1891.] 



PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 4. 



xxm 



charge of the work. Much work hns been done and much 

 good accomplished by the commission. The habits of the 

 creature have been observed, and millions of them destroyed. 

 It is believed that they have been prevented from spreading 

 over new territory, and thus with the experience of the last 

 season the operations of the coming spring and summer will 

 be much more successful. The liberal appropriation by the 

 last Legislature was only about one-half expended, leaving 

 what would seem to be sufficient funds to carry on effective 

 work throughout the coming season. A report has been 

 made by the commission to the Governor and Council, but 

 it has not yet been printed. I desire to again record my 

 sense of the importance of earnest work by those in charge 

 of the matter. Scientists all agree in believing that, if it is 

 possible to extirpate the pest, it should be done, let the 

 expense be what it may. It will be a disgrace to the Com- 

 monwealth that thirty years ago stamped out pleuro-pneu- 

 monia, which had gained a lodgment within her boundaries, 

 if she fails to eradicate this pest. 



Trespassing. 



Desiring to ascertain to what extent our farmers are 

 troubled by trespassers, the following question was asked 

 in our circular to correspondents in July : " Are farmers in 

 your vicinity troubled to any extent by parties trespassing 

 upon their farms, or stealing their products ?" One hundred 

 and seven replies were received, of which fifty-five answered 

 " Yes " and fifty-two " No." 



In order to show in what sections of the State this trouble 

 existed to the greatest extent, as indicated by the replies, 

 the following table was prepared : — 



