272 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



temperature and to the effects of rain, snow and ice under the most 

 adv^erse conditions. Tiiese eggs were afterwards artificially warmed, 

 and about one-tliird of them liatched. Under more favorable conditions 

 most eofffs when scattered liatclied. 



Meanwhile, experiments had been made to determine the best and 

 least expensive methods of destroying the eggs without disturbing or 

 removing them. As a result of these experiments, the egg clusters 

 have since been treated with acids. A cheap creosote oil has also 

 proved effective and has been put into general use. Eggs in cavities 

 which could not be reached by the direct application of acids or creosote 

 were destr03'ed by chlorine, bromine or fire. Thus the danger that had 

 appeared imminent of the eggs being lost during the Avork of destroy- 

 ing them was reduced to the minimimi. 



Unfortunately the work of destroying the eggs, whicli could not be 

 vigorously prosecuted in the fall of 1891 for lack of funds, was delayed 

 in Februar}', 1892, as the appropriation was not immediately available. 

 For this reason the entire force was for some time unemploj-ed. Later 

 the work was much hindered by unseasonable snow-storms. Therefore 

 not as much could be accomplished in early spring as was desirable. 



The Work of the Spring and Summer. 



As early in March, 1892, as an appropriation was available, trust- 

 worthy men who had been employed the previous season were at once 

 engaged, and the force was increased as fast as other competent men 

 could be found. The utmost care was exercised in selecting them. 

 Each candidate was examined and required to give satisfactory refer- 

 ences as to character and ability. Only a small proportion of the appli- 

 cants proved sufficiently keen-sighted, and many of those whose eyes 

 passed the test were otherwise deficient. As a result of these exami- 

 nations, a better class of men was employed than the average of those 

 engaged in 1891. 



Owing to a lack of full and explicit information in regard to the size 

 of the area infested in 1891, no very definite plan could then be carried 

 out during the year. In January, 1892, it was known that thirty town- 

 ships were infested, and also about what proportion of the work eaali 

 town would probably need. Such experienced men were chosen as in- 

 spectors as were fitted for the position, and each was given his quota 

 of men as tliey were engaged. 



An inspector was assigned to each town in the region least infested. 

 Those towns most seriously infested were divided into sections, and an 



