REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE 



DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS INSECTS. 



The Committee appointed to consider the expediency of peti- 

 tioning the Legislature for the enactment of a statute for the pro- 

 tection of orchards against the ravages of insects, would respect- 

 fully report : 



That they were unanimous as to the desirability of the ultimate 

 object sought, but doubts were expressed by some of the commit- 

 tee as to the possibility and expediency of attaining it by legisla- 

 tion. None were disposed to deny that the subject presents many 

 and serious difficulties, but the committee are not prepared to say 

 that these difficulties are insuperable. They are unanimous in the 

 opinion that much good may result from bringing the matter be- 

 fore the public, and suggest that possibly 'in this way new and 

 practical ideas may be elicited. They would propose co-operative 

 effort on the part of Agricultural and Horticultural Societies 

 throughout the state, and they believe much good may result from 

 earnest, persistent, and continued agitation. Assurance has al- 

 ready been received from the Secretary of the Worcester County 

 Horticultural Society, of the readiness of that flourishing and in- 

 fluential society to co-operate in any reasonable measures in this 

 direction. A petition to the Legislature, even if unsuccessful, 

 would do much to direct the public attention to the magnitude of 

 the evil. 



It seems especially fitting that the Massachusetts Horticultural 

 Society, occupying so prominent a position in the state, should 

 take the initiative in this matter, but your committee believe that 

 if the influence of the State Board of Agriculture, as the official 

 guardian of the interests of agriculture in the Commonwealth, 

 were combined with that of this Society, it would be of great ad- 

 vantage. 



Your Committee would therefore recommend that a committee, 



