26Q BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc 



Medford a search was made which extended through forty- 

 two towns and cities and resulted in finding the moth in 

 thirty townships. This search occupied the entire season, and 

 l)y it the fact was determined that the insect had spread into 

 most of the outer towns within the few previous years. 



It was proved by the experience of 1891 that spraying 

 with known insecticides would never bring about exter- 

 mination, and other means of destruction were tried. During 

 the season the motlis were reduced 90 per cent, in numbers. 



In 1892 the committee asked for and received an appro- 

 priation of $75,000. During that year the infested towns 

 were inspected as carefully as possible and fifty-three towns 

 outside the infested region were visited, but no moths were 

 found in any of the latter. During this season the moth 

 was exterminated from hundreds of localities, several towns 

 were nearly cleared of them, and the numbers of the moth 

 were again greatly reduced. 



In the summer of 1892 a means of trapping the cater- 

 pillars was put into extensive use. Bands of burlap were 

 placed about the infested trees and those near by. As these 

 bands were frequently visited to kill the moths found under 

 them, new colonies were discovered, requiring further band- 

 ing, and it soon became evident that the force of men would 

 have to be increased in order properly to attend the traps 

 and inspect the region round about them. The lessening 

 numbers of the moth increased the work of inspection and 

 made it more arduous. The great increase in the number 

 of trees burlapped necessitated a larger force of men for the 

 frequent examinations which were necessary if the largest 

 possible advantage from the work was to be attained. These 

 unexpected conditions greatly increased expenses and the 

 appropriation for 1892 was found inadequate. That careful 

 inspection of the infested territory which is so necessary to 

 the successful completion of the labors of the Department 

 could not be carried on in the winter of 1892-93 owing to 

 lack of means. The few men employed were busied in 

 cleaning up infested localities while awaiting an appropriation 

 for the work of the season. 



In January, 1893, a careful estimate was made of the 

 amount of money which would be required to inspect the 



