350 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



Whereas, The existence of the gypsy moth in Massachusetts is 

 believed to be a standing menace, not only to the agricultural and 

 forestry interests of that State, but to all sections of our country ; 

 it being further believed that its spread into other States would 

 in a very short time become a national misfortune and an ever- 

 increasing source of financial loss and annoyance to our people : — 



Resolved, That this Congress heartily appreciates and applauds 

 the great work already done by the Commonwealth of Massa- 

 chusetts, and we believe that she is entitled to the gratitude of all 

 our people in appropriating a million dollars in the attempt to ex- 

 terminate this pest from our land ; and be it further 



Resolved, That, recognizing the certainty of the gypsy moth 

 becoming a great national pest, should the efforts of Massachu- 

 setts fail at a time when complete extermination seems more than 

 a mere possibility, we earnestly appeal to the Congress of the 

 United States to come to the aid of the Commonwealth of Massa- 

 chusetts, and, by the appropriation of moneys and in other ways, 

 secure to our people absolute freedom from this dread insect pest. 



The length of time required to secure the absolute exter- 

 mination of the gypsy moth depends wholly upon the action 

 of the Legislature. Should the work be delayed or handi- 

 capped by an insufficient appropriation, much of the ground 

 gained during the past two years will be lost ; the insects 

 will increase in the woodland colonies and eventually spread 

 into the outer towns, from which they can only be exter- 

 minated by large outlays of money. If, on the other hand, 

 this work receives the timely financial support it deserves, 

 there is every reason to believe that it can be prosecuted to 

 a favorable conclusion. 



Owing to continued ill health, the director of field work, 

 Mr. E. H. Forbush, was granted leave of absence for three 

 months, dating from October 19. During the eight years 

 in which Mr. Forbush has had charge of the work against 

 the gypsy moth he has given to the State services whose 

 importance and value can hardly be over-estimated. It is 

 but a pleasant duty for your committee to record its high 

 appreciation of the worth of a most faithful official. 



During the director's temporary absence his duties have 

 been discharged by Mr. A. H. Kirkland, formerly assistant 

 entomoloofist to the committee. 



