No. 4.] 



THE GYPSY MOTH. 



359 



choppers. In this way the scattered infestations were 

 located, cleared up, and the territory put in excellent 

 condition for burlapping. 



During the early part of November the work of scouting 

 and clearing woodland colonies received the attention of the 

 major part of the force. Later, an examination was made 

 for the brown-tail moth in several of the more northern 

 towns, and, as the leaves had fallen from the trees, the 

 work of destroying this insect was commenced. Nearly 

 the entire force was engaged in this work from November 

 9 to 23, when, as the appropriation had become nearly 

 exhausted, field operations were discontinued. The field 

 superintendents and their assistants were retained during 

 December, and their services utilized in examining impor- 

 tant outlying colonies, — a work requiring the greatest 

 possible skill, and for which they are exceptionally well 

 fitted. 



Summary of the Year's Work. 



In the following summary there are given only such data 

 as can be accurately compiled. In the reports issued pre- 

 vious to January, 1898, there were recorded the numbers 

 of each form of the moth killed. These figures were com- 

 piled at a considerable expense, and in the past three years 

 we have transferred this expenditure to field labor, believ- 

 ing that the field work should have all possible financial 

 support. The records of the daily work of our employees 

 are on file and may be examined at the oflSce of the com- 

 mittee. 



Wo7-k Bone. 



