He further testified that experts from Germany 

 think that the work of the committee is correct and wisely 

 carried on. He also said that marked progress had been 

 made the past year, and the methods now being used would 

 exterminate the moth. In 1893, the committee having charo^e 

 of the work asked for $165,000; $100,000 was appropri- 

 ated. In 1894, $165,000 was asked for; $100,000 was ap- 

 propriated. In 1895, $200,000 was asked for; $150,000 

 was appropriated. In 1896, $200,000 was asked for ; $100,- 

 000 was appropriated. In 1897, $200,000 was asked for; 

 $150,000 was appropriated. In 1898, $200,000 was asked 

 for; $200,000 was appropriated. In 1899, $200,000 was 

 asked for ; $200,000 was appropriated. 



I have no doubt but what there would be very few gypsy 

 moths in Massachusetts to-day if the full amount asked for 

 had been received during the years 1893 to 1897 inclusive. 

 The last two years the full amount asked for has been received, 



