2G4 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



The destruction of eggs has been found to be an effectual method 

 of eradication. This work must be done in tlie late sumijier, fall, 

 winter and early spring. During the caterpillar stage the insect 

 has been extensively trapped by bands of burlap fastened around 

 the infested ti'ees. It has been ascertained that when the caterpillars 

 are nearly full grown they seek shelter during the daytime, and if 

 the holes in the trees are stopped up and the loose bark removed 

 they resort to the burlaps, and can there be easily destroyed. 

 These bands also furnish cover for the caterpillars during their 

 transformation to the pupa stage. 



Much effort, involving a large expenditure, has been devoted to 

 the inspection of territory outside the infested limit. Numerous 

 letters have been received from different parts of the State and 

 from adjoining States, to the effect that supposed gypsy moths had 

 been found. These notices have in all cases led to an inspection 

 of the suspected locality. The towns just outside those infested 

 have also received some attention, but in no case has the gypsy 

 moth been found outside of the limits reported last year. 



Last year the committee asked for an appropriation of $75,000, 

 believing that sum was as much as could be economically expended, 

 but experience has shown that the appropriation was much too 

 small for the needs. It has been necessary to leave undone 

 much that should have been done. We have been obliged to dis- 

 charge many faithful, efficient and experienced men, for want of 

 money to pay their wages. We have learned that only such men 

 as are above described are fit for the greater part of the work. 

 There are certain kinds of work which can be performed by 

 ordinary laborers, but to accomplish the most possible, a sufficient 

 appropriation is needed to enable the committee to employ a large 

 force of skilled men continuously throughout the year. At the 

 time the appropriation for 1892 became available, in March last, 

 the force was quite small, having been considerably reduced 

 because of lack of means. Steps were immediately taken to 

 get back the experienced men, but many had obtained permanent 

 employment elsewhere. It was necessary to employ and train new 

 men, and the work for several weeks could not be as effective as it 

 would have been had experienced men been in service. A force 



